Kikondo, UG – Family continues searching for efficiency in gardening – 17 Feb 2017

The SCS family is maximizing the efficiency of their vegetable gardening efforts by applying knowledge learned in Wamukisa training sessions. They hope this will allow them to continue working their current jobs while saving money and increasing income growing vegetables.

Mr. SCS is a school teacher and Mrs. SCS runs a small kiosk at a nearby trading center. The couple has three children so between their jobs and taking care of the children they didn’t think they would have time to tend vegetable gardens. Wamukisa manager Michael Kiwanuka encouraged them to at least attend training sessions and then make an educated decision about starting a garden.

Mrs. SCS attended training sessions about water harvesting, soil health, and garden maintenance and decided to start a small trial garden in June 2016. Mr. and Mrs. SCS were both surprised by how much they were able to harvest from such a small area and with relatively little effort.

Success encouraged the SCS family to start a 3-bed garden in December 2016. They chose to plant in December because they wanted to take advantage of the rainy season. Unfortunately, the entire country of Uganda began to suffer from a serious drought. Rains never came. The family ended up working harder than they expected to keep their young garden alive and productive.

Since the beginning of February the family has been enjoying carrorts, amaranthus, cabbage, and kale from their garden. Excess vegetables are sold at Mrs. SCS’ kiosk. Despite the drought, the family remains optimistic. They are planning to extend their gardens for the next rainy season.

Mr. and Mrs. SCS feel there is still room to grow in the local vegetable market. They say demand is high at their kiosk and if Wamukisa finds outside buyers to come buy vegetables they will take advantage of this as well.