Gilbert has planted the seeds for his future

They call him the "agroforestry boy". The nickname among the locals of the village in western Uganda arose when Gilbert Muhindo became the head of a nursery that supplies tree seedlings for organic agroforestry. Otherwise, it was not in the cards for the lively and happy young man without children of 22 years to go into agricultural production at all. As part of a humble family of twelve, Gilbert Muhindo did not want to get involved in the family's farming because he saw no future in it. Instead, as a student, he simply came to his parents with his needs and demands for, for example, school fees.

But in 2021, through the ESFROMA program, he was trained in agroforestry, which here in the tropics can be in several layers with everything from tall avocado trees and, for example, lower banana and coffee plants in the partial shade under the tree crowns. Agroforestry is also a method that thrives well with organic farming practices.

Youth group establish own tree nursery
In addition to the newfound interest in using more trees in combination with organic farming, Gilbert Muhindo became curious about the FFLG approach. This prompted him to mobilize and join hands with other youths to form a youth FFLG named "AgriFocus Karughe". The group is run as a nursery specializing in tree seedlings for forestry.

Through the sale of the saplings, the youth group earns US$150 a month, which is enough to pay for their books, pens, calculators, math cases, shoes and uniforms. It has reduced the dependency on the parents, and fewer of the young people are unemployed, since they use their vacations from studies to do productive work in the community nursery.

Gilbert Muhindo explains that there is a good market for trees for forestry in the area. This is because most organic farmers have started to integrate agroforestry trees into their farming systems. The trees help to improve the soil's fertility, and they also provide firewood and wood for construction. As large areas of forest in Uganda have been cut down in recent years, the demand for more tree plants has increased. And it helps ensure the nursery an increasing income.

Rooted faith in the future

“I have also gained skills in marketing our agroforestry trees to a wider market and as such we get a good price for our tree seedlings. We hope that the good price for our plants will increase our income and enable us to take the future into our own hands,” says Gilbert Muhindo.

He also explains that the FFLG group has fostered friendship and teamwork among the young people and improved their knowledge and skills by sharing experiences.

"It has helped us put the theory we study at school into practice. It has helped to improve our academic performance as well as our opportunities for future employment, says Gilbert Muhindo on behalf of the group.

The nickname "the agroforestry boy" also shows that the story of AgriFocus Karughe has had a positive effect on Gilbert Muhindo as an individual.

“I feel empowered in my community. I speak confidently with many different kinds of people and I have no worries about finding a job when I finish my studies, says Gilbert Muhindo and continues:

"I have gained a name in society".

Interview and text: Bihundira Gilbert, KOFLEC
Photos: Kule Jockus, Jocks Media and Sigrid Soelberg Vestergaard, Organic Denmark