Cosmus Apuka, the head teacher of Olwal Mucaja Primary School, emphasized that introducing children to organic farming practices is vital for promoting food sovereignty and preventing the extinction of local seeds.
A section of primary schools in Amuru District has embraced practical teaching of agroecology as part of an initiative to preserve traditional farming practices and promote sustainable food systems. The schools involved in the pilot project include Pagak Primary School and Olwal Mucaja Primary School in Lamogi Sub County.
These schools have established agroecology clubs where pupils learn hands-on lessons about organic farming, organic manure production, and indigenous seed preservation. The learning modules were developed with assistance from the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF), an organization led by smallholder farmers.
The practical lessons commenced in the first term of 2024, allowing students to explore a variety of organic seeds, and study their characteristics, growth conditions, storage methods, and nutrient content. The clubs also provide opportunities for inter-school debates on best agronomic practices related to organic farming.
Cosmus Apuka, the head teacher of Olwal Mucaja Primary School, emphasized that introducing children to organic farming practices is vital for promoting food sovereignty and preventing the extinction of local seeds. He pointed out that while commercial farmers tend to adopt conventional methods, the agrochemicals used in these practices exploit smallholder farmers’ vulnerability and hinder the preservation of traditional foods.
“We need to start with children and tell them that the traditional foods aren’t only healthy but cheaper to produce. Once we do that, they will take the message home to their parents,” he added.
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Sofie Aol Kidega, the Chairperson of the Amuru District Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF), expressed concerns about the conventional teaching of agriculture in schools. She noted that current curricula often omit effective organic farming practices, focusing instead on modern technologies.
“We are looking at the modules where organic farming has to be incorporated into the curriculum so that the children are introduced to this concept as early as possible,” Aol stated. She cautioned that without support for local farmers to preserve their seeds, food sovereignty and seed control would be compromised, forcing reliance on hybrid seeds.
Aol argued that the use of chemical applications on large farms has depleted much of the land in the area, negatively impacting local communities.
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Some learners involved in the agroecology clubs have called on proponents to encourage their parents to consume healthy foods. Naboya Pretty, a Primary Six pupil and coordinator of the agroecology club at Olwal Mucaja Primary School, praised the initiative for introducing them to these concepts.
Naboya explained that through their practical lessons on a demonstration farm, many pupils are learning about various traditional seeds, including how to grow and preserve them.
“We have set up two farms, one organic and another inorganic, both with groundnuts, and we want to compare their production levels at the end,” she said, adding, “But we have noticed that the organic farm has many living organisms, such as earthworms, while the inorganic farm doesn’t; yet science says they are good for soil health.”
Naume Kalinaki, the Program Officer for Enterprise Livelihood Development with ESAFF-Uganda, noted that involving children in farming empowers them to advocate for their rights.
“When we bring them into a club like this, they will develop the confidence and competence to build a generation that will have the power to control and preserve our healthy food systems,” Kalinaki explained.
The organization has also established a national seed bank in Omoro District, located in Ongako Sub County, for preserving endangered indigenous seeds such as maize, millet, cassava, and beans.
In Amuru District, farmers are organized into 12 farmers' field schools, each consisting of 15 to 30 farmers, who are divided into groups of five responsible for growing and preserving indigenous seeds.
Ronald Nyeko, a board member of ESAFF Uganda in Amuru District, disclosed that the group preserved three tons of indigenous seeds during the first farming season of 2024, which will be distributed to farmers for the second season.
“We hope to preserve about 10 tons of those seeds after the second season as we continue to revive organic farming, where even if these farmers don’t have money to buy seeds, they can exchange them to build stronger households against food insecurity,” Nyeko explained.
Meanwhile, ESAFF Uganda is currently celebrating its sixth national organic week, with national celebrations scheduled for October 4, 2024, in Serere District, Eastern Uganda.