KYEGEGWA — In a move aimed at transforming rural livelihoods and strengthening climate resilience, EcoSkills Initiative has stepped up its outreach efforts in Kyegegwa District by distributing cocoa seedlings and equipping farmers with practical, income-generating skills.
During a recent community engagement in Kiguya Village, the organisation provided cocoa seedlings to more than 60 farmers, targeting long-term household income growth through the adoption of high-value cash crops. The initiative is part of a broader effort to shift communities away from subsistence farming toward more sustainable and profitable agricultural practices.
Beyond seed distribution, the outreach delivered hands-on training sessions covering financial literacy, family planning, environmental conservation, and small-scale farming techniques. The holistic approach aims to address both economic and social challenges faced by farming households in the district.
Speaking at the event, EcoSkills Initiative Founder, Maxiline Kansabe, encouraged farmers to rethink their approach to agriculture by focusing on value and profitability.
“Farmers should begin to think about the value of what they plant. It is not just about farming, but about the output and income it can generate,” she said.
Kansabe noted that the intervention was informed by findings that rank Kyegegwa among the poorest districts in the Tooro region, despite its strong agricultural base. She highlighted cocoa as a promising alternative, noting that the crop currently fetches between UGX 30,000 and 35,000 per kilogram at maturity, making it a viable pathway to improved livelihoods if properly managed.
The training on efficient land use and small-scale farming was led by crop seedlings expert Sserunkuma Venansio, who emphasized that farmers do not need vast land holdings to succeed.
“You don’t need a large piece of land to farm successfully. With proper planning and use of available materials, even small-scale farming can be profitable,” he explained.
Farmers were also encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly practices, including recycling materials such as plastic bottles for planting instead of allowing them to pollute the environment. The sessions addressed pressing environmental concerns in the district, particularly deforestation and poor waste management.
Participants were introduced to alternative eco-friendly solutions, such as using maize residues for cooking fuel to reduce reliance on firewood, a key driver of deforestation in the area.
Project Coordinator Philip Alihika underscored the importance of planning in both farming and household management, urging families to make inclusive decisions that improve overall welfare.
“Everything begins with proper planning. Decision-making within families should also be inclusive to improve overall welfare,” he said.
Local leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. Rukanga Asiimwe, Chairperson of Kiguya Village, expressed appreciation on behalf of the community.
“We thank EcoSkills Initiative for supporting our farmers. We request more trainings like this to help uplift our community,” he said.
In addition to agricultural support, the organisation extended humanitarian assistance by donating clothes to vulnerable households, particularly single mothers and families in need. Kansabe expressed gratitude to well-wishers whose contributions made the donations possible, noting that such acts of generosity help restore dignity and hope within communities.
She concluded by urging farmers to apply the knowledge gained from the training.
“Real change begins when knowledge is put into action. What we practice today will shape the future of our families, our community, and our environment,” Kansabe said.
The initiative marks another step toward building resilient, self-sustaining rural communities through climate-smart agriculture and inclusive development.