Farmers in the highlands of Uganda’s Elgon region are turning to an innovative solution to reclaim their land and livelihoods forest gardening. Once plagued by landslides and erratic weather patterns that washed away their crops, these farmers are now taking charge of their future, one tree at a time. The forest garden approach is proving to be a life-changing method for both the environment and local communities, offering hope in the face of climate change and agricultural degradation.
The forest garden model is rooted in agroforestry, a method of land management that integrates trees, food crops, and livestock in a sustainable system. Farmers begin by planting fast-growing trees such as Albizia and Calliandra around their gardens, creating protective green walls that help prevent soil erosion and improve water retention. This is the first step in a multi-year training program that not only focuses on environmental restoration but also enhances agricultural practices.
As part of the program, farmers diversify their crops by adding fruit trees and other food plants while incorporating organic farming methods like composting, mulching, and contour farming. These techniques help to nurture the soil, increase fertility, and boost yields. Over time, farmers develop a deeper understanding of how to protect and restore their land, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The transformation in farming practices is evident in villages like Bumumbi, where farmers such as Simon Manyali have witnessed remarkable changes in their crops. “We used to farm blindly,” Manyali recalls. “Now we know how to protect our soil and improve yields using fruit trees and organic practices. You can see the difference in the banana bunches they’re bigger, healthier.”
This shift in farming methods has also led to greater food security. Farmers no longer have to rely on traditional methods that often result in crop failure or low yields. Instead, the integrated farming practices taught through forest gardening are helping to ensure a steady supply of food. Junic Namono, a farmer from Buwashi Lowe Village, explains, “We used to struggle to feed our family. Now we use compost, grow fruit trees, and have enough food even extra to sell.”
The forest garden approach also offers solutions for land fragmentation, a major issue in many rural areas of Uganda. By teaching farmers how to make intensive use of small plots of land, the model helps prevent the encroachment on forests or the settlement of families on unstable slopes. The focus on sustainable practices and land stewardship encourages farmers to become caretakers of the environment, promoting a culture of sustainability.
Moreover, the program is cultivating community leadership, with trained farmers being encouraged to become trainers themselves, sharing their knowledge with neighboring villages. This creates a ripple effect of empowerment, where farmers become agents of change within their own communities. The model not only restores the land but also strengthens the social fabric by building trust and cooperation.
The impact of forest gardening goes beyond individual farms it addresses larger environmental issues, such as soil degradation and deforestation, that threaten food security across the region. By integrating trees into farming systems, the approach helps to restore fragile ecosystems while enhancing the resilience of farming communities to climate change.
As climate change continues to put pressure on agriculture in Uganda’s highlands, the forest garden approach offers a scalable solution that empowers farmers to take control of their future. With the right support and knowledge, these farmers are not just surviving they are thriving, demonstrating that the path to sustainable agriculture lies in the hands of the people who care for the land.
