MISSION

Ayowecca is a community-based organization established in 2018, in the Tororo District of Uganda. The NGO uses agroforestry and permaculture as a solution to the related problems of urgent climate change and food insecurity. This Gitcoin Grant funded project is one of a number of creative strategies employed to increase food production, mitigate climate change, and boost resilience among vulnerable communities.

In addition to Ayowecca’s work to plant fruit trees in schools and health centers, they also train local farmers to help create farms in their backyards, equipping them with seeds and basic agriculture and entrepreneurship skills to encourage sustainable livelihoods and fight poverty.

RESULTS TO DATE: $27K+

Ayowecca Uganda has used the $27,697 raised through two Gitcoin Grant cycles to restore three wetlands, plant fruit trees in 64 schools and 40 health centers, and set up a tree nursery where they are raising 50,000 fruit tree seedlings. The organization also purchased a van to transport staff, volunteers, trees and supplies to schools and health centers located far away from each other.

“In GR12 and GR13, Gitcoin has helped us to raise funds for our project; we're really happy and grateful that Gitcoin is there for our community through our project which will change the lives of many in Uganda.”

— J. Jonathan Olwenyi

Climate change is a serious problem in Uganda. The country experiences prolonged drought and short rains which have disastrous affects on agricultural production.

ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Ayowecca seeks additional support to reach their goal of planting 100,000 fruit trees by the end of 2022. They also need funds to pay more workers (including a security guard for their nursery) and to buy their own generator, projectors and camera because currently they have to hire/rent them when needed. For transportation, the van they bought from GR13 funding is not four-wheel drive and so they are in need of motorcycles to help with transport over poor road conditions.

Finally, a key need is that their office and tree nursery lacks electricity or solar power. This could be a collaboration—perhaps an opportunity to work with another Gitcoin climate project grantee.

MORE INFORMATION

• Ayowacca Website
• Twitter: @ayowecca_uganda
• Ayowecca Gitcoin Grant