The political instability and fragile state of the countries neighboring Uganda have resulted in countless people becoming homeless and seeking refuge in settlements such as Kyangwali in Uganda. Currently, Uganda hosts approximately 1.5 million refugees from different nationalities like DRC, Burundi, South Sudan, and Rwanda. Life as a refugee is difficult due to the limited access to social and economic opportunities or productive assets such as land despite aid support from humanitarian and development organizations. Unemployment rates are also high because refugees lack the technical or business skills to take advantage of existing opportunities.
The PIFP project applies a market-driven learning group approach to support 2,300 refugees and asylum seekers in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement with the necessary skills, inputs, and access to grow, process, and market oyster mushrooms.
The oyster mushroom was identified as a viable horticultural enterprise due to its unique attributes including:
The project has engaged 3 businesses who act as the providers of business development services, skills training, and development, input, and market services.
The key project activities include:
1. Public sector:
2. Private sector: