By Genevieve Apio
Through a joint intervention easily referred to as AIRTEA, the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the East Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) are supporting farmers in Central Uganda to access noble life transforming innovations.
Gomba Farm and Environmental Association is a community of 29 farmers, youth, and women committed to advancing sustainable farming practices in Gomba, Mpigi district in Uganda. They have formed a cooperative society through which they jointly own and operate Gomba Farm Innovation Hub, which focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. The Cooperative is led by the former Member of the Ugandan Parliament, Hon. Sam Rwakoojo, who also serves as an elite farmer through whom best practices are easily and practically translated to the cooperative members and other spill-over beneficiaries.
AIRTEA is the acronym for the Strengthening Agricultural Knowledge and Ecosystem Innovation for Inclusive Rural Transformation in Eastern Africa (AIRTEA) project funded by the European Union (EU)—ACP Innovation Fund through the Office of the Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
Through the Project, ASARECA, FARA and EAFF have mobilized the capacities and resources of the 50 organizations to implement 11 innovation projects that include public agriculture research institutions, public and private universities, private sector firms, farmer organizations, ministries of agriculture and district local governments.
The Gomba Farm Innovation Hub is one of the transformative initiatives of the AIRTEA project that is helping to build a more rewarding and sustainable future for dairy farmers.
Hon. Sam Rwakoojo, Chairperson of Gomba Farm and Environmental Association Cooperative
Through the intervention, Gomba Farm and Environmental Association received support and resources to enhance their capacity to promote sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation in their community. The project also provided the Cooperative access to new research, technologies, and information on best agriculture practices, opportunities for farmers to network, share knowledge, and learn from each other. The hub offers a range of training, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning programs that enhance the growth of the farming community. Hon. Rwakoojo, the Chairman of the group, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that add value to the activities of the farmers.
AGRENES demonstrating to Project partners how the Biogas Digester works
The AIRTEA third party project on Retaining Next Generation Farmers in Agribusiness through Enhanced Knowledge Sharing Platforms along the Dairy and selected Grain Value Chains in Uganda is one of eleven third-party projects that receive technical and financial support from the (EU). It is implemented by Agriculture Environment and Ecosystem (AGRENES) in partnership with FLEED TECH, AGRILIV, NARO, Makerere University, AGRITECH, and other key stakeholders, including local multipliers such as the Uganda Muslim Women Civilization Initiative (UMWCI) and Dairy Farmers Network (DAFAN).
The activities of the Cooperative have transformed the agricultural value chains to impact on livelihoods through its cutting-edge innovations that promote efficiency and productively. Some of the innovations are profiled below:
Drought Tolerant Cowshed and Zero Grazing System
Drought Tolerant Cow Shed
Zero grazing of cattle in the drought tolerant shed
This innovative technology helps to improve cattle breeding by introducing more productive and disease-resistant breeds of cows. Farmers use the zero-grazing system, which involves keeping the animals in the specially designed, drought-tolerant cowshed, to manage these breeds. This system not only increases the productivity of the animals but also makes them more resilient to diseases.
Biogas digester
The Biogas digester is a revolutionary innovation that has brought positive change to the lives of farmers. Farmers in the hub have been supported to set up bio digesters in their homes, which have helped them in cooking without having to cut down trees for fuel. This has not only saved them time and energy, but has also supported the group’s efforts to conserve the environment.
Biogas digester an Innovation funded by the project
AGRENES demonstrating the functionality of the Biogas digester
The bio-digester works by breaking down organic waste such as cow dung, kitchen waste, and other organic waste into biogas. The gas produced is used for cooking, lighting, heating and other domestic uses. . This has helped them save money on energy bills and has provided them with a clean and sustainable source of energy.
Use of Silage Bags
The technology is a revolutionary method of storing cattle feed for extended periods. It involves the use of airtight bags.
Silage bags used for storage
This technology is especially useful during drought spells when there is a shortage of feed. Farmers in cooperatives have embraced this method as it allows them to pick up the feed as needed for their animals. Individual farmers have also adopted this technology on their farms, as it offers a reliable and convenient way to store and access feed for their animals.
Pasture Demonstration Garden
The pasture demonstration garden serves as a source of fodder for cows, with a range of crops grown including lablab, forage sorghum, millet, grain sorghum, hay, and domesticated silage.
Pasture Field site
Vegetables for Consumption
In addition to supplying vegetables for home consumption, the garden also provides a valuable educational and demonstration resource for farmers in the cooperative. Those who were previously not familiar with the various types of fodder have had the opportunity to cultivate them on their farms and expand their knowledge. Overall, the garden serves as a multifunctional tool for both feeding livestock and advancing agricultural knowledge among local farmers.
Hay Storage Unit
The cooperative has set up a dedicated hay storage unit for use during times of drought. This helps ensure that all farmers have access to feed for their livestock, even when the weather conditions are unfavorable. The unit promotes sustainability in the farming community and supports the local economy.
Hay Storage Unit
Figure 12: AIRTEA Monitoring and Evaluation team together with implementing partner AGRENES
During a recent monitoring and evaluation visit by FARA, ASARECA and EAFF, the team observed positive changes in livelihoods through farmers’ feedback and testimonies. The team also learnt of some challenges including over reliance on intermediaries to sell milk, leading to low income. 
The team resolved to provide the corporative with a milk cooling facility to help farmers keep the milk until they are ready to sell it to competitive markets.
Leave A Comment