Agroecology in Action: Highlights from the YPARD Uganda Agroecology Fellows’ Café event

On October 30, 2024, the YPARD Agroecology Fellows (AE Fellows) in Uganda hosted their inaugural Café event, "Youth Leadership in Agroecology: Discussing Opportunities and Challenges," at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi, Kampala during the Uganda National Extension Week 2024. The hybrid event attracted 80 participants, including 28 in-person attendees and 52 virtual participants, showcasing the enthusiasm for agroecology among youth and agricultural professionals alike.

Organized by YPARD Uganda in partnership with the GP-SAEP program, the Café created a platform for young leaders to exchange ideas, explore sustainable agricultural practices, and connect with experts in the field.

Why the Café Matters

Agroecology represents a holistic approach to agriculture, integrating ecological, cultural, and social principles to create resilient and sustainable food systems. Recognizing youth as critical drivers of change, the Café aimed to:

1. Share Insights on Youth Leadership: Highlighting how young leaders are advancing agroecological practices in Uganda.
2. Promote Knowledge Exchange: Encouraging innovative and sustainable agricultural methods.
3. Strengthen Networks: Connecting agroecology fellows with professionals to foster collaboration.
4. Explore Current Practices: Gaining an understanding of agroecology's evolving landscape.

Event Highlights: Collaborative Learning in Action

The Café’s structure was designed to facilitate open dialogue, with an emphasis on collaborative learning. The event began with introductory remarks, followed by thematic presentations from various AE Fellows.
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Welcome Remarks and YPARD’s Mission
The event kicked off with an introduction by Ajuna Tadeo, YPARD Uganda’s co-country representative. Tadeo emphasized YPARD’s commitment to empowering youth in agriculture and outlined the role of the Youth in Agroecology Fellows under the GP-SAEP program.

Foundational Concepts of Agroecology
Nabulime Deborah, an agroecology fellow from Buikwe District, delivered a comprehensive presentation on agroecology principles, emphasizing:

• Diversity: Fostering biodiversity in ecosystems through diverse crop species, livestock, and plant varieties.
• Resilience: Enhancing climate adaptability with resilient crops, soil conservation, water harvesting, and integrated pest management.
• Co-Creation and Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging farmer-to-farmer exchanges, community-led initiatives, and participatory research.
• Synergies: Promoting mutually beneficial interactions through practices like agroforestry, crop rotation, and pollinator-friendly systems.
• Responsible Governance: Emphasizing policy support, funding, and biodiversity protection for agroecological growth.
• Recycling: Prioritizing nutrient cycling through composting, waste management, and organic amendments.
• Cultural and Food Traditions: Preserving cultural heritage through traditional food systems, festivals, and community agriculture.
• Social Equity: Ensuring fair labor, community engagement, and empowering women within agroecology.
• Efficiency: Optimizing resources and minimizing waste through practices like efficient water use and nutrient management. This presentation emphasized agroecology’s role in building sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems by leveraging nature-friendly agricultural practices.

Opportunities in Agroecology
Frank Mufuruki from Sembabule District showcased the “agroecological dividends”—a suite of benefits that agroecology offers, including economic sustainability, improved environmental health, and community well-being. Using engaging visuals, Frank highlighted how agroecology can offer environmental and social advantages while contributing to a resilient agricultural model.

Challenges in Agroecology
Presented by Emiru Jacob, a fellow from Soroti District, this section outlined significant challenges within the agroecology landscape, including:

• Limited Awareness and Education: A lack of widespread understanding of agroecology principles.
• Market Access and Economic Viability: Barriers to economic sustainability for agroecology practitioners.
• Scaling and Implementation Difficulties: The challenge of expanding agroecological practices in mainstream agriculture.
• Climate Change: Pressures from shifting climate patterns that impact agricultural systems.
• Competing Agricultural Models: Traditional models often conflicting with agroecology’s principles.
• Policy and Institutional Barriers: Limited governmental support and regulatory frameworks.
• Resource Access: Insufficient funding and access to necessary resources.
• Scientific Gaps: A lack of in-depth research and technical knowledge.

Call to Action
Okello John from Lira District concluded with a motivational call to action, urging participants to engage in community agroecology initiatives, seek partnerships, and leverage local networks to promote agroecological practices. He encouraged collaboration with local farmers, active participation in policy advocacy for sustainable practices, and sharing knowledge via workshops and social media. John highlighted the need for continuous education through agroecology-focused training and mentorship to expand the movement.

Engaging the Audience

The Café fostered lively discussions during a Q&A session, where participants shared personal experiences and sought advice on implementing agroecological practices. The interactive dialogue underscored the event’s collaborative spirit, encouraging attendees to view agroecology as a shared mission.
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Takeaways: A Path Forward for Youth in Agroecology

The YPARD Café event spotlighted the immense potential of youth leadership in agroecology. By combining practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and a commitment to sustainability, young leaders are driving the agroecology movement forward. Key takeaways included:

• Building Awareness: Education and advocacy are crucial for scaling agroecological practices.
• Networking for Impact: Strengthening collaborations can amplify agroecology’s reach, including involving the participants in the Fellow’s Youth Community of Practice (YCoP) and YPARD Uganda.
• Supporting Youth: Continuous mentorship, funding, and training are essential for empowering young agroecologists.
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Conclusion

The YPARD Café on Youth Leadership in Agroecology marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s agroecological journey. It provided a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and action-oriented collaboration. As the Café highlighted, agroecology’s future depends on nurturing a generation of empowered, informed, and resilient young leaders ready to embrace sustainable practices.

The success of this event sets the stage for continued engagement and innovation in agroecology. By uniting youth, professionals, and policymakers, Uganda is taking critical steps toward building a sustainable agricultural future.

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