Yiga Samuel, a remarkable farmer hailing from the picturesque village of Lwensama in Nabingoola ward, Mubende Municipality, has an awe-inspiring story of perseverance and triumph. With unwavering determination and an unwavering work ethic, Yiga and his wife have transformed their humble subsistence farming into a flourishing commercial enterprise, standing tall today as shining examples of successful farmers.
Their journey to success was fueled by a groundbreaking initiative that completely revolutionized their lives. Before embarking on his farming adventure in 2011, Mr. Yiga worked as a trailer driver for Mukwano Industries. However, the income he earned was insufficient to meet the needs of his growing family. Determined to secure a brighter future, he decided to turn to farming, armed with the five acres of land passed down to him by his father. He recognized the potential for expansion and growth and resolved to make the most of this opportunity.
In 2021, a turning point arrived in Yiga’s farming journey when he was granted an all-inclusive irrigation set, comprising a solar panel, a water tank, and a water pump capable of pumping an impressive 3000 liters per day. The installation of this state-of-the-art irrigation equipment marked a watershed moment for Yiga. It allowed him to achieve year-round production, significantly boosting his household income. His newfound prosperity was primarily fueled by his successful cultivation of coffee and vegetables. The government-provided irrigation equipment was just the beginning of Yiga’s success story.
Empowered by increased production, he seized the opportunity to expand his farm by acquiring additional land. This expansion necessitated a higher volume of water, prompting Yiga to procure another solar-powered water pump capable of pumping an astounding 3000 liters per hour. Today, his farm thrives with an abundant water supply, enabling year-round production and fueling his ever-growing success.
Left: The solar panel, part of the irrigation set received. Right: Yiga showing his sprinkler irrigation system
Yiga’s farming prowess extends beyond the mere utilization of resources. He has ingeniously integrated vegetable farming into his banana plantation, a technique that has become an integral part of his farming activities. By planting rows of vegetables in the spaces between the banana plants, Yiga has created a harmonious ecosystem where the low-growing vegetables, with their shallow roots, pose no significant competition to the bananas. This innovative integration not only maximizes the potential of his land but also provides additional income for his family. The interplanted vegetables not only fetch an average of Ugx 400,000 but also contribute to the household’s dietary needs.
Left: Integration of vegetables with banana plantations Right: Yiga showing some of the coffee grown on his farm
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Mr. Yiga’s impact on the community is nothing short of overwhelming. He serves as an inspiration to others, motivating his neighbors to enhance their pest and disease control efforts. Yiga generously shares his extensive knowledge of best farming practices and offers free extension services to all the farms in his vicinity. Moreover, he goes above and beyond by supplying his fellow farmers with banana suckers, coffee and vegetable seedlings, and even providing water to their homesteads through a community village tap.
Download Issue No.5 of the Model Farmer in Sustainable Organic Agriculture, 2024, to learn more.