Lake Bunyonyi one of the deepest lakes in Africa at an altitude of (water level) 1980 meters above sea level, in Kabale District in the Southern part of Uganda. At this altitude the climate is rather cool (average of 20-25C), which was, together with the (previously) fertile soils favourable environment for agriculture. With continuous increase of the population, circumstances have become difficult, land is divided into small plots and soil fertility has decreased due to permanent utilisation and traditional farming methods based on shifting cultivation which are not suitable to cope with the new situation. Also the present system leaves land bare and prone to erosion.
A view on the peninsula with an impression of the divided and scattered plots of our neighbouring community
One of our objectives is to introduce sustainable/organic farming methods at our site and in the surrounding communities to improve sustainability, erosion control, agricultural production and thus all aiming at a reduction of poverty in rural communities.
Another result of changing from “slash and burn” agriculture to permanent systems in Kabale is that male farmers have last their cultural labour activities (bush clearing). Only few have been willing to get involved in so-called female activities of planting, weeding, harvesting etc and are looking for petty trade, or small jobs. Many are more or less idle and becoming alcoholics.
We believe that an improvement of agricultural methods, on-farm income generation and training of young male and female people to work together, can change this situation and give men pride in agriculture related work. And as Kabale is such a beautiful district, eco-tourism offers a real opportunity for rural communities to become self-reliant.
Wonderful to hear your story!
ReplyDeleteIt's a pain in the neck but sometimes people play a tag game with blogs. The idea is to get people to tell a bit about themselves and to link to other blogs. I tagged you. Only play if you want to. The main thing was I wanted to link to your blog.
The two memes are: If you were rich where would you have eight houses like John McCain has? The other one is to name seven random facts about yourself. Then to tag six or seven others. LOL it is a pain, but the linking to others is (almost) always a good idea with blogs.
The greatest research about Kabale the Switzerland of Africa. The problem of birth rate that led to the increased land fragmentation is only the issues that hinders Kabale otherwise it would be the better best area to live in.
ReplyDeleteAmasiko eizina ry'awe orijwekyere mazima.