Although rural Uganda constitutes the vast majority of Uganda’s agricultural production, 80% of the rural population is in poverty and 50% suffers from food insecurity. As a result, malnutrition is prevalent, causing 54% of children to be stunted and 36% of the population to be underweight.
EADC both provides a market for farmers in North Eastern Uganda, and supports the farmers across the value chain for precooked beans and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. EADC’s work improves farmers’ incomes and reduces the environmental footprint by reducing cooking times. When needed, EADC also provides loans to farmers, contributing to financial inclusion.
EADC already empowers 3,500 farmers in North Eastern Uganda. The increased income allows farmers to purchase products and services to combat poverty and malnutrition. With its loan from Yunus Social Business, EADC is investing in facilities which are projected to increase farmers’ incomes in the network by at least 60%.