Addressing Multiple Challenges of Low Soil Moisture Content,yields and High Labour requirement Using Conservation Agriculture

Abstract

As a requirement leading to an award of Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation, Supervised Experiential learning Projects were conducted between June and August, 2012. The main educational programme was guided by one main objectives: Action Research to address a specific Farming Need/ challenge(s) identified during problem identification and ranking. Supervised Experiential Learning Projects were aimed at offering me opportunities to “learn-by-doing” so as to;- I. Acquire practical field experiences in Agriculture and agro-related programmes, II. Develop personal characteristics such as self-confidence, creativity, adaptability and good interpersonal relations among others, III. Apply knowledge and skills acquired at the university through practicing field activities,and IV. Identify and appreciate factors that influence the effectiveness of agricultural programs.

I was hosted during my second field attachment by Caritas, Nebbi. The organization was implementing the School garden project–a component of the Community Empowerment Programme as a Local Capacity Builder of the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV).

The experience gained has shaped my perception and implementation of agriculture and agriculture related projects and programmes. Agriculture is a dynamic industry and must undergo a significant transformation to meet multiple challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty, climate change/ variability and environmental degradation . It is therefore prudent that there should be deliberate actions to undertaken regular training needs assessment and field-based research to address these challenges.