VECO East Africa is a regional program of Vredeseilanden that is currently implementing sustainable agriculture chain development programs in Tanzania, DR Congo and Uganda. In line with the Global VECO Vision and Mission, VECO East Africa’s mission is to contribute to viable livelihoods and empowerment of organized family farmers, male and female in East Africa through Sustainable Agriculture Chain Development (SACD) at local and regional levels. In order to position VECO East Africa to be a leader in the area of development work with Organised Family Farmers in the African context, we recognise that organisational learning is core in implementing the country programmes.

A very successful Africa PLA and Communication Workshop took place in Mbale, Uganda from the 19th to the 28th of September, 2011. Participants were drawn from the various VECOs in Africa which include VECO Senegal, VECO West Africa, VECO Congo and VECO East Africa. The facilitators were from the Head Office in Belgium.

Participants were actively involved in the workshop and in-depth discussions were held on how to improve reporting, coordination and monitoring of program implementation, effectiveness of current rhythms and spaces among others. Participants also went out to the field and sharpened their communication skills. They interviewed farmers and were able to document the stories through the taking of quality videos and photos.