agriculture 2 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Sebei Farmers Cultivate Sustainability with Regenerative Agriculture
The Elgon Pamoja Project in Uganda's Sebei region is empowering farmers with regenerative agriculture techniques, focusing on organic fertilizers, soil conservation, and biodigester technology. This initiative enhances crop yields, improves livelihoods, and promotes environmental sustainability. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/sebei-farmers-reap-from-regenerative-agriculture-5481732
Farmers in Uganda’s Sebei Sub-region are increasingly adopting regenerative agriculture practices, leading to improved crop yields and enhanced livelihoods. Spearheaded by the Elgon Pamoja Project, in partnership with Aid Environment and funded by Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), the initiative focuses on training local farmers in sustainable farming methods.
The project works with farming groups, such as the Ganan Farmers Group, to produce biofertilizers and biopesticides using locally sourced materials like wild sunflower leaves, African soapberry, wood ash, and crushed stone. This organic approach significantly reduces the reliance on expensive chemical inputs, thereby lowering production costs for farmers cultivating crops like barley and sorghum, which are key commodities for UBL.
Beyond organic inputs, the Elgon Pamoja Project emphasizes soil and water conservation. Farmers are trained to construct trenches in their gardens to prevent topsoil erosion, a critical issue in the hilly terrain of the Sebei region. The project also distributes tree seedlings to help stabilize the soil and combat erosion during the rainy season.
Biodigester technology is another cornerstone of the initiative. Farmers are learning to construct and utilize biodigesters, which convert cow dung and water into methane gas for cooking and nutrient-rich bioslurry for fertilizing crops. This not only provides a clean and affordable energy source, reducing the need for firewood and conserving forests, but also improves soil fertility, boosting yields for crops like bananas and coffee.
Rainwater harvesting systems are also being promoted, providing a consistent water source for domestic use and agricultural activities, especially in areas where water access is a challenge. These integrated approaches aim to create resilient farming systems that benefit both the farmers and the environment.
The Elgon Pamoja Project currently supports 750 farmers across 38 groups in the districts of Kween, Kapchorwa, Bukwo, and Bulambuli, with plans to expand its reach. The project also includes financial literacy training to further empower farmers and ensure the long-term success of their agricultural ventures.