Field Reflections from Agago District, Northern Uganda
Damasco is interviewing a young farmer, named David, from Agogo district. David grew up with his grandmother, learning traditional, farming practices, typical of farmers in the area that once sustained their family year-round.
He recalls, how they used to grow sesame and millet, storing surplus harvests in a greenery that fed the family through seasons. But over time, they began noticing significant changes in the environment—especially the soil. These changes have led to repeated crop failures and the greenery has not been in use for the past three years because there's nothing to store at the end of the season.
Today, farmers who still want to grow sesame and millet must rent land nearly 15 kilometers away—an option only available to those with financial means. For David’s family, the shift has meant turning to backyard vegetable farming, which now forms the backbone of their food security.