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From DRC to Uganda: Fazil’s Mission of Nutrition

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Fazil Buffol’s journey to founding Masoka Nutrition for Development (MANUD) began with a deep-seated desire to address the persistent issue of malnutrition in vulnerable communities. Born on September 1, 1994, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Fazil’s early experiences witnessing the devastating impact of food insecurity and malnutrition on children and families inspired him to dedicate his life to creating solutions.

“I witnessed the devastating impact of food insecurity and malnutrition on children and families,” Fazil recalls. “These early experiences inspired me to dedicate my life to creating solutions that empower communities to become self-reliant and resilient.”

A Vision Forged in Adversity

In 2022, Fazil founded MANUD, a nonprofit organization focused on combating malnutrition and fostering sustainable development within the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda. “I identified a gap in access to adequate nutrition, sustainable farming practices, and resilience-building skills in the settlement,” Fazil explains. “MANUD began implementing community-centered solutions to address these challenges.”

Buffol’s vision for MANUD was born out of a pressing concern. “MANUD was inspired by the urgent need to tackle early childhood malnutrition in vulnerable populations while promoting inclusion and empowerment for marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and individuals with disabilities,” he explains. This driving force has guided MANUD’s mission to address the complex issues surrounding malnutrition and inequality, particularly in refugee settings. By prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities, MANUD aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

MANUD’s approach emphasizes community-driven solutions, sustainable practices, and collaboration among NGOs, governments, and local organizations. “Our vision is to provide solutions to our clients’ professional needs unrelated to nutrition,” Fazil says. “We’re not just a nutrition organization; we’re a service provider that caters to the needs of vulnerable communities.”

The organization has established permaculture projects and food processing training programs, empowering women, youth, and people with disabilities to cultivate sustainable livelihoods. “One of our notable successes has been the introduction of permaculture projects in Nakivale,” Fazil notes. “These projects have transformed barren land into productive gardens, providing fresh produce to families and reducing dependency on food aid.”

One of the most significant obstacles MANUD has faced is limited access to funding and resources. “Bureaucratic processes and donor preferences for larger NGOs have made it challenging for smaller organizations like MANUD to scale up,” Fazil notes. However, the organization has learned the importance of building trust within the community, leveraging partnerships, and demonstrating impact through measurable outcomes.

“Securing funding and overcoming systemic challenges in refugee settings remain ongoing hurdles,” Fazil acknowledges. “But we’ve learned that persistence, adaptability, and focusing on  he needs of the people we serve have been invaluable lessons.”

As MANUD continues to make strides in empowering vulnerable communities, several key highlights from 2024 stand out. “We’ve had the privilege of conducting two food processing trainings, which have benefited 9 teen mothers and 3 young boys, equipping them with valuable skills for self-reliance,” Fazil notes.

Additionally, MANUD has initiated programs to engage women and youth in food production practices, fostering sustainability, growth, and independence. Furthermore, the organization has been advocating for disability inclusion, promoting awareness and creating opportunities for people with disabilities. These initiatives demonstrate MANUD’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Heart Behind the Mission

Beyond MANUD, Fazil is passionate about advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in all spheres of society. “I’m passionate about advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in all spheres of society,” Fazil emphasizes.

When asked about advice for others, Fazil emphasizes the importance of understanding community needs, creating practical solutions, and collaborating with local stakeholders. “Start by understanding the needs of the community you aim to serve and focus on creating practical, scalable solutions,” Fazil advises. “Collaborate with local stakeholders and organizations to leverage existing resources and knowledge.”

Looking ahead, Fazil is excited about the growing adoption of climate-smart agriculture and mobile-based technology for education and resource-sharing in remote areas. MANUD is currently planning a large-scale nutrition awareness campaign and a pilot project to introduce fortified foods tailored to the needs of refugee communities. “I’m excited about the growing adoption of climate-smart agriculture, regenerative farming, and mobile-based technology for education and resource-sharing in remote areas,” Fazil says.

Fazil’s leadership style emphasizes inclusivity, empathy, and adaptability. “True impact comes from empowering people to take ownership of their development,” Fazil says. “Leading by example and fostering an environment of shared purpose has been key to MANUD’s success.”

As MANUD continues to grow and expand its reach, Fazil remains committed to his vision of creating sustainable and inclusive communities. “I believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, clean water, and economic opportunities,” Fazil says. “I’m proud to be part of a movement that is working towards creating a more just and equitable world.”

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