Ugandan schools at the forefront of promoting agroecology through poetry
John Paul Nkwanga of St Joseph Naama Modern SS, the overall winner of the Agroecology competition. PHOTO/COURTESY OF ESAFF
What you need to know:
- The school competition that not only celebrated young talent but also encouraged the next generation to actively contribute to the fight against climate change through creativity, education, and sustainable farming practices.
Every year, schools across the country participate in a challenge to restore environmentally friendly farming practices through art and creativity. The students engaged in an annual Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition organised by Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Farmer’s Forum (ESAFF) Uganda in partnership with Humundi.
The participating schools included Vision High School, Mbale, St Joseph Naama Modern Secondary School, Mityana, Paul Mukasa Secondary School, Mukono, Gulu Secondary School, St Gertrude Girls' Vocational Secondary School, Kisoro, and St Peter’s Secondary School Naalya, Kampala competed in a genre of poetry under the theme Young poets at the epitome of promoting agroecology (farming with nature).
In its second edition, the competition focuses on young poets across the nation “to share their creativity, passion for agroecology, nature and sustainable farming practices through writing,” explains David Oming, the programme assistant at ESAFF.
Participation
The Agroecology Poem Writing Competition brings together learners across the country to participate in promoting agroecology through art.
According to Mr Oming, the participants are members of the Agroecology Clubs in different districts in Uganda and other learning institutions.
“We received about 1,023 poems from 32 schools including 18 secondary schools and 14 primary schools and the learners competed at both school, district and national level,” he says.
The second edition wrapped up with a win from St Joseph Naama, Modern S.S, Mityana with Nkwanga John Paul, a Senior Three student being the winner and awarded Shs1m.
One of the judges Ms Abigail Hamba says, “We were impressed by the winners’ eloquence and entry titled, Climate Justice. This poem celebrates the deep connection between humanity and the earth, advocating for harmonious co-existence through sustainable agroecological practices.
She also appreciates the poem’s art of vivid imagery, emotional resonance, and a strong call to action, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
“This victory highlights the importance of integrating ecological consciousness into education,” Ms Hamba adds.
The patron of Agroecology Club at St Joseph Naama Modern SS in Mityana, Mr Umar Sekiti, the school intends to use the prize competition and other Agroecology Club activities to help in the promotion of agroecology by extending knowledge to both schools and communities.
There were six finalists from all over Uganda who included John Paul Nkwanga from St Joseph Naama Modern SS was the overall winner scooped Shs 1m, Joan Ainembabazi from St Peter’s Nsambya who placed first runner-up, Esther Wanyenya from Vision High School,Mbale the second runner-up won Shs 500,000 worth of school fees.
Also, fourth place went to Pius Wamuyale of Paul Mukasa SS Mukono, while fifth and sixth place went to Josephine Uwimana of St Gertrude Girls’ Vocational SS Kisoro and Daniel Latim Nyero of Gulu SS Gulu. Each participants received certificates of participation and gifts such as books and bags.
The top six participants of the agroecology competition. PHOTOS/COURTESY OF ESAFF.
Mentorship
The initiative nurtures young people into ambassadors in promoting environmentally friendly practices and exposes them to knowledge on its importance in preserving the planet.
Mr Sir Sunday George Bob, a senior agricultural officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) urges the learners to opt for science subjects in school.
He advises, “Taking on courses that solve global challenges is rewarding for young people and creates more problem solvers.”
In recognition of ESAFF’s commitment in extending the agroecological knowledge to learning institutions through tree planting, writing competitions among other initiatives, Mr. Sir Sunday also highlights the government's willingness to support policies around climate change and agroecology.
Scaling up
Mr Oming shares “ESAFF Uganda plans to launch the third edition of the Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition 2025 early in the year to allow many learners and schools from across the country to take part in the competition.”
He believes that the competition will attract many learners and partners that will be involved in empowering the young generation in the promotion of agroecology.
The Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition 2024 is a testament to young minds championing Sustainable agro ecological practices and protecting the planet.
With more learners at the forefront, the future of agroecology is in safe and creative hands. The competition not only celebrated young poets but also encouraged the next generation to actively contribute to the fight against climate change through creativity and education.
About the competition
The annual Schools Agroecology Poem Writing Competition ensures that young poets across the nation share their powerful words, creativity, and passion for agroecology, nature, and sustainable farming practices through writing.
This initiative is to bring youth/young generation in the promotion of agroecology. The competition involves members of Agroecology Club members in the different districts across the country.
