In February 2024, Fridays For Future Uganda (FFFU) embarked on a transformative journey by launching the Young Women for Agriculture and Gender Equality project in Kiboga District. This initiative is designed to empower female farmers who face significant barriers, providing them with the training and resources necessary to cultivate sustainable cash crops. By addressing the challenges posed by limited income opportunities, the project seeks to enhance the livelihoods of these women and uplift their families.
A group of ten women was carefully selected to participate in the program, with a focus on commercial green pepper farming. During the inception meeting, FFFU staff assessed the unique agricultural needs and preferences of each participant, ensuring tailored support. With guidance from extension farmers, the women received hands-on training in various farming techniques, including nursery bed preparation and seedling transplantation.
Hajarah, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her newfound confidence: “I’ve mastered the art of preparing nursery beds and using quality seeds for the first time. This training has truly transformed my approach to farming.”
Josephine highlighted the significance of monitoring and evaluation in her farming practices: “Learning to keep accurate records has been a game changer for me. I can now track what I invest and what I earn, making my efforts more effective.”
The project has also facilitated personal growth among the participants. Irene shared, “I can now pay for my children’s school fees and have become a mentor for other women in my community. This program has empowered us to share knowledge and uplift each other.”
Despite the successes, the farmers encountered challenges. Many faced pest infestations and disease outbreaks, but they were able to rely on the support of extension farmers to find solutions. Seasonal weather changes also posed a challenge; Hajara noted, “Delayed rains have affected our ability to transplant, and rising temperatures have made watering our gardens more expensive.”
Additionally, issues like theft and stray animals from nearby farms were common concerns. To tackle these problems, Resty took the initiative to engage with local leadership and collaborate with her neighbors, emphasizing the importance of community support: “We need to share knowledge and strategies to safeguard our farms.”
Throughout the project, the women actively engaged in a series of empowering discussions focused on gender equality and gender liberation. These conversations provided a vital platform for them to explore how to effectively respond to gender-based violence and cultivate self-empowerment strategies.
By sharing their experiences and insights, the participants fostered a supportive community that encouraged them to challenge traditional gender norms. This exchange of knowledge not only strengthened their resolve to reduce violence in their homes but also empowered them to take on leadership roles within their families and communities. Through these dialogues, the women developed a profound understanding of their rights and capabilities, ultimately transforming their outlook on both personal and societal issues.
The final follow-up meeting reinforced the skills and confidence gained through the program. While marketing strategies were discussed, the women already had established market contacts, eliminating the need for additional training in that area.
Through the Young Women for Agriculture and Gender Equality project, Fridays For Future Uganda has not just cultivated crops; they have cultivated a future where women thrive, communities flourish, and sustainable agriculture becomes the norm.
This initiative stands as a powerful testament to the impact of empowerment, proving that when women are given the tools and resources they need, they can transform not only their lives but also their communities. As these women continue to break barriers and inspire change, they are not just planting seeds in the soil but sowing the seeds of a brighter, more equitable future for all. Together, they are demonstrating that empowerment leads to significant change, one garden at a time.