Empowering rural women through sustainable vegetable farming in Uganda

In Hoima district, Uganda, a quiet revolution is taking place. Women from rural Kitoba sub-county, often sidelined in male-dominated societies, are learning how to turn small spaces into sources of nutrition, income, and empowerment. In addition, smallholder farmers are grappling with the growing impacts of climate change, which threaten crop yields and food security. Now, these women are gaining the skills and tools to change their lives. The Through sustainable vegetable farming, these women are not only supplementing their families’ nutrition but also reshaping their communities’ agricultural landscape.

Training in sustainable vegetable farming

Recently, nine women from two village groups in Kitoba, Hoima district, came together to participate in a life-changing training on sustainable vegetable farming. This training was designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills to maximize the small spaces around their homes. They learned innovative techniques to grow a variety of vegetables and were also taught to sustainably raise livestock, such as goats and pigs, alongside their crops.

During the training, the women learned how to make sack gardens—an innovative method of growing crops in small spaces. They were also introduced to organic farming practices, such as creating pesticides and manure from animal urine and green plants. These methods are part of our effort to build a circular bionutrient economy, where every natural resource is reused and recycled, reducing waste and improving soil health. By tapping into locally available resources, we are helping farmers create sustainable, closed-loop systems that enrich the environment and their crops.

Possibilities to diversified income

The training covered a wide range of crops. The women learned how to cultivate vegetables like beet spinach, onions, strawberries, Portuguese cabbage, red chili, eggplant, green pepper, and amaranths. They were also introduced to more uncommon crops, such as mulberries, gooseberries, and climbing beans, which offer diverse nutritional and economic benefits.

At the end of the training, the women received seedlings to kick-start their gardens. They have already planted these crops in their homes, turning what was once idle small pieces of land into flourishing gardens that provide fresh vegetables for their families. As these crops grow, the women will not only have food for their tables but will also be able to sell surplus produce at local markets, generating income and enhancing their financial independence.

Growing opportunities, One garden at a time

The women who attended the training come from villages where control over resources and income is often in the hands of men. This has made it difficult for them to access finances or make decisions that benefit their families. By gaining the skills to grow vegetables and raise animals, these women are taking their first steps toward financial autonomy. They now have the tools to contribute meaningfully to their households and communities, breaking away from traditional gender roles.

Moreover, the creation of Women Vegetable Clubs (WVC) allows these women to form support networks within their communities. These clubs provide a safe space for women to share experiences, knowledge, and resources, building resilience against the many challenges they face, including the risk of violence and economic instability.

Potential for replication

This project doesn’t end with these nine women. It is designed to grow and reach even more villages across the Hoima district and beyond. The success of this initial training will serve as a model for future programs, helping more women from similar rural communities to embrace sustainable agriculture.

We are excited to monitor the progress of the women and their gardens. We hope that the gardens will not only bring fresh food to their tables but will also improve overall nutrition in the communities. With the potential to generate income, these women are planting the seeds of long-term change for themselves and their families.

Interested in supporting this project?

Empowering rural women through sustainable farming is a powerful way to tackle food insecurity, poverty, and gender inequality. If you’d like to support this cause, consider contributing to our ongoing efforts to train more women, provide seeds and tools, and expand this project to other villages. Every contribution brings us closer to a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable future for Uganda’s rural communities.