Ulalo Trains 20 Lead Farmers in Climate Smart Agriculture

Participants pose for a group photo

In a bid to promote sustainable farming practices, Ulalo has trained 20 lead farmers in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) under the Community Activation, Natural Resources Management, and Improvement of Social Infrastructure (CANARASI) project.

The four-day training, held at Mpherembe Resource Centre from February 17 to 20, 2025, aimed to equip farmers with skills in soil and water conservation, conservation agriculture, and sustainable farming techniques.

The initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, targets farmers from 10 primary schools benefiting from the School Meals Program in T/A Mpherembe and T/A Mtwalo.

Participants, comprising 12 men and 8 women, were guided by Agricultural Extension Development Coordinators (AEDCs) and Officers (AEDOs) on best farming practices to improve yields while adapting to climate change.

According to Ulalo Project Manager Moses Mkandawire, the training plays a crucial role in strengthening food security and ensuring the sustainability of the School Meals Program.

“By empowering these lead farmers, we are not only improving their agricultural productivity but also securing nutritious meals for schoolchildren in these communities,” he said.

Throughout the sessions, farmers were trained on conservation farming techniques such as water harvesting, composting, contour ridging, and soil fertility management. Practical demonstrations were conducted, including hands on exercises in making contour ridges and compost manure to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Practical in a session as lead farmers get on ground experience

One of the participants, a lead farmer from Kalanga Primary School, expressed gratitude for the training, stating that it provided practical solutions to challenges they face due to erratic rainfall and poor soil fertility.

“I have learned valuable techniques that I will apply to my farm and share with my community,” he said.

The trained farmers are expected to take the lead in implementing climate smart practices within their communities while strengthening collaboration between the School Meals Committees and local farmers to promote home-grown food production for the sustainability of the program.

Ulalo’s CANARASI project, which runs for 32 months, continues to support climate adaptation efforts in local communities to improve food security and resilience against climate change