Harvesting rice at a home in Bubandi...

After we finished caring for the villagers, Frank took me to his neighbor down the road to see how rice is harvested. Frank’s family lives very close to the grounds where the team cares for villagers that are able to either walk or obtain a ride on a moda-moda (motorcycle).

A few facts before I share pictures/videos...

There are two types of rice that are grown in Uganda. A highland and a lowland. The highland rice is able to be grown in a dryer environment, whereas the lowland rice is grown in paddies, needing much more water access. The rice being harvested yesterday was highland rice. The ground was pretty dry. Growing rice is not only a means of a stable food source for the Ugandans, but a means of supporting their families. Often times the rice is grown with maize (corn). Maize is one the major staple foods for Ugandans. According to croplife.org, it provides over 40% of their daily calorie consumption. That being said, most farmers grow maize to help meet the demands, with over 2 million of Ugandans that count on maize as their main source of income. So, makes is a very important crop as well as rice. It is evident that both are staple foods for the Ugandans because rice is usually served at every meal and roasted maize can be found along the streets and village roads.

On market days, the area off the road is filled with women roasting maize. There are only a view towards the end of the area at the time this picture was taken.

A photo I took today...

Demonstrating how to harvest the rice...

Harvesting the rice with a blade...

Removing the leaves from the rice...

Breaking the rice away from the stalk...

After all the rice is separated from the stalk, it is taken to the mill to remove the outer layer covering the rice kernels.

I loved these pictures so much, I had to share them all! Their pure joy radiating off their smiles and them dancing for getting their picture taken! 🥰 I would have to say the children of Uganda are the most precious to see, especially when they are excited about something. You’ll just have to come and visit sometime to really understand but the pictures can give you an idea!