What we do
Our programmes are sustainable
We are committed to working with the Ugandan government and other stakeholders to create a food secure and nutritious Uganda for all.
By providing training on new skills, supporting small businesses, and linking people to financial services.
Poverty alleviation while nourishing communities
Welcome to Andre Foods International — Nourishing Communities, Alleviating Poverty
Andre Foods International is dedicated to having a long-term influence on the lives of individuals and communities in Uganda. Our primary focus is on solving one of the most important issues that many people face: poverty. Through innovative livelihood programs, we help communities break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable futures.
Our Livelihood Initiatives:
We believe that aquaculture can provide a sustainable source of nourishment and money. Andre Foods International (AFI) initiated fish farming projects in Uganda to improve the diet and livelihoods of beneficiaries. Implemented in Imvepi and Kiryandongo by groups of 27 and 29 individuals, restocking ponds with 64,400 fingerlings occurred. Despite challenges like tilapia overpopulation, Kiryandongo successfully harvested 1,390 fish in 2022, selling 890 and distributing 300 to mothers. Expansion to the Karenga region included eight new groups and 39,000 fingerlings in 26 ponds. AFI’s fish farming projects contribute to food security, income generation, and sustainable agriculture practices, fostering cooperation in communities. Our aquaculture programs not only encourage fish farming but also educate communities on the best practices for maintaining healthy and vibrant aquatic environments.
Beekeeping not only generates honey but also contributes significantly to sustainable agriculture. A total of 16 community groups comprising 358 households were reached, these received a total of 865 hives. 18 training sessions were conducted, and these were facilitated by both the model expert farmers and the district entomologists. Our apiculture projects help local beekeepers, increase pollination, and enable communities to earn money from honey and related goods.
AFI has distributed rabbits and guinea pigs to farmer groups and individuals, aiming to diversify diets and boost livelihoods. We also provide training, including animal care basics. 10 groups, 168 farmers, and 64 households received 330 guinea pigs, resulting in 461 pigs produced. Of these, 103 were consumed, and 277 were sold, generating 1,526,500 Ugx. 80 individuals received 123 rabbits, leading to 452 offspring. Challenges included predator attacks and limited veterinary services. Despite obstacles, the program positively impacted beneficiaries, enhancing dietary diversity and income, emphasizing the need to address challenges for future
success and broader coverage.Our animal husbandry initiatives seek to enhance livestock management, giving communities access to healthier, more productive animals. This, in turn, increases revenue and improves food security. We support the production of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) due to their nutritional value. Furthermore, our vine multiplication initiatives allow farmers to pool and multiply their resources, establishing a culture of collaboration and sustainability. Entrepreneurship is an effective instrument for poverty alleviation. Through liquid soap-making programs, we allow individuals to launch small enterprises, providing a long-term source of income while addressing the demand for vital hygiene items. Poultry farming is a great way to generate revenue while also providing protein-rich nutrition. Our programs help communities create and manage poultry farms, ensuring the long-term production of eggs and poultry meat. Our goal is to promote sustainable agriculture methods through vegetable growing. Communities acquire effective agricultural methods through training and support, resulting in increased food security and revenue. It is not only about production but also about linking communities to markets. Andre Foods International supports the sale of agricultural products by developing avenues for farmers to sell goods and improve their economic standards
Environment conservation to address climate change
At Andre Foods International, we understand the critical relationship between environmental health and community well-being. Our dedication to environmental conservation is built into the fabric of our mission. We work to protect the natural world for future generations by implementing strategic programs in Uganda, including Karamoja, Teso, and refugee settlements.
From 2021 to 2022, AFI, in collaboration with Danish Church Aid and the National Forest Authority, planted 15,100 trees, establishing 20 acres of woodlots across various locations. This initiative targeted environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and climate-smart practices. Notably, 90% of woodlots in Kiryandongo survived, while Imvepi saw a 59% survival rate for fruit trees. Challenges included excessive sunshine affecting initial growth, addressed by providing watering cans and planning for drip watering. Mobile termites posed a threat, addressed by intercropping, destroying anthills, and providing protective baskets. AFI engaged schools, communities, and recycled 1250 food containers for kitchen sack gardens. Training 275 individuals on briquette use encountered challenges in material access. Community consultations highlighted the importance of tailored climate strategies, cash-for-work initiatives, host community focus, and agroforestry emphasis. Awareness efforts reached 40,500 Persons of Concern through commemorations and community dialogues.
Our environmental conservation initiatives include:
Andre Foods International, in conjunction with local people, leads reforestation activities to stop deforestation and restore degraded habitats. We hope that tree planting programs will help to increase biodiversity, minimize soil erosion, and alleviate the effects of climate change. Our initiatives focus on promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture techniques. We collaborate with farmers to develop agroecological practices that improve soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and increase biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Household energy use is one area where major progress can be made, especially in the Karamoja and Teso regions, where conventional cooking practices contribute to indoor air pollution, deforestation, and carbon emissions. Energy-efficient stoves present a viable way to lessen these environmental issues while enhancing community well-being and livelihoods. Addressing waste management concerns, our programs urge communities to practice appropriate trash disposal and participate in recycling activities. By minimizing plastic waste and encouraging recycling, we help to create cleaner surroundings and healthier ecosystems. We think that education has the potential to encourage people to engage in beneficial environmental activities. Andre Foods International runs awareness campaigns and educational activities to promote environmental conservation while instilling a sense of responsibility and stewardship.
Community-based conservation:
In the arid region of Karamoja, our conservation activities are targeted to address the unique environmental difficulties faced by communities. We work with local citizens to create programs that improve water conservation, maintain natural ecosystems, and encourage sustainable land-use practices. Recognizing Teso’s great biodiversity, we support conservation activities that protect the region’s distinctive flora and animals. Our Teso projects strive to create a balance between community growth and environmental conservation, assuring the well-being of those involved. In refugee settlements, environmental conservation is tackled to create sustainable living circumstances. By incorporating eco-friendly methods and creating awareness among displaced communities, we want to build resilience and preserve a healthy relationship with the environment
Food Security
At Andre Foods International, we recognize that food security is a critical component of healthy communities. In Uganda, where disadvantaged communities face obstacles, we are committed to solving the complexities of food security through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our activities encompass locations such as Karamoja, Teso, and refugee camps, with the goal of building resilient food systems and alleviating hunger.
Our food security initiatives:
Andre Foods International provides communities with knowledge and tools for implementing sustainable agriculture methods. We promote agroecology, organic agricultural methods, and effective water usage to increase crop yields and ensure long-term food security. We collaborate with local farmers to cultivate diverse crops. This not only increases nutritional intake, but also protects against crop failures and strengthens community resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. Our efforts prioritize cultivating and distributing orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), which are known for their nutritional benefits. OFSP is not only a good source of important nutrients, but it also helps to diversify local diets, which improves health results. Andre Foods International helps communities improve their cattle management practices. By giving instruction on animal health, sustainable grazing, and breeding, we hope to increase livestock productivity, contributing to both food security and
Adapted Approaches for Various Regions
In the arid region of Karamoja, we address food security concerns by using water conservation measures, drought-resistant agricultural types, and sustainable pastoralism practices. Our mission is to guarantee that communities have consistent access to healthy foods.
Teso, with its rich agricultural history, is the subject of programs aimed at improving traditional farming methods, introducing climate-resistant crops, and promoting sustainable water management. By doing so, we help to boost food production and economic stability.
Andre Foods International works in refugee camps to build community gardens, promote small-scale agriculture, and train people in sustainable food production. These efforts enable displaced people to meet their dietary requirements and achieve self-sufficiency.