Food Security

As I write this, there is a serious drought throughout a major part of East Africa (specifically in the Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia triangle). Starvation is a severe problem and especially affects the young children of that region. The causes of starvation are complex, the root being poverty. Areas of starvation are characterized by persistent problems in cultivating food, from lack of seed and arable land to tools. And even those who can grow food must deal with insects, drought, floods, and war, which can result in complete destruction of crops.

Other causes of world hunger are related to the globalized system of food production. This system, along with trade, favors a reliance on export crops while discriminating against small-scale farmers and subsistence crops. Many developing countries export food excessively and do not maintain enough food to sustain their own people.

Enterprise Farm is moving toward commercial agriculture in order to improve food security measures as well as increase the sustainability of our farm and New Hope as a whole. Uganda has two growing seasons, which gives Uganda the incredible potential to feed all of East Africa. Currently, Enterprise Farm is producing 30 tons per season (60 tons annually); however, as we develop more land and increase our soil fertility, we hope to supply more than 100 tons per season. Our ultimate goal as a farm is to recover our full costs and become financially self-sufficient, with the excess income going to support New Hope Uganda.