Company Report 2022
What we Did in 2022
Mr. Augusto Adrama, a Senior Tailor and Mentor, guiding a beneficiary through financial management and records keeping in Imvepi Refugee Settlement, Terego District
Youth Skills Development (up-skilling) Project
Refugees and host communities in West Nile face numerous challenges, including limited access to basic necessities. To address these issues, West Nile Private Sector Development Promotion Centre (WENIPS) and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) implemented a project funded by the European Union Trust Fund through Enabel. This project aimed to enhance the livelihoods of refugee and host community youth and women in Arua, Terego, and Madi Okollo.
Key Achievements
- 105 youth received fresh skills training (210 at Siripi Youth Skills Center and 30 in Agribusiness skills)
- 105 women and youth were up-skilled at 22 private sector enterprises (PSEs)
- 240 women and youth received post-training support, including entrepreneurship skills training, occupational health and safety training, business coaching, mentoring, and business booster grants
Impact
- 91% of youth are employed or self-employed
- 91% of beneficiary youth and women reported increased individual and household incomes
- Women (81.4%) and refugees (52.4%) formed the highest proportion of beneficiaries
Lessons Learned
- Validating applicant information reduces risks of selecting unqualified youth
- Attaching youth to PSEs increases upskilling effectiveness
- Engaging industry-relevant business mentors and coaches enhances skill application
- Digital platforms enhance collaboration and networking among value chain actors
Promoting Rural Financial Inclusion in West Nile
During the year 2023, WENIPS continued to provide support to over 7,500 VSLAs in West Nile. These comprised of 1,521 VSLAs supported under the Project for Financial Inclusion in Rural Areas (PROFIRA 2.1) with funding from the Government of Uganda and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. With over 70% of the membership being women and 15% being youth, WENIPS promotes financial inclusion by providing financial services including access to credits to finance agricultural and other income-generating activities.
WENIPS remains dedicated to expanding financial opportunities for marginalized communities, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous West Nile region.
Outcomes:
- 70% female membership
- 15% youth membership
- Access to credit for agricultural and income-generating activities
Enhancing Food Security and Reducing Hunger in Yumbe District
Project Overview
WENIPS aims to enhance agricultural productivity, commercialization, and resilience among smallholder farmers in West Nile. The program supports 63 primary cooperatives and 13 Area Cooperatives, benefiting over 1,800 farmers.
Key Achievements
- Expanded Outreach: WENIPS extended agricultural extension services to 1,800 smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable and climate-smart practices.
- Cooperative Development: We strengthened institutional capacities of 63 primary cooperatives and 13 Area Cooperatives, enhancing professional organization, financial linkages, and market orientation.
- Refugee Settlement Integration: Three primary cooperatives were established in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, promoting economic empowerment and social cohesion.
- Farming-as-a-Business Training: Members received training to enhance commercialization of agriculture, fostering entrepreneurship and business acumen.
- Average Cooperative Membership: 30 members per producer cooperative, demonstrating effective group dynamics
Program Impact
- Improved agricultural productivity and productivity
- Enhanced commercialization of agriculture
- Increased access to finance and markets
- Strengthened institutional capacities of cooperatives
- Promoted climate resilience and sustainable practices
Lessons Learned
- Collaborative approaches with local stakeholders enhance program effectiveness
- Capacity building of cooperatives is crucial for sustainability
- Farming-as-a-Business training empowers farmers to make informed decisions
Future Directions
- Scale up agricultural extension services to reach more farmers
- Enhance market linkages and financial inclusion for cooperatives
- Intensify climate-smart agriculture practices and resilience-building
Conclusion
WENIPS has made significant strides in promoting agricultural productivity, commercialization, and resilience in West Nile. We remain committed to supporting smallholder farmers and cooperatives, fostering sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture practices.
Environmental Education and Conservation
Renewable Energy Initiative: Empowering Communities through Pico Plus Lanterns
As part of our environmental education and conservation efforts, WENIPS launched an innovative Renewable Energy Initiative. This program aims to promote sustainable energy solutions, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance energy access for marginalized communities.
Project Objectives
- Increase awareness about renewable energy benefits among rural communities.
- Provide energy-efficient solutions to reduce carbon footprint.
- Enhance energy access for off-grid households.
Program Highlights
- Distributed over 60,000 Pico Plus Lanterns to 30,000 households in West Nile
- Conducted 2,000 community workshops, reaching over 60,000 participants.
- Collaborated with 50 local schools, integrating renewable energy education into curricula.
Impact
- Increase in household energy access.
- Improvement in community knowledge about renewable energy benefits.
- Positive impact on local economies through reduced energy expenditure.
Future Plans
- Introduce new renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar home systems).
- Strengthen partnerships with local governments and private sector stakeholders.
Conclusion
Our Renewable Energy Initiative has made significant strides in promoting sustainable energy solutions and enhancing energy access for marginalized communities. As we move forward, we remain committed to scaling up our efforts and exploring innovative solutions to address the climate crisis.
