Give 35 families food security in Uganda

Act4Africa's Grain for Growth is a programme aimed at improving food security and transforming the lives of farmers and their families in Mayuge District, Eastern Uganda. It has over time proved to achieve its intended purpose as families involved have gradually increased their production, and can thus have food for a longer time. By equipping farmers with the right skills, they are able to adapt better agronomy practices that increase their yields over time.

This report outlines the activities, topics covered, achievements, and next steps following the preharvest training conducted in February 2024.

Preharvest Training Objective

The primary objective of the preharvest training was to equip farmers with practical skills to employ better agricultural methods, thereby improving their yields. This training was designed to provide farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective farming practices and to equip them with basics of proper post-harvest handling.

Topics Covered

• Demonstration on Land Preparation: Farmers were shown how to properly prepare their land for planting. This included clearing the land, plowing, and ensuring the soil was in optimal condition for planting.

• Planting Techniques: The training covered the correct planting techniques, including the appropriate spacing between plants and the correct number of seeds to plant per hole. This is crucial for maximizing crop yields and ensuring healthy plant growth.

• Crop monitoring: Farmers loose out because of poor monitoring. Here they were encouraged to maintain a close look at their crops, so they are given the right care(Spraying, weeding)  throught the gestation period.

• Drying Grain: A recap session was conducted on the proper ways of drying grain to prevent mold and other spoilage.

• Measuring Moisture Content: Farmers were taught how to measure the moisture content of their grain using local methods, ensuring the grain is adequately dried before storage.

• Appropriate Storage: Proper storage techniques were emphasized to maintain grain quality and prevent losses. Farmers were introduced to the use of hermetic bags for improved storage.

Mindset Change

The training also focused on mindset change, encouraging farmers to move towards value addition. This includes processing their crops to add value before selling, which can increase their income and improve food security in the community.

Achievements

• Acquisition of Proper Storage Equipment

At the end of the training, farmers were provided with hermetic bags, which are essential for proper grain storage. These bags help in preventing insect infestation and maintaining grain quality over extended periods.

• Energizing Farmers

The training sessions energized farmers, equipping them with new knowledge and practices. This has led to a noticeable shift in how farmers approach their farming activities, with many now considering value addition as a viable option for enhancing their livelihoods.

Next Steps

• Physical Monitoring

The next phase of the programme involves physical monitoring of the farmers' gardens. This will allow the trainers to see how well the farmers are implementing the practices taught during the training. The monitoring process will help identify any challenges the farmers are facing and provide further support and guidance as needed.

• Continued Support

Act4Africa plans to continue supporting the farmers with ongoing training sessions and resources to ensure the long-term success of the programme. In this, a detailed post harvesting training has been scheduled for June 2024, as farmers will be nearing the harvest season.This continuous support is vital for sustaining the improvements in food security and the livelihoods of the farmers in Mayuge District. 

• Conclusion

The preharvest training conducted in February 2024 as part of Act4Africa's Grain for Growth programme has made significant strides in equipping farmers with the skills and tools needed to improve their agricultural practices. The initial successes and positive mindset changes observed among the farmers are promising. With continued support and monitoring, the programme is set to make a lasting impact on food security and the well-being of farming families in Eastern Uganda.

Your support is making all this possible. Thank you so much.