Ivan is from Jinja district in the Eastern part of Uganda with his wife, mother, and children. As part of the 100% Homegrown initiative which was funded by the UK government, through the UK Aid Match fund, he trains and supports fellow farmers with disabilities to grow their own vegetables through kitchen gardening. He owns a grocery shop near his home which he says has been boosted by kitchen gardening.
Ivan’s experience as a trainer.
“I have seen a very big change among my fellow farmers with disabilities who I trained in kitchen gardening. There are those that when I first met, were in a very bad state both financially and with their general wellbeing. However, when I went back to monitor their progress after they started growing their own vegetables, I saw their wellbeing has completely improved.
“Before I started training fellow people with disabilities, many were very timid, they isolated themselves and were not open about their disabilities. However, when this project started in the community, it helped many of them gain confidence, since they started earning an income and learnt many skills like marketing to sell their vegetables which has improved their lives.”
Because of my disability, I used to fear farming, because I believed I would not manage. After the training, it instilled courage and confidence in me and I started growing my vegetables. This has helped me improve my wellbeing and I have never looked back because I can now afford what I couldn’t before.
“I have encouraged the famers with disabilities I have trained to save their money. I am happy that most have joined saving groups and this has helped them grow financially and boost their kitchen gardens as well.”
Impact from growing vegetables.
“Since I learnt about kitchen gardening, I grow my own vegetables which I sell to make money. My family also eats the same vegetables. This has changed and improved my wellbeing and that of my family.
“Before, I was a motorcycle mechanic, however, when I started kitchen gardening, it helped me boost my shop which I now manage full time.
“At the very start, before I got involved in kitchen gardening, I had a very small space that acted as my kitchen, bedroom, and living area. However, growing my own vegetables for sale has helped me expand my home. I have built another small house where my family and I sleep.
“As a family, we have been having a lot of financial hardships which resulted in constant conflict between my wife and I, especially the fact that we lacked food.
“Before, my children were always sent away from school because they lacked scholastic materials like books and pens. I can now afford these because of the money I get from selling vegetables. I can also afford necessities like clothing which was a challenge before.”
Inspiring others.
“Initially, my mother had a negative attitude towards me joining the kitchen gardening project. She believed because of my disability, I would not do much. In spite of this, I decided to grow my vegetables which yielded so well. She was very impressed and excited about my first harvest. This inspired her and changed her perception. She also started her own kitchen garden to grow vegetables.”
“I know every person with a disability in my community and the right support they need. The approach of engaging me as trainer has helped to ensure the right training approach and support is offered to them.
“I am an inspiration to other people in the community especially those with disabilities. I have inspired them to start growing their vegetables to earn an income. Those that have done so sometimes bring their vegetables to my shop and I help them sell since the shop is known and customers can easily be found.”
This project was funded by the UK government, through the UK Aid Match fund.
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100 % HOMEGROWN PROJECT
Many older disability activists have proven the multiple benefits of a kitchen garden, including cultivating their self-esteem and independence. They are now determined and inspired to share their personal experiences with a younger generation.
specioza’s story
here’s nothing that makes a person with a disability highly recognised and appreciated in our families and communities more than being able to support themselves and live an independent life“