Just Small Change

Growing livelihoods, overcoming poverty, one small step at a time.

   

‘The most appropriate and fundamental solutions to poverty will be those that enable people to take control of their own lives.’

Economic Justice for All, US Catholic Bishops (1986)

Just Small Change is a Registered Charity.

 

Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked and fertile country, with a moderate climate which allows two growing seasons per year. Around 75% of the population live in rural areas and survive through agriculture, but almost half live in deep poverty. Households also cope regularly with common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea, TB and fevers, as well as with the ongoing impact of HIV/AIDS. 

We are working in Budaka District, Eastern Uganda.

Budaka District is a rural and partly swampy area which has a fast-growing population, currently around 220,000, of whom almost 40% are under the age of nine, and 65% under the age of 20. Acute poverty is widespread. 

Although originally a fertile area, there are now serious signs of soil degradation in the district. Crop yields are falling, and with a rapidly expanding population, food insecurity is widespread. The growing seasons are becoming less reliable, owing to climate change. Other challenges for villagers in this area include lack of safe water and of sanitation facilities, very few health services and widespread child stunting due to poor nutrition. The five programmes below work together, creating a powerful synergy to tackle these issues. 

       
Harriet is proud of the successful shoe selling business set up with a small loan from her Village Savings and Loans group. Blandina showed us the nanny goat she received through the Goat project, and her new and healthy crossbred kid. These women are learning about crop spacing as part of the Sustainable Farming project. They also learn about mulching, making compost and no-till planting. Balanced meals prepared by the children's caregivers. The caregivers have completed a twelve day Home Cooking project to tackle the problem of child malnutrition. Some of our enthusiastic Village Health Team volunteers graduating from their training. They carry government issue health record folders which they will use in their work.