Vanilla Initiative for Building Resilient and Nurture Thriving communities

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BACKGROUND

KRC- Uganda received funding from the Belgian Development Organization to implement Vanilla Initiative for Building Resilient and Thriving (VIBRANT) Communities project with the aim of improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations (Youth and Women) in vanilla value chain by investing in social protection systems and descent work to promote sustainable, inclusive and social development in the Districts of Kasese, Ntoroko and Bundibugyo

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

The project objective is to improve living conditions of the most vulnerable populations (youths and women) in the vanilla value chain by investing in social protection systems and decent work to promote sustainable, inclusive, and social development.

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PROJECT COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH

VIBRANT project will adopt the following comprehensive approach:

Agronomic Training Proper training and support in planting techniques, fertilization, and pest/disease management are key to improving vanilla quality and yield. These efforts will enhance productivity and profitability, making vanilla farming more profitable.

Overcoming Market Access Challenges: Smallholder farmers often struggle to access profitable markets despite the high demand for vanilla. Strengthening market linkages and supporting collective marketing efforts will help farmers, particularly youth, navigate price fluctuations and secure better returns.

Value Addition Promotion: Many farmers sell raw vanilla at lower prices, missing the opportunity for higher earnings through value-added products like extracts and powders. Training in value addition and access to processing facilities will increase farmers’ income and resilience.

Strengthening Farmer Organization: Fragmented farmers have limited bargaining power. Supporting cooperatives and networks will enable youth and women to influence policy, access resources, and negotiate better terms, improving their economic position.

Gender Responsive Strategies: Women and youth often face barriers in land ownership and agricultural decision-making. Promoting gender-responsive policies and targeted interventions will help foster inclusivity and equitable opportunities in vanilla cultivation.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The expected results (outputs) are:

3000 vanilla farmers involved in the vanilla value chain (70% youth) from Rwenzori are integrated in an inclusive way in the value chain and accompanied to access markets.

5 vanilla companies and 15 vanilla cooperatives supported in export readiness, quality control, product diversification and linked to government agencies to address bottlenecks and enhance access to vanilla market opportunities.

75 youth and women-led vanilla producer groups from Rwenzori region strengthened in the VSLA plus methodology, group dynamics, entrepreneurship, household planning, financial education, and farming business