Amesutakuru Farmers Group: Growing Resilience and Unity in Adjumani

In the heart of Adjumani district, in Pakele Sub County, a group of refugees and host community women and men has found a path to success and sustainability. The Amesutakuru Farmers Group, formed in 2021, is overcoming numerous challenges, from poor farming methods to financial instability, and is gradually transforming the lives of both refugees and host community members.

Before receiving training from UN Women’s partner, Whittaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), members of the group struggled with outdated farming techniques that resulted in poor yields and were labor-intensive. According to the group’s chairperson, “We used to plant mango seeds by simply placing them in a hole. The roots would not grow deep, and the trees would struggle, especially in the dry season. We also didn’t understand the importance of intercropping or crop rotation.”

UN Women with funding from the Government of Norway is implementing climate smart agriculture interventions in refugee and host communities of Adjumani, Yumbe, Terego and Kyegegwa. Through this intervention, 1,044 refugees and host community women have gained knowledge and skills in modern farming technologies enabling them to increase production.

For Amesutakuru Farmers Group, the lessons learned have not only improved the way the group cultivates their land but have also sparked a shift in mindset. For instance, members now plant mango trees in a way that encourages deeper root growth, ensuring the trees can withstand harsher climatic conditions. They also learned the value of leaving organic matter in their fields to conserve moisture and promote soil fertility, and the benefits of intercropping.

In their first season of intercropping their mango orchard with sim sim (sesame), the group harvested a remarkable 2,233 kilograms of sim sim. "We’ve kept the harvest and are closely monitoring market prices so we can sell when the prices are high," says the group chairperson, highlighting their newfound business-savvy approach to farming.

The impact of this training is evident in the personal stories of group members. Jane Abiku, one of the members, has started her own mango orchard, applying the lessons she learned both from the training and the group’s collective experiences. "I have developed a personal vision, and I am motivated to seek out opportunities for self-improvement," she says. This newfound motivation is also reflected in the group's long-term vision: by 2027, they aspire to own a produce store and establish a grinding mill to add value to their crops.

Margaret Chandia, a refugee member of the group, shares another remarkable success story. Previously, she grew rice using traditional broadcasting methods, which were inefficient and resulted in low yields. However, after adopting new techniques, including planting rice in rows, her harvest more than tripled. "I used to harvest five bags of rice, but with the new methods, I harvested 16 bags. This allowed me to pay my children’s school fees and rent land from the host community for the next season," she says, visibly proud of her achievements.

For Rose Gale, a group member from the host community, the group has fostered mutual understanding and unity between refugees and host community members. "Being in this group with refugees has created a sense of cohesion, and we share resources and opportunities," she notes. This spirit of collaboration and mutual benefit has been key to the group’s success.