Uganda has the potential to feed its entire population through the practice of organic agriculture. Comparative to ‘modern agriculture’, organic agriculture requires more labour – and Uganda has got over 30 million people. ‘Modern agriculture’ has a lot of hidden costs – the effects of extensive use of artificial chemical fertilizers and pesticides – which Uganda really cannot afford.

This is why the National Agriculture Advisory Development Services (NAADS), in its un-politicised form is extremely important for Uganda. We need a team of scientists and practicing farmers to provide much needed advice and extension services in the practice of organic farming for which Uganda has a comparative advantage.

Ugandan farmers are not backward needing ‘modernising’, they just need the same support as the so-called investors who are bringing in the poison in the name of modernisation of agriculture. Our ‘imperfect’ looking mangoes are just as good nutritionally and are far superior ecologically. Eboo (cowpeas leaves) need no artificial fertilizers – they grow so well in our homesteads; as do many other vegetables and fruits. And eating organic will save you loads of money.

Hajjat Sebyala Aphwa aka Hajjat Green “living by example in her backyard garden of tomatoes, cucumber, papali (pawpaw), biringanya (egg plants), Kikajo (sugarcane), kisuubi (lemon grass), sùkumawiki (collards), enkoma mawanga, guava and more – a KATOGO GARDEN! But Cool and nice.”

Featured photo @ Hajjat Sebyala Aphwa aka Hajjat Green.