“When I first heard about agroecology, I wanted to know more. Once I learned that it involved organic farming methods, I realized that I had already been applying these practices in my cassava plantation,” says Mungueconi.
The COVID-19 pandemic not only brought challenges but also opened new opportunities for people like me to discover hidden talents and passions. My farming journey began in 2020, during the total lockdown in Uganda. With schools closed and having plenty of free time, I decided to take on casual labor to earn some money. I used these earnings to buy my first goat and plant cassava in my village in Arua District. My interest in farming comes from my family background, as my parents have always practiced subsistence farming to survive.
In early 2022, I was introduced to the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in East Africa (KHEA) project through an interschool debate competition at my school, Grace High School in Bulamu Gayaza, Wakiso District.
The debate, organized by PELUM Uganda under the KHEA project, focused on promoting organic farming to youth. I was intrigued by the topic because it aligned with my passion for agriculture.
This also led me to switch schools; I had previously left a school that didn’t emphasize agriculture and joined Grace High School to focus more on my farming interests.
I had no idea that using animal droppings, such as goat manure, in my plantation instead of inorganic fertilizers was what the KHEA project promoted.
After the debate, I decided to learn more about organic farming practices. The KHEA project provided me with training, which I’ve passed on to people in my village. I encouraged my father to stop growing tobacco, which is common in West Nile, due to its harmful environmental impact. Instead, he now grows watermelons and uses goat manure as fertilizer, which has improved the quality of his produce.
Through the KHEA project, I’ve also had the chance to travel across Uganda and spread the message of organic farming to other young farmers. I visited places like Jinja, which I had never been to before. I’ve gained valuable knowledge and skills that I believe can help address the challenges of climate change.
Sadly, my sister passed away from oral cancer, which I believe was caused by the harmful effects of tobacco farming in our area. Tobacco farming pollutes the environment and poses health risks to those who work in the fields. This experience has made me even more committed to promoting organic farming.
Now, I only consume organic foods, and I firmly believe that organic farming is the way forward for all Ugandans. None of this would have been possible without the KHEA project under PELUM Uganda.
Disclaimer:
- To learn about the KCOA Project: https://kcoa-africa.org/
- To learn about the KHEA Project: https://khea-africa.org/
- For more details on information in this article, please reach out to; pmagino@biovisionafrica.org
- Edited, reviewed by Francis Nsanga-KHEA Project Manager-PELUM Uganda and Biovision Africa Trust Kenya.
- See license statement of all KCOA Content: https://kcoa-africa.org/licence-statement/Â which also applies to all content from hubs implementing the KCOA project.
For more information visit; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9kBXeafjoo&t=5s
Success story collection – done by Ezra Kalule – KHEA Project Officer – PELUM Uganda,
Edited, reviewed&uploaded by Magino Pamella-KHEA Communications Officer-PELUM Uganda and Biovision Africa Trust Kenya
Author: Pamella Magino
Ms. Magino Pamella joined PELUM Uganda on 1st Oct 2021 as Communications Officer for the KCOA-KHEA project. With 9+ years in Communications and Marketing, she specializes in Public Relations, Business Development, and Marketing. Pamella holds a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication (Public Relations) and is a Certified Member of PRAU. She has worked with organizations like The Nile Basin Initiative and Victoria University Kampala, crafting strategies that drive positive change.
