By Ibrahim Ruhweza
A large number of city dwellers depend on their salaries for survival, which may, sometimes not be enough for their daily upkeep. In the end, they are stressed because they fail to meet their basic needs, especially food.
During the eighth edition of the Harvest Money Expo 2024, that took place at Kololo Airstrip from February 23–25, expo goers were told to support their incomes through practicing urban farming. Diana Nambatya, a specialised urban farmer, said when one practices the system, it is likely to cut costs he or she would have incurred on some daily expenses. These include growing vegetables and fruits. “You can plant some tomatoes in the space you have around your home so as to reduce costs on daily groceries. This farming is not dependent on seasons. You can do it at any time,” she advised.
Nambatya said urban farming generates revenue streams. Many of the farmers who attended the session attested to the fact that they have heard about urban farming, but have not practiced it. They agreed that with resources, it is worth the try. Harriet Nakabaala, also a professional urban farmer, said for the past 30 years, she has practiced urban farming. Nakabaala revealed that she opted to practice urban farming as a business. Currently, she is earning a lot from red wine, which she makes from grapes that she grows on her small piece of land. She sells a jerrycan at sh70,000.
The expo was made possible in partnership with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Tunga Nutrition, Engineering Solutions (ENGSOL), Techo Serve, Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Warehouse Receipt System Authority, KOICA-K-ABIC, dfcu Bank, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, AKVO International, Pepsi, and State House.
