Building Resilient and Sustainable Landscapes in Eastern Uganda through Farmer-Led Research and Knowledge Integration
Lead Organization:
Popular Knowledge Women's Initiative Farmer to Farmer Cooperative Society Limited
Partner Organizations:
Ateker Transformation and Sustainability Initiatives (ATSI); National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI); Busitema University; CERD Uganda
Community of Practice:
Countries:
Uganda
Duration:
1/2025—1/2028
Overview:
Teso Subregion lies within Uganda’s semi-arid belt, where food and income security are fragile. This fragility stems from increasing climate variability, small land holdings with poor productivity, rising pest and disease pressures, and limited access to diverse climate-smart technologies. However, the most significant challenges facing farming communities in the subregion are prolonged droughts, flash floods, waterlogging, loss of biodiversity, and the emergence of pests and diseases. Soil infertility has also become a major factor contributing to the low productivity of crops in the region, ultimately leading to food shortages, poor nutrition, and low income generation for farming communities, particularly those relying on crop enterprises. Additionally, there is a growing threat of the loss of indigenous germplasm in the subregion due to a lack of conservation efforts. This is partly due to the emergence of improved varieties and the neglect or abandonment of indigenous varieties, which are perceived as less productive compared to the improved ones.
In an effort to address some of these challenges, stakeholders have identified agroecology transitioning as crucial. It offers opportunities for the production and use of bioproducts like biopesticides and biofertilizers, which are important for reducing the use of less affordable and hazardous products and practices. Agroecology promotes agrobiodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and socio-cultural and political interactions, leading to resilient, productive, and healthy landscapes. It supports diverse food systems that provide income, food, and nutrition security to farm households (Santoso et al., 2021), diversified household nutrition (Mosonsieyiri et al., 2021), and the adaptation of smallholder farmers to climate change (Dittmer et al., 2023; Ricciardi et al., 2021). Therefore, engaging households in diversified crop production, livestock rearing, and multipurpose tree integration through an agroecological approach is critical (FAO, 2018).
Although our previous efforts on agroecological intensification have focused on the farm as a small farming unit, we recognize the growing need to adopt a landscape approach by harnessing existing local and traditional knowledge systems to support agroecological interventions. Our previous projects (FRN Uganda and Cereals FRN) established FRNs that initiated the transition to agroecology from the farm level to the landscape level.
Furthermore, P’KWI, TECNOSERVE, SNV, through the “Climate Resilient Agribusinesses for Tomorrow” project, and the MAAIF have undertaken significant work in the subregion to address climate change effects. Some initiatives include climate-smart agriculture, involving the establishment of tree nurseries and the distribution of vegetable seedlings to different communities within the subregion. The government has also initiated a microscale irrigation program for small-scale farmers to help them cope with climate change effects. NaSARRI, P’KWI, and ATSI have all been involved in promoting the production and use of various biofertilizers and biopesticides. P’KWI, in partnership with UMU, ATSI, and CERD, has conducted sensitization campaigns to popularize the concept of agroecology, its practices, and markets for agroecological products.
Grant Aims:
This project focuses on enhancing sustainable farming practices and building resilience in smallholder farming communities through targeted outputs and outcomes.
Key outputs include the establishment of sustainable community seed banks to preserve indigenous germplasm and improve access to diverse, high-quality seeds. Additionally, household-level backyard gardens and centralized seedling banks will promote consistent production of nutrient-dense crops. Water scarcity will be addressed through on-farm water harvesting and micro-irrigation units, enabling continuous vegetable cultivation. Community-led biofertilizer and biopesticide production, alongside mobile soil analysis mini-labs, will enhance soil health, crop growth, and protection. Furthermore, the project will validate and promote traditional agroecological practices and methods for crop preservation and value addition.
To disseminate knowledge and strengthen local capacity, two agroecological learning centers will be developed to train farmers, students, and stakeholders through hands-on learning and seminars. Green market stalls will facilitate the sale of agroecologically produced food, further supporting sustainable practices.
Outputs and Outcomes:
Outputs
- Output 1.1: Establishment of Sustainable Community Seed Banks
Seed banks will preserve indigenous germplasm, improve access to quality seeds, and regenerate diverse crops at risk of extinction. - Output 1.2: Creation of Productive Backyard Gardens
Nutrient-dense vegetable gardens will be established at the household level, ensuring consistent crop production. - Output 1.3: On-Farm Water Harvesting and Micro-Irrigation Units
Micro-irrigation systems will enable continuous vegetable production during water scarcity. - Output 1.4: Establishment of Vegetable and Tree Seedling Banks
Centralized nurseries will grow and distribute nutrient-rich vegetables and tree seedlings. - Output 2.1: Establishment of Community Biofertilizer and Biopesticide Production Units
The community will produce biofertilizers and biopesticides to improve crop growth and protection. - Output 2.2: Identification and Promotion of Viable Traditional and Agroecological Practices
Validation trials will identify and promote effective agroecological practices in the community. - Output 2.3: Establishment of Mobile and Community-Based Soil Analysis Mini-Labs
Mini-labs will assess soil health and support sustainable farming practices. - Output 2.4: Identification and Promotion of Preservation and Value Addition Methods
The project will validate techniques to enhance crop value and longevity. - Output 3.1: Strengthening of Two AE Learning Centers
Two learning centers will foster agroecological technology, innovation, and knowledge dissemination. - Output 3.2: Training of Farmers, Students, and Stakeholders on Agroecological Practices
Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) will be trained, and students will receive hands-on experience at AE learning centers. - Output 3.3: Promotion of Key Agroecological Practices
Sensitization seminars and practical demonstrations will promote AE practices. - Output 3.4: Establishment and Strengthening of Green (Agroecological) Market Stalls
Green market stalls will facilitate the marketing of agroecologically produced foods.
Outcomes
- Outcome 1: Increased and Sustainable Production and Utilization of Indigenous Crops
Enhanced production, preservation, and consumption of indigenous vegetables, fruits, cereals, and legumes will improve food security. - Outcome 2: Improved Awareness of Soil Health Among Farming Communities
The promotion of biofertilizer use will strengthen soil productivity and resilience against climate variability. - Outcome 3: Adoption of Agroecological Concepts in Farming
Through training and demonstrations, farming communities and stakeholders will adopt agroecological farming practices.