By rooting our support for women and orphans deep within the community, we ensure every life changed is a legacy owned by the people who call it Home" SOWI was established to mobilize resources to implement strategic demand-driven community development initiatives geared towards improving the standard of living of the rural subsistence farmers through multi-sectorial intervention for sustainable
household livelihood.. SOWI operates in the districts of Lira and Dokolo supporting over 50 households with practical knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture, Livelihood skills training among youth, savings and credit, and other socio-economic development projects. To raise the Economic and Social status of the poor marginalized communities. Vision
An empowered community for self-Reliance
Mission
"To improve community standards of living through multi-sectorial intervention for sustainable livelihood"
Core Values
1. Integrity
Our Story
Support Orphans and Women Initiative (SOWI) is a registered Legitimate
Community based Organization in Lira and Dokolo District in Northern Uganda was founded in 2016 a result of impact of Civil War between Lord Resistance Army (LRA) and Uganda Government that lasted for nearly 18 years costing lives of hundreds of thousands in northern Uganda left behind many Widows and Orphans causing serious economic set back till to date. In 2021 SOWI has registered a sister Organization in the names of SOWI FARM FOUNDATION (U) LTD” as a company Limited by Guarantee that shall Engage in Agro Business for Sustainability of the Organizational Development Goals. Thematic Areas
Scholarships
Skills Training
Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA).
Agriculture (Animal and Crops Production).
Environmental Conservation
WHAT WE DO
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
GRICULTURE is key for Uganda’s economy. It employs 68% of the population and supports millions of farmers. It is critical for sustainable development and poverty reduction. SOWI works with communities to provide training and opportunities so that subsistence rural farmers get out of poverty. Learning better farming techniques, managing a farm, timely planting and quality seeds are crucial parts of Agricultural production.
• SOWI promotes sustainable agriculture by encouraging organic farming. Farmers are being trained on sustainable organic farming based on the traditional methods they know.
• SOWI purely promotes organic farming; thus, farmers are facilitated to identify plants with protective substances such as Marigold, Red pepper, Chilies, Onions, Leaks, Garlic, Tomatoes leaves Lantana camara and Neem. They are facilitated on how to prepare solution out of each that is later used to spray the crops that are affected by disease or pests.
• SOWI initiatives to link farmers to markets for their produce are shaping the destiny of rural farming communities.
• SOWI train Beneficiaries basic veterinary care, production and marketing of goats and pork
Components under sustainable agriculture include; Soil and water conservation, seed and planting materials, kitchen gardening, post-harvest management, formation of production groups, value addition and cooperative management. Use of Soil and Water Conservation
Use of soil and water conservation methods like digging of contours and cut off drainage, agro-forestry. Most farmers confessed that their soil is no longer fertile and that is why they get very low crop yield. Methods like digging contours to cut the running water and cut-off drainage at the edge of the compound to trap the running water which enhances good vegetable growing. Formation of Farmers into Marketing Groups
The idea of people in the same economic activity grouping to increase production and profits began in Uganda 1913. For years Uganda had cooperative societies but they collapsed during twenty years of civil war, resulting in abject poverty in northern Uganda. Now, revamping cooperative societies for group marketing of farmer produce is the only option to reduce poverty. At the village level, smallholder farmers shall collect their produce at a spot before it is transported to the cooperative store for group marketing. The target is for farmers to get good quality produce which should compete on world market. We believe cooperatives will build unity, trust, and organizational skills among them. Formation of farmers into a marketing group is the last stage with strong leaders, bulking store equipped with value addition machines. Quality Seeds Selection And Multiplication
SOWI trains farmers on how to select and multiply quality seeds and planting materials. Seeds and planting materials are provided once and ensure its continuity. This ensures good seed quality for better yields and harvest. Farmers always apply the techniques each time they prepare for planting their crops.
