Uganda project planting ideas
EXPERTS from Wales have been developing sustainable farming methods to help the lives of local producers from one of the poorest countries in the world.
Community Enterprise Model for Plant Oil Production (Cempop) is working to trial a sustainable agri-business that supports members of local communities in Uganda in East Africa.
Using the expertise of Cardiff University and IGO Ltd, the project is growing alternative plants to help producers generate a sustainable income.
Prices for cash crops in Uganda have hit rock bottom and some outside assistance has been eagerly taken up.
Peter Randerson, of Cempop and a lecturer at Cardiff University School of Biosciences, said: “We have tried to set up the project in the most environmentally sensitive way possible, using local materials and expertise to clear an area of land to create the plant nursery.
“We are also using a variety of different methods to grow the plants to find the most efficient methods that are possible, that can easily be continued by the local community, so that they can reap the benefits.”
Subsistence farming is the main economic activity in rural Uganda, so the fall in the price of cash crops means that many young people move to towns and cities in search of a better future.
To try and counteract this, the project is working with commercial farmers, and Ugandan-based organisations Kyoga Youth and Women Community Enterprise, to engage with local communities and help develop a potential alternative to the growing of the usual cash crops.
The production, extraction, processing and marketing of organic essential oils will create lasting opportunities for Uganda’s rural women and youth, coupled with educational opportunities for students in Cardiff.
There was praise for the initiative from Hub Cymru Africa, a partnership funded by the Welsh Government through the Wales for Africa programme.
Head of partnership Cat Jones said: “This innovative project is an excellent example of well-thoughtout partnership work, with expertise in terms of the technical elements... and local engagement and practical farming skills being provided by the Ugandan partners.
“Projects like this create an environment of shared learning, with benefits for all involved.”