Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns (VEDCO) is an indigenous Non- Governmental Organization established in 1986 in response to the challenges of poverty that resulted from the social and economic disruptions caused by the military conflicts of 1980-1986 in Luweero. Twenty years now, VEDCO has maintained her critical contributions in addressing the distressing low levels of food security, agricultural productivity and low incomes among rural farmers in seven districts in Uganda, in addition to increasing farmer’s participation in policy processes on issues that affect their agricultural productivity and marketing.
 
In September 2006, VEDCO engaged in a strategic planning exercise following the completion of the three-year strategic plan 2007 – 2009. This profile therefore highlights the different programmes implemented by VEDCO in this period with the following mandate, vision, mission, goal and values.

Mandate

Agricultural entrepreneurship development.

Vision
“Improved quality of life of small/ medium holder farmer”

Mission
To empower small / medium holder farmers for food security and nutrition security, agricultural trade and institutional development.

Aims & Objectives

Food security and Nutrition Management improved among small/medium holder farmers

Improved commercial competitiveness of farmers’ products and access to market

Farmer involvement in influencing policy and practice on issues regarding food security & agriculture trade at all levels.

Quality Customer friendly services and functional systems that promote agricultural entrepreneurship.