When you raised your paddle at the 2022 New York Change Makers Gala, you planted seeds of hope in the hills of Kabale and Rubanda, Uganda. Thanks to your generosity, over $113,000 went directly to Self Help Africa’s GREEN Project—and the impact has been nothing short of transformational.
A Project Rooted in Resilience
The GREEN Project—short for Growing Resilience and Eco Enterprise—was launched to tackle some of the region’s biggest challenges: climate vulnerability, poverty, malnutrition, and gender inequality. Your support helped us bring real, lasting change to hundreds of smallholder farming families.
Here’s what you made happen:
- 175 acres of degraded land restored through sustainable farming practices like terracing, agroforestry, and composting.
- 6 village-led natural resource committees and 5 advocacy groups empowered to manage and protect local ecosystems.
- 59% of households now enjoy improved diets, up from just 40%.
- 89% of farmers reported higher incomes thanks to green businesses and access to savings and loan services.
- 40 business groups launched, 32 of which received microgrants to scale their operations—funded directly by your gala donations.
Real Lives, Real Change
Meet Magara Gideon, a father from Rugarambiro village who once barely fed his family. After receiving training and improved seeds from SHA, his bean yield increased fivefold. Today, he feeds his children and sells the surplus to pay school fees.
And then there’s Niwomanyire Python, who turned eroded hillsides into fertile farmland. With new soil conservation skills, his harvest doubled—and so did his confidence. “I now believe in a future where we can thrive, not just survive,” he told us.
Why Your Role Matters Now More Than Ever
With development aid under pressure and climate shocks on the rise, the voices of our supporters carry even greater weight. Your donations don’t just fund projects. They fuel momentum. They advocate for equity. They build systems that last.
As the GREEN Project nears completion in December, we’re focused on sustainability—ensuring that local leaders carry this work forward with pride and purpose.