Life in the gardens 2.0
The project concretely taught agroforestry techniques and distributed seeds to create community gardens, thus offering new hope and livelihoods to local communities.
Bringing Gardens to Life: The Project Nurturing Hope in Karamoja
The Costa Family Foundation is proud to present the results of the second year of the "Bringing Gardens to Life" project, carried out in collaboration with the Moroto office of "Insieme si può..." (ISP) in Karamoja, North-Eastern Uganda. This initiative, born from the growing need for new livelihoods in a region affected by climate change and water scarcity, is transforming the lives of local communities.
An Evolving Context: From Pastoralism to Agroforestry
Traditionally nomadic pastoralists, the Karimojong people are facing increasing challenges due to longer dry seasons and a lack of pastures. This has made the search for new income sources and greater food security urgent. The "Bringing Gardens to Life" project addresses this need by introducing agroforestry practices and sustainable cultivation.
The beneficiary communities in this year focused primarily on two villages in the Moroto District:
- Acholi Inn: A group of 23 farmers.
- Nariamaregai: A group of 30 farmers.
Additionally, the project extended to five other villages (Nabuin, Natopojo, Loyakaromwae, Loreen, and Lolemutukei), which are in the initial stages of cultivation. Activities in the villages of Kambizi and Nadiket, included in the first edition of the project, were also monitored and followed up on.
Project Phases: From Training to Harvest
The project's success is the result of a structured approach with several phases:
- Identification of beneficiary farmer groups: A crucial step to actively involve communities.
- Selection of locations for demonstration gardens: Areas chosen to maximize cultivation success.
- Land preparation: Carried out directly by the beneficiaries, promoting a sense of ownership and participation.
- Training: In-depth training on garden management and best agroforestry practices.
- Delivery of agricultural tools and seeds: Provision of spinach, tomatoes, eggplants, peas, bell peppers, and local vegetables.
- Monitoring and support: Constant support in caring for the new gardens.
- Delivery of additional seeds and seedlings: For the most committed groups with promising results.
Concrete Results and Challenges Faced
The project has already shown significant results. In Acholi Inn, in August alone, farmers generated a profit of 300,000 UGX (approximately €75) from the sale of peas, an amount close to the average salary in the region. The garden is also abundantly producing tomatoes, cabbages, bell peppers, onions, spinach, and eggplants, contributing to a healthier and richer diet. The drilling of a well in April greatly facilitated agricultural activities in this area. Part of the income is being reinvested for further garden development.
In Nariamaregai, despite an initial invasion of pests (locusts) and the drought affecting the area, ISP provided new seeds, focusing on peas, which are easier to cultivate in those conditions. Despite the difficulties, the beneficiaries are satisfied and acknowledge an improvement in their diet.
The gardens started with the previous project in Nadiket continue to yield excellent results in terms of harvest and sales.
Conclusion: A Continuous Commitment to Justice
The "Bringing Gardens to Life" project addresses crucial objectives for the development of Karamoja. Adverse climatic conditions make the journey difficult, but far from discouraging us, the challenges strengthen our commitment to combating malnutrition, mitigating the negative impact of climate change, and working towards a more just and equitable world. The Costa Family Foundation and ISP will continue to support these communities, cultivating not only food but also hope and resilience.
