Training Manuals for Irrigated-Vegetable Production: “Books That Changed My Life”

In view of the growing population and the impact of advancing climate change in Northern Uganda, the need for irrigated crop production has increased significantly. While irrigated agriculture is still underdeveloped, it can serve to produce crops during the dry season (January to March) and thus generate additional income for small-scale farmers. 

Mr. Michael Odor is a farmer who used to produce mainly traditional food crops such as cereals and legumes during rainy seasons. Besides, he could occasionally produce vegetables on a small scale, using conventional agronomic practices. Because of his limited practical knowledge in the field, he was often frustrated by low yields. Food and nutrition insecurity, limited household income and failure to meet basic needs of his family were regular problems. 

In the context of AFC’s activities to promote irrigated vegetable farming under the GIZ project Promoting Rural Development in Northern Uganda (PRUDEV), Michael became one of the beneficiaries selected for support together with other members of the group Rot Aye Layab. He received practical training on several topics such as good agronomic practices, irrigation scheduling and crop water requirement, pest- and disease control as well as soil fertility management among others. Above all, Michael was supported with a simplified, translated version of vegetable production manuals, that explain in detail the step-by-step process to follow for excellent vegetable yields. The training manuals supplemented his knowledge and skills gained from group learning. 

 “The little books changed my life totally”-he said. Mr. Odor is now able to produce premium quality vegetables like cabbages and tomatoes. His products are always superior to that of other farmers whenever he takes them to Kitgum main market. The demand for his products is stable and high. As vegetables are high-value crops, his household income has greatly improved. He is now able to provide with more ease the basic needs of the family, including paying the school fees for his children in good schools within Kitgum town.