At least 750 farmers, organised into different groups from the sub-counties of Dhew and Erussi in Nebbi District, have shared their success stories stemming from the Caritas Nebbi Catholic Diocese Food and Economic Security Project.
Through training in agroecology—an approach that applies ecological concepts and principles to farming—Caritas empowered farmers and communities to adapt agricultural techniques that suit their local social, environmental, and economic conditions.
The three-year project, funded by “Bread for the World” from Germany, focused on training farmers in agroecology, organic farming, and climate-smart agriculture in response to the impacts of climate change.
Moreen Wilembe, the project field officer in Erussi Sub-County, encouraged the farmers to share the knowledge and skills they’ve gained over the years with others outside their groups.
“We have 750 farmers in Dhew and Erussi sub-counties. These farmers went through a lot of training in agroecology and organic farming. If you visit them, you can see visible changes on the ground,” Wilembe noted during an interview on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
She added, “My advice to these farmers: even though the project is ending this year, 2024, don’t let it end with you. Continue with the project by training other farmers in your community.”
The church-led initiative models how transitioning to sustainable farming can reduce climate impacts and help feed a growing population with a healthy diet.
As part of the project, a two-day exhibition and training on agroecology and organic farming were held at the Dhew and Erussi sub-county headquarters on October 1 and 2, respectively. Farmers from over 20 groups showcased crops such as maize, beans, sesame, and groundnuts and received further training.
Throughout the project, rural farmers were taken on exposure visits to regions like Masaka in Central Uganda, Adra in Madi-Okolo District, and Shida Na Kazi Farm in Zombo.
These visits enabled them to interact with farmers from other regions and learn practical examples of successful sustainable farming practices.
Ronald Okweda, the agriculture officer for Dhew Sub-County, admitted that there has been significant improvement in coffee production due to effective training by Caritas.
Several farmers also shared their success stories:
Cikawun Sakina from Pajur Parish, Erussi Sub-County, said, “Ever since Caritas came here in 2022, we were able to visit Masaka and Adra to learn good farming practices. This has increased my production, and I am now able to pay school fees for my four children.”
Bill Clinton Mangala from the Dikiri Ene Tegu group in Padolo Parish remarked, “We used to spray our crops without proper knowledge, but Caritas trained us on using indigenous leaves as pesticides. They also taught us how to control soil erosion, which is common in this hilly area.”
Yahaya Wod Nyapadolo from Pacaka Parish, under the Thwolo Cwiny group, noted, “Caritas donated indigenous and nutritious Irish potato varieties. We have realised significant sales from these varieties, which we are still using.”
The organisation championed sustainable farming that works with nature, providing a truly sustainable alternative both locally and globally, according to local extension workers.
Stella Amony, a field officer for the project in Dhew Sub-County, observed that “there are still people practicing poor farming techniques like bush burning, clearing bushes, and cutting down trees to create large farming spaces, which is not environmentally friendly.”
Organic agriculture, according to its principles, sustains and enhances the health of soil, plants, animals, humans, and the planet as one indivisible system.
It is based on living ecological systems and cycles, builds on relationships that ensure fairness concerning the environment and life opportunities, and, in a precautionary and responsible manner, protects the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.
As the impactful “Food and Economic Security Project” comes to an end this year, many farmers, in exclusive interviews, requested the extension of the project, which they say has brought visible transformation to their lives.
