Ugandan and Kenyan Cooperatives to Host and Facilitate Quarterly Agriculture Conferences in 2022
For the past two years, our cooperatives in Uganda and Kenya have been hosting and facilitating annual agriculture conferences for local farmers in their respective countries. This year, they will each be hosting four! The first of the year will be this coming Thursday and Friday, February 24-25th. In Uganda, 40 farmers are planning to attend, and in Kenya, we anticipate 30 farmers in attendance. In both regions, the content will cover creating and building healthy soil. Topics will include: mulching to retain moisture and prevent erosion during the dry and rainy seasons, growing specific crops that replenish depleted soil, an introduction to making and using compost and manure, among others. Additionally in Uganda, there will be a portion on nutrition and health, specifically the benefits of herbs and vegetables, coinciding with growing organically (without the use of synthetic fertilizers or chemicals).
Farmers Expected to Return After Previous Successes
After last year’s conference in Uganda, one of the farmers took the lessons he learned on mulching back to his plot. He has a large piece of land with no irrigation; he relies strictly on the rain to feed his crops. Since he started mulching, he is one of the few farmers in his area whose crops remain strong during the dry seasons. He has testified that he believes his successes are a product of implementing the lessons he learned at the conference. Now others are attending to learn from one another and try new methods for themselves.
Cooperatives Share Goals of Conferences Focused on Development
The goals of these conferences are multiple, all looking to see our neighboring communities healthy and thriving. We hope to build stronger relationships with our neighbors, help families build resilience on their land by helping them grow food in ways that make them less susceptible to the many challenges in growing food, and continue being a resource to the farming community at large. In all this, we are also gathering information, asking questions and listening so we can know what challenges the communities face, and what agricultural concerns they have. Their needs will help direct how we conduct future conferences. We look forward with God to a remarkably fruitful year!
Everyone on campus participates in getting ready for the conference! God’s people know how important an ordered environment is, especially when it comes to being hospitable. Our community in Uganda works together to prepare for a spectacular conference ahead. Keep them in your prayers throughout this year as they provide invaluable education to their fellow farmers.
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