Intercultural Development Agency (IDA) is a non-governmental not for profit Organisation that believes every person is identified by own culture and tradition rooted in values. Its from this culture and Tradition that each one derives a sense of existence, presence and recognition. The knowledge and understanding of one’s culture allows growth and development in an environment to thrive and flourish.
IDA MISSION
“To conserve and exploit local natural resources, cultural resources and the environment towards sustainable development”
IDA VISION
“A poverty free citizenry of Uganda”.
“…The concept of sustainable development is very critical. We need to act responsibly as people and as citizens of our country…
Go Green.
Otherwise Generations coming after us may not have a safe future.
What we are championing is beyond us as a generation. Partnership is critical. We need to live in the environment sustainably and use the natural resources sustainably. We need to develop sustainably.
Government is a key player in providing a enabling environment and can do more including enacting laws that preserve our environment e.g. the Environment Act. We need to take action beyond us as people. Private sector is very critical; cultural institutions too.
We need a sign of responsibility. It starts with all of us” Code Green, Spirit TV-Uganda, 1st September 2021.
PROGRAMME INTERVENTION (S)
IDA Targets young people with less opportunities, underserved and/or in rural grassroots.
Hunger remains an issue of concern.
According to the Global Hunger Index, Classified as a low-income country, Uganda has a fast-growing population and suffers from widespread poverty. Its population, at 43 million people in 2017, is growing at 3.3 percent per year and is expected to exceed 100 million by 2050 (UN DESA Population Division 2017)
While the effects vary, agricultural reliance in Uganda has increased supply, but access to food has not necessarily increased. This leads to high levels of food insecurity (The Borgen Project, 2021) https://borgenproject.org/hunger-in-uganda/.
A. STRATEGIC AREAS AND ACTIVITIES
While recognising mixed farming methods employed by different households; We at IDA popularise Agriculture as the tool to address:
(1) NUTRITIONAL FOOD SECURITY
With prevalent water stress conditions, unstable rain patterns (climate change) and information-knowledge gaps we work to promote climate smart solutions to include green growth programs (tree planting and growing etc), clean and renewable energy, agro-ecology/organic farming and irrigation coupled with positive behavioural change and appropriate technologies. We need to address child development and see more productive young people.
(2) CHILD PROTECTION
Child Protection (While targeting at least 60% Girl Child Protection related cases like Early/Forced Marriages, Child Neglect) through an appropriate referral pathway to boost holistic service delivery coupled with sensitising on life skills and pertinent issues on health, food and nutrition inorder to address what people are eating.
According to the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, a Child is any person who is below 18 years of age.
(3) YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
We target to employ an average of 130 youth annually to be able to get income for improved self sustenance.
The National Youth Policy for the Republic of Uganda defines youth as all young persons, female and male, aged 12 to 30 years
The YouthMap Uganda: A Cross-Sector Situational Analysis on Youth in Uganda (2011), notes the demographic challenge for Uganda:
Uganda has the world’s youngest population with over 78 percent of its population below the age of 30. With just under eight million youth aged 15-30, the country also has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although Uganda is making strides economically, it faces significant challenges in meeting its young people’s needs today and their challenges tomorrow as its population continues to grow at a rate of 3.2 percent annually.
(Source: https://www.youthpolicy.org/factsheets/country/uganda/)
B. KEY STRATEGIC APPROACH
IDA also capitalises on the interaction of people of different cultural backgrounds (National, regional like Eastern Africa, Continental and International levels) for positive change. We believe when two or more people meet and interact for learning solidarity exchange something new and different happens at personal level, community level and/or institutional level among other different general publics.
When cultures interact, they can for a positive change. These positive impacts could be a friendly trade agreement between the two cultures. Positive impacts can also include a peace treaty, or alliance system between the two. These positive interactions can benefit each culture in the future (Quizlet, 2021).
Budget Conference in Kapir Sub County, Lukiko Hall – Ngora County, Ngora District in Eastern Uganda
M/S Stella Akiteng-IDA Programme Director presents an update/Report during the Budget Conference held at the Lukiko Hall in Kapir Sub County, Ngora County in Ngora District – Eastern Uganda
Intercultural Development Agency (IDA) 