Nebbi farmers reap big from indigenous crops after enhancing skills
NEBBI, October 9, 2024 — Twenty-five groups of small-scale farmers in Erusi and Ndhew sub-counties in Nebbi district are experiencing significant gains from organic farming, thanks to advanced training provided by Caritas Nebbi Catholic Diocese.
Since 2022, these groups, comprising about 750 farmers, have been actively growing traditional crops such as beans, groundnuts, Irish potatoes, bananas, sweet potatoes, and coffee, while also diversifying into poultry farming and piggery.
The project, codenamed “Food and Economic Security,” aims to empower small-scale farmers through organic farming and agroecology, with support from “Bread for the World,” based in Germany.
During a recent exhibition and training on agro-ecology held in both sub-counties, farmers reported bumper harvests and promising returns per season as a result of Caritas’s interventions.
Cikawun Sakina, a farmer from Mambi village in Erusi Sub-county, noted that they have adopted best agronomic practices, including early soil preparation, timely planting, and proper spacing. They also use local concoctions as pesticides, which has led to high-quality yields.
“Since Caritas came to our aid, we have benefited greatly. Now we can send our children to school, and our income has improved thanks to the seed capital and better training we received,” added Cikawun .
Bill Clinton Mangala, leader of the Dikiri Enetego Group from Atido village, emphasised the importance of using terraces in their gardens to control soil erosion and retain moisture, especially in their steeply sloped area. “Caritas brought us knowledge and a renewed love for our traditional crops, allowing us to farm in a modern way that generates income,” he explained.
Yayah Yasin, leader of the Thwulo Cwiny Group in Pacaka Parish, shared that they create organic pesticides from locally available plants and use the residue as manure in their gardens.
He added that Caritas organised study visits to various agricultural institutions, including Adraa Agricultural College in Madi–Okollo district and Shida Nakazi Farming Centre in Zombo district.
“Before, I thought farmers who made significant profits relied on charms and magic, but that’s not true,” Yasin said, reflecting on the misconceptions he had before the training.
Wilfred Obedgui, a member of the Nziri West Youth Group, mentioned that they received a digital weighing scale and packing bags from Caritas, allowing them to start a local seed business. “We now supply quality seeds for planting, and I encourage farmers to buy from us,” Obedgui said.
Ronald Oloya Okweda, the Agricultural Officer for Ndhew Sub-county, confirmed the positive impact of Caritas’s intervention, noting a significant boost in production in both sub-counties.
He reported that the project has provided bean seeds to various groups engaged in collective marketing and that one group, “Nen Bor,” has developed poultry and piggery farms at both household and group levels.
Moreen Wilembe, Caritas Project Officer for Erusi Sub-county, revealed that they have trained 300 and 450 farmers in Ndhew, and in Erusi subcounties, respectively.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to continue collaborating within their groups and to share their knowledge with other farmers in the community. “We have been actively engaged with these farmers, and I urge them to keep applying their skills even after the project ends,” sais Wilembe.
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