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Northlight Green Services

About Northlight Green Services

Northlight Green Services (NGS) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing socio-economic transformation in Northern Uganda, particularly in the Acholi and West Nile sub-regions. NGS serves as a platform for social research, innovation, advocacy, and community capacity building, with a strong focus on empowering women, youth, and other marginalised groups. Its programmes are designed to enhance knowledge, skills and agency, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and improve their livelihoods. In a region where development disparities are still being experienced, NGS addresses challenges such as youth unemployment, gender inequality, and limited access to land and financial resources. By promoting inclusive participation, evidence-based solutions, and accountability among duty bearers, the organisation contributes to sustainable, community-led development that prioritises equity, dignity, and long-term impact.

One of the organisation's key initiatives as part of the HSF Global Project for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change (GMACC) is the establishment of a Dragon Fruit Learning Site at the NGS Learning Centre in Gulu City. Launched in May 2024, this pilot project integrates climate-smart practices, such as permaculture and resilience design, to introduce dragon fruit farming as a sustainable alternative livelihood. The project's target audience includes women, youth, charcoal traders, and learning institutions, and it provides practical training in fruit tree propagation, soil and water conservation, and sustainable land use. The project aims to ensure food, nutrition, and income security while preserving ecosystem health and land productivity.

The Dragon Fruit Learning Site is the first of its kind in Northern Uganda and has already begun to demonstrate promise. The first harvest of dragon fruits was realised by June 2025, with projections indicating the capacity to generate at least 12,000 cuttings annually. Beyond production, NGS is planning to expand this model through the upcoming School Greening Project, introducing similar learning sites in local public schools. The initiative facilitates knowledge transfer and access to planting materials, thereby promoting both ecological preservation and income diversification. These are pivotal in addressing cycles of poverty and environmental degradation in the region.

Contact Person: Jennifer Okusia, Executive Director, Northlight Green Services (NGS), Email: jennifer.okusia@gmail.com