Promoting agro-ecology through poetry

Fort Portal: In 2023, in abid to promote agroecology in Uganda, the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Farmers’ Forum [ESAFF] Uganda , in partnership with Humundi, launched the schools Agroecology poem writing competition.

Held annually, the competition engages schools across the country, encouraging students to promote environmentally friendly farming practices through art and creativity. Now in its third edition, the initiative continues to inspire young minds to use poetry as a medium for environmental advocacy.

Speaking during the launch of the third edition at Karambi primary school in Fort Portal city on Friday, Adrine Atwine from ESAFF Uganda emphasized the competition’s role in nurturing young advocates for agroecology.

“The annual schools agroecology poem writing competition provides a platform for learners nationwide to express their creativity, passion, and commitment to agroecology, nature and sustainable farming practices,” she said.

Atwine believes that involving learners at an early age ensures a sustainable and innovative future for agroecology. She noted that the competition serves as a catalyst for young people to become champions of agroecology in their schools and communities, empowering them to voice their concerns and ideas about sustainable food systems.

This year’s competition targets both primary and secondary learners, with a particular focus on members of nutrition and agroecology clubs.

According to Atwine, the competition is structured across four levels, starting from intra-school competitions and progressing to district, regional and national stages.

She encouraged young poets to explore a broad range of topics related to agroecology, including climate justice, organic farming and the rights of smallholder farmers.

However, she stressed the importance of adhering to the competition’s guidelines, particularly regarding originality, language and submission requirements.

“The competition not only celebrates young poets but also encourages the next generation to contribute to the fight against climate change through creativity and education,” Atwine said.

ESAFF Uganda, with support from Humundi and the agroecology Fund, collaborates with organizations like IIex de Paix [IDP], Kabarole Research and Resource Centre [KRC] Uganda and Joint Effort to Save the Environment [JESE] under the Feed Good program.

Together, these organizations are working to integrate agroecology into school curriculums in Western Uganda and beyond.

Eric Oteba, the nutrition programs manager at KRC Uganda, expressed optimism about the partnership’s impact.

“I am thrilled to be working together to empower learners in promoting agroecology. When students are empowered, they become agents of change, spreading agroecological knowledge within their communities,”Oteba said.

He emphasized the collective responsibility to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable, food-secure Uganda.

The theme for the third edition of the competition is “Agroecology for healthy communities”.

David Ruhbaihayo, the head teacher of Karambi primary schools in Fort portal city, praised the initiative as timely and inspiring.

“In an era where the health of our planet and the well-being of our communities are under increasing pressure, agroecology offers a vision of sustainability, harmony with nature and integration of traditional wisdom with modern science,” he said.

“Poetry has always been a powerful tool for expression, advocacy and change,” he added.

ESAFF Uganda’s schools agroecology poem writing competition continues to stand as a beacon of hope in the journey towards sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Agroecology remains a crucial pillar in achieving food security and climate resilience in Uganda.

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