Looking within to find solutions that pertain to our problems rather than looking without to imitate ‘developed nations’ is the way to go.
We have different cultures.
Cattle
In many ‘developed nations’ for example, cattle are raised for only one purpose and that is for financial gain.
Whereas, in comparison, in some of our cultures in Uganda, cattle are looked at as prestige.
Handheld Hoe
For those who say:
“We may have to invest more on quality of education, so that we can have people who can competently use their brains rather than the hoes.”
Is there any agricultural invented tool, by those using their brains competently, that can till such a terrain as Uganda that produces most of the food eaten all over Uganda and beyond using nothing but a hoe?
Aflatoxins
President Museveni is talking about Aflatoxins.
“The president warned against dangers of aflatoxins produced by certain molds found in food, and can cause liver damage and cancer. To control aflatoxins, Mr Museveni recommended proper food management, storage and handling.” source @ Daily Monitor
It becomes apparent that the president is not fully conversant with biodiversity decline repercussions, which include increase of aflatoxins.
Aflatoxins will be exacerbated with monoculture that is part and parcel of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) that the National Research Organization (NARO) and Monsanto are promising as the solution.
Any Chemical Fungicides on the market harm the environment and humans.
So why not use natural or organic Fungicides to combat Aflatoxins and Wilt like it was done for a long time?
For example:
“Using the leaf extract of the ornamental plant Impatiens Balsamina as a cure for the deadly Fusarium banana wilt, Davao teen wins in Intel Fair with cure for banana disease.” source @ GMA News
To preserve beans, maize etc., from being infested with weevils, my mother never used chemicals. Ash is all she used. Mixed Ash with crops or seeds and stored them for years safely.
And when time to eat them came, just washed ash off. There you had a meal free of toxins from any chemicals or aflatoxins.
Recommended Reading
Recommended: Great Natural Pesticidal and Fungicidal Recipes.
Organic Funcicides for the Home Gardener
The contet of this post are comments “Bedsireadings” in reaction to a presentation that was delivered by Ms. Agnes Kirabo, Executive Director of Food Rights Alliance at the Joint Agricultural Sector Annual Review (JASAR) that was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and that was held from 29th to 30th August 2016 at Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo. The presentation was voice recorded and transcribed by Ms. Norah Owaraga, Managing Director of CPAR Uganda Ltd. In her presentation Ms. Kirabo clarified that she was invited to share the experiences of non-state actors, especially civil society and NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and that was composition of the group that met several months in preparation for this important event. She also, on behalf of the non-state actors, commend the Government of Uganda, through MAAIF for opening up the window and the door at the same time to provide non-state actors with a platform to equally participate in the conference. She shared the role of CSOs (civil society organizations) and NGOs – providing a supplementary role to the GOU; and carrying out the watch dog function.
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