ESAFF – Uganda awarded pupils from Kasese and Mbale schools that emerged winners of the 1 st Edition of the Schools Agroecology Poem

   BY SYLIVIA NAMUWANGA 

Promoting agroecology and its farming practices in Uganda has not been embraced by many farming

communities, especially the small-scale farmers of which many have been highly adopting conventional

farming practices which in most occasions depend more on the application of inorganic and synthetic

fertilizers that are harmful to soil, environment and human health.

The failure to adopt agroecology farming practices in the Country has been attributed to lack of

information and awareness on how small-scale farmers can practice agroecology. To avert the

situation, Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Framers’ Forum (ESAFF) Uganda a farmer-led

organization has come up with a public awareness initiative that targets both small-scale farmers and

the younger generation

.

 ESAFF Uganda initiated the 1 st edition of the Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition 2023 to create a broader awareness and appreciation of agroecology in secondary and

primary schools in all regions of Uganda and most importantly members of Agroecology Clubs.

The Small-scale farmers’ organization is empowering young generation and the public through the

formation of Agroecology Clubs in various learning institutions in the country that has empowered the

younger generation with accurate information about agroecology.

 

To Entice the younger generation to embrace agroecology, ESAFF Uganda embarked on the National Schools Agroecology Poem Writing. Competition 2023 where Rock Primary School from Kasese district and Vision High Secondary School from Mbale district emerged as the  winners at primary and secondary levels respectively. The best young poets were awarded with bursaries and other gifts.

Nancy Mugimba the ESAFF  National Coordinator Awarding Wanyenya Esther from  Vision  High School Mbale  

Among the pupils and students that were awarded bursaries and certificates being best in the Schools

Agroecology Poem Writing Competition include Tumwijukye Victor of P.6 from Rock Primary School who emerged as the overall winner of the competition followed by Agaba Morgan of P.5 from Rock Primary

School who emerged as the 1st runner-up while Achen Sylivia from Otubet Primary School in Amuria

district emerged as the 2 nd runner up at the primary level. At the secondary level, 

Wanyenya Esther of S.2 from Vision High Secondary School in Mbale emerged as the best in the competition with  Nyirambabariye Peruth of S.3 from Kisoro was the 1 st runner up and Odyek Ambrose from Maruzi Seed Secondary School in Apac emerging as the 2 nd runner up.

Speaking at the awarding ceremony Masudio Margret, ESAFF Board Vice Chairperson, commended Rock Primary School and Vision High Secondary School adding that ESAFF Uganda is willing to work with

schools to enable learners to be empowered with information related to agroecology. She commended

the proprietors for accepting to work with ESAFF Uganda towards promoting agroecology farming

practices in the learning institutions.

"Participating in the Schools’ Agroecology Poem Writing Competition highlights the school exceptional

leadership and performance and we hope that the skills that were imparted to the learners will help

them in understanding agroecology as the most sustainable farming practice". She Said.

Speaking on behalf of the school Mr. Khaukha Milton, the Head Teacher of Rock Primary School

expressed his gratitude to ESAFF Uganda for organizing the competition, emphasizing its importance in guiding pupils towards addressing critical issues not only in Uganda but throughout Africa.

"Involving children from the primary level is a paramount strategy for revitalizing our dwindling

ecological system, while promoting agroecological farming practices, and mitigating the impacts of

climate change" He said

Ms. Pangani Beatrice, the Chairperson ESAFF Kasese pledged the organization s willingness to work with the Agroecology Clubs in schools.

“Through these clubs, it’s the only way through which organic farming and agroecological practices can

be promoted as the practice plays a key role in mitigating climate change which is becoming a global

issue. It’s through the adaptation of agroecology that we can restore our environment and ensure food

security” She said.

At Vision High Secondary where a student was awarded with bursary for excelling in the competition,

the Head Teacher of the school Mr. Nangosya Jude applauded ESAFF Uganda for choosing the School to

be part of the few that the farmers' organization is supporting in running the Agroecology Club.

“We are happy to be chosen out of the many schools. Grooming the young generation through

agroecology is essential as they are the change makers” He said.

Speaking at the awarding ceremony, Nancy Mugimba the National Coordinator of ESAFF Uganda

applauded the learners for participating in the 1 st Edition of the Schools Agroecology Poem Writing

Competition and promised to further support the school with improving their Agroecology Library.

 Shefurther highlighted that there will be more competitions such as debates and quizzes for the students and urged the pupils to participate once the competitions are open.

Making her keynote address, as the Patron of the Agroecology Club at Rock Primary School in Kasese

district, Madam Mary Gorett Ithungu requested ESAFF Uganda to provide more support to the club by

providing information on making organic pesticides and manure and other relevant information on

Agroecology to help lure more pupils to the club.

In Mbale district, Mr. Obonyo Sam, the Patron Vision High Secondary School Agroecology Club

expressed his gratitude to ESAFF Uganda for organizing the Poem Writing Competition that has brought agroecology sensitization to their school.

“This has helped us agriculture teachers because the club members now know more about agriculture

and its practices. We will continue to support all the activities of the Agroecology Club in the school”. He

noted.

Venture more in Agroceological Farming practices for the good of public Health and Environment, Local farmers haven Advised.

 BY  SYLIVIA NAMUWANGA

 Ugandan Farmers have been told to resort  to Agroecological farming practices  such as the use   of organically farming inputs  such as locally produced fertilizers , pesticides as way to boost organically produced Agricultural products which are more healthier and  highly demanded both on  local and International markets .

Farming groups especially the Small holder farmers say the system is environmentally friendly and less costly compare to the Conventional Ones where a lot of inorganic farming inputs are highly used.

To ensure that farmers embrace the production systems many interventions have been initiated by farming associations such as the Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale farmers Forum (ESAFF) and other farmers groups especially those that units Small Scale farmers across the Country. For the last four years the forums have been organizing. The Annually National Organic Week since 2019.

 According to Hakim Baliraine the National Chairperson, ESAFF Uganda said that they use the Week to share best farming experience related to Agroecology farming practices.

Farmers practicing  Agroecology  , the farming practice save the Environment

 “Since 2019, ESAFF Uganda has been organizing the National Organic Week to raise awareness among the public on consumption of organic products and the contribution of organic farming towards the production of healthier food and also as a pillar in combating climate change” The chairperson said.

 Baliraine added that currently many Ugandan are Consuming foods that are highly contaminated with Chemical residues which is big threat to the health of many Uganda and the global at large.

 “With Agroecology farming practices this can be eliminated at the production level by farmers since Agroecology practices are safe” He supported the Adaptation of the farming practices.

 It’s on this Back ground that yet again, ESAFF Uganda has organized the 5th National Organic Week (NOW) 2023 which will aim at informing the wider public about the importance of organic farming and consumption of organically produced foods as well as encouraging uptake of organic farming practices among small scale farmers This year’s theme will be focusing on the promoting of Agroecological farming techniques and healthy foods.

 Over the past ten years, global output and trade of organic agriculture have grown exponentially. Global market opportunities, particularly in industrialized nations like Europe and North America, shifting consumer preferences toward safe and hazard-free organic food, rising environmental consciousness, and the health risks associated with agrochemicals are a few of the main factors driving the growing interest in organic agriculture.

 Uganda's agricultural system is essentially organic by nature due to the relatively low use of foreign inputs like inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Chemical fertilizers are among the least used in the globe, despite the fact that their use is rigorously regulated for plant protection.

 According to the players in the Agricultural Sector, This situation presents a tremendous potential for organic agriculture to develop and sustainably produce more food in order to increase food security and farmer revenue Farmers.

“In the heart of every farmer, the National Organic Week leaves a lasting imprint. It's a time when we reflect on the true essence of our craft, nurturing the land, and tending to the roots of sustainability. This week reminds us that the choices we make today, in support of organic farming, will bear fruit for generations to come. It's not just a celebration; it's a commitment to our planet's health and the legacy we leave behind in conserving our environment.”- Mr. Hakim Baliraine, National Chairperson, ESAFF Uganda added.

 The 5^th  National Organic Week which will run from the 25^thSeptember 2023 and ends on the 29^th aims at increasing awareness on Agroecological farming production systems and accelerate the uptake of these in the wider farming community, increase awareness of organic products and their benefits among the consumers, position indigenous seed varieties as the best adaptation strategy to address the impacts of climate change and to provide a platform for dialogue between policy makers and small scale farmers on how to sustainable organic and biological farming methods and products directly meet the agricultural and environmental challenges.

 The week-long event will be celebrated in Soroti, Gulu, Masaka, Lira, Amuru, Amuria, Adjumani, Kisoro, Kasese, Mbale, Kamuli, Jinja and Mityana and will include community dialogues, radio talk shows, engagement with Agroecology Clubs in Schools and the 5^th National Organic Dialogue as the climax event.

Strengthen Land Area Committees to Enable Execute their Duties, Local Leaders tells Government.

 BY SYLIVIA NAMUWANGA  

Land Actors at the lover Local Government Level have asked Government to Strengthening land governance institutions in the Country which they say it may play vital role in mitigating Land Conflicts across the Country.

 To achieve that the government should invest in building strong and transparent land governance institutions. This includes providing adequate resources, training, and capacity-building for the responsible agencies, such as the Land Registry, Land Management Units, and Area Land Committees (ALCs).

   This was raised by Lower Governments Leaders from West Nile region during an Induction Workshop that was organized by Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmer Forum {ESAFF} Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Land Housing and Urban Development for the Area Land Committee members of Warr and Logiri sub-counties in Zombo and Arua respectively on land administration and management that was held in Nebbi Town recently.

Speaking during the induction workshop, the Warr sub county Local Council III chairperson there experiencing a lot of Land Conflicts in his Sub county because the people who are supposed to offer technical guidelines especially when it comes to the Lands that were leased many years ag are have not been supported by the Government to execute their duties.

Local Government Leaders attending  the Training  in Nebbi Town 

Land is a key resource that is essential to the development of the economy, society, and culture of small-scale farmers and land actors. Land is very important in the West Nile sub-region for its potential for agriculture as well as for the livelihoods and identities of its residents.

However, land conflicts in the farming communities of the West Nile sub-region have been persistent and complex posing significant challenges to sustainable development and community harmony. These conflicts arise from various factors, including historical, social, economic, and political dynamics, and often result in disputes over land ownership, boundaries, and usage rights.

 

 Speaking at the same Induction Some ALC noted that the farming communities are not aware of the Land Rights Laws and this has exposed them to Land Conflicts with Investors in the region.

“For us we didn’t know anything about the charges on the land inspection during the registration of land for acquiring certificates of land ownership but now we are aware of it and we are going to effectively collect it” Nen Charles Oyikuru, ALC Chairperson Warr Sub-county.

It's on this ground that we applaud the Civil Societies and the Ministry of Lands that have empowered us with some skills on Land Issues.

 Speaking on behalf of the Civil Society during the Training, Ronald Bagaga the Research and Policy   Officer at ESAFF Uganda said Government Should Look for resources to ensure that these technical people at the Lower Government Levels are empowered.

“As farming Organization, we believe in Equity; Government should ensure that Local Communities are empowered with all the information relating to Land governance and Management and this will curtail Land Conflicts related issues that are becoming rampant in the country,” said Ronald Bagaga.

Denis Obbo, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development   Spokesperson, said it’s not their mandate to finance the ALCs because that responsibility is delegated to the Ministry of Local Governments.

According to the Land Act, 1998, the Area land committees are supposed to assist the board in an advisory capacity on matters relating to land, including ascertaining rights on the land in the Country.

Budibugyo District Schools and Town Council gets Sanitation Facilities

 BY Environment News Writer 

The Ministry of Water and Environment Officials led by the Assistant Commissioner Sewerage Services Division; Engineer. Dr. Felix Twinomucunguzi handed over completed sanitation facilities to schools and Bundibugyo Town Council.

 The hand over was part of the technical inspection and supervision of Bundibugyo Water Supply and Sanitation Project under which a number of  Two 5-Stance lined VIP institutional toilets and One Public Water borne toilet were constructed and handed over to Bundibugyo Demonstration School, Bumadu Primary School and Bundibugyo Town Council respectively

Bundibugyo Water Supply and Sanitation Project scope of works included

1. Construction of a water office

2. Construction of 4 No. 5 stance lined VIP Institutional toilets

3. Reservoir tank (1000cubic meters)

4. Treatment plant

5. 30 public stand posts and 1000 promotional yard tap connections

6. Laying of a treated water gravity transmission mains

7. Laying of distribution and intensification pipes.

8. 1 Public Water borne toilet

9. Construction of a river intake and raw water gravity mains.

The construction works are being undertaken by Vidas Engineering services Co.LTD is under the supervision of SARI Consulting Ltd and the progress is currently at 80%.

The Bundibugyo water system is being implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment through the Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project (STWSSP) under Urban Water Supply and Sewerage  Department. The Project is being financed by the African Development Bank secured by the Government of Uganda.

Bundibugyo Town Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System will serve a minimum of 118 villages. 26 villages in Bubukwanga sub county, 17 in Bukonzo sub county and 32 in Bundibugyo Town Council among others.