Agriculture, Food Security & WASH Program
Hope of Children and Women Victims of Violence (HOCW)
“More food and equality, less crisis”
The Agriculture, Food Security & WASH Program is a multi-sector initiative that strengthens household resilience, nutrition, protection, and dignity among refugee and host communities. The program reflects HOCW’s belief that food security, safe water, and gender equality are foundational to protection, health, and long-term family stability.
The program was implemented with funding from the Republic of Slovenia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with technical support from Forum for Equitable Development (Slovenia), and in partnership with local organization VEDCO and agricultural experts.
Project duration: 1 January 2020 – 15 October 2022
Program Rationale and Alignment
Women and children affected by violence and displacement are disproportionately impacted by:
Food insecurity
Poor nutrition
Unsafe water and sanitation
Climate-related shocks
Gender-based violence
This program responds through integrated agriculture, WASH, gender equality, and protection interventions, aligned with HOCW’s Two-Generation model and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1. Agriculture, Food Security & Climate Resilience
Program Focus
The agriculture component strengthens sustainable food production and household nutrition, while building resilience to climate change and economic shocks.
Key Interventions
Urban farming for refugee and host households in Kampala and Ndejje
Promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices
Breeding of local chicken (Ndejje) to support nutrition and income
Household-level food production to reduce dependency on markets
Environmental awareness and climate adaptation education
These interventions contribute to:
Improved household food security
Increased dietary diversity
Income generation for women caregivers
Reduced vulnerability to climate-related crises
2. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Program Focus
Safe water and hygiene are essential for child survival, maternal health, and dignity. The WASH component focuses on access to clean drinking water and hygiene awareness, particularly for vulnerable women and children.
Key Interventions
Access to clean and safe drinking water
Hygiene promotion and awareness raising
Community education on sanitation and disease prevention
Integration of WASH with nutrition and health education
These activities directly support child health, reduce disease risk, and strengthen caregiving environments.
3. Gender Equality, Protection & Community Awareness
Program Focus
The program integrates gender equality and protection to address the root causes of vulnerability and violence.
Key Interventions
Gender equality awareness and community dialogue
Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
Education and awareness-raising events for women, men, and youth
Community activities including children’s events, sports tournaments, and environmental campaigns
Promotion of women’s leadership and participation
This approach reinforces HOCW’s commitment to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls in both public and private spheres.
Target Groups and Reach
Primary Target Groups
100 families in Ndejje, of whom 80% are refugees from South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda
Approximately 800 individuals participated in most activities
400 families in Ndejje and Kampala, of whom 80% are refugees
Approximately 2,400 individuals participated in:
Urban farming
Gender equality and SGBV prevention
Clean drinking water initiatives
Local chicken breeding (Ndejje)
Priority Beneficiaries
Unemployed women
Single mothers (approximately 80% of direct beneficiaries)
Women and children affected by violence and displacement
Broader Reach
Community-wide awareness through public events and project promotion
Environmental and climate awareness activities
This program advances HOCW’s pathway by:
Improving child nutrition, health, and safety
Strengthening women’s economic resilience and food autonomy
Reducing household stress that increases risk of violence
Building climate and crisis resilience at family and community level
Food security, safe water, and gender equality together enable families to move from crisis to stability.
