Nourishing Our School

What first drew us to urban farming was the constant fluctuation in vegetable prices. Vegetables were something we could easily grow ourselves, yet we kept buying them at unpredictable costs. At Luzira Church of Uganda Primary School, we also wanted to improve the diet of both our staff and pupils.

The UFH Project completely changed the way we looked at farming. Before, we believed farming belonged only in rural areas, where land is vast and fields stretch far.

Now, we know that even the smallest corner of space can be turned into a thriving garden. With the skills we learned, we began reusing plastic bags, buckets, and old water bottles as planters, items that would otherwise pollute the environment.

The journey has not been without challenges. Our biggest hurdle remains water. During the dry season, we depend on piped water, and the bills are painfully high. Without a proper rainwater harvesting system, keeping the garden alive is difficult. The lack of water harvesting equipment like troughs and water tanks slows us down, but the desire to grow and feed our community keeps us going.

Despite these struggles, the transformation has been remarkable. Before the project, the daily meal at school often lacked vegetables because we couldn’t afford them most of the time. Today, the children’s plates are greener, healthier, and more balanced. When the children go on holiday, the extra produce from our garden is sold in the community. The income we earn goes straight back into maintaining the garden, ensuring
it keeps thriving.