Training in sustainable gardening: what the participants say:

We don't run out of food at home now because I am getting better crops	I have learned how to grow more on a small amount of land, and how to work with others	This has moved my cultivation to the next level, I have a higher standard of farming
I have learned to mulch and to use better quality seeds. My yields have increased a lot	I am growing more food for my household and even have some left to sell	I grow a wider variety of crops so we have a better diet at home now
I am spending less on food for my household now because my garden is yielding more	This was good training, the work of farming is now easier	This training encourages me to keep working hard

Subsistence farming is becoming harder, so most families in Budaka experience food shortages. Climate change is altering weather patterns and soil has become degraded by poor cultivation methods.

Early in 24-25, it was decided to provide training in small scale regenerative farming methods to all the communities which host our VSLA groups. This training aims to restore soil integrity, reduce pests, increase crop yields and widen the variety of crops grown. This leads to better biodiversity, better nutrition and more income from crop sales. Training includes the no-plough method of planting, mulching, irrigation management and composting. A demonstration garden is planted by participants, who see the results within six months, as there are two growing seasons per year. They go on to apply them in their own gardens.

Feedback  in March 2025 was very positive, with participants harvesting much bigger crops and growing a wider variety of foods. Many are now able to sell some of their crops as well as feed their families a better diet.