The Sustainable Agriculture training unit

The sustainable agriculture training department offers an eighteen month certificate training targeting youth school leavers and farmers. The department has 11 students and two trainers. Among the many facilities and equipment for training students include: Land for demonstration of various farming enterprises and technologies, farming equipment that includes two tractors, a zero grazing unit, water harvesting for food production, solar food drying, agroforestry, woodlots apiary and much more.

Meet Elina a young farmer in Action

Elina Justus a 21 year old girl from Orumushaka village, Karagwe district was enrolled to undertake the certificate course starting from November 2011. “After I did my fourth form at Nyakahanga mixed government school in 2010, I did not get good grades to enable me pursue university education. As a young girl I felt I should support my parents with farming activities. When I heard about the opportunity to learn sustainable agriculture at Eden centre, I informed my parents who agreed to support me. In addition, we do not have an extension staff in our village an idea that my parents acknowledged. I plan to pursue agricultural studies up to degree level to support our country improve in agricultural production.

At the Eden centre, we learn theories and also undertake practical activities in the field. I’ve dug over 10 double dug beds as a start and will plant diverse crops including onions, tomatoes and vegetables. I enjoy the lessons as we do lots of practices. When we close school, I now have new ideas to train my parents and willing neighbours. Thanks to FADECO for this pioneering course.