Bursary Winner's trip to Uganda

Una meets with farmers on VIVA's Animal Traction Project

This year’s winner of the Mike O’Leary Trust Travel Bursary was Una Boyle a third year veterinary student in Budapest in Hungary. Una travelled to Uganda in July to visit our animal traction project. This is the seventh year of the Bursary which sponsors a veterinary student each year to spend a month visiting on one of VIVA's overseas projects. The Mike O'Leary Trust was established to honour the memory of Kerry vet, Mike O'Leary, who died tragically in 2003 at the age of 39. His family and friends have undertaken a number of fundraising initiatives over the years to raise funds for the Travel Bursary in addition to supporting the Irish NGO, GOAL, and cardiomyopathy research.

While in Uganda, Una focussed on the incomes the farmers are generating from the sale of surplus produce – what uses is it being put to? These are some excerpts from her report:

"Some farmers spoke about how previous to owning their own bull they had to hire oxen and a plough. This was proving costly for them at approx. €16 per acre plus they had to wait for the owners of the oxen and plough to work their land first, consequently they were late in ploughing and sewing seed. An acre may have taken 2-3 weeks to dig by hand but with the help of the bulls and plough it can be done in 3 hours. The farmers grew a variety of different crops such as ground nuts, cassava, maize, sweet potatoes, cow peas, sorghum, beans, millet, egg plant and rice. Many farmers talked about how they’re now able to feed their children a healthier and more stable diet."

"I was pleased to learn that all the farmers were using their extra income to provide their children with the best education they could afford, with a couple even gaining the opportunity to go to university. It was explained to me how sending a child to school can be very expensive. The figures quoted varied amongst the households, with school fees varying from €19 to €143 per term with 3 terms in a year; school uniforms from €3 to €16 and books on top of this (a dozen for ≈ €1). Some children went to private schools which accounts for the higher figures, these may be more expensive but public schools can be completely overcrowded and provide a poor education".

"On questioning the farmers about any recent investments a few spoke about how they were building a ‘permanent’ (brick) house. The majority of farmers had invested in animals such as local breeds of chicken at (€3-5). Some invested in goats (€13 to €22). One family had even purchased 2 cows to provide milk for the family, they had cost €127) and €190) respectively. Others investments consisted of guinea fowl, pigs and tree seedlings to grow citrus fruits".

"Since participation in the project the extra cash available can be spent on clothing. One of the farmers informed me that beforehand 'children didn’t have proper clothing and women dressed shabby but now they look smart'. Investments in household items such as bedding, mattresses, saucepans, plates and cups have been made. Most farmers informed me of the difference purchasing a simple mosquito net has had on their families health as it has reduced the incidence of malaria. This in turn has reduced doctor fees drastically. Many of the recipients outlined the positive effect their more varied, healthier diet has had; people are better nourished and therefore having less health issues".

The full report can be read here or in the viewer below

Uganda 2012 Report - Una Boyle

On her return Una organised for her and some of her fellow students to take part in the Budapest Marathon on October 7th to raise funds for VIVA. Not only did they complete the marathon but they raised €600 for our overseas projects.