Organic farming enhances biological diversity within the whole ecosystem, increases soil biological activity, maintains long-term soil fertility, recycles wastes of plant and animal origin to return nutrients to the soil, relies on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems, promotes the healthy use of soil, water, and air as well as minimize all forms of pollution. Organic farming further promotes agricultural practices that prevent soil erosion and compaction by protecting the soil by planting mixed and relay crops. This results in high crop yields and harvests by small-scale farmers.
ESAFF Uganda conducted a training on the preparation and application of bio fertilizers using animal products especially whole fresh milk and whole fresh fish. These two products are rich in proteins which break down during decomposition into ammonia and later to nitrates hence are essential source of nitrogen for the crops. Small-scale farmers were also trained on production of bio-pesticides as well as practical on preparation and application of organic pesticides.
This training equipped the members Community Agroecology Schools in Mityana and Kasese districts with useful knowledge and skills on the production and preparation processes of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides respectively. Through this continuous capacity building we offer to the small-scale farmers, they are now planning and strategizing on how to reap big in terms of increasing production in their farms and commercialization of bio-fertilizer and pesticide production in their communities.
ESAFF Uganda trained seven Community Agroecology Schools including Magongolo Community Agroecology School, St. Cecilia, Nyamwamba, Mumbuzi, Road Barrier Upper, Kisanga, and Bunyandiko Community Agroecology School. These are now ready to produce organic pesticides and fertilizers with a specific focus of improving their farm production and generating income through selling of their products.
According to Arinaitwe Justine, Facilitator St. Cecilia Community Agroecology School, they prepared their first bio pesticide product from local herbs and plant after the first training and it is very effective in the control of aphids, white flies, caterpillars, beetles, and bugs. They applied it in their fields of beans, groundnuts, maize, citrus and tomatoes and it worked well.
“We as St. Cecilia Community Agroecology School are prepared to start the production of bio-pesticides in large quantity to target local markets and small-scale farmers in the community since we have already tested the effectiveness of the products and farmers are willing to buy. With this knowledge that ESAFF Uganda has added to us, we are now ready to go big and utilize the existing opportunity in our community that has been there for long without anyone exploring it. We will produce our organic pesticides, sell to small-scale farmers and use it to improve our productions. The income we shall generate from the sales shall be used for diversification of our enterprises such as groundnut and cassava growing. This has been a great opportunity for us to also train others and extend the knowledge to others so as to improve our finances and livelihood,” Justine added.
“The knowledge I have acquired on the preparation and application of bio-fertilizers is the best thing for me since we have all the materials readily available in our community. Am going to start producing these bio-fertilizers for my own use and for sale to my fellow farmers to get some income for my family needs. Am so much grateful to ESAFF Uganda for this training”. Bisaso Daniel, member, Magongolo Community Agroecology School in Mityana said.
Members of the Community Agroecology Schools will now target production for sale. “With the commitment that the members of our Community Agroecology School are having, we are going to invest in the production of bio-fertilizers to improve on our production. I also believe that this can be a very good avenue for Magongolo Community Agroecology School to make money from selling the bio-fertilizers to other farmers in the community since most of them use expensive, unsafe inorganic but with is new knowledge we are optimistic of changing the practice in this community”. Sserwanga Edward, Trainer, Magongolo Community Agroecology School.
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