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Annual Report 2013 1

Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE) Binanata zone near the Kabarole District Local GovernmentP.O.BOX, 728, Fort Portal Uganda / Telephone:+256-483-4-25253/0772492109 / FAX:256-483-4-22636 / Email: [email protected]; Web: www.jese.org;

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Joint Effort to Save the Environment

Annual Report 2013

Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE) Binanata zone near the Kaba-role District Local Government

P.O.BOX, 728, Fort Portal Uganda / Telephone:+256-483-4-25253/0772492109 / FAX:256-483-4-22636 / Email: [email protected]; Web: www.jese.org;

JESE Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2013 32



CLTS - Community Led Total Sanitation

CDP - Community Development Promoters

CBT - Community based Trainers

CBM - Community based Monitor

FFS - Farmer Field Schools

GALS - Gender Action learning

IWRM - Integrated Water Resource Management

JEFACO - JESE Farmers Cooperatives

LAGBIMO - L. George Basin Integrated Management

Organization

NETWAS - Network for Water and Sanitation

ODF - Open Defecation Free

O&M - Operation and Maintenance

PTA - Parents Teacher Organization

RUMPS - Re-Usable Menstrual Pads

RWA - Rwenzori WASH Alliance

S/C - Sub County

SMC - School Management Committee

TOT - Trainer of Trainers

URWA - Uganda Rainwater Association

VHT - Village Health Team

VSLA - Village Lending and Saving Association

WUA - Water User Association

YY - YahuraYehoza

List of acronyms:

ContentsABOUT US; 4-5

Word from Chairperson JESE Board 6Word from Organisational Team Leader 7Report summery 8-9 .

WATER AND SANITATION DEPARTMENT 10

Water supply; 10Water governance 11Support to Water User Associations (WUA) 12IWRM promotion and capacity building 12Enhancing quality of drinking water 13Stepping up sanitation in schools and community 13Improved sanitation and hygiene at landing sites 14Capacity building and sanitation management 15Promotion of Hand washing with soap behavoiur; 15Increased sanitation coverage through CLTS 4 15case study 16-17 AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT . 18

On farm trials and demonstrations . 18Enterprise Development and Promotion . 18 Household economic Empowerment through Village saving and Lending Associations (VSLA) 19 .Improved Household Food Security . 19Gender action and learning system(GALS) and land tenure 19

NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT 20

Renewable Energy Promotion . 20Forestry and Governance 21Integrated approach for wetland management . 21-22case study 23Institutional sustainability 24-25Staff Development 26-27




IntroductionAbout JESE

Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE) is a national non-government, service-providing organization established in 1993. JESE has for the past 20 years worked to improve Agriculture Production, Natural Resources Management, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and long term develop-ment, all of which have greatly contributed to improved livelihoods of communities and beneficiar-ies. Over the past two decades, JESE has grown sub¬stantially and has expanded from Kabarole to all the districts in the Rwenzori region and established two field offices in Kamwenge and Kyenjojo.

Our Vision

Engendered and empowered environmentally conscious communities pursuing sus¬tainable devel-opment for quality, healthy and productive lives.

Our Mission

Empower poor communities to improve their livelihoods through establishing collaborative, de-mand-driven, integrated development programmes in sustainable agriculture and Natural Resource Management.

Our Core Values

JESE strongly believes in: 1. Respect for the environment 2. Gender equity 3. Integrity 4. Truth 5. Transparency 6. Team work 7. Voluntarism

Our core intervention areas

1. Sustainable Natural Resource Management2. Water Sanitation and Hygiene Improvement3. Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise Development




Dear Colleagues,

would like to express my sincere gratitude to JESE staff and our partners most especially our donors for your continuous support and effort that has enabled us achieve our 2013 targets, albeit some challenges.

This report of our work in 2013 is a testimony of our achievements and evidence of our growth in terms of areas of intervention, human resource, capacity development services, networking and collabora-tion, downward accountability as well as visibility.

This report provides an overview of the organiza-tion’s progress and achievements from January to December 2013 in the thematic intervention areas of environment, water and sanitation and agricultural and natural resource management. All these pro-grams have continued to focus on actions that are aimed at improving the life of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized people in JESE’s target commu-nity.

Wishing you a fruitful reading

I

Dear Partners and all JESE supporters,

It is with great pleasure that I share with you JESE’s Annual report for 2013. This was a unique year to JESE as we marked 20 years of existence working with the local governments, NGOs, private service providers and communities in the Rwenzori region.

In 2013,JESE continued to contribute towards improving the livelihoods of the people in the region in the sectors of social development, environment and natural resources where we tirelessly implemented projects in three programmatic areas. That is, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Agricultural Production and Livelihood Improvement, and Natural resources Manage-ment.

We achieved our targets for the year and therefore managed to; improve the management of forests, wetlands, rivers and lakes, enhance agricultural pro-duction and increase access to clean water and sanitation services through awareness raising and capacity building of civil society organizations. We gained a lot through networking and collaboration with likeminded partners who enabled us to contribute to a collective development approach within the region, thereby enhancing synergies for the greater good of the commu-nities that we work with and serve.

I acknowledge the tireless contribution of my colleagues the Board Mem-bers of JESE for their valuable time, advise, guidance and technical support to the JESE staff which has enabled JESE to again deliver on her commit-ments and targets for the year. I thank the JESE Organisational Team Leader and all the JESE staff for their hard work and improved professionalism that has raised the quality of JESE work to a top notch.

I thank our Development Partners including; RAIN and Wetlands Inter-national, SIMAVI, PROTOS, CARE International, BD, SNV, WaterCan, AQUA For All and the Dutch WASH Alliance for their financial, material and all the support provided during the year. I am grateful to the Govern-ment Institutions and their affiliate departments, the District Administrators in the Rwenzori region and the several NGOs, Networks and Forums that we have engaged with in the year for their excellent collaboration and sup-port.

Even with the different challenges that we had to endure during the year, we still managed to overcome and forge ahead. I hope that you will enjoy read-ing the report and will continue to be with us again in 2014 as we work with and service the people and communities in the Rwenzori region.

Word from the JESE Board Chairperson

Mrs. Jane Nabunnya MulumbaChairperson, Board of Directors

Word from the JESE Organisational Team Leader

Mr. Patrick Baguma Organisational Team Leader




1n 2013 FY,we enhanced capacity of 90 CBMs to monitor illegal trade in the value chain of charcoal and timber in the forest resources in the districts of Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Mubende. All the CBMs were equipped with ICT gadgets to facilitate them in reporting illegal activities in the forest resources. JESE facilitated inter district multi-stakeholder’s forest forum with a focus on forest governance and trade. This forum worked in collaboration with the CBMs in enforcement against illegalities in timber trade. In addition, we established one collaborative forestry management plan for Kifecca CFM group adjacent to Itwara central forest reserve.

Finance Summary;

During this reporting period, JESE continued to work with her strategic development partners which included Hivos, BD , SIMAVI, Water for People, SNV , Aqua for all, Rain international, Care Ugan-da, WaterCan/CIDA, Protos/DGD and the Dutch Wash Alliance. We also enjoyed colossal relation-ship with the local governments of Bundibugyo, Kasese, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo and Kabarole all of which enabled us to effectively deliver quality and sustainable services for the livelihood of our target communities in the Rwenzori region.

In 2013, JESE increased accessibility to safe water to 1,540 households (9,250 people) and 7,800 pupils in 15 primary schools through partici-patory establishment of durable water infrastructures. These included 27 new shallow wells, 19 ferro cement tanks, rehabilitated 4 boreholes and 10 shallow wells. Community based management structures were revitalised and strengthened for appropriate management.

Under sanitation improvement, we managed to reach to 08 primary schools and constructed 16 latrine blocks (8 for girls and 8 for boys) in total 72 latrine stances were constructed directly improving pupil stance ratio to an average of 45:1, although this is still way above the national average of 40:1, its nevertheless a great contribution. In com-munity sanitation and hygiene improvement, 10,120 (4,554 males and 5,566 females) people were reached through direct community sensi-tisation and capacity building in hygiene and sanitation improvement, 70 households (420 people) directly benefited from the construction of Ecosan demonstrations. On average,latrine coverage improved to 63% from 61 in Bubandi, Ndugutu, Kisuuba and Mirambi in Bundibugyo district and 68% from 64% in Mahyoro, Kanara and Nyabani in Kam-wenge district.

During this reporting period, JESE reached out to 750 households through on farm trials and demonstrations, trainings on enterprise de-velopment and promotion, food security campaigns and savings and credit with focus on coffee, chilli, soy beans and Irish potato value chains. We achieved increased practical hands on skills in application of crop agronomies, demonstrated on new crop varieties such as H1 for maize, K20 for beans and Victoria for Irish potatoes. Furthermore, there was improvement in business operations of the supported farmer groups in terms of group management and orientation. There was an in-crement in acreage under coffee, chilli and soy beans by 558.74, 50 and 10 acres respectively. In terms of incomes, coffee farmers registered a 5% increment (156,000-163,800) while farmers involved in chilli and soy beans recorded additional income of 768,000 and 184,000 Uganda shillings respectively.

We also registered an increase in food security among the supported households as evidenced by the presence of food security plans and increased food management skills. Food storage at household level also improved which has resulted into an increase in the number of meals consumed at household level and packing of food for school going chil-dren.

JESE CEP-Annual report2013-Bundibugyo

JESE’S WORK IN 2013 – A summary




Water governance

Rwenzori WASH Alliance Annual Report 2013Uganda Water and Environment Sector Performance Report 2013List of Schools; Kyanyama P/S, Kidudu P/S, Kyakahama P/S, Ruhoko P/S, Kaihamba P/S, Mabaale P/S, Nyantungo P/S, Kigarale, Kyeitamba P/S, Kibu-rara P/S, Bwahurro P/S, Rubango, Kahanda, Kijugo, and

As of June 2013, the population with ac-cess to safe water in the rural areas of Uganda stagnated at 64% and in Rwen-zori at 65% while household latrine

coverage improved from 69.6% in 2012 to 71% in 2013. Despite an increment in household latrine coverage, there are still many communities in the Rwenzori region that still defecate in the open. The practice of hand washing with soap after latrine us-age in the rural areas is as low as 27% . There was however a slight increase in the average functional-ity of rural water supplies to 84%, from 83% in the FY 2011/12 although this is still considerably lower than the sector target of 90% by 2015 . As a contri-bution towards averting this situation, JESE has de-veloped sustainable low cost solutions to facilitate the poor and vulnerable community access quality water and sanitation services.

Water supply In 2013, JESE’s strategic target was to reach 16,000 people with safe water supply. On a positive note, JESE managed to reach to 17,050 people from 1,540 households with safe water representing 107% of the initial milestone target. 27 point water sources were constructed and 22 point water sources reha-bilitated. In contributing to a favourable learning environment in primary schools, JESE supported 15 primary schools with 19 rain water harvesting tanks of 10c3 capacity directly improving accessibility to safe water to 9,755 pupils and 93 teachers. As a re-sult of our support, we observed a reduction in ab-senteeism for the girl child in schools attributed to the availability of water and washrooms for girls. Data from all the supported 15 primary schools in-dicate 85% regular attendance of girls and boys as a result of child-friendly sanitation and hygiene fa-cilities constructed at their schools.

WATER AND SANITATION Changing people’s livelihoods through eq-uitable water supply, appropriate sanitation and hygienic practices’

“after the support from JESE constructing the WASH facilities we realized an increment in enrol-ment most especially in primary one, two and three .The school used to have only one latrine be-ing used by 721 pupils with no wash rooms for girls. I am happy to report that the borehole, the water tanks and washroom have helped the girls enjoy and stay in school most especially during their menstrual periods. They now have a place they can freshen up.” An extract from an interview with Mr. Tusiime Tadeo the head teacher of Bwahurro Primary school.

Total investment (in U.sh) in WASH development for the period 2011-2013

Water access against target 2013

Number WUC formed/trained and functional

In 2013, JESE formed and trained 51 WUC, as a result, an observable improvement in the func-tionality of water sources has been evident as all the 51 water user committees (new and revital-ised) targeted this year are functional and collect-ing user fees. Out of these WUC, 12 (24%) have functioning VSLA’s which will further strengthen their functionality and O&M of their water sourc-es.

Important to report, is the continued improved re-sponse of the leaders to plan and prioritise water services and resources in the budget plans, a case of Nyantungo and Nyabani Sub County where JESE facilitated leaders to develop a 2 year long term sub county WASH strategic plan that among other issues emphasises the strategic role of the local leaders to follow-up functionality and main-tenance of the water facilities.

Pupils of Kabende P-S in Hak-ibale Accessing water from a

school tank.jpg




Maesopsis Emini trees seedlings that were plant-ed in water catchments.

JESE facilitated the development of 20 water shed catchment management plan and es-tablished institutional structures together with communities and other stakeholders guided by Institutional and legal frameworks by the Ministry of Water and Environment. Massive community sensitization on IWRM and climate change and development of by-laws to regulate the use and management of water resources at local level was conducted including planting of 30,000 tree seedlings (Musizi and Gravelia) to restore degraded environment and catchment areas. After observing that most households were draining wetlands to plant vegetables during dry seasons, we supported 48 house-holds to grow vegetables in Kitchen gardens as a strategy to reduce pressure on wetlands, enhance production through the use of human manure and urine from household Ecosans and improve livelihood through the sale of veg-etables to neighbouring households.

A farmer in Kanara adopts kitchen Gardening 22 households out of the 48 that adopt-ed kitchen gardens sold their vegetables to the nearby homes and earned between 35,000-60,000UGX which they used to ex-pand their kitchen gardens as well as solv-ing some of their school fees problems.

Members of Kanara water user association receiving bicycles and VSLA tool kits from JESE

Support to Water User Associations (WUA)

Support to Water User Associations (WUA)In FY 2013, JESE organised a learning visit to other WUAs successfully implementing VSLA in Arua District. As a result, the VSLA scheme has been introduced to 12 water user committees. All the committees have a total portfolio aver-aging from 150,000UGX to 550,000UGX, and a10 % interest on borrowed funds is reserved to cater for operation and maintenance of wa-ter facilities. The experiences of the WUA have been shared widely for learning purposes in various forums at regional and National levels.

IWRM Promotion and Capacity Building During the FY 2013,

In 2013, JESE implemented a three phase approach to safe water provision which included the provi-sion of protected and treated water sources, mas-sive community sensitization on safe water chain and water handling practices and household water treatment practices. JESE engaged promotion of 28 Ceramic water filters and the benefiting households are expected to use them for two months up to end of April, and once they appreciate the quality, they will pay 50% of the cost and continue usage. JESE also supported 4 primary schools with 28 safe drinking water containers and one ceramic filter and this has enhanced consumption of safe drinking water hence improving the health and productivity of the com-munity and pupils in schools.

A farmer in Kanara adopts kitchen Gardening.

A woman Draws water from her Ceramic Water filter.

Enhancing Quality of Drinking Water

JESE supported the construction of 40 latrine stances in 04 primary schools (10 stances each) in Katooke S/C and 32 stances of Fosa-altana latrines in 4 primary schools in Hakibale S/C. 08 hand washing facilities in 8 primary schools were installed and are appropri-ately being used by pupils. This has resulted into the improvement of pupil’s stance ratio in the eight target primary schools from 98:1 in 2012 to 49:1 in 2013 in Katooke S/C and 63:1 in 2012 to 42:1 in Hakibale S/C in Kabarole district. However,some schools like Kyaitamba P/S in Hakibale have a pupil stance ration of 155:1 due to high enrolment. In addition, all schools reported a reduction of prevalence of Water borne dis-eases ranging between 10-15% attributed to access to latrines and installation (and use) of hand washing fa-cilities. In our areas of operation, the household latrine cover-age significantly increased from an average of 55% to 63% in Bundibugyo district, 67% to 72% in Kamwenge district and 61% to 68% in Kabarole District. All this is greatly attributed to the promotion of Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach and other sanitation social marketing approaches used in community sen-sitization.

Stepping Up Sanitation in Schools and Community

An ecosan latrine at Bukurungo P-S-Mahyoro.




Schools of Rubango, Kijugo, Bwahurro and Kahanda Schools of Kyeirumba and Muhangi primary schools in Hakibale S/C, Kabarole District

JESE has worked with BMUs of Mahyoro and Kayinja Landing sites on L. George in Mahyoro Sub County to construct one additional fish slab, fence and a modern abattoir to improve the general hygiene of fish and meat consumed by communities at the landing site. We also facilitated the BMU of Mahyoro landing site to construct drainage channels to control the runoff water into the lake. In addition, JESE has worked with the BMUs at Kayinja and Mahyoro landing sites to improve the general sani-tation and hygiene around the landing site.

There is a remarkable reduction of prevalence of water borne diseases (Assessment conducted by PROTOS in 2012) at the 02 landing sites at-tributed to the twenty two (22) household Ecosans constructed at house-holds around the landing sites as a strategy to reduce open defection and direct faecal contamination of ground water and open lake water. The Mahyoro BMU has improved access to appropriate sanitation for fisher-men by rehabilitating an EcoSan latrine that had previously broken down and a management structure to effectively manage the use of the EcoSan latrine was also established. Improvement in fish hygiene at the landing sites, has attracted market as far as DRC through the Mpondwe and La-mya Boarder posts. Construction of drainage channels to divert storm water from flowing directly into the lake has minimised siltation and con-tamination of the lake which will in the long run conserve the fish species and breeding grounds in the lake.

JESE invested in building capacities of school children, teachers and members of SMC/PTA in PHAST and CLTS tools. In addition, JESE facilitated the members of school management committees and school authorities to develop an operation and maintenance strategy/plan in collaboration with parents who contribute to the O&M fund. In place are 30 sanitation teachers and 15 child health clubs who have been trained in child friendly H&S promotion approaches. Four health clubs from 11 primary schools have been trained in the mak-ing of RUMPS using locally available cloth materials which have also trained over 125 young menstruating girls in the making and use of re-usable menstrual hygiene pads to improve their menstrual hygiene.

Improved Sanitation and Hygiene at Landing Sites

Fish slab at Mahyoro Landing Site.

Capacity Building and Sanitation Management

Health Club at Bundimbere P-S Clean-ing their school.

In the FY 2013, hand washing with soap after latrine usage improved from an a evarege of 28% to 30% in 45 villages targeted this year. 8 primary schools were supported with 8 pamanent handwashing fa-cilities, a total of 7,800 pupils access the facility at critical times of the day. 45 handwashing with soap campaigns were conducted in 45 villages and 78 % of the households from the targeteted villages have established handwashing facilities near their latrines, this however does not guarantee the use of soap as many households (55%) do not have or use soap.

Promotion of Hand washing with Soap Behavoiur;

Pupils of Bwahurro Primary school demonsrtating the use of handwash-

ing facility.

Kyeirumba, Kahuna, Kyeitamba, Muhangi, Ruhoko, Kidudu, Bundimbere, Butoogo, Mirembe and Kafunda

In this reporting period, JESE has collaborated with the sub county Health Assistants and VHTs for Mahyoro, Kanara and Nyabani in Kamwenge district, Ndugutu, Bubandi and Busaaru sub counties in Bundibugyo and Nyantungo sub county in Kyenjojo district to trigger 25 villages in CLTS. 85 households out of 114 households that did not have latrines in these villages have constructed appropriate latrines. 9 villages in Bundibugyo attained ODF status and were declared open defecation free by the district. Further, JESE reached to a total of 1,200 households for hygiene and sanitation promotion.

Data from VHTs showed a positive transformation in hygienic behav-iors as evidenced by 89% (1,068) households have basic hygiene and sanitation facilities and 64% have tippy taps and are practicing hand washing though only 24% have soap next to the hand washing facility.

Increased Sanitation Coverage through Community Led Total Sanitation(CLTS)




undibugyo district still faces challenges in access to appropri-ate Water Sanitation and Health services. The national statistics put the district at an average of 69-70% access to safe water, this is not a representation of the actual situation on ground as many people still fetch water from traditional unprotected wa-ter sources because the available safe water points are on aver-age 2-3 kms from most of the homesteads and this has greatly contributed to the high prevalence of water bone diseases in-cluding cholera, dysentery, typhoid and others in Bundibugyo district. The situation has been exacerbated by non functional WASH infrastructures established with support from different District partners.

JESE in partnership with SNV and UNICEF identified the need to empower communities to carry out O&M of the exist-ing (functional and Non functional) WASH infrastructures in a bid to increase their functionality and access to WASH ser-vices targeting 30 rural water user communities.

Citing the case of Bambalira Junction tap stand in Kisuuba Sub-County, the tap was tilted almost to a point of completely breaking off, the runoff water was flowing continuously since there was no soak pit and therefore the dirty water was a play ground for ducks, hens and other animals compromising the hygiene of the fetching point, washing of clothes and dishes from around the tap stand was the order of the day. The exist-ing committee of the tap stand was weak and the water users were not contributing user fees. To make matters worse, the owner of the land where the tap is located was complaining about the mismanagement of his land and was threatening to close off the tap.

Through the Sub County and local leadership, benefiting

The case of Bambalira Junction Tap stand in Kisuuba Sub-County, Bundibugyo

Success story for sustainability of Community WASH infrastructures “Community Contribution”

households were mobilised for a meeting to plan for the manage-ment of the water point, identify and establish a water user com-mittee. A water user committee for the management of Bambalira tapstand was elected and trained in operation and maintenance, collection and accountability of user fees. The water user com-mittee was transparent in developing bills of quantities through involvement of the communities who willingly conributed to the rehabilitation of the tap stand. Members agreed that contribu-tions be based on women heads that fetch from the water source as opposed to household heads since most families were polyga-mous, and each contributing 2,500 Shs. The contribution from 30 households amounting to 100,000 shs was used to purchase cement, concrete, bricks and technical labour. Communities also contributed to the local materials including sand and hard core.

By- laws were made partaining washing clothes and dishes from the tap, payment of user fees was easened through adopted the approach of village savings and loans association(VSLA) locally refered to as “Yahura Yeguza-YY”. …….“We nolonger have to struggle to collect user fees from the water users since each member contributes 1,000 for VSLA and it is from this contribu-tion that 100 shs is deducted for the O&M of the tap stand” testi-fies the chairman of the Bambalira Junction Tap stand.

Bambalira tapstand before JESE Interventions.

B




On farm trials and demonstrations

During the financial year 2013, JESE continued to focus her efforts on practical hands on trainings and learning for the farmers through on farm trials, establishment and management of seed multiplication sites and demonstrations on crop agronomies and new seed and plant varieties including H1 for maize, K20 for beans and victoria for Irish potatoes in Kamwenge and Kyenjojo Districts.

From the demonstrations, we achieved increased farmer participation in learning, ac-quisition of practical hands on skills in application of recommended practices, better analysis of performance of various seed and crop varieties demonstrated by the farm-ers. For instance, victoria Irish potato variety was well appreciated by the farmers because of its high resistance to blight disease, big sized potatoes which made it more attractive and easy to add value through chips and crisps making and hence increasing its marketability.

Furthermore, farmers have improved their soil and water conservation skills as evi-denced by 15,000 meters of trenches constructed by the coffee farmers and 54 acres of mulched coffee plantations in Kihuura Sub-County. However, the performance of beans and maize in the demonstration were affected by erratic rains that affected tus-sling and flowering stages leading to poor yields. The lessons learned from the dem-onstration gardens and seed multiplication sites will continue to influence future pro-gramming especially on how to better our extension services and engage more farmers in practical learning processes.

Enterprise Development and Promotion

JESE focused on on-site trainings and extension services for supported households on farmer institutional development, marketing and post harvesting handling technolo-gies and crop finance for the target beneficiaries. The trainings were attended by 683 households involved in the coffee, chilli, Irish potatoes and soya bean value chains in Kamwenge and Kyenjojo Districts.As a result, 15 production and marketing groups have improved their business opera-tions as evidenced in the way they hold regular group meetings, enterprise selection and management, records keeping, cost benefit analysis and linkage with buyers in-cluding Suruma and KK Foods and Victoria Seeds. 510 farming households were involved in coffee production with acreage ranging from 0.5 to 05 acre translating

AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

to a total 558.74 acres. In addition, 10 acres of soy beans and 50 acres of chili pilot gardens were established in Kihuura, Kyenjojo District. From the data collected and analyzed in 2013, average incomes for the coffee farmers increased by 5% (156,000-163,800 UGX). From the pilots on chilli and soy bean production, the participating farmers were able to get additional income averaging to 768,000 UGX and 184,000 UGX respectively during the first season of their harvest. The increment in income has enabled the supported households pay schools fees, medical bills, buying scholastic and reinvesting into their agricultural activities.

Household Economic Empowerment through Village Savings and Lending Associations (VSLA)

During the reporting period, 750 households were trained and equipped with knowl-edge and skills in savings and credit by adopting the VSLA methodology. As a re-sult, the VSLAs have improved their operations through established formal leadership structures, formulation of by-laws and regular meetings for planning, accountability and loaning to members. By the end of 2013, we achieved increased farmer savings in VSLAs as evidenced by 80% of the supported households saving between 2,000 to 5,000 UGX per person per week with some groups like Kyankaramata saving up to 5,000,000 Uganda Shillings in 2013 alone. Furthermore, 85% of the supported house-holds reported receiving loans for investment in agricultural production, acquisition of household basic properties and paying school fees for their children.

The VSLA methodology has empowered women to embrace a culture of savings and credit. For instance, women in Nganiko Tweheyo Group in Nyabani Sub-County, Kam-wenge District saved between 2,000 to 10,000 Uganda shilling per week which enabled them to contribute towards acquisition of household basic needs and items such as salt, soap, saucepans and scholastic materials like books and pens.

Improved Household Food Security

During 2013, JESE worked with 450 households from 15 farmer groups in Kamwenge and Kyenjojo Districts on appropriate strategies to enhance food security. Emphasis was laid on increased awareness campaigns, trainings on food management techniques and developing household food security plans for implementation. As a result of the above interventions, we have noticed an increased amount of food stored by the house-holds, increased number of meals consumed from 2 to 3 and packing of food for school going children. JESE anticipates improved school performance of the children due to households embracing packing of food for their school children.

Gender Action Learning System (GALS) and Land Tenure

Gender aspects have been mainstreamed in all JESE’s departments to ensure equity. As a result 45 role models from 10 farmer groups and the executive of 3 water user as-sociations were trained to promote gender equity among farmer and water user groups to act as change agents in their communities. Gender action plans were developed at household level, stipulating the different gender roles and responsibilities (women, children and men), we continue to witness women participating and taking strategic roles in households and community livelihood improvement programs. Land has been a bottleneck in the promotion of food security, therefore 115 (53 women &62 men) farmers, have been trained and equipped with knowledge on land policy, ownership, control, access and user rights and this has resulted into farmers applying for freehold lease.




Communities around Kibego in Kyarusozi participating in

Monitoring of the forest.

The Value Chain Study of Forest Produce in selected Districts of Uganda. By Willy Kakuru Phd. Faculty of Forestry Makere University.

Clean and Efficient Energy Promotion

In the FY 2013, JESE worked with natural resource dependent communities to pro-mote and adopt clean and efficient energy through wide scale use of biogas to re-duce pressure on the existing natural resources especially the forests and increased environmental returns. 45 biogas plants were constructed in the District of Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kasese and Kamwenge using the strategy of co-financing. In addition, the bio-slurry has been used by the farmers to boost agricultural production especially for vegetable growing at household level hence contributing to increased income and nutrition.to monitor, track and report forest illegalities to duty bearers for action. As a result, a more than 5,000 timber pieces of timber were impounded and handed over to NFA surveillance and enforcement team. JESE also facilitated the

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

A complete digester being supervised

Despite the technology being socially and environmentally friendly, the cost of estab-lishing the plant is high and many of the poor households in the Rwenzori region can-not afford without the external support. In the consequent financial years, JESE will engage in action research to test and promote other energy efficient technologies like energy saving stoves, charcoal briquettes and solar energy.

Forestry and Governance

Despite the existence of enabling legislations for the forest sector in Uganda, transparency and accountability in the forest sector has remained one of the biggest challenges . This is evidenced by the continued encroachment on the forestry resources for timber, char-coal and agriculture in the Districts of Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Mubende. In the financial year 2013, JESE continued to work with structures at community and District levels to track, report and ad-vocate for increased transparency and accountability in the forest sector.

At community level, JESE has established and empowered 90 Com-munity Based Monitors around critical forests in the Districts of Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Mubende to monitor, track and report for-est illegalities to duty bearers for action. As a result, a more than 5,000 timber pieces of timber were impounded and handed over to NFA surveillance and enforcement team. JESE also facilitated the establishment of the Inter District multi-stakeholder forum which has provided a platform for joint planning and management of the forest resources by all stakeholders.

The community based monitors have as well sensitized communi-ties on the need to protect the forests and their resources through increased vigilance and participating in conservation activities. This has resulted into patrolling and enforcing arrests of illegal forest resources users. In Kyarusozi Sub county Kyenjojo District, com-munities have been able to arrest 2 pit-sawyers and recovered 125 pieces of timber. About 350 Hectares of different species of trees (pine, eucalyptus and Gravellia) have been planted by communities around Itwara, Matiri, Kibego and other forest reserves in the Dis-tricts of Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Mubende.

The Inter District Multi-stakeholder Forum (IDMF) has enabled co-ordination and presentation of forest governance issues at district level. The forum has developed a “2014 road map” to guide its op-erations and stakeholder engagement and advocated for the estab-lishment of Matiri Unit forestry committees as stipulated by section 63 of the Forestry and Tree Planting ACT 2003.

An Integrated Approach for wetland management

JESE in partnership with RAIN and Wetland International identi-fied Rwambu Wetland and its catchment (estimated at 2.55km2) shared between Kamwenge and Ibanda that was under intensive degradation due to unsustainable human activities engaged in by




As told by NYAKOOJO SAM

s a result of too much pressure mounted on illegal timber cutting and transportation, dealers have resorted to cutting trees into logs which are later converted into timber outside the Central forest reserves. A case in point is a fuso Truck registration UAN 591A that was impounded on 19th of December 2013 at Kiyuni Police post, Kiyuni sub county, Mubende District. The truck in picture was carrying Markhamia spp commonly known as Musambya tree logs of about 6 ft long.

Upon interrogation by Chairperson LCIII, the suspects agreed that the logs im-pounded were to be converted into timber in their workshops in Kampala. It was also later discovered that they operating on a forged receipt purportedly to have been issued by District Forestry Officer (DFO) of Mubende District, which he re-futed when contacted on phone. The DFO and NFA also denied having issued any receipt in relation to movement of logs on a truck. Further, the LCIII Chairperson LCIII reported that there were no people with such big trees of Musambya his area. He later revealed that this new trick that is being used by illegal timber dealers to effectively access and transport illegal forest prod-ucts. This increased the suspicion that actually the trees could have been cut from a central forest reserve (CFR) since the timber merchants failed to present other required documents like the LCI letter, Buying and selling agreements or permis-sion from DFO. The truck was impounded and a case opened at Kiyuni Police post-case number 1630pc. The staff from the office of DFO evaluated the logs at 350,000UGX and a fine of 100,000 for operating on forged receipts. Investigations are underway to es-tablish whether the evaluation was appropriate and the money was indeed credited on the Sub County and District revenue collection accounts respectively.

the local communities as a pilot aimed at enhancing evidence based learn-ing on area based integration of water recharge, re use, retention, wetland management and WASH for sustainable livelihoods improvement. JESE implemented several technologies to promote water re charge and retention (3R technologies) in collaboration with the District local government and local communities. The technologies that were promoted included Fanya Juu and Fanya Chini trenches, percolation pits, check dams and tree lines which were constructed along the steep slopes to boost rain water recharge and retention.

From observation and interactions with the communities in the catchment area, incidences of crop failure due to prolonged droughts have reduced as a result of improved soil moisture, water quantity at water points has re-mained constant as evidenced by a shallow well in Kinagamukono village which nearly dried up during the dry season but currently has a constant flow throughout the year.

With the participation of the District Natural Resources Office and the com-munities, the wetland was zoned earmarking areas for restricted access, none destructive human activities such as harvesting reeds and papyrus, washing bays and areas for access by the communities for sand mining, animal watering and cultivation. A by-law on the wetland management was developed and enacted and is being implemented by the wetland manage-ment committee.

JESE continued to support the communities with coffee seedlings; fish pond and a semi-permanent bridge facilitating market access and free movement of people.

Ecological Assessment of the Rwambu Wet-land Ecosystem and its Catchment: potential for Water Supply, Conservation and Wash. Final report submitted by Earth Consult(U) Ltd in December 2011

Fanya chini soil bunds in Rwesigire, Kamwenge.

Stone bunds on the steep slopes of Rwesigire Kamwenge.

CASE STUDY: Illegal timber logging takes a new face

A

fuso truck with the impounded timber




Institutional Sustainability

Promotion and operationalization of JEFACO

In a bid to build sustained community engagement, JESE and the coffee farm-ers in Kyenjojo District begun discussions on modalities for establishment of a functional cooperative that would handle selected value chains from a business perspective with coffee value addition and marketing being the main business. After wide consultations, it was agreed that agreed that a farmers co-operatives in the names JESE Farmers Cooperative (JEFACO) be established and operationalised. In 2013, emphasis was put on developing an institutional framework, registration, developing a business plan and testing the market. So far, a draft business plan has been developed and 1.5 tonnes of Kibooko (unhulled) coffee purchased and is waiting to be processed and sold to poten-tial buyers. In 2014, JESE will focus her efforts on finalising the development of institutional framework, business plan and actual operationalization.

Challenges and Possible Mitigation Strategies

Community vandalism of established WASH facilities in schools continues to be a challenge where people around schools are steal ing latrine shutters, taps on hand washing facilities and tanks and gut tering systems. We have encouraged all schools to put metallic enclo sures and locks on the taps of rainwater Tanks. JESE in collabora tion with RWA, Water Can, Protos and Aqua for All developed a school community partnership where by community water sources are con structed near schools such that both the community and schools can benefit from it. This has lessened pressure of the community on school WASH facilities. On a gender perspective, general involvement of men in project interventions is still very poor/low which affects their participation in project interventions. We have developed a gender assessment and mainstreaming tool in collaboration with our development partner- Water Can and occasionally hired a gender expert to train community groups in Gender mainstreaming. We also carryout household gender focused planning where men are brought on board and encouraged to participate in our programs.

Low adoption rate of appropriate hygiene and sanitation practices among the beneficiary households especially EcoSan latrines, adoption of VSLA/YY approach to WASH services and enhancing self supply of WASH especially at Household levels. To mitigate this JESE has trained local resident masons for the promotion of low cost sanitation technologies especially ecological sanitation, these shall be used as promoters of such technologies in the community. We have

also developed low cost Ecosan latrine designs that are affordable to construct.

Poor O&M is still exhibited in some of the established water facilities as a result of weak water management structures and poor attitude in O&M and user fee collection. We continue to pursue a community based management strategy where VSLA approach is introduced on point water sources; this encourages savings by water users a portion of which is dedicated for O&M. We have also worked with local lead-ers to revitalise and train water user committees on 43 water points. In collaboration with NAPE, we have acquired simplified handbooks for water user committees that we are distributing to water user commit-tees

Farmers’ affordability and accessibility of genuine agricultural pesti-cides especially for hot pepper/chilli, the slow progress on establishing the apex body for JEFFACO and registration, low technical knowhow of the project staff of the institutional structure of cooperatives. We are currently creating linkages with farm input supplies through the Ky-enjojo District farmers association for easy accessibility to agricultural pesticides. In addition we have engaged the board in streamlining JEF-FACO and have it registered expeditiously.

The Prolonged drought that delayed the planting process hence the need to devise strategies on how to bridge the gap between the dry and wet seasons to boost production.

Limited involvement of the local government in monitoring and fol-low-up of implemented activities, facilities and structures established. The challenge is lack of adequate funds in local government budgets to conduct monitoring. We are currently solving this by sharing our facili-ties like motorcycles with leaders while conducting our field activities such that they are in position to monitor our work, but we also find this un sustainable in the long run.

In line with the biogas construction, high cost of construction mate-rials has been the major challenge that has led to low production of biogas plants. A biogas plant costs about 2.6M and the farmer contrib-utes about 83% of the plant cost while the programme contributes 17% which is a big challenge to the rural poor households. In addition, the Programme facilitation given to execute some activities like training users and extension, site measurements are too low to support the staff to implement such activities. We have had several discussions with our partner Heifer international over this matter and consultations are on-going to address it before the end of the year.




Teddy, Godfrey and Sam Patrick and Godfrey

Staff capacity buildingIn the financial year 2013, a number of internal and external trainings were at-tended by JESE staff in an effort to improve staff skills.

Gender Mainstreaming: To facilitate gender responsive community engage-ments, an in-house staff training was conducted to improve their capacities in mainstreaming gender in program interventions as one of the crosscutting is-sues.

Simple Reporting Systems (SRS): Three JESE staff were trained in Simple Reporting Systems by AKVO organized for Dutch WASH Alliance Partners. This hands-on training equipped staff with skills in documenting and commu-nicating results, uploading reports, pictures and videos using smart phones and internet on the AKVO web page.

Drought Early Warning Systems training: One JESE staff participated in this training that equipped the staff with skills to collect hydro-metrological, social economic data for modelling purpose so as to ascertain upcoming droughts and development of an early drought system with components of vulnerability risk analysis, institutional framework, and protocol development.

Learning Visit to SASOL- Kenya: Two JESE staff participated in a learning visit to acquire skills on catchment management approaches using the 3R ap-proach (water Recharge, Re-use and Retention) being promoted in Kibwezi and Kitui provinces in Kenya. Other lessons included rain water harvesting techniques for production. In addition, two members of the SMT attended a partner’s conference for the DWA from Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. The conference was held in Nairobi and focused mainly on sustaining the country level WASH alliances as well creating string linkages with existing country level networks and government structures.

Training of Gender focal Person: One staff participated in a TOT gender train-ing in Ethiopia with the support of Water Can. The training was intended to equip the partner organization gender focal staff with knowledge on gender mainstreaming and development of gender specific assessment and capacity development tools.

IWRM capacity enhancement: One JESE staff participated in a regional con-ference on “collective Action, Reducing shared water risk to support sustain-able growth”, in Dar-es Salaam-Tanzania.In addition, one staff attended two training Courses on Use of Earth Obser-

Staff development

In 2013, JESE monitored the progress of implementation of the various project using identified outcomes, outputs and process indicators. Key among the indicators used included household food security, access to markets, savings and credit, governance for empowerment, household health and sanitation, functionality of community water and sanitation systems, forestry and wet-land resources management.

Tracking tools for monitoring key programme based performance milestones at household, school and community levels were also used. The tools used included; water resources assessment tools, households and school survey tools, seasonal production and marketing data collection tools, food security assessment tool and community based monitoring tools.

To collect the data, programme teams organised monthly project planning and reviews, stake-holder/beneficiary committee meetings and participatory monitoring sessions. Documentation of case studies, best practices and change stories was also done and shared at district, regional and national learning platforms.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION




JESE GovernanceJESE is governed by a Board of 9 people and by December 2013 the following were the Board members.

1. Mrs Jane Nabunnya Mulumba Board Chairperson2. Ms Gertrude Tibakanya Vice Chairperson3. Mr Makuruki Sarapio Treasurer4. Mr Mubiru Vincent General Secretary5. Ms May Mwaka Publicity Secretary6. Mr Happy Richard Member7. Ms Kabakama Jane Member8. Mr Magezi Charles Member9. Mr Baguma Patrick Member

vation Methods in Support of Integrated Water Resource Management and Ecosystem based approach to water resources management in Nairobi Kenya. Staffing

By end of 2013, the organization had a team of 31 members of whom 16 were male and 15 female. Out of these, 22 are program staff, 4 finance and administration staff, 3 support staff and 2 interns. The 22 program staff included 3 managers who were based at the central office with periodic movements to the field for supervision and technical backstopping and 19 were field based staff who would travel to the central offices once a month for reporting and planning purposes.

JESE Annual Report 201330


Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE)Binanata zone near the Kabarole District Local GovernmentP.O.BOX, 728, Fort Portal Uganda Telephone:+256-483-4-25253/0772492109FAX:256-483-4-22636Email: [email protected]; Web: www.jese.org;

joint effort to save the environmentjese.org/assets/report/jese annual report 2013-1.pdf · joint...

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