PROGRAMME AREAS AND VALUES

VEDCO operates in four regions exception of Western Uganda with the possibility of expansion.In Central region,VEDCO operates in the Districts of; Luwero,Kampala,Mukono, Wakiso,Nakaseke,Nakasongola and Buikwe.In Eastern region VEDCO operates in Buyende,Amuria and Kamuli Districts.In Northern region,VEDCO operates Apac,Dokolo,Lira,Kole,Pader and Alebtong.In West Nile region,VEDCO operates in Moyo and Yumbe Districts.It also intends to expand to other districts.

According to the Human development report 2005, the northern Uganda region has the lowest Human development index of 0.418 compared to Eastern region with 0.450 and Central region with 0.547. Further analysis shows that the region of North West comprised of the districts of Moyo, Yumbe, Adjumani, and Koboko, has the poorest districts in Uganda after the districts of the Karamoja region, Pader and Kitgum that are greatly affected by conflict due to cattle rustling for the former and LRA conflicts for the latter.  

Values
VEDCO will still uphold the following values during the implementation of its programmes;

  • Result oriented: VEDCO believes in its staff giving out quality results as output/outcome or a service in all its engagements with its partnerships.
  • Equal opportunity:  VEDCO still believes in supporting the agricultural entrepreneurship development through empowering the small and medium poor farmers of Uganda and their institutions to take lead. In this, VEDCO aims at creating an enabling and just environment for them where mutual respect and equal opportunity will exists for and among all including its staff. It will work with individuals who are personally concerned about issues of inequity and injustice and find allies within and with out the agency to join them in this quest.
  • Teamwork: VEDCO will continue requiring empowered staff members who have the space and confidence to use initiative and act boldly from an understanding of their vision, mission, values and working as a team to full fill the mandate.
  • Excellence: Every one’s behaviour in the organisation is expected to meet VEDCO’S Agreed standard.
  • Transparency and accountability: Transparency and accountability is still a key aspect for the survival of VEDCO. This is crucial in maintaining the highest levels of integrity and consistency in VEDCO’s work to provide confidence to our donors and supporters who are essential in the realization of our Vision.

Targeting
The project targets small and medium holder farmers organized in groups. These are farmers with at least two acres of production land and because of a number of constraints; they are not able to meet their basic needs.  . Targeting at this level takes interest of vulnerable members of the community like the aged, the HIV/AIDS affected and infected, the disabled and others as may be identified by the community with special focus on women.

Participants in the Agricultural trade component shall be those willing to belong to marketing groups/ Associations, cost share in accessing program services, engage in group saving and able to undertake agricultural enterprises on business principles.
Farmers living in these communities but are not members of the direct target group will be indirect beneficiaries.  The project will also benefit policy makers at the different administration levels as well as development partners through communication and advocacy