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The core of Kulika's Community Development Programme is
training of farmers in sustainable organic agriculture which
focuses on experiential learning, practical work, on-farm
experimentation and demonstrations to improve the skills of
farmers in the following areas:
Principles and Practices of Sustainable Organic Agriculture
Kulika is committed to spreading the principles of sustainable
organic agriculture, the latter is a farming practice that
doesn’t introduce environmentally degrading and, in
some cases, wrongly identified and supplied chemicals on land.
Kulika works in many areas of Uganda, educating and training
local people towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship
with their land and environment in order to improve health,
food security and family incomes for rural farming communities.
(Current Projects)
Soil Fertility and Water Conservation
Kulika helps farmers improve productivity through increased
soil fertility and water retention. Farmers are trained in
making and use of organic manures eg compost, plant teas and
other liquid manures, and the use of cover crops. They are
in addition trained in various measures for soil and water
conservation. These include the use of physical structures
or barriers including well stability contours, cut-off drains
and water retention ditches.
Crop Husbandry
Kulika trains in organic crop production methods including
the agronomic practices for various crops, organic pest and
disease control methods, use of resistant crop varieties,
use of cover crops and dead mulch for weed control and fertility
rejuvenation.
Livestock Husbandry
Kulika trains farmers to produce and manage livestock in a
sustainable manner, the importance of proper husbandry of
livestock allows farmer groups to diversify their produce
and improve their health and nutrition as well as increase
their capital.
Farm Business Management
Kulika trains farmers to work more sustainably, to focus on
farming as a business, while improving their business and
management skills in the process. The trust has also helped
farmers to work in a supply capacity where appropriate, improving
their knowledge of trade, economics and business.
Farm Power and Appropriate Technology
Kulika trains farmers to construct and use technologies that
conform to the principles of sustainable organic agriculture
without damaging the environment. Kulika educates farmers
in principles of hygiene and sanitation and teaches how to
build equipment associated with this.
Foods and Nutrition
Kulika trains farmers the different food stuffs including
staple legumes, the nutritional value of fruit and vegetables
through practical demonstrations, discussions and visits to
hospital child nutrition departments. The training also covers
food hygiene, handling, preparation of meals, presentation,
serving process and preservation.
Gender Analysis and Family Life Education.
Kulika trains clients in gender analysis and family life education.
This covers gender roles and responsibilities of men and women
in families and communities. Kulika also builds the capacity
of communities in rights-based issues.
Agro-Forestry and Environmental Management.
Kulika works to enhance the capacity of local communities
to protect and conserve natural resources. This includes preparation
of tree nurseries and planting of multi-purpose trees. Farmers
are trained on the dangers of deforestation, changing attitudes.
Marketing
Farmers are trained on the importance of meeting standards
when marketing locally and in order to export their organic
produce to international markets effectively. Capacity-building
in and promotion of Certification allows farmers to negotiate
prices for their goods with companies from a stronger position.
Farmer-to-Farmer Extension and Training Programmes.
Farmers are selected by members of their group and return
to their areas after training to share skills and knowledge
with their group members about what they have learnt. Farmers
are trained in phases that enable them to apply and adapt
new knowledge whilst spreading it in their communities.
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