SERERE, October 3, 2024 – Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, contributing approximately 24 percent to the Gross Domestic Product [GDP] and employing about three-quarters of the population. However, the current food system and livelihoods are under threat due to the adverse effects of climate change, necessitating the adoption of mitigation measures in food production, such as agroecology, a sustainable type of farming that works with nature.
Julius Engwedu, an agricultural extension worker at the Eastern and Southern African Small-scale Farmers Forum [ESAFF] Uganda, emphasised that agroecology enhances farmers’ ability to plan for climate risks, promotes climate-resilient food production, and encourages diversification.
He made these remarks yesterday during a training session for 30 selected lead small-scale farmers on organic farming and agroecology, held at Olobai village in Labor Sub-county, Serere district.
The training aimed to equip farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to understand agroecological best practices that promote environmental conservation. Engwedu described agroecology as a holistic approach that seeks to harmonise agriculture with local communities and natural processes for mutual benefit.
“The farmer’s traditional knowledge, combined with innovations and sustainable technologies, is at the core of an agroecological farming system,” he explained.
Conducted in both English and the local dialect [Ateso] for better comprehension, the interactive training covered how to prepare organic manure and pesticides using local materials such as plants.
Many organic farmers today utilise natural farming methods and modern ecological knowledge to maximise long-term ecosystem health and productivity, enhance product quality, and protect the environment.
Engwedu highlighted that organic farming employs a closed-loop system, where all food produced is recycled back into the soil. “For instance, if a farmer grows maize and beans, the waste from these crops should return to the same soil,” he said.
He also noted that organic farming yields safe food and mitigates climate change effects by avoiding chemical pesticides and fertilizers. “Some chemical inputs pose significant risks to the ecosystem and human health, including cancer,” he cautioned.
Engwedu said they are establishing Community Agroecology Schools [CAS] as learning centers for local farmers across the country.
Bosco Odongo, a lead farmer from the Aimoro Aitemitem Farmers Group, commended ESAFF’s efforts in training farmers on agroecological best practices, noting that farmers struggle with applying manure and preserving indigenous seeds. “There is a significant knowledge gap regarding the benefits of agroecological approaches, and many farmers today lack the skills to naturally preserve indigenous seeds,” he said.
Florence Akello from Kyere Farmers Field School emphasised the need for financial support from the government to facilitate farmers’ transition to agroecology.
https://thecooperator.news/farmers-tipped-on-agroecology-to-mitigate-climatic-change-disruptions/
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