All posts by Caroline Namara

VALUE OF UGANDAN VANILLA: A GLOBAL COMMODITY ROOTED IN LOCAL LABOR

VALUE OF UGANDAN VANILLA: A GLOBAL COMMODITY ROOTED IN LOCAL LABOR

Vanilla is known worldwide for its smooth, sweet flavour, much of its appeal comes from vanillin, the key compound that gives vanilla beans their signature taste. Beyond flavour, vanilla offers benefits that go beyond the kitchen. It’s packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by everyday wear and tear. Vanilla’s calming aroma is also widely used to reduce stress and elevate mood, making it not just a luxury in food but a valuable asset for mental well-being. Vanilla grown by Mr. Masereke Misach in Mabere Subcounty Bundibugyo District Uganda has gained a strong reputation for producing some of the finest vanilla in the world. Second only […]

ENHANCING STORE MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING OF CORN-SOYA BLEND (CSB)

ENHANCING STORE MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING OF CORN-SOYA BLEND (CSB)

Effective store management and careful handling of food supplies, like Corn-Soya Blend (CSB), play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of communities. To address specific challenges related to food storage and safety, KRC-Uganda, with support from the World Food Programme (WFP), developed a training program to promote best practices, reduce food losses, and guarantee food safety. This training covers essential areas, beginning with inventory control and meticulous record-keeping to avoid shortages and prevent wastage. Accurate records, consistent stock monitoring, and applying the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle ensure that the CSB remains fresh and available when needed. Another key focus is maintaining proper storage conditions, emphasizing that storage areas for […]

CHILDREN AND CONFLICT: RESILIENCE AND PEACEBUILDING AT RHINO REFUGEE SETTLEMENT CAMP

CHILDREN AND CONFLICT: RESILIENCE AND PEACEBUILDING AT RHINO REFUGEE SETTLEMENT CAMP

As the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Rhino Refugee Settlement Camp in Uganda’s West Nile region, I have witnessed the profound impact conflict has on children. Nestled within the Terego and Madi-Okolo districts, Rhino Camp serves as a refuge for families escaping violence and instability. In these challenging environments, addressing the effects of war on children and actively involving them in peacebuilding efforts is not just important, it’s imperative. Humanitarian actors empowering adolescents during an EASE session Children in conflict zones often emerge as the most vulnerable population, facing immense trauma, loss, and displacement. The scars from these experiences can have lasting psychological effects. However, with the right support, […]

 WHY THE RIGHT TO FOOD SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT

 WHY THE RIGHT TO FOOD SHOULD BE AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT

As we commemorate World Food Day on October 16th, a day established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979 to raise awareness about hunger and promote action for sustainable food systems, it’s crucial to reflect on the right to food. At KRC-Uganda, we have commemorated this day for decades through various events, discussions, and initiatives focused on food and nutrition security and their interlinking with human rights. Given my background in both human rights and food systems, I firmly believe that the right to food must be elevated to the status of an absolute right. THE QUESTION THEN BECOMES: WHAT EXACTLY ARE ABSOLUTE RIGHTS? An absolute right is […]

KRC-UGANDA AND FOOD RIGHTS ALLIANCE LEAD STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIVE ENGAGEMENTS FOR NDP IV IN THE TOORO REGION

KRC-UGANDA AND FOOD RIGHTS ALLIANCE LEAD STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIVE ENGAGEMENTS FOR NDP IV IN THE TOORO REGION

The Kabarole Research and Resource Centre-Uganda (KRC-Uganda), with funding from Healthy Food Africa and Hivos, in collaboration with the Food Rights Alliance (FRA), organized a two-day consultative workshop focused on food security and nutrition prioritization within Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP) IV. This workshop took place in Fort Portal Tourism City on September 19th and 20th and attracted technical leaders and representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) across Fort Portal City, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Bunyangabu, and the refugee-hosting districts of Kamwenge and Kyegegwa. The objectives of the consultative workshop included: 1. Assess the implementation of nutrition interventions through district development plans aligned with NDP III. 2. Establish local contexts for nutrition […]

THE ROLE OF DEBATES IN CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT FOOD SECURITY AND FOOD SYSTEMS

THE ROLE OF DEBATES IN CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT FOOD SECURITY AND FOOD SYSTEMS

In 2022, the Toro Sub-Region was identified as having a particularly high burden of malnutrition and child stunting (UDHS, 2022). Anthropometric measurements collected for children under the age of five revealed an alarming stunting rate of 38%, well above the national average of 26%. While Uganda’s stunting rates have steadily declined since 2016, reaching 28.9% by 2020 (Global Nutrition Report, 2020), these figures remain unacceptably high. According to UNICEF, malnutrition poses a serious threat to an entire generation of Ugandan children. Sharon addressing debate participants on the rules of engagement Several interventions have been implemented to combat malnutrition in all its forms. These include nutrition-specific interventions, such as maternal micronutrient […]

THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become common challenges for many. Amidst the chaos, mindfulness meditation has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being and enhancing the quality of life  Caregivers practicing mindfulness meditation during a training session Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It encourages individuals to observe their thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise, fostering a greater awareness of the present. Unlike other forms of meditation that may focus on specific goals or outcomes, mindfulness is about being fully engaged in the here and now. Starting a mindfulness meditation practice is simple. Begin by setting […]

ENHANCING NUTRITION AND FOOD SAFETY OUTCOMES THROUGH INTEGRATING NUTRITION PROGRAMMING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN FORT PORTAL CITY AND KABAROLE DISTRICT

ENHANCING NUTRITION AND FOOD SAFETY OUTCOMES THROUGH INTEGRATING NUTRITION PROGRAMMING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN FORT PORTAL CITY AND KABAROLE DISTRICT

In an effort to improve nutrition and food safety outcomes, Fort Portal City and Kabarole District have integrated nutrition programming into primary schools. This initiative addresses a critical issue—four in every ten children in the Tooro region are stunted. Contributing factors include limited knowledge about nutrition, inadequate dietary diversity, and insufficient care for mothers and children. Moreover, food safety concerns need urgent attention. Pupils of Karambi primary school nutrition club pose for a photo with KRC-Uganda, IDP, JESE, RCA and political and technical leaders from Fort Portal City and Kabarole district during one of the school monitoring exercises Primary schools have become pivotal in promoting sustainable food systems by educating […]

Gender Discrimination against Women and Girls

Gender Discrimination against Women and Girls

Gender discrimination occurs when one sex is favoured over the other, leading to disadvantages for the opposite gender. In our society, we frequently encounter such discriminatory situations between women/girls and men/boys. Globally, it is estimated that 736 million women—nearly one in three—have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner at least once in their lives, with 30% of women aged 15 and older affected (UN Women, 2023). In the same report, most violence against women is perpetrated by current and or former or intimate partners. More than 640 million or 26 % of women aged 15 years and older have been subjected to intimate partner violence. […]

DISABILITY INCLUSION IN NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS

DISABILITY INCLUSION IN NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS IN REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS

Refugee settlements are often scenes of severe hardship, where basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare are scarce. In these challenging environments, the needs of people with disabilities are frequently overlooked. Refugee populations often have higher rates of disability due to conflict, violence, and poor living conditions. Disabilities can range from physical impairments to sensory and cognitive, each requiring specific accommodations and considerations. People with disabilities are at a higher risk of malnutrition. Mobility impairments, for example, may limit their to access food distribution points. Sensory disabilities might make it difficult to communicate needs or navigate unfamiliar environments. Cognitive disabilities can complicate understanding of nutrition information and self-care practices. […]