Mrs. Hawa Nabaale, a vibrant and dedicated farmer, aged 34 and a mother of three children, hails from Buwembo-Kataita in Namayumba Town Council, Wakiso District. Alongside her husband, Mrs. Nabaale represents the next generation of smallholder farmers who have successfully transformed their farming practices.
After migrating from the Masaka region a decade ago, they settled on a 3-acre plot in Buwembo, where they primarily cultivated beans and maize. About six years ago, their farming journey took an exciting turn when they were introduced to Kulika Uganda, an organization renowned for promoting sustainable and ecological practices. Mrs. Nabaale had the opportunity to undergo training at Kulika’s center of excellence in Namayumba, where she honed her skills in sustainable agriculture.
Inspired by the training, they embraced the concept of integrating enterprises, a practice that proved highly beneficial. They successfully incorporated vegetable cultivation into their banana plantation, capitalizing on the shade provided by the banana plants and the efficient water preservation within the plantation. Year-round vegetable farming became a reality for them. Furthermore, they ventured into poultry farming, opting for kuroiler birds and raising batches of 500 birds at a time. Recognizing the cost of poultry feed, they increased their maize and soya production to ensure a portion of the harvest could be utilized for feed processing.
Building strong market linkages with catering companies, they sell their birds when they reach 3 to 3.5 kilograms, fetching prices between Ushs 35,000 to Ushs 40,000 per bird. This increased productivity allowed them to expand their land holdings, now totaling an impressive 9 acres.
Left: Integration of vegetable cultivation in banana plantation, Right: Nabaale feeding the kuroiler chicks on her farm
As a Kulika Key Farmer Trainer (KFT), Mrs. Nabaale plays a vital role in providing extension services to other farmers in Namayumba Town Council. Her garden has become a learning center, showcasing commercial success and inspiring fellow smallholder farmers. Through her position and on-farm practices, she has become a role model and mentor for smallholders in her community. Embracing innovative practices and integration of enterprises, Mrs. Hawa Nabaale has paved the way for sustainable farming in Namayumba.
Her success story demonstrates the transformative power of knowledge and the impact that resilient and forward-thinking farmers can have on their communities. Mrs. Nabaale’s journey serves as an inspiration, inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices and explore the potential for integrated farming systems.
Download Issue No.7 of the Model Farmer in Sustainable Organic Agriculture, 2024, to learn more.