G.O.D. Uganda Cooperatives Host 2nd Agriculture Conference of the Year

G.O.D. Cooperatives in Uganda Complete 2nd of Four Agriculture Conferences

Last weekend, our Ugandan cooperatives conducted a 1-day intensive conference for area farmers at our headquarters there. The objective for this conference, coming one quarter (3 months) after 2022’s initial conference in late February, was to review and reinforce the material taught then. This included organic methods for controlling pests (even what time of day to spray considering the weather and temperature), and the importance of water for growing crops (such as how to apply and regulate water efficiently so as to reduce the severity of dry seasons). Our cooperatives are committed to ensuring the local farmers understand and retain what they’ve been taught, and they’re being careful to introduce new concepts correctly and slowly. As our cooperatives reinforce concepts by reviewing, fielding questions, and then slowly introducing new ones to keep growing their knowledge, we hope to see food security and resiliency increase in their neighborhoods.

Francis teaches a session on why, how and when to spray crops to eager participants during the 1-day event. This season is particularly busy for farmers in Uganda and Kenya, so we limited the conference to one intensive day for maximum attendance.

The G.O.D. community in Uganda works together to run the conference

G.O.D. cooperative, farmer, and facilities/grounds manager Francis Lubega writes a review of the intensive:

“Praise be to the name of our Lord Jesus. I want to thank the Lord for this conference because it went on very well and I count it as an answered prayer. All brethren here worked so hard by the grace of our Lord for its success. May God bless each one of them for their great contribution, and not forgetting you all in the US and in Kenya for your prayers and support.

Joseph registers a participant arriving at the conference. He and the other student helpers were integral to ensure the details were in place for a smooth, productive event.

Unlike some previous seminars, the farmers came earlier this time which enabled brother Lawrence to start the program as was scheduled. All sessions as they were planned were handled without difficulty. There was a lot of learning as the farmers were very much engaged in meaningful discussions during each session.

The day started with good weather which continued for the entire seminar. The hospitality team also did a very good job because this time all meals were on time. May the Lord bless them so much. I appreciate the emcee ' for he handled the entire program very well and all the teachers were amazingly clear.

With special attention, I want to thank the entire youth group which was led by Mawejje Joseph for their full involvement in the preparation for and participation during the conference. This to a great extent contributed to its success. May the Lord continue using them in the great and wonderful work he is doing in this community of people.”

Nutrition and wellness sessions continue to meet real health needs among participants

Josephine takes a blood pressure reading for a conference participant after her session. She also talks through symptoms and suggests lifestyle modifications with the group.

During February’s conference, cooperative and teacher Josephine Ssemakula taught a portion on nutrition, which she continued during this conference. She highlighted the interplay between lifestyle (including diet) and various health conditions (though also genetic) to discuss obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Francis said that while she planned to focus on hypertension (high blood pressure), it also happened that even the participants were concerned about the same as it is common and they wanted to know remedies. She shared how eating a healthy diet, weight loss, regular exercise, reducing sodium intake, managing stress, monitoring blood pressure, and consuming various natural remedies (moringa, beets, hibiscus) can help regulate blood pressure. They were very thankful and looking forward to try reducing their levels.

Upcoming G.O.D. Agriculture Conferences in Kenya and Uganda Expected this summer

In July, our cooperatives in Kenya will be hosting their 2nd agriculture conference of this year. They will be helping area farmers grow their staple crops in the most healthful ways possible. Staple crops in Kenya include bananas, beans, corn, and cassava, which are all heavy nutrient pullers from the soil. Kenyan cooperatives Simon and Reuben will be helping local farmers grow these in ways that replenish the soil, keep crops healthy, and efficiently watered. We’re excited for them to continue to create enthusiasm for new methods and approaches in their area.

Our cooperatives in Uganda are also looking and planning toward their 3rd agriculture conference slated for late August. Join us in praying for these efforts to help our neighbors feed their families and achieve health.