Mama Kevina Farm, Kidetok

Mama Kevina Rural Development Centre (MAKERUDEC) is a transformative initiative by the Little Sisters of St. Francis, located in Okolonga Village, Serere District. Established as a Community Based Organization, its mission is to uplift the livelihoods of rural farming households through a network of farmer groups, fostering sustainable development.

Core Objectives

MAKERUDEC is guided by a philosophy that emphasizes participatory approaches, aiming to empower individuals and communities to recognize their potential for change. The organization focuses on three main program areas:

Community Agricultural Support and Training (CAST):
- Skills Development: Training rural youth and farmers in modern farming methods, post-harvest care, crop and animal husbandry management, and marketing skills.
- Resource Centre: The ongoing construction of a Resource Centre aims to provide a dedicated space for meetings, workshops, and training.
Community Based Health (CBH):
- Health Education: Promoting improved sanitation and hygiene within the community, along with health education that includes HIV/AIDS awareness and support for orphans and vulnerable individuals.
Skills for Community Based Development (SCBD):
- Vocational Training: Offering life skills and vocational training to adolescents, orphans, school dropouts, and young mothers, alongside leadership and enterprise development training.

Impact Goals

MAKERUDEC aims to create a supportive environment where rural households can access the resources, knowledge, and skills necessary to enhance their economic wellbeing and contribute to their communities. By addressing both agricultural and health challenges, the organization strives to foster holistic development, ensuring a sustainable and gender-sensitive approach to community upliftment.

Currently, Sr. Elizabeth Arionget serves as the CEO, alongside managers Sr. Mary Florence Anaso and Sr. Philomena Nakijjwa, all under the supervision of Mr. Andrew Musoba, the technical agriculturist, currently a Lecturer at Busitema University, Soroti Branch. The Farm also employs four additional individuals to manage daily operations.

At present, the Farm houses approximately 30 pigs, over 60 local chickens, 12 rabbits, 8 hybrid goats, 3 local goats, and 5 sheep.

In addition to animal husbandry, the Farm engages in intensive vegetable cultivation, growing onions, carrots, spinach, sukuma wiki, and watermelons. There is also maize cultivation and a banana plantation covering about 2 acres, along with sugarcane.

One of the Farm’s newest ventures is fish farming. Currently, two fish ponds are nearly complete, and plans are underway to excavate two more, bringing the total to four ponds to accommodate various types of fish.

Regional Administration

The Regional Administration has the responsibility of:

Overseeing the project’s planning, including setting goals, timelines, and budgets.
Managing and guiding the project team, ensuring clear communication and collaboration.
Ensuring efficient use of resources, including labor, equipment, and materials.
Regularly assessing project milestones and adjusting plans as necessary to stay on track.
Ensuring that agricultural practices meet the required standards and regulations, and that products are of high quality.
Providing training and support to team members to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulations to protect workers and the environment.
Addressing any issues that arise during the project, from technical problems to personnel conflicts.
Keeping stakeholders informed about progress, challenges, and outcomes through regular reports.
Promoting environmentally sustainable practices within the project to ensure long-term viability.

These responsibilities ensure the smooth operation and success of the project while fostering a productive and safe working environment.