“Implementing soil conservation measures and growing a variety of crops on this land has made a real difference in my life and my family’s life. It has helped restore the land and bring it back to a more fertile and productive condition.”
I joined the project with the Upland Holistic Development Foundation/UHDF in May 2020 through the Soil Conservation Project, which focused on constructing contour trenches and practicing integrated cropping.
My community, including my family, has limited access to land and faces challenges related to land rights. This land had been cultivated for many years without proper soil conservation. Because of its steep slopes, soil erosion was severe, causing the land to become degraded and less productive, making it increasingly difficult to use for farming.
After that, I joined the project with UHDF, where I received training and support on constructing contour trenches on sloping farmland. I then began planting a variety of trees and crops on my land, including avocado, mango, and local plant species.
“Implementing soil conservation practices and integrated cropping on this land has made a real difference in my life and my family. It has helped restore the land and bring it back to a more fertile and productive condition.”
“Implementing soil conservation practices and integrated cropping on this land has made a real difference in my life and my family. It has helped restore the land and bring it back to a more fertile and productive condition.
Today, we have a greater variety of food crops that can be harvested throughout the year. This diversity has strengthened our food security, reduced household expenses, and provided additional income from selling tea. In the next two years, we also expect to generate income from our avocado trees. These changes have brought happiness and pride to my family.
Because of my success, I have become a model farmer, sharing my knowledge and experience with other farmers in my community and neighboring communities. Many farmers have begun shifting away from monocropping toward agroforestry, and the number of farmers adopting this approach continues to grow each year.
Now, my children and grandchildren have also started following the same path by practicing integrated farming on their own land. They have seen the benefits of growing a variety of crops, particularly in reducing household expenses. Neighbors and younger generations have also seen what I have done and begun adopting these practices on their own farms.
As more farmers move away from monocropping and adopt agroforestry, the community is seeing greater ecological diversity and an increase in green spaces, helping create a healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone.”
