“It is said ignorance is bliss to some, but to Mr. Wasswa Peter, 15 years old and a student at Oxford High School in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, ignorance was a barrier to success. “
The lack of knowledge about Agroecology and organic farming had kept him stuck in outdated farming practices. Wasswa wasn’t utilizing his land to its full potential, and his approach was unsustainable for both him and the environment. He had been practicing monoculture, planting only maize and relying on chemical pesticides to boost yields.
However, everything changed for Wasswa when he participated in an inter-school debate competition organized by PELUM Uganda under the KHEA project with Lugoba High School. He was selected as one of the representatives for Oxford High School, which became a turning point in his farming journey. The debate exposed Wasswa to new, sustainable farming practices and gave him an appreciation for the importance of organic farming methods like intercropping and mulching to maintain soil health and control pests.
Inspired by what he learned, Wasswa eagerly sought more information on organic farming. During the debate, an opponent mentioned the availability of information on organic farming, which sparked Wasswa’s curiosity. His search led him to valuable platforms like Infonet Biovision and Access Agriculture, which provided him with a wealth of knowledge through informative videos for farmers.
Since being introduced to the KHEA project by PELUM Uganda, Wasswa’s approach to farming has been transformed. He has abandoned monoculture and now practices intercropping, mulching, and creating organic manure from animal dung. These practices are not only cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. Wasswa has shared his newfound knowledge with other young farmers through training and debates, helping them transition to organic farming as well. His efforts aim to increase awareness about sustainable farming practices and empower young farmers with the skills needed for successful organic farming
Combined Benefits of Intercropping and Mulching in Organic Farming:
When used together, intercropping and mulching can create a synergistic effect that enhances soil health, increases crop yields, and supports a more resilient farming system. For example:
- The use of mulch can help retain moisture for crops planted in an intercropping system, ensuring that all crops benefit from adequate hydration.
- The diversity of crops in intercropping can be supported by the reduced competition from weeds, as mulch suppresses weed growth.
“Because of Agroecology, I have been profiled by some local media. The KHEA project gave me a chance to appear on BBS Television, which really made me stand out from the crowd,” Wasswa proudly shares.
For Wasswa, Agroecology has provided him with a new perspective on farming, viewing it as an interdependent system where all organisms play a vital role. He believes that organic farming is the key to ensuring sustainable rainfall, preventing droughts, and increasing the lifespan of ecosystems, ultimately making the world a better place for everyone.
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; ezrakalule@pelumuganda.org and pmagino@biovisionafrica.org
- See license statement of all KCOA Content: https://kcoa-africa.org/licence-statement/ 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 Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Uganda on 1st October 2021 as a Communications Officer for the KCOA-KHEA Project. She comes with over 9 years’ experience as a Communications and Marketing professional in the area of Public Relations, Business Development and Marketing. Pamella offers her clients a visionary and holistic approach to developing communication strategies that are both effective and efficient. Pamella holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication majored in Public Relations and a Certified Member of the Public Relations Association Uganda a recognized umbrella body of all private and public Public Relations professionals, Communication Specialists, Brand Managers, Mass Communication & other related disciplines’ in Uganda. She previously worked with different organizations; The Nile Basin Initiative Secretariat Entebbe, Victoria University Kampala –Uganda, MK Publishers Limited, Monitor Publications Limited, School Times Newspaper, Prime Radio, Africa Youth Leadership Forum, League of Young Professionals Uganda, Volunteer Evolution Arica, Eliham Girl Child charity house.
