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Vol.2,No.4 |
Prepared by: Dr. Monica Karuhanga-Beraho
Under the sponsorship of the German government, The Food and Agriculture Development Centre (ZEL) of the German Foundation for International Development (DSE), in co-operation with the German Institute of Tropical and Sub-tropical Agriculture (DITSL), conducted an international workshop entitled "Eco-farming: Ecologically and Socially sustainable Land Management" at which Uganda was represented by 3 participants. The workshop took place in Ethiopia at the Wabe Shabelle Hotel, Addis Ababa, November 16 - December 11, 1998.
Following deliberations during this workshop, participants founded the Network NECOFA - Network for Eco-farming in Africa, to create awareness at all levels and provide a forum for experience sharing and information exchange.
Each of the participating countries nominated a country representative. Mrs.Immaculate L. Sekitto was nominated representative for NECOFA - Uganda at this forum. Mrs. Sekitto like all other country representatives was charged with the responsibility of establishing the national network.
The workshop that is a subject of this report is therefore the first step in the initiative to establish and launch NECOFA-Uganda. The network promotes convenient and sustainable ways of farming in tropical and sub-tropical environments. Eco-farming emphasizes the use of sustainable agriculture through the judicious and wise utilization of natural resources.
The relevance of such a system of agriculture cannot be over-emphasized considering that the majority of Ugandans are below the internationally recognized poverty level, and therefore lack productive resources. Eco-farming technologies are therefore relevant with the opportunity to positively transform the productive process and livelihoods of the majority of Ugandans. The establishment of NECOFA-Uganda can be said to be timely especially in view of current government policy on the eradication of poverty. The government of Uganda has committed itself to eradicating poverty through modernization of agriculture. Integration of sustainable agriculture will enrich the outputs and outcomes after its implementation.
The overall objective of NECOFA is to promote and co-ordinate Eco-farming activities in Uganda as well as provide a forum for experience sharing and information exchange for all those sharing the same principles of Eco-farming.
This workshop was sponsored by the German Foundation for International Development (DSE) through NECOFA, and organized by Mrs. Immaculate .L. Sekitto (Country Representative) and Dr. M. Karuhanga (Former DSE participant in Cameroon).
The workshop run for two days: December 28-29, 2000. The first day was held in the International Conference Center to create awareness about the African Network - NECOFA, NECOFA-Uganda as well as discuss the philosophy and principles underlying Eco-farming.
Three papers were presented, namely:
Other issues were also discussed in plenary and groups with the key discussion topics including the following:
The activities of the second day involved visiting Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute and some farmers practicing Eco-farming.
Participants:
Participants were drawn from a number of relevant government institutions (Ministry of Agriculture, NARO, MUK) and NGOs as well as individuals or groups involved or interested in Eco-farming. The workshop was attended by thirty participants.
Chairperson,
Representatives of NECOFA-Uganda
Distinguished Guests,
Thank you very much for inviting me to open this workshop today on behalf of the German Embassy in Kampala.
The workshop is following an international one that took place in Ethiopia two years ago. That conference was sponsored by the German Foundation for International Development - DSE.
The DSE is a German government sponsored body, which provides a forum for development policy dialogue and trains specialists from developing and transitional countries.
I do hope that Ugandan representatives brought from Addis Ababa back a lot of ideas regarding Eco-farming which can now be looked at in the Ugandan context and developed further.
Sustainability of agriculture is seriously threatened in many regions in the world: reduction in land, forest and water resources, soil erosion, desertification and environmental pollution, to name only a few.
Although Eco-farming has become quite popular in Germany and Europe in the past decades, our mainly intensive production produces a number of environmentally detrimental effects. The spreading of the Mad cow disease - BSE is only the latest example of the severe problems we are facing due to our agricultural policy.
Uganda faces fundamentally different problems. The development of agriculture means first of all engineering the transition from subsistence farming to an agricultural production which is income generating and thus eradicating poverty. The government's plan for modernization of agriculture involves environmental aspects from the beginning. In so far one can hope that Uganda does not make similar mistakes to ours at some stage.
Repair work is always difficult in the environmental sector and therefore expensive.
I hope that this workshop in Kampala in the two days to come will increase the understanding for an imaginative approach that adapts the various ideas to the Uganda context. The German government acknowledges the importance of civil society stakeholders in such developmental processes by channeling the funds not exclusively through the government of the partner country. Private initiatives and networking are important elements in building up a conducive environment for future generations.
The work of the participants in this workshop will therefore certainly bear further fruit in the years to come.
Thank you very much.
( SESSION I)
by Dr. Monica Karuhanga-Baraho
The Presenter highlighted a number of terminologies used to describe Eco-farming / ecologically and socially sustainable land management and utilization. These included: ecologically sound agriculture, ecologically appropriate agriculture, bio-dynamic farming, organic farming, conservation agriculture and sustainable agriculture.
She noted that despite the different terminologies, the underlying concept is that the needs of future generations are not jeopardized by development activities satisfying the needs of the current generation.
A number of definitions of Eco-farming adopted from previous DSE courses were discussed. The central theme running through all the definitions was that Eco-farming is an ecologically and socially appropriate agriculture which involves a comprehensive management of natural resources in a way that allows for conservation or replenishment of these resources and emphasizes the use of locally available resources.
The presenter also explained how the concept of Eco-farming arose as a result of frustration from conventional agriculture not being relevant and suitable for the majority of resource poor farmers whose sole livelihood depended on agriculture. Some key principles of Eco-farming were highlighted as follows:
To apply these Eco-farming principles the Presenter suggested genuine involvement of communities in things that affect their lives, use of appropriate approaches / methods in the development and dissemination of eco-farming technologies, mainstreaming of Eco-farming principles in relevant institutions and formulation of sustainable plans, as key cardinal requirements.
The presenter concluded by saying that Eco-farming calls for respect of the basic laws of the ecosystem. It promotes the utilization of natural resources in away that does not mine them as well as regeneration of those already degraded so that they support human life once again.
Eco-farming is indeed very relevant in Uganda today but the challenge lies in effective implementation of development programs in which Eco-farming is integrated and be able to obtain the desired outputs. Possibly a change in methodology and use of approaches that place emphasis on facilitating learning processes, building local capacity and institutions, and enhancing observations and analytical skills as well as decision making capacity of farmers would go a long way in achieving the expected outputs.
The following were the highlights of the discussion:
Definition of Eco-farming The definitions presented during the presentation were said to be adequate. However, it was agreed that there may be nothing as an ideal definition of Eco-farming. Eco-farming will continually evolve and hence the definition of Eco-farming 10 years in the future may be quite different from what it is today. However, whichever direction the evolution takes, the principles of sustainability (in its comprehensive meaning) should always be upheld.
Causes of Environmental Degradation In view of the need for sustainable natural resource management and utilization, participants brainstormed on whether ignorance due to illiteracy was a more important cause of environmental degradation than poverty. While it was agreed that ignorance is an important causative factor of environmental degradation,. The effects of poverty can be significant since it is likely to make people (both the ignorant and aware) incapable of responsibly managing their environment.
Participants noted that it is not only ignorance due to illiteracy that results in environmental degradation. Ignorance of environmental issues among the literate also does occurs. A case in point was the poor policies put in place a few years ago that have resulted in serious wetlands degradation in Kabale District, South Western Uganda.
There was an appreciation of the multifunctional etiology of environmental degradation and hence the need for a multi-dimensional approach in strategy to deal with it. It was suggested that all available methods of education be used to target the different categories of people (campaigns, media, tours, schools). It was however emphasized that non-formal education be increased to target those categories of people that cannot be addressed by the formal education system.
Members were informed by one of the participants that the first agricultural policy in Uganda was on water and soil conservation. However this policy has had no effective and lasting impact. One of the main reasons was the use of a wrong extension methodology in dissemination of soil management practices. Nevertheless, the Uganda education system was found to be lacking in addressing issues of Eco-farming. Participants suggested the need to develop a strategy e.g. reviewing the curriculum of schools and integrate Eco-farming as a starting point.
Another important aspect that was discussed in regard to environment management was the need to involve people in environment conservation. Local people need to understand the value of sustaining the natural resources around them and their role in managing them responsibly. Issues of good environment management should not be seen as the work of the state or outsiders but more so of the people directly interacting with the environment and on whose livelihoods depend.
Optimum versus Maximum Production
Eco-farming involves the search for the optimum rather than the maximum in cohesiveness and functional diversity. How can we know what is optimum production? What is optimum varies with each specific site or location. It was agreed that there may be no such a thing as a specific optimum level of production even for a given specific site. Emphasis should be on ensuring that the farmer uses all the available good agricultural management practices within his/her means and the local resources available. If all this is being conducted in a sustainable manner and all resources are used effectively and efficiently, then the level of production can be said to be optimum under the circumstances. It was agreed in principle that the bottom line should be to uphold the principles of Eco-farming and then do all that can be done within one's means.
By the end of the discussion all participants were convinced that Eco-farming is the most modern and sustainable way of engaging in agriculture.
By Mrs. Mubiru L. Sarah
The Presenter explained the gradual changes that have been taking place in farming systems and the significance of integrating pastures in farming systems. Plant species used as pastures have been found to play multiple roles some of which are important in the sustainability of the agro-ecological environment. For example, it is documented that one of the main objectives of initiating grassland research in East Africa in the 1930s was to seek means of effective conservation of the soil in addition to their utilization as grazing resources.
The presenter then briefly discussed the various roles of pastures that promote their use in Eco-farming. These roles were summarized as follows:
Some research is being undertaken to investigate the tick repellent characteristics of some pasture legumes belonging to the Stylosanthes genus.
The Presenter concluded by advocating for the need to exploit these multiple roles of pastures in the practice of Eco-farming. Such methods of soil management and recuperation as well as pest and weed control are highly sustainable, less costly and ensure safety of produce.
The participants acknowledged the good work NARO is conducting in sustainable research. However the concern raised was that farmers are not aware of the good technologies being developed by NARO. Although it was agreed that the role of research in the development of Eco-farming technologies is key, participants suggested a critical review of the NARO approach to research and information dissemination. This was thought to be important if the problem of farmers' access to available Eco-farming technologies and information was to be adequately addressed.
It was recommended that NARO integrates such approaches like participatory technology development (PTD) in its research activities. The use of social economists by NARO was proposed as another recommendation which would ensure that NARO develops socially acceptable, economically viable and environmentally friendly technologies. The participants were informed that NARO has some few socio-economists but these have been overwhelmed by the scientists and therefore their role has not been well appreciated. It was also reported that NARO has shifted its research strategy and is currently mainly focused on adaptive and client oriented research.
The discussion led to a revelation of the need to deal with the long standing problem of research-extension-farmer linkages by developing strategies to strengthen and in some instances build these linkages. Approaches that will foster working together of all these three categories of people in the whole process of technology development and dissemination is a necessity.
The session on the relevance of Eco-farming in the Uganda Context was facilitated and chaired by Dr. Arsen Semana, Head, Department of Agriculture Extension /Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University. All the participants agreed in principle that "YES" Eco-farming is very relevant to Uganda farmers and the country in general.
The following were some of the suggestions (from the brainstorming and discussion) on the relevance of Eco-farming in Uganda:
The majority of farmers in Uganda are small scale and poor (practice subsistence agriculture) and therefore there is need to develop technologies that require the use of affordable and locally available resources.
The urgent need to control environment degradation and promote nature conservation.
The need for gradual increase in sustained productivity to meet the ever-increasing social demands created by the rising human population.
The need to enhance the quality of life of individuals in a sustainable manner and produce of safe food products (quality food).
Existence of foreign markets requiring ecologically produced foodstuffs. This presents a big opportunity for foreign exchange earning through export of ecologically grown foods.
The need for new approaches that will facilitate development and dissemination of appropriate technologies. This would increase on the rate and level of uptake of ecologically sound and socially acceptable technologies.
Availability of organic materials from industry which are currently not being utilized effectively (e.g. saw dust, sugarcane waste, cotton seed cake waste).
Need to gain acceptance on the international scene. Global trends demand that governments promote sound environment management and conservation practices.
Need to promote and ensure equity (intra-generational and intergenerational) in its true sense.
Limitations/Constraints of Eco-farming
Following brainstorming and discussion, participants came up with the following as some of the key limitations/ constraints of Eco-farming.
By Immaculate L. Sekitto
The presenter, Country representative NECOFA-Uganda introduced NECOFA, and informed participants that the network was founded in December 1998 in Ethiopia. Afterwards the main objectives of NECOFA, the structure and functioning of NECOFA, the country groups and the coordinating body activities, were highlighted and discussed.
Participants were informed that membership was open to all individuals, groups and institutions, which subscribe to the principles of Eco-farming.
A number of future NECOFA strategies and actions were discussed but the main one was to provide a platform for experience sharing, dissemination of latest findings, information and news in research and extension methodology in Eco-farming.
She concluded by presenting the constraints of NECOFA as the lack of funds to co-ordinate Eco-farming activities and the need to relocate the international secretariat to an African Country. She also emphasized the urgent need to establish a national secretariat.
The discussion mainly focused on clarifications regarding functioning of NECOFA and the linkages between the different country groups. Issues on membership and how much subscription / membership fees should be paid were raised. It was agreed that the issue of fees would be agreed upon during the first general meeting. Some key questions raised were addressed by the results from the group discussions that followed and are presented below.
Strengthening NECOFA-Uganda and charting the way forward. The participants were divided into two groups: one group discussing ways in which NECOFA-Uganda could be strengthened and the other group discussing future activities. This session was facilitated by Mrs. Margaret Azuba, District Agricultural Officer, Kampala. The following were the outcomes of the group discussions.
Strengthening NECOFA-Uganda
Members agreed to contribute time and where possible money in a volunteer spirit to ensure that NECOFA-Uganda takes off. Members were requested to participate in any activity within their means, but most especially sensitizing colleagues at places of work about Eco-farming.
The workshop was officially closed by Mr. Lubanga, Minister for Production and Extension Services, Mukono Local District Council. He thanked DSE for sponsoring such an important workshop.
He underscored the relevance of Eco-farming to the local farmers in Uganda whose efforts contribute significantly to National economy, and therefore the need for continuous development of ecologically appropriate and socially acceptable technologies.
Summary of Activities
The second day of involved field visits to selected places. The participants were taken to Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute and to two farmers using Eco-farming technologies. The following were the highlights of the field visit.
Kawanda Agricultural research Institute (KARI)
The facilitator at KARI was Mr. Charles Mulekyezi, a soil scientist and physiologist working with the Banana Program. The purpose of the visit was to see the soil management practices being carried out especially those employing Eco-farming technologies. The visit started with a brief discussion on the question "When one considers sustaining soil fertility, which one of the following options would one recommend to the farmers?"
Option1: Use of inorganic fertilizers
Option 2: An integrated approach: use of organic manure plus judicious use of inorganic fertilizers Option 3: Use of only organic manure.
After a brief discussion, participants agreed that an integrated approach to soil management (Eco-farming) would be the most appropriate recommendation to give to farmers. Eco-farming promotes the use of locally available resources (green manure and organic manure in the case of soil fertility management) but recognizes that there may be need to use inorganic fertilizers to replenish certain key elements that may be completely lacking in certain soil types.
After the discussion the participants were introduced to the different fertilizers / manure used at the research station to improve soil fertility. Farmyard manure, compost manure and mulch are the organic fertilizers being used.
The soil scientists emphasized the need to conduct soil analysis and establish the nutrient and structural status of the soil. This information is very important if soil fertility is to be maintained because it provides a basis for proper decision making as to which type of manure / fertilizers need to be used for a given soil type. It was however observed that this important practice may be out of reach of the majority of farmers basing on the fact that KARI is the only station with a soil testing and analysis laboratory facility. The challenge as agreed by the participants is to convince the government, through NARO, to conduct a national survey and mapping of soil fertility so that farmers can know the nature of their soils.
Soil demonstrations comparing inorganic and organic fertilizer use:
</TD><TD> </TD> <TD class=arial>Observations
Lessons Learnt
Green Manure:
The participants were introduced to four types of leguminous plants that can be used in soil improvement as green manure, or be used in a variety intercrop systems to fix nitrogen. These included mucuna, camaralia, lab lab and crotolaria. Participants were informed that one needs to try out these different legume under different cropping system to see where they produce best outputs. All in all, they do provide a very important supplement to organic manure and an alternative to inorganic fertilizers for resource poor farmers.
The other places visited were mainly to show participants of some Eco-farming practices on the ground and to illustrate farmers' innovativeness.
Mrs. Kalule Ida's farm in Maganjo (6km west of Kampala City)
Ida is a widow aged over 60 years. Farm area is about 2 acres of land with very poor acidic soils. However because of her handwork, Ida is able to produce enough food for her family and sell some farm products for income.
Some of the technologies on the farm:
These were mainly soil and water conservation.
Mr. and Mrs. Lutwama (Kireka Village, Zone B- west of Kampala).
Mr. & Mrs. Lutwama do backyard gardening but mainly using Eco-farming principles. Their total land area is less that 1/8 of an acre but they have managed to use this space very productively to produce some family income. They only use family labor.
Technologies observed
These farmers also keep 120 local birds in a cage system from an initial stock of 3 birds, 2 years ago. They have crossed the local birds with some exotic breeds. She has an innovative and unique way of synchronizing brooding and hatching of the chicks. The family hopes to have at least 250 birds by the end of 2001 (local birds fetch a higher market price than exotic birds).
The family told us that they have been able to achieve their objectives of ensuring food security for the home as well as earning the very much needed family income. They have really done a commendable job and they provide an example that could be emulated.
The country representative thanked the participants for the time spared to come and attend the field visit. One of the participants also thanked the organizers for selecting those particular farmers because they were able to be convinced that Eco-farming can be applied at a very local level.
As a New Year's resolution, each participant pledged to try out something small in their backyard as a way of promoting Eco-farming. The country representative ended by wishing members a happy new year and urging them to commit themselves to the promotion of sustainable farming methods - Eco-farming.
The workshop took place between 20th and 21st of December 2000 with more than seventy-three (73) participants in attendance. The workshop was declared opened by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State Nigeria after presenting a keynote address and inaugurating NECOFA Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Agriculture also presented an address. More than 40 people had already got NECOFA Membership Forms.
The board of trustee had also been put in place.
The comprehensive report of the workshop will be published in the next issue of the NECOFA Newsletter.
by Mr. Sahle Tesfai
Due to the changes of the organisational structure within the German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture - DITSL, the duty as a coordinating body has been handed over to "The International Centre North South Dialog", ICNSD.
The Managing Director of the Centre is the International coordinator of NECOFA Mr. Sahle Tesfai.
The next Newsletter in 2001 will bear the name of both coordinating bodies as editors namely, the DSE and the ICNSD.