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.
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| 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.
