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July 2020

AgrAbility for Africa

Farming communities in Africa, like many in different parts of the world, are disadvantaged when it comes to information and mental health services access. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need to support mental health information access for these rural farming communities, and to fill the gap the staff of AgrAbility for Africa are working to increase distribution of this important information to people who need it through low-literacy information handouts and mobile communication messaging. This is intended to help the farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, and their children cope with social isolation and its effects in terms of both business and mental wellness.

Page 1 showing signs and symptoms of stress - specifically the behavior signs and the physical signsBy educating them on identifying the signs and symptoms, encouraging them to seek help when they need it, and sharing where to find that help, AgrAbility for Africa can promote the positive mental health of vulnerable people and communities who are struggling at this time. Staff are also responding to the increased number of calls for help with mental health and domestic violence prevention, calls precipitated by the restrictions meant to control the spread of the coronavirus.


AchieveKids - a non-profit in California with expertise in complex and severe developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges - and the staff of AgrAbility for Africa held a meeting to discuss mental developmental disabilities, stress, anxiety, and depression faced by children. Special focus was on the worsening situation caused by the pandemic. Pandemic countermeasures that lead to social isolation have deprived some children of the opportunity to connect, learn, and play, unless they have the luxury of digital solutions and tools that are safe. Such things, which aren't available to many children in Africa, include monitored online games, social media, and video chat programs that provide opportunities for children in other parts of the world to connect with each other, learn, and play with their friends, parents, and relatives, while at home. Discussions centered on bridging the digital divide, recognizing and addressing the uniqueness of the condition of the children in Africa, children's developmental disabilities, parenting during COVID-19, and children's mental health support in times of isolation.


Two african women in a room wearing facemasks like they are making on tredal-style sewing machinesStaff have been developing practical tips and solutions by working with partners in Uganda to promote farmer safety and health for rural farming communities. AgrAbility for Africa has put together an instructional manual on "how to make your own masks," to guide farmers, ranchers, and children in making their own protective masks as a means to help minimize the danger of infection to themselves and their families.

Submitted by Mutumba Faisal