Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy and the mainstay of its rural communities. In Tororo and other rural districts in Uganda, up to 90% of the population depends on agriculture for both nutrition and income. In the past, local communities were able to grow a wide variety of crops, ensure food security throughout the year, and use agricultural proceeds to finance children’s education, medical care, clothing and other basic domestic needs.

In recent times, however, food security in the rural communities of Tororo has become unsustainable.  Climate change, shrinking availability of land for cultivation, and lack of governmental support for agricultural investments have had a profound impact on agriculture in the region. Many of the region’s most healthy and able individuals have migrated to urban areas, leaving agricultural work to those who are less well-equipped to succeed: widowed women, children, elderly people, and those who are ill (many of whom are victims of HIV/AIDS).

PCE Foundation is attempting to improve food security by promoting new crops and improved farming techniques.  We have planted over 200 fruit trees and a variety of vegetables in our community demonstration gardens as well as in family plots.   These include mangoes, oranges, avocados, pawpaws, maize, cabbages, egg plants and collard greens.  By using better techniques, the demonstration gardens produce quality yields that motivate the beneficiaries to implement similar methods on their own farms. Our first maize harvest weighed 200kg (valued at $64) and came from a $6 donation of 5kg of seeds.

Our farming methods are environmentally friendly, and applicable to even small farm plots. PCE Foundation has begun a farming cooperative which benefits all participants. We welcome donations in form of funding, seeds, seedlings, equipment, training, and advisory services from experts in sustainable farming. Any donation will make a difference!