JUL.-DEC. 2023
ISSUE 2
JUL.-DEC. 2023
IN THIS ISSUE
M
y name is Sylvia Kuria a mother of 3 and an organic farmer. My journey in farming started
14 years ago when we moved to the country side to set up our home. My family gave me
½ an acre to grow my kitchen garden which I did with enthusiasm. After about 2 years of
farming I found that the production of more than 20 different vegetables on this plot was
too much for our home consumption. I would call my friends in the city to come for free baskets of
– A contribution by SylviA KuriA
Agroecology Enterprise Development
is the only way out
Sylvia Kuria standing at her organic food stall.
Mama Pweza: A Trailblazer
for Sustainable Fishing
Practices in the Blue
Economy
Empowering Women In
The Agroecology Spaces:
My Experiences in the
AWOLA Program
Harnessing the Pioneering
Spirit of Agroecological
Enterprise in Uasin Gishu,
Eldoret-Kenya
10
14
ADVANCING AFRICAN
AGROECOLOGICAL
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND
TERRITORIAL MARKETS
contd to p.3
FROM THE
EDITOR
Dear Valued Readers,
Welcome to our latest newsletter,
spotlighting the transformative
power of agroecological
entrepreneurship, a union of
sustainability and innovation.
Agroecological entrepreneurship
marks a significant shift towards
agricultural practices that
are ecologically harmonious,
economically resilient, and
supportive of food sovereignty.
It integrates natural cycles and
balances into business models,
promoting a sustainable interaction
between agriculture and the
environment.
The benefits of this approach are
extensive. It not only supports
biodiversity and enhances soil
fertility but also aids in carbon
sequestration, contributing
significantly to combating climate
change. Additionally, it revitalizes
rural economies by generating local
employment and creating products
and services that uphold local
traditions while being competitive
globally.
In this edition, we share inspiring
stories from pioneers at the
forefront of agroecological
entrepreneurship. These
individuals and communities
turn ecological challenges
into lucrative opportunities,
establishing businesses that are
both sustainable and beneficial
to their communities. Their
successes highlight the potential of
agroecology to foster a sustainable
and profitable future without
harming our planet.
Let's draw inspiration from these
leaders and continue to support
this crucial movement. Their
work demonstrates the vital role
agroecological entrepreneurship
can play in crafting a more
sustainable and equitable world.
Join us in celebrating their
innovation and resilience and
consider how you can contribute to
this essential shift.
Send your article(s) to:
ruth.nabaggala@afsafrica.org
Ruth
contd to p.8
Harvesting Hope:
Feeding Africa's
Future through
Agroecological
Entrepreneurship and
Local Markets
griculture
in
Togo,
a
vital
economic
pillar
employing
70%
of
the
workforce,
faces
significant challenges due to
land degradation, threatening
food security and environmental
health. Over 90% of Togo’s arable
land is affected by degradation,
erosion,
and
fertility
loss,
particularly in densely populated
and ecologically fragile regions
such
as
the
Savanes
and
Plateaux. Additionally, the non-
judicious use of chemical inputs
exacerbates these issues, with
women, who constitute nearly
90% of farmers in southern
Togo, being the primary users
of
pesticides.
Agroecology
in
Togo
confronts
obstacles
including climate change, soil
degradation,
dependence
on
unsustainable
practices,
lack of market differentiation
for
agroecological
products,
competitive disadvantages, and
financial barriers for youth-led
initiatives, all of which contribute
to livelihood vulnerability and
increased food insecurity. To
counteract these challenges, the
promotion of sustainable farming
practices and the improvement
of
farmers’
socio-economic
conditions are imperative. Eco-
Impact,
supported
by
AFSA,
aims to foster a new generation
of
farmers
committed
to
agroecological
practices
through its extension program.
This initiative emphasizes training
in sustainable soil management,
agricultural
biodiversity,
and
A farmer in her field undergoing agro-ecological transition.
Agroecology as a sustainable solution
– A contribution by JeAn-chArleS SoSSou-eco impAct
JUL.-DEC. 2023
food till I was challenged to start a business delivering
organic veggies under the brand name, Sylvia’s Basket in
2016.
It was an exciting journey to embark on a fresh organic
produce business till a severe drought hit us in 2017 and
we lost all our produce. We stalled on the business and
only resumed in 2019 when El nino came with gusto.
In 2019 we opened our organic farm shop in Nairobi.
The growth was slow till Covid- 19 happened and
everyone needed honey, lemons and ginger. Because
of the restricted movements we were able to grow our
home delivery model and to date only 10% of our clients
actually know where our physical location is. We deliver
more than 100 baskets weekly to families in Nairobi and
source from 30+ small scale organic farmers.
We have employed Agroecology and regenerative
principles on our land and have seen our farm grow in
leaps and bounds we have planted more than 3000
trees that have created a micro climate to encourage
high yields with diversity that buffers us from negative
effects of climate change. A quick example to show us
how diversity is key is that our pest population on our 10
acres piece of land is less than 10%. Our monthly inputs
on organic pesticide is only 5 Euros to support 3.5 acres
of vegetables. Mother nature is doing her work dealing
with pests.
This sounds quite rosy so far but it is riddled with
undercurrents of challenges. I am lucky to have received
a lot of support from my family to set up my outlet and
have access to land to grow our organic produce.
I would like to share some reflections that we can ponder
as we consider growing agroecological enterprises.
•
You see, the civil society and NGOs that are working
in the organic sector mainly focus on production,
what has happened over time is that there are
thousands of farmers growing sustainable produce
but are unable to access markets. Most of these
organizations I have approached to support the
growing agroecological enterprises always give the
same answer, “I am sorry but we do not support
businesses.” This greatly discourages the whole value
chain. Farmers are the most discouraged because
with time they see no need continuing with organic
and sustainable farming practices. If you buy organic
produce, you encourage organic farmers to grow
food more sustainably and improve the climate crisis
we are in, so it’s a high time we put in great support
to agroecological enterprises.
•
Access to knowledge on organic and sustainable
agriculture has been there and currently we have a
GIZ funded project in Kenya on Setting up Knowledge
hubs for organic agriculture. We need to link these
trainings to markets otherwise pure knowledge
without practice and no money in farmers pockets
will take us nowhere.
•
The bureaucracy of applying for funds is almost
impossible
and
not
accessible
to
the
real
beneficiaries, the farmers. Most of these applications
are extremely technical and limited to only a few
educated and well-connected individuals who claim
to represent farmers but use most of the funds for
“administrative purposes.” It is important to have
checks and balances but most come at the expense
of undermining the real beneficiaries from accessing
the support.
•
We don’t have a weather station in my region! It is
almost impossible to predict
the weather and the old men
who would help us predict
patterns
are
almost
all
gone and we are struggling
with the stark reality that
weather
patterns
have
changed. If only we had
more predictable support
this
would
help
farmers
plan
better
and
grow
their appropriate crops in
season.
•
Finally, we need to emphasise
on banning highly hazardous
pesticides that have been
banned in the EU but are
still in circulation in Kenya.
These double standards are
compromising our efforts in
Kenya and Africa as whole
from meeting our climate
adaption goals. As a farmer I
am a member of the Heinrich
Boll Foundation and we are
actively working on having
these hazardous pesticides
banned from Kenya. Recent
research shows that 63% of
pesticides sold in the Kenyan
market are classified as
HHP!! The double standards
must stop!
•
We need to listen to farmer
voices
because
without
famers none of us would be
alive today.
If you buy organic
produce, you
encourage
organic farmers
to grow food
more sustainably
and improve the
climate crisis we
are in...
contd from p.1
Photo BY: PEtEr MUirUri
ntegrating
agroecology
with
Fisheries within the context of the
Blue Economy offers a promising
avenue for advancing sustainable
fishing practices. This collaborative
approach not only promotes economic
growth and job creation but also
emphasizes ecological responsibility,
contributing to the overall sustainability
of marine ecosystems.
The synergy between agroecology
and Fisheries aligns seamlessly with the
principles of the Blue Economy, which
encompasses all economic activities
linked directly or indirectly to the health
and productivity of the oceans.
By prioritizing ecosystem conservation,
climate resilience, and circular economy
practices, this integrated strategy aims
to foster sustainable development
while ensuring the well-being of marine
environments.
In sustainable fishing, agroecology-
based
marine
fisheries
prioritize
stewardship, social equity, and localized
governance.
These
principles
are
essential
for
responsible
resource
management,
addressing overexploitation concerns,
and enhancing fishing sustainability.
Mama Pweza: A Trailblazer for
Sustainable Fishing Practices in the
Blue Economy
– A contribution by ASSociAtion of Women in fiSherieS blue economy KenyA (AWfbeK)
Our mission is to enable
vulnerable women to have
a voice in the fisheries,
controlling the price of their
products and achieving
financial stability.
A key component of sustainable fishing within the
Blue Economy is the promotion of sustainable
aquaculture. By providing a reliable source of
seafood and other marine products, sustainable
aquaculture helps alleviate pressure on wild
fisheries, which are often strained in various regions
JUL.-DEC. 2023
Mama Pweza, a member of the
Association of Women in Fisheries Blue
Economy Kenya, stands as a success
story, transforming the blue economy
through her dedicated work in octopus
fishing.
Since her teenage years, Mama Pweza
has been a skilled octopus fisherwoman
in the Shanga Ishakani village on
Pate Island, embodying agroecology
principles in fisheries and aquaculture.
Her
sustainable,
environmentally
friendly,
and
community-driven
practices serve as an inspiration for
those advocating for sustainable food
systems.
Engaging in octopus fishing alongside
fellow fisherwomen, Mama Pweza aims
to improve their families' livelihoods
while
safeguarding
ocean
areas
from
over-exploitation
and
coral
degradation.
Notably, they have implemented a four-
month closure of an octopus fishery to
allow for the growth and maturation of
octopuses, a crucial step for long-term
fishery sustainability.
Collaborating with men, Mama Pweza's
team also works on coral restoration
to enhance fishing site productivity,
benefiting
the
entire
community.
Mama Pweza's use of traditional, less
harmful fishing methods exemplifies
agroecology
in
action,
promoting
sustainable systems for the well-being
of both ecosystems and communities.
Results and Impact
Improved Resource Efficiency: Mama
Pweza and her team suspend octopus
fishing in zoned areas for four months,
allowing the octopus fishery to grow
and mature, which is essential for the
sustainability of the fishery.
Secured Social Equity/Responsibility:
Mama Pweza's team has challenged
gender
inequalities
by
creating
opportunities for women. Globally,
women make up almost half of
the
agricultural
workforce,
and
their
contributions
often
remain
unrecognized.
Fostered Community Participation and
Empowerment: Mama Pweza's team
has been empowered by the Northern
Rangelands Trust and the Nature
Conservancy through proper fishing
practices, conservation, and financial
management
Strengthened
Resilience:
Mama
Pweza's team has zoned two fishing
areas in the ocean and temporarily
suspends any fishing for four months.
No one is allowed to fish in these
"farms" in the ocean, which is a
strategy to increase the resilience of
the ecosystem.
Enhanced Biodiversity: Collaboration
with men to restore damaged coral
not only benefits the ecosystem but
also improves the productivity of
fishing sites, contributing to overall
biodiversity.
Promoted
Traditional
Knowledge
and Practices: The team adheres to
traditional fishing methods that are less
harmful to the ecosystem, promoting
the
preservation
and
continued
relevance of traditional knowledge in
sustainable resource management.
Conclusion
Mama Pweza's narrative serves as
a
compelling
illustration
of
how
agroecological practices have the
potential to revolutionize the fishing
industry and empower women within
coastal communities. Her sustainable
approach to octopus fishing not only
serves as a reliable source of income for
her family but also actively contributes
to
the
preservation
of
marine
ecosystems.
Beyond the immediate benefits to local
communities, the team’s collective
efforts contribute significantly to the
overarching objective of achieving
food security and improved nutrition in
coastal regions. Mama Pweza's journey
stands as an inspiring testament to the
positive and transformative in�uence of
agroecology in the context of fisheries
and the blue economy.
Success Story: Mama Pweza
Mama Pweza's fishing
practices are sustainable and
environmentally friendly, as
she uses traditional methods
that are less harmful to
the ecosystem. Her fishing
practices are on excellent
example of agroecology in
action, as she uses traditional
methods that promote
sustainable and equitable
food systems.
Mama Pweza's
journey stands as an
inspiring testament
to the positive and
transformative
influence of
agroecology in the
context of fisheries
and the blue
economy.
A model of sustainable
harvest and women's
empowerment in the
blue economy.
Connecting through food
egetable
box
schemes
and other alternative food
initiatives can play a valuable
role in building bridges across
the social, cultural and economic
divides that persist in many parts of
South Africa. This was a finding of my
recent Masters study on Straight from
the Ground (STFG), a vegetable box
scheme, urban farm and community
supported
agriculture
project
in
Johannesburg.
SFTG
purchases
vegetables
predominantly
from
peri-urban
small-scale agroecological farmers
in the north of Johannesburg and sells
them in the form of vegetable boxes
in affluent suburbs. They have used
the vegetable box scheme and their
newsletter as a platform for raising
awareness about the injustices within
the food system.
Alternative
food
networks
that
acknowledge social and economic
divides,
rooted
in
colonial
and
apartheid systems of oppression, and
focus on shortening supply chains
and making the actors within supply
chains more visible to each other,
can contribute to social cohesion.
At the same time, they are able to
facilitate market access and other
material benefits for small scale
agroecological farmers. Instead of
focusing on procuring fresh produce
as close to the site of consumption
as possible, SFTG made it a priority
to focus on peri-urban farmers who
are further afield in marginalised
areas, and not otherwise able to
access markets in wealthier suburbs
of Johannesburg.
SFTG’s
on-farm
support
and
assistance
with
farmers’
PGS
accreditation
helped
farmers
to
access not only the box scheme’s
customers but also the broader
PGS network across Johannesburg.
PGS farm visits and the assurance
– A contribution by clAire rouSell
STFG Illustration
JUL.-DEC. 2023
it provides played an important role in the
building of relationships and trust between
farmers, SFTG and customers.
At the same time, SFTG took this opportunity
to raise awareness among their customer
base of injustices within the mainstream food
system. Such an approach may, the study
showed, catalyse increased engagement
and commitment to transformation of the
industrial food system. Farmers remarked that
the emphasis on relationships within SFTG
made them feel recognised for their important
contribution and customers commented that
engaging with SFTG affirmed for them that an
alternative mode of food provision was not
only possible, but preferable to going to the
supermarket, as it was more aligned with their
social and ecological values. In some cases,
customers became more active in SFTG than
just as consumers, such as volunteering on box
packing days and providing organisational
support. SFTG team members engaged
with nearby food relief initiatives and other
community activities, demonstrating how
initiatives like SFTG can encourage civic
engagement at a wider level.
In a society still so divided socially and
economically, food initiatives are just one
thread in a tapestry of approaches to
transitioning to a more equitable and just
society. However, they require constant
critical reflection, lest they fall into the
trap of perpetuating the inequity of the
industrial food system. As one of the research
participants
commented,
Siyabonga
Mngoma (Abundance Wholesome Foods),
an agroecological entrepreneur herself, if
such organisations were to flourish, it “would
be sort of the healing that the South African
person needs, because it's easy to engage
around food. I mean, food is there when
people are celebrating, when people are
performing rituals or people are sad, food is
always there.”
SFTG team members engaged with
nearby food relief initiatives and other
community activities, demonstrating
how initiatives like SFTG can encourage
civic engagement at a wider level.
natural pest control to enhance food
security and resilience against climate
change. The program has already
impacted nearly 1,500 farmers across
30 cooperatives and youth networks,
complemented
by
environmental
education for over 120 young people,
demonstrating
significant
strides
towards sustainable agriculture and
environmental stewardship in Togo.
Agroecological
entrepreneurship
Through
its
Elikem
centre,
an
experimentation and development
site
for
agroecological
practices,
Eco-Impact organises the production
and distribution (sale) of bioinputs
and also facilitates learning on the
production and use of biofertilisers and
bioprotectors to empower groups of
women and young people and improve
their understanding of agroecology,
their practices and their productivity
through active and practical training.
Eco-Impact has enabled farmers
to strengthen their resilience and
contribute to the development of
income-generating
initiatives.
The
production of a variety of fruit and
vegetables,
the
development
of
non-timber forest products, livestock
farming, the development of dairy and
meat products, and the introduction
of
organic
input
biofabrication
micro-units to support natural and
agroecological
production.
These
include the production of a number
of biofertilisers, bioprotectors and
biostimulants for plant and micro-
organism
growth:
Bokashi,
liquid
and solid Super Magro, compost,
phosphites,
animal
blood
broth,
Ormus, Apichi, ash broth, sulphur
lime broth, mineral and plant-based
solutions; indigenous microorganisms
and Beneficial Native Microorganisms
(BAM),
Trichoderma,
Native
Microorganism Seeds (NMS), natural
yeasts.
These
initiatives
reinforce
the
development of agroecological value
chains. Fruit and vegetable production
is an essential link in the chain as a
raw material for agroecological and
organic product processing units, for
consumers and for the sustainability
of agroecological markets.
Agroecology and local
markets
The key to the future lies in exploiting the
potential and assets of Agroecology.
We need to make the values and
benefits of agroecology profitable and
sustainable in socio-environmental,
health and economic terms. To play
our part in transforming food systems.
Eco-Impact is helping to build, map
and strengthen the agroecological
and organic movement in Togo for
a better future. It also informs and
educates
consumers
about
local
consumption.
The
agroecological
transition depends on the availability
and accessibility of agroecological
products on the market. Local markets
are gradually being organised as
points of sale and distribution for
processed agroecological products,
as well as for the sale and distribution
of vegetables, fruit and other products
such as non-wood forestry products,
dairy products, sustainable fishing
and fish farming products, and meat
products.
Eco-Impact
promotes
and
encourages
agroecological
entrepreneurship,
healthy
nutrition
and local consumption. Agroecology
is
therefore
a
multi-faceted
opportunity for us. It is a better option
for
the
environment:
sustainable
management of the environment
and natural resources. Agroecology
helps to mitigate the effects of
climatic hazards and strengthen the
resilience of communities in the face
of the climate crisis. It helps to restore
carbon sequestration in the soil, limit
deforestation,
reconstitute
plant
cover, avoid or reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, manage water sustainably,
make efficient use of organic waste,
limit the use of synthetic chemical
inputs and improve the quality of soil
fertility.
By choosing local, agroecological
produce, consumers are helping to
reduce the greenhouse gas emissions
associated with transporting food
over long distances. Local products
generally require less energy to reach
consumers, which can help reduce
the overall carbon footprint of food.
Consuming locally also encourages
the diversification of local crops, which
can contribute to the resilience of the
food supply in the event of climatic
disruptions or natural disasters.
From a health point of view, this
practice facilitates the availability and
accessibility of healthy food for the
population and avoids illnesses linked
to the use of chemical products.
In social terms, Agroecology promotes
proximity between producers and
consumers. It creates opportunities
for producers and consumers to meet.
It encourages the creation of stronger
links and communities, strengthening
the social fabric.
It creates jobs and reduces rural
exodus and migration. It promotes
socio-progressive development and
the emergence of a middle class
capable of sustainably supporting the
local economy.
ultimately,
agroecology
impacts
the local economy: Buying local
agroecological
products
directly
supports local farmers and businesses.
This stimulates the regional economy,
creates jobs and makes communities
more resilient to economic crises.
It has a positive impact on rural
communities by creating jobs and
keeping farmland in use.
Political environment
Since 2008, the legal and political
environment
in
Togo
has
been
conducive to the green economy and
entrepreneurship
through
political
programmes and guidelines. There is
also an emerging social conscience
in favour of healthy eating. However,
action is often limited by a lack
Training workshop on bio-inputs with farmers in Blifou
contd from p.2
JUL.-DEC. 2023
of real funding support for green
initiatives and Agroecology. One of
the main pleas is to make it easier
for young people to access subsidies
and financial resources through their
commitments.
Boosting agroecological
entrepreneurship and local
markets
co-organising and running physical
markets:
Boosting
agroecological
entrepreneurship and local markets
is essential to create outlets for
small-scale producers excluded from
conventional trade channels, in order
to contribute to the agro-ecological
transition (sustainable markets).
One of the major challenges of
Agroecology is to sell its products
at a fair and remunerative price for
producers on the same market as
conventional products, which have
not followed the same itineraries,
nor the same care, and which do not
have the same characteristics and the
same values. One thing is to produce
and another is to be able to sell the
harvest, and farmers are generally
unable to do this.
Eco-Impact’s
actions
focus
on
improving
short
value
chains,
promoting
the
production
and
consumption
of
diversified
foods,
preserving and protecting local and
traditional foods, while addressing
issues of environmental protection
and
biodiversity,
notably
through
increased responsible investment in
agriculture, local food systems and
the strengthening of healthy food
systems through market access and
the development of territorial markets.
Entrepreneurs play an essential role
in
ensuring
the
accessibility
and
availability of agroecological products
(healthy food) while helping to
improve the living conditions of small-
scale producers. Eco-Impact also
assists and organises small farmers by
strengthening their skills in the Local
Organic GSP, with the support of ANA-
Bio, so that they can access the local
organic produce market and improve
their incomes, as part of a plan to
build a sustainable food system. Eco-
Impact is working to put producers in
touch with entrepreneurs and players
involved in the distribution of organic
produce at a remunerative price,
while helping to co-ordinate markets
and encouraging short distribution
channels. Consumers are made aware
of the benefits of healthy eating.
There are a number of active markets
for agroecological products, such as
Biolanmessin, AMAP-Togo, le Panier
de la fermière, le Club aliment bio de
Kpalimé, Le Panier Vert de Kpalimé,
Marché des produits agroécologiques
‘Elikem’ and others in our areas of
intervention. Physical (active) markets
for processed agroecological products
include: the Local Products Showcase
at the gates of the Ministry of Trade,
BoBar Boutique and Centre de
Distribution des Produits Alimentaires
Togolais, Vitrine Air Burkina, La Vitrine
des produits du terroir, and others.
Results and Impact :
The initiative has a number of positive
effects, in particular:
the initiative has helped to reduce
-
deforestation. Thanks to bio-inputs,
more than 1,500 farmers have
gradually abandoned the use of
chemical fertilisers and adopted
a production method based on
organic inputs.
GHG emissions avoided: the use
-
of 750 tonnes of organic fertiliser
and 15,000 litres of bioprotectants
avoided the emission of almost 750
tonnes of GHGs.
organic waste is recycled, preserving
-
biodiversity and soil fertility.
More than 30 endogenous trainers,
-
1,500 farmers, including nearly 700
women, have seen their capacities
strengthened in climate change
resilient practices. The multiplication
phase has now begun. Improved
crop yields have boosted farmers’
incomes.
6 jobs have been created and over
-
1,500 farmers have been kept in
business
Availability of healthy organic and
-
agro-ecological foods
At least 700 loyal customers (young
-
couples, students, civil servants, etc.)
regularly buy products from markets
and agroecological product sales
outlets.
Reference :
https://vert-togo.tg/pourquoi-
consommer-local-linterview/
Bokashi being packaged at the biofactory
micro-unit in Lomé to supply producers.
Training workshop on agroecological
practices with young people in Kpalimé.
Production of Bokashi by women farmers in
their micro-unit in Blifou to supply producers.
Field trip, Training workshop on agroecological practices (pallage) with farmers in Kpalimé.
Community work by farmers for agroecologi-
cal production of vegetables and fruit in Badja
for local markets
10
y journey into the world of
agroecology began when I
joined the inaugural cohort
of the AWOLA mentorship
program, a transformative experience
designed for African Women Leaders in
Agroecology. This program, starting in
November 2022 and stretching into 2023,
was a pivotal moment for me, offering
a deep dive into both agroecology
and leadership. Under the guidance of
my mentor, Bridget Mugambe, I found
myself part of a nurturing ecosystem
that provided both knowledge and a
strong support network. My interactions
with fellow mentees, visits to various
farms, and the hands-on learning about
organic
practices
radically
shifted
my perspective towards sustainable
agriculture. I discovered the importance
of biochar, the detrimental effects of
chemical fertilizers, and the undeniable
benefits
of
embracing
organic
methods—a journey that highlighted
the connection between our farming
practices and our health.
Motivated by this mentorship and the
community of like-minded individuals I
was part of, I was driven to start my own
venture in agroecology. The program
had encouraged me to set ambitious
goals, and mine was to create a
sustainable farm that would serve
not just my family but also contribute
– A contribution by erinA irene tuhirirWe, pelum uGAnDA
Empowering Women in the
Agroecology Spaces: My Experiences
in the AWOLA Program
As I take these initial steps
towards realizing my
dream, I carry with me the
lessons, experiences, and
connections from my time
in the program, ready to
make a meaningful impact
on my community and
the environment through
agroecology.
positively to my community in Wakiso. This
vision was more than just about producing
food; it was about cultivating a lifestyle of
self-sufficiency, health, and responsibility
towards
the
environment.
Drawing
inspiration
from
fellow
entrepreneurs
and mentors like Lynette Nakidde, and
Elizabeth Kabakoyo, I began to see how
agroecology and entrepreneurship could
work hand in hand. They showed me the
ropes, inspiring me with their successes
and guiding me through the complexities
of starting an agroecological farm. My
dream is now to build a farm that not only
feeds my family with healthy, organic food
but also supports my neighbors, creating a
sustainable and healthy food system.
The AWOLA mentorship was more than
just a program for me; it was a catalyst
that propelled me into action, helped
me to grow, and allowed me to envision
myself as a woman leader in agroecology.
I am deeply grateful for the support
and wisdom shared by all my mentors,
especially Bridget Mugambe, and for the
sense of community and empowerment
that AWOLA fostered in me. As I take these
initial steps towards realizing my dream, I
carry with me the lessons, experiences, and
connections from my time in the program,
ready to make a meaningful impact on my
community and the environment through
agroecology.