Anthony Mugarra is a 44-year-old farmer who hails from Lusaka village, Kisula Sub County, Kagadi District. His remarkable journey as a successful farmer is not only improving his family’s livelihood but also inspiring the entire community. Trained by HOCADEO, Anthony has become a beacon of sustainable agriculture, employing diverse farming techniques and innovative approaches to achieve remarkable results.
As a member of the Tukulakulane Farmers Group, consisting of 60 individuals organized into three smaller groups of 20 farmers each, Anthony has been equipped with knowledge and skills in sustainable crop planting, forestry, and animal husbandry. He has chosen to engage in multiple enterprises, including maize, groundnuts, potatoes, poultry, piggery, and bananas. Anthony’s farming methods involving intercropping, allowing for a harmonious combination of crops that enhance soil health and optimize production.
Anthony practices mixed farming by intercropping various crops on his land. He skillfully interplants cassava and maize, taking advantage of their compatibility. While groundnuts and maize are seasonal crops, they thrive alongside cassava, which provides a longer harvest period. The groundnuts contribute to soil nitrogen fixation, improving soil conditions and benefiting all the crops in the vicinity. Additionally, Anthony strategically incorporates short-term crops like beans into his rotation, as they serve as a cover crop and further enhance soil fertility.
Intercropping of cassava with maize and groundnuts on Anthony’s farm
In addition to his crop production, Anthony maintains a diverse array of livestock, including over 10 goats, 6 mature pigs, and a few chickens. The focus here lies in utilizing the animals’ manure to sustain soil fertility in his garden. By leveraging the organic benefits of animal manure, Anthony ensures a sustainable method of production while maintaining the health of his perennial enterprises. Furthermore, he has utilized his compound for backyard gardening, cultivating vegetables such as leafy cabbages, spinach, onions, and tomatoes. This initiative not only improves family nutrition but also generates daily income, given the proximity of his location to a trading centre where fresh produce is in demand.
Anthony rears livestock for both income generation and as a source of manure to sustain soil fertility
Anthony’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his own household. His innovative approach to ecto-parasite control in livestock, utilizing an acaricide developed from local herbs with indigenous knowledge passed down through generations, has gained recognition. This organic solution for managing external pests has not only helped Anthony but has also benefited other farmers in the community. His success story has become an inspiration for the entire Tukulakulane Farmers Group, motivating them to pursue meaningful agricultural production despite limited land resources.
Download Issue No.6 of the Model Farmer in Sustainable Organic Agriculture, 2024, to learn more.