4th Edition of Schools’ Agroecology Poem Writing Competition Launched

Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF) Uganda on June 5, 2026, launched the 4th Edition of the National Schools’ Agroecology Poem Writing Competition at Serere Township Secondary School, Serere district.

The competition was launched in collaboration with partners such as Humundi, Oxfam in Uganda, Agroecology Fund, Ministry of Education and Sports, and National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) under the theme, “Agroecology in Action: Cultivating Healthy School Diets.”

The initiative aims to deepen learners’ understanding of agroecology and sustainable food systems, while nurturing a generation of agroecology-conscious citizens capable of contributing to environmental conservation, food security, and sustainable development.

It should be noted that the transition towards sustainable food systems in Uganda continues to face serious hurdles, not least of which is a persistent information gap regarding what constitutes sustainable agriculture and the long-term implications of different farming practices.

At the heart of this discourse is agroecology, an approach recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a pathway towards resilient and sustainable food systems. Yet despite its growing prominence in global agricultural discussions, awareness of agroecology remains limited across many sections of Ugandan society. The concept is still unfamiliar to a significant proportion of the population, including many educated citizens.

However, a quiet transformation is underway. Across the country, agroecology actors are investing in efforts to build a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who understand the critical links between agriculture, ecosystems, nutrition, and human well-being.

ESAFF Uganda has emerged as a leading force in promoting agroecology education among young people. Through the establishment of Agroecology Clubs in schools, ESAFF is introducing learners to sustainable agriculture concepts at an early age by providing practical and engaging spaces where students learn about biodiversity conservation, healthy soils, ecological farming practices, food sovereignty, climate resilience, and responsible environmental stewardship.

Building on this foundation, ESAFF Uganda pioneered the Schools’ Agroecology Poem Writing Competition, an innovative platform that is steadily gaining national recognition. Since 2023, the organization has organized the competition as a strategic response to the evolving educational landscape and the growing need to nurture responsible, creative, and solution-oriented citizens.

As competency-based curricula gains prominence in Uganda and globally, the competition provides a unique platform for learners to move beyond classroom theory and engage meaningfully with real-world challenges affecting agriculture, food systems, health, and the environment.

Speaking during the launch, the District Inspector of Schools for Serere district, Mr. Okaso Okedi Cyprian who officiated at the event encouraged learners to actively participate in Agroecology Club activities and share knowledge on the need to transition towards sustainable food systems within their communities.

“It is important to be in these clubs because you will acquire interpersonal skills, personal skills, and lifelong skills. When you write about agroecology, let people see how your poem relates to climate-smart agriculture and the changes taking place in your community. Transfer the skills you gain here to your home, your village, and your community,” he noted.

The Head Teacher of Serere Township Secondary School, Patrick Edamu, described the competition as an important platform for imparting life-changing skills to learners and preparing them for active participation in society. He encouraged students to be creative and use poetry to propose innovative ideas that can support society's transition to agroecology.

“The competition you are going in for must sell you. Write new ideas, provide information, share experiences from your locality, and highlight issues that can inspire the transition to sustainable food systems,” he said.

As part of the launch activities, members of Serere Township Secondary School Agroecology Club participated in a tree-planting exercise aimed at restoring lost tree cover, combating climate change, and building a greener future. The activity was also held in commemoration of World Environment Day 2026.

Through the power of poetry, learners are becoming important voices in advancing the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems in Uganda.