ABOUT
Our Vision
Our Mission
Happy, healthy and self sustaining village communities in northern Uganda.
Kick poverty out of northern Uganda through farming, education and empowerment.
What we do
Seeds for Development is committed to eradicating poverty in northern Uganda by empowering the communities we support. We focus on four main pillars: Farming, Education, Enablement, and Technology (FEET!). Everything we do is driven by the needs of local families, helping them build sustainable futures.
In times of crisis, we provide emergency food to the most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and those affected by poverty or illness. For three months each year, we deliver food to seven remote villages, using geographic information to track and support those in need. This approach ensures we know where people are, who they are, and how best to help them.
Our work supports local farming, strengthening livelihoods and ensuring communities have the tools they need to thrive.
Our Story
For a farmer to farm, they need seeds, and to get seeds, they need money. This was the harsh reality for thousands of farmers in the post-conflict area of northern Uganda. In 2007, Alison Hall MBE learned about the plight of these farmers at a conference in Norway. Moved by their struggles, she decided to take action.
Reluctant to give handouts, she devised a way for farmers to borrow seeds and repay the financial value when they could - a bit like micro-finance with seeds. Farmers receive enough seed for one acre of land (typically about 10kgs of maize) and grow them with other farmers in their group.
Once harvested, they come together to collectively sell the crops at a higher price than if they were selling individually. Over the years, we expanded our support to include crops such as pineapples and coffee.
As the number of farmers we supported grew to more than 3,000, we began to lose our personal connection with them. In 2014, after meeting with village elders and leaders, we shifted to a more holistic community development approach. We now work closely with seven remote farming communities near Gulu and Kitgum in northern Uganda.
The impacts of COVID-19, climate change, global conflicts, and the recent shutdown of USAID have posed significant challenges. However, our commitment to supporting vulnerable families remains unwavering. During the annual hungry season, we prioritise food security and health by providing emergency food and medical payments.
Today, Seeds for Development continues to grow, driven by the needs of the communities we serve. We invite you to join us in our mission to build stronger, more resilient communities in northern Uganda.
Our Team
Alison Hall MBE
Founder
Alex Latim
Founder of FPP
David
Community Leader
Penny Peters
Trustee
Annet
Coordinator
Florence
Coordinator
Sue Howland
Trustee
Devon Onen
Trainer
Albino
Community Leader
Pamela Anyeko
Project Manager
Simon Apiro
Community Leader
Sam
Coordinator
We are supported by some amazing experts
Helen Mazalon is an analyst at Alcis, specialising in geographic data analysis, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and satellite imagery. She creates detailed maps and dashboards that enhance our efficiency and effectiveness. Helen volunteers her expertise in geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and spatial data visualisation to Seeds for Development, helping us remotely as we strive to support communities in Uganda.
Elly Nkalubo is the Local Village Councillor in Mukono, a key figure in his community. He provides invaluable knowledge and expertise on community relations and development. Elly ensures our well-being during visits and plays a crucial role in our community development initiatives, focusing on improving food security and supporting local governance.
Susan Wamala is an exceptional head teacher, recognised as one of the top 40 influential people in primary education in Uganda. We are proud and grateful for her support in our education projects. Susan's dedication to early childhood development and her expertise in primary education significantly enhance our impact on local schools, ensuring children receive quality education and nutrition.
Timothy Njakasi is celebrated as one of the top 50 farmers in Uganda. He is the Managing Director of Kasenge-Riverford Organic Agricultural Centre, where he educates farmers from Uganda and neighbouring countries, as well as volunteers from the UK and USA. Timothy's training programmes are vital for promoting sustainable farming practices, improving food security, and empowering local farming communities.