By Ashleigh Burgess / Lizz Norikane | Strategic Partnerships /East Africa Communications
Simon is entering his second year with the Lira, Uganda Forest Garden Project and shared the many ways in which his trainings and experiences have enhanced his land and the way he works. An ambitious farmer and innovator, Simon had diverse crops and interesting projects on his land. However, there are a few key ways in which Simon and his family has seen major improvements.
A few years ago, Simon’s land was vulnerable to grazing and roaming cattle. Now, the living fence protects his lands and establishes a clear boundary. In addition to the obvious benefits, Simon has also noticed an improvement in his soil from the nitrogen fixing trees that compose his fence.
Previously, Simon would purchase chemicals in town to use as pesticide and manure to enhance growth. Now, he has learned how to make a natural pesticide with chilies and various plants he grows on his plot. And instead of purchasing manure at market, Simon has begun composting in his Forest Garden, which has generated rich soil he spreads on his crops. He also intends to sell excess soil as an additional source of income, once his compost pile expands.
Simon has taken the lessons learned through his trainings and applied them throughout his Forest Garden, with great success. He work alongside his sons has brought more yield of diverse foods, increasing his family’s dietary consumption and diversity, with excess sold to bring in additional income. His soil is healthier and he now grows his crops organically – all of this achieved in his first year with the program. We cannot wait to see what Simon and his family is able to achieve in the coming years.
Through three trainings held this year, farmers in Lira learned to optimize their vegetable growing space and think of ideas to branch out into business like Simon. We encourage our farmers to be entrepreneurial and think of innovative ways to add to the Forest Garden’s value. We are glad to see these efforts taking off and on behalf of our farmers we want to thank you for your help in making it happen!
Sincerely,
The Trees for the Future Team
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