In the early 1950s, a young boy named Musisi Arthur watched his mother cultivate a vibrant garden, filled with climbing beans, bitter berries, and an array of other crops, all nurtured without synthetic products. She prepared meals simply—boiling beans and eggplants with just a pinch of salt—serving up fresh fruits untouched by chemicals. Those were the days of wholesome eating, and the memories still bring a smile to Musisi’s face.
As he reminisces about the sweet mangoes of his childhood, Musisi lights up, his expressions revealing a longing for a time when health issues like malaria were rare and children thrived without frequent hospital visits. Now, at 69 years old and residing in Kongojje town council in Wakiso district, Musisi reflects on how modern farming practices have altered this idyllic landscape.
Welcoming us into his humble home, Musisi’s farm sprawls across 8,900 square meters. The raw scent of dung manure fills the air, a testament to his commitment to organic farming. His land bursts with life, showcasing a flourishing banana plantation, healthy Irish potatoes, and rabbits, illustrating a co-dependent ecosystem where animals and plants thrive together.
Yet, Musisi admits that the shift to chemical farming was not easy. As demand for food increased with the growing population, he, like many farmers, turned to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. “These chemicals infected my eyes and made my knees weak,” he recalls with pain, describing the frequent paralysis he suffered despite protective gear.
Today, the mantra among farmers has become “spraying, spraying, spraying,” with chemicals used at every stage of planting. Musisi believes this practice leads to poor yields and harmful products, contributing to a cycle of health issues.
His turning point came when he joined the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture (KHEA) project under PELUM Uganda, facilitated by the Kongojje Farmers’ Association. After attending a training sessions, Musisi felt inspired to return to his roots in sustainable farming.
Empowered with new skills, he now produces his own organic manure using rabbit urine and droppings, mixed with ash and garlic, which ferments for two weeks. He’s even established a demonstration garden to compare the effects of inorganic and organic farming methods firsthand.
“I have improved my health and reduced my sugar intake,” Musisi shares. “I’ve learned to appreciate the food I consume, free from worries about side effects.”
While Musisi’s journey in agroecology is just beginning, his motivation is unwavering. Despite facing challenges such as limited capital for additional resources, he remains committed to advancing his sustainable farming practices, rekindling the spirit of the farming traditions he cherished as a child.
Successes Highlighted:
- Return to Organic Practices: Musisi has embraced organic farming methods, moving away from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which he found harmful to his health.
- Innovative Fertilizer Production: He has learned to create his own organic manure using rabbit urine and droppings, showcasing self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.
- Health Improvements: Musisi reports better health and reduced sugar intake after becoming aware of the dangers of chemically grown food.
- Educational Engagement: His participation in the KHEA project through PELUM Uganda has provided him with valuable training in agro-ecology.
- Demonstration Garden: Musisi has established a demo garden to experiment with and showcase the benefits of organic farming compared to traditional methods.
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.
