Authorities in Rukiga District, in collaboration with Lets Change My Village (LCM), a community-based organization, and the Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Association, have launched a daily agro-ecology farmers market in Noozi Parish, Mparo Town Council. The market, dedicated exclusively to agro-ecological products and indigenous foods, is part of efforts to promote organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices in the region.
Speaking during the launch, which coincided with Green Action Week 2024 celebrations at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Rwabatungu Village, Mr. Alexander Atuyamba, the Founder of LCM, emphasized the importance of the market in boosting household income, fighting poverty, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
“We established this daily market to allow farmers to supply their organic produce directly. By eliminating middlemen, farmers can sell their crops directly to consumers, ensuring fair prices and access to healthy, eco-friendly products,” Atuyamba said.
He further encouraged farmers to embrace agro-ecology, a farming approach that focuses on growing crops organically while preserving environmental health. “Agro-ecology promotes diverse crop species and self-regulation within farms, minimizing pests and diseases. Healthy soil leads to healthy crops, and this can be achieved by adopting these practices,” Atuyamba added.
The event, themed “Restoration and Conservation of Natural Forests in the Kigezi Region,” also saw participants plant various tree species at St. Augustine Catholic Church. This initiative aims to inspire more tree planting as part of ongoing conservation efforts.
Rukiga District Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Zadock Kamusiime, the Chief Guest, highlighted the health benefits of consuming agro-ecological products. “Eating foods free from pesticides can help reduce the rising cases of cancers and cardiovascular diseases. This market is a blessing to the area,” Kamusiime said.
Ms. Grace Payesu, Country Coordinator for PELUM Uganda, urged farmers to adopt agroforestry and other sustainable practices to combat soil erosion and climate change. “Climate change is affecting us all. We encourage you to plant trees to help restore the natural forests in Kigezi,” she stated.
The launch of the LCM Agro-Ecology Farmers Market is seen as a significant step toward promoting organic farming, environmental conservation, and improving livelihoods in Rukiga District and beyond.
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