Partners
It is clear from the CSRL goals that effective collaboration with partners in developing countries underlies our approach. Since 2004, we have been working with VEDCO and Makerere University in a variety of ways to implement our mission.
Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns (VEDCO)
This indigenous non-governmental organization (NGO) was established in 1986 by volunteer Ugandan university
graduates in the wake of the social and economic disruptions caused by the military conflicts of the 1980s.
Since then it has grown into a experienced and effective organization with staff working in seven districts.
Vision
Improved quality of life for small and medium holder farmers and micro entrepreneurs through sustainable
economic empowerment
Mission
To empower small and medium holder farmers and micro entrepreneurship through capacity building for food
security, agricultural trade development and access to micro finance
Collaboration
VEDCO's primary work is community-based rural development support. Through their partnership with CSRL, VEDCO
was able to expand into Kamuli district which is one of the poorer districts in the country. This expansion was
already in VEDCO's strategic plan, but lacked resources.
VEDCO brings the following assets to the collaboration:
-
Decades of agricultural development experience in Uganda
-
Ugandan employees knowledgeable about the local culture and conditions
-
Monitoring and evaluation of projects already part of organizational culture
-
Linkages to other relevant private and public entities
Specifically, VEDCO:
-
Works directly with volunteer farmer leaders, farmer groups and the larger community in Kamuli district
-
Hosts Makerere and ISU students on internships and service learning projects
-
Participates on the in-country CSRL technical committee
-
Networks with ISU faculty members and staff to consider additional future collaborations
Faculty (College) of Agriculture, Makerere University
Makerere University, in Uganda's capital city Kampala, began as a technical school in 1922 and the institution
became an independent national university in 1970. The Faculty of Agriculture began as a certificate program in
1924, and now has six undergraduate degree options as well as MSc., PhD, and DSc programs among its seven
departments.
Vision
To be the leading academic institution providing client research and knowledge in agriculture and agro-industry
Mission
To produce professionals and practitioners, generate and disseminate knowledge and technologies for sustainable
development of agriculture and agro-industry sectors
Collaboration
Makerere University has a key role to play in both the modernization of agriculture in Uganda for both food
security and increased incomes, and successful decentralization in development. It has active programs to
involve faculty and students, both graduate and undergraduate, in both of these efforts.
Makerere brings the following assets to the collaboration:
-
The university is engaged in relevant research, technology transfer and outreach in Uganda
-
They are training future agriculture practitioners and policy makers for Uganda
-
As a local institution, Makerere is already linked to other relevant NGOs, educational and governmental institutions, and policy makers
Specifically, Makerere:
-
Conducted a review of state of the art innovations (SARI)
-
Facilitated a participatory monitoring and evaluation workshop for VEDCO staff
-
Participates on the in-country CSRL technical committee
-
Is an important partner in the service learning projects
-
Networks with ISU faculty members and staff to consider additional future collaborations, and connects ISU to Makerere faculty members from other Faculties (Colleges) in the University
