The AEFJN Uganda Antenna launched its pilot project in July 2025 in Ukusijoni and Pakele Sub-Counties, aiming to combat land injustice and food insecurity by promoting agroecology and secure land rights. This initiative was preceded by a baseline survey entitled “Study on Indigenous Crop Management in Adjumani District, Uganda,” whose major objective was to explore the prospects, practices, and challenges of food security through community-based agroecological practices. The key findings revealed that indigenous crops hold significant value in the community: 93% of participants praised them for drought resistance, and 86% noted their low input requirements, including less labor and minimal chemical use. Traditional knowledge, such as seed broadcasting for millet, is still practiced, with major crops including millet, pearl millet, cowpeas (“Kuruja”), cassava, and simsim. Beyond their agricultural benefits, these crops carry deep nutritional and cultural importance: 90% of respondents cited their strong nutritional value for child nutrition and maternal health, and they play a vital role in cultural rituals and traditional medicine, linking food systems closely to community identity and spirituality.
Despite these strengths, the survey identified key challenges, including low market demand for indigenous crops, wildlife destruction reported by 87% of participants, post-harvest losses due to poor storage affecting 50% of farmers, gender inequality in storage and sales control, misconceptions that view these crops as “poor people’s food,” and weak policy support with limited awareness of government programs. Nevertheless, indigenous crops contribute significantly to food sovereignty by enhancing climate resilience, promoting crop diversity as emphasized by 60% of respondents, reducing dependence on hybrid seeds, lowering production costs, and providing food security during crises. Building on these findings, the pilot project was launched with specific objectives centered on agroecology training, farmer organization, and advocacy.
Key activities implemented included the formation of a farmers’ association, where 160 farmers were identified and trained from three villages, resulting in the establishment of seven farmers’ groups with leadership structures. A dialogue and mindset change program brought all groups together for meetings to foster mutual understanding, project ownership, and cohesion. Training sessions equipped farmers with improved land and crop management skills, while cash grants for seed and land opening enabled each group to manage their farmlands based on the acres they proposed. A total of 18.5 acres were opened across four villages: Alera with 4 acres, Amatura with 6 acres, Vukootu with 5 acres, and Kocoa Pakele with 3.5 acres. The harvest results, particularly in sunflower production, demonstrated tangible success: Alera produced 16 bags (992 kg) valued at UGX 1,146,000; Amatura produced 12 bags (744 kg) valued at UGX 892,800; and Vukootu produced 13 bags (806 kg) valued at UGX 926,900, with 10% of income saved for the next season. A radio talk show was also held to raise awareness on agroecology, good farming practices, land rights and governance, and to call upon leaders and stakeholders to embrace and support sustainable farming practices in the district.
The project has yielded significant impacts, including improved land and crop management skills, the revival of indigenous and drought-resistant seeds, strengthened social cohesion among farmers, improved livelihoods and food security, and active engagement by farmer groups with authorities on land rights. Through these interventions, the project has demonstrated that when communities reclaim their land, they do not just grow crops—they grow dignity, resilience, and hope. The journey of the AEFJN Uganda Antenna stands as a testament that justice rooted in faith can cultivate lasting transformation, one seed at a time.
