Sustainable Agriculture Program
Agriculture is a major source of livelihoods in Uganda; almost 70% of Ugandan households are doing agriculture in one way or another. In Kayabwe town about 50% of the young population practices agriculture as their sole source of income and livelihoods.
Under our mandate of empowering young people for development, we run several development programs to equip the youth with relevant knowledge and skills for growth and development in their different ventures.
The Sustainable Agriculture program as the name suggests aims at promoting sustainable agricultural practices among young farmers in Kayabwe. Through the program young farmers are trained and mentored in various aspects relating to agriculture, they are also provided with agricultural equipment. The main purpose of all this is to help young farmers understand, appreciate and adopt techniques and practices that promote sustainable agriculture.
All the training and mentorship done in this program focuses on the three main components of sustainable agriculture which are Environmental management, Economic profitability and Social Equity. This program is restricted to the foundation beneficiaries who are practicing agriculture.
Workshops and on site trainings are done all throughout the year for the young farmers by several partners of the foundation with emphasis on these topics:-
Good farming practice
Farmers are trained on farming practices that conserve the soil and in turn support the production of quality crops and bountiful harvests. The trainers hold theory and practical sessions on different farms. The sessions cover topics like crop rotation, proper land utilisation, farming the right crop in the right soil, nature soil fertilisers, weeding etc.
Land use and soil conservation
Farmers receive extensive training on land use and soil conservation, learning the types of land/soil, what soil is best for what crop, using animal waste to boost soil fertility, how to use land right etc. This topic has been of great benefit especially to small scale farmers, helping them utilise their land effectively.
Pest management
As the topic name states this covers the management of pests on farms using ecosystem friendly methods. Crop production is heavily affected by pests at all stages of production. It’s very important that farms adopt eco-friendly methods that allow soil conversion and support quality production
Mixed Farming
The farmers are trained in the best methods and practices for mixed farming; that improve quality production.
Weather and Climate
Here farmers are trained on the importance of climate to agriculture and vice versa. They are mentored and encouraged to practice climate promoting agriculture for a greater good.
Water use and conservation
This topic leans more on water use on farms, for farm work and how to conserve it among other things. There is no agriculture without water so it’s important that young farmers learn how to use and conserve water.
Storage
This covers proper storage of farm produce, equipment and other things used on the farm.
Production for Sell
This is more of the business side of agriculture, the farmers are taught on how to produce food for commercial purposes throughout the year. This topic cuts across to business where the farmers learn the different aspects of running a farm as a business entity.
Farm Produce Distribution
This is in relation to production for sell, for farmers producing for sell, they are also taught safe and conducive ways of distributing produce with minimal waste and loss.
Partnership
This more on the social equity component of sustainable agriculture, farmers are encouraged to use agriculture as a platform to contribute to their different communities. They are advised and guided on how to make partnerships with community members and support organisations for the betterment of the whole agricultural system in the region.
Farm Equipment Management
Sessions on farm equipment take the farmers through lessons on how to utilise the equipment, maintain it and above all use it for a greater good.
Agriculture and Technology
The young farmers here learn about technology that can better agriculture and how they can use it for the betterment of their agricultural objectives.
Animal Farming
Animal farming focuses more on animals and growing them for agriculture purposes. Through this programme the Nkuze Youth Foundation hopes to empower over 200 young farmers in the region and the country to practice farming that will benefit their lives, promote growth and complement food production in Uganda.