Young farmer fights soil erosion with organic methods

Over and over Kabugho Racheal had the same sad experience. A problem that many other small farmers in mountainous Western Uganda often witness. Namely, seeing soil and nutrients erode down the steep fields. Especially when it stands down in poles during the tropical rainy seasons.

The 19-year-old farmer from Kanyamura village in Kabarole district cultivated the quarter hectare of sloping land she inherited from her father using traditional methods until 2021.

"Like other traditional farmers, I burned bush areas, planted onions in long, straight rows along the slopes, weeded the exposed soil and had very few crops. That practice increased soil erosion. This led to reduced soil productivity and thus lower yields," says Kabugho Racheal.

Ground cover, basins and ditches

On her sloping fields, crops such as onions, Irish potatoes and coffee grow mainly.The crops are well suited to the climate in the high mountain area.Since becoming a member of the Kanyamura Thuyikambe Organic Farmer Family Learning Group in 2021, she has learned to use a range of organic methods systematically on her land.

Among other things, the group works together to dig ditches and a range of other methods to keep the soil in the rainy season and the water in the dry seasons on the individual family farms.

Depending on how steep the fields are, the list of collective methods may also include grass-covered areas, water basins, catch crops, ground cover of exposed soil with withered plant parts, and making and using compost.Add to that elements of agroforestry, where farmers can benefit from a mix of different tree species, which help retain water, soil and provide shade.

Increase in yields and income

"Since I started practicing robust, organic farming methods on my farm, I have reduced soil erosion. Soil fertility has also improved, and my yield has increased in the last two seasons," explains Kabugho Racheal, mentioning, for example, that her bean harvest is increased from 120 to 190 kilos.

The young mountain farmer also explains that, after gaining better control over soil erosion, she can make flat terraces on the sloping fields. On the flat terraces, she can make several new initiatives - such as an apiary, which can help with both better nutrition and more income for her small farm.

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Interview and text: Bihundira Gilbert, KOFLEC
Photos: Kule Jockus, Jocks Media