In 2015, World Renew and its local partner in Uganda—the Church of Uganda in Nebbi District—introduced a food security project in Gladys Uyirwoth’s community. As part of the initiative, community members were encouraged to form self-help groups and strengthen relationships with one another. Gladys recalls that her community chose to divide into three groups: the laughing group, the smiling group, and the crying group.
At the time, Gladys, her husband Dickson, and their children were struggling. The family could not afford three meals a day and often went hungry. Gladys remembers feeling ashamed that, because of their situation, she was placed in the crying group.
Through the food security project, Dickson received training in Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) and was selected to serve as a community facilitator. FMNR helps farmers—especially those in dry, tropical climates—restore their land so it can once again support crops and grazing.
Dickson embraced this role with determination, sharing his knowledge widely. Today, he continues to serve not only his own community but also neighbouring ones. One of those who benefited most from his teaching was his own wife, Gladys.
Inspired by what she learned, Gladys set out to secure land of her own. She approached her father for support, and while he allowed her to farm on part of his land, he encouraged her to invest in land for her future. Gladys worked diligently, applying the techniques Dickson had shared. With each harvest, she increased her yields. She saved the profits from selling crops grown on her father’s land and, over time, was able to purchase her own plot.
Today, Gladys owns 26 acres where she cultivates a variety of crops, including sugarcane, fruit trees, soy, and cassava. She also raises goats, chickens, and cows, and maintains several beehives. In addition, she owns another 3.25 acres that she rents out. Like her husband, Gladys now shares her knowledge with others and has been invited to facilitate training sessions in other communities.
Gladys is no longer part of the crying group. Instead, she wears a confident smile that reflects her journey. “We are beyond food secure,” Dickson says. “We have more than enough.”
Together with Canadian Foodgrains Bank and local partners around the world, World Renew works with communities to strengthen food security through sustainable agricultural practices and locally led initiatives—helping families build resilience and thrive for the long term.
