Agriculture Program Update: Growing Health, Nutrition, and Opportunity in Bufundi

Hemoglobin Testing among the Participants in Kagunga Parish

In November, ACT Uganda trained 80 community members—organized into four groups of 20—in Bufundi Sub-County through our integrated permagardening, nutrition, and health programs. These trainings focused on building practical skills that strengthen food security, improve health outcomes, and create sustainable livelihoods.

Participants received hands-on instruction in permagardening and organic farming, including soil health, crop rotation, mulching, water management and conservation, and vegetable production. With support from Judith, ACT’s HEAL Manager, trainees also learned essential health and nutrition practices such as sanitation, breastfeeding best practices, and the importance of a balanced diet.

Health Impact

As part of the program, 58 trainees received hemoglobin testing using a non-invasive monitoring device. Results were encouraging: only six individuals fell into the mildly anemic range.

To further strengthen our health programming, ACT has received a new hemoglobin testing device equipped with a pediatric probe, with a third device arriving soon. These tools will allow for more accurate testing and expanded screenings for both children and adults across our communities.

What’s next? In December, an additional 40 individuals in Bufundi will receive permagarden and nutrition training along with hemoglobin evaluations.

Mushroom Project Update

ACT’s Mushroom Project continues to generate income and opportunity. In October alone, the project recorded 56 kg in sales, totaling UGX 392,000. Production from the third cycle of 100 mushroom gardens has now reached 100 kg, meeting our goal of 1 kg per garden.

Day Two of the Training with Kagunga Farmers

To increase sustainability and reduce costs, we are also exploring options for local mushroom spawn production, which would strengthen long-term viability for participating farmers.

Potato Project Progress

ACT is currently in discussion with the Muko Expanded Irish Potato Co-operative to better understand local storage and distribution needs. Before moving forward with a proposed storage facility, we are carefully evaluating cost-effective, non-refrigerated storage solutions to ensure the approach is practical, affordable, and sustainable for farmers.

Together, these initiatives are strengthening food security, health, and livelihoods—one community at a time. Thank you for standing with ACT Uganda and supporting sustainable change.