Agroecology is about connection—or better yet, reconnection. It’s about re-establishing our bond with nature and realizing that we are all part of the same whole. It’s about reconnecting communities by fostering a new economy rooted in care, and reconnecting people in a fast-paced society, encouraging us to appreciate and preserve the simple things before they are swept away by the whirlwind of globalization and capitalism.
After my stay in Arusha with Reguli, where we visited communities practicing feminist agroecology, I continued my journey to Uganda. There, I was finally reunited with my dear friend John Wanyu in Mukono. John works with Slow Food Uganda and completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UNISG. He had an almost impossible mission: making me appreciate the places we visited more than his wonderful company. Yet, I have to admit, he succeeded brilliantly.
The Wisdom Within Simplicity
Our first stop was a visit to the Ankole Long-Horned Cattle Presidium.
John and I accompanied Isaac, who’s also working in Slow Food Uganda and is the coordinator of this presidium, as he needed to visit the tribes managing the Ankole cattle to get updates on how the season was progressing and to assess if Slow Food could provide any specific support. These meetings occur regularly, and we were fortunate that his visit coincided with my time there.
When we arrived at Mubende District, we were warmly greeted by the leader of the local Ankole cattle tribe. Her presence is vital during these visits, as it puts the people at ease when speaking with outsiders. When we arrived at the home of the family Isaac wanted to visit, we were brought immediately to the tent where the women process Ankole milk. Inside, four women awaited us and kindly offered us ghee, a traditional yogurt made from Ankole milk.
They explained the stark difference between the milk from their Ankole cattle and that from Friesian cows they also raised. Ankole milk, they noted, is much richer in fat and nutrients, allowing them to produce more butter and ghee. Then, they explained to us the process to make the butter, using their traditional tool called Kyanzi (a vessel crafted from carved and smoked mugavu wood, with a deep black finish resembling ebony).
We often romanticize the simplicity of rural life, imagining a peaceful existence in harmony with nature. However, as these women shared their knowledge with me, I couldn’t help but reflect on how misleading that narrative can be. Living in close connection with nature and following its rhythms doesn’t imply a lack of complexity. In fact, it’s fascinating to realize just how much these people know about the land, animals, and resources they care for. Their deep understanding allows them not only to live in balance with their environment but also to show profound respect for it.
Soon, the men joined us in the tent—an unusual occurrence, as men typically do not enter the space where milk is processed. However, with Isaac’s presence, they came to discuss pressing challenges collectively. After the conversation, the men took us to see their cattle. I was struck by the immense pride the tribe’s leader showed as he introduced us to his cows and the land. These majestic animals, renowned for their dark brown coats and long, lyre-shaped white horns, are capable of traveling great distances in search of pasture and water. Historically seen as divine symbols of beauty, the Ankole cattle hold deep cultural significance for tribes like the Bahima and Banyankole.
Their relationship with the Ankole cattle is not only practical but deeply spiritual. These animals symbolize wealth, status, and heritage for the tribes, and their preservation efforts reflect a commitment to safeguarding both their agricultural biodiversity and their cultural identity.
Seeds of Change and Empowerment
My journey in discovering Uganda’s project for preserving local heritage was not come to an end yet, in fact, Jhon and I visited the Joy and Family Demonstration Farm. During my visit to Joy and Family Demonstration Farm, we were warmly welcomed by Joy, the director, along with her husband and three farmers, all women. Their hospitality was evident even on a Sunday. Joy shared the inspiring story of how this farm is not just a place of agricultural production, but a vital force in restoring local food sovereignty. By promoting the conservation and use of indigenous seeds, the farm empowers the community to regain control over their food sources and agricultural practices. This initiative is crucial in a region where small-scale farmers often face challenges related to food insecurity and reliance on external seed systems.
She explained that more and more farmers are beginning to take seeds from their community seed bank, which operates on a unique model of mutual support. Rather than charging for the seeds, Joy and her team ask that the farmers return the same amount of seeds they received after their harvest. This practice not only fosters a culture of sharing but also ensures the sustainability of their seed resources, allowing for a continuous exchange within the community.
In addition to serving as a seed bank, Joy and Family Demonstration Farm operates as a demonstration site where they teach farmers how to adopt more agroecological practices. By providing hands-on training and workshops, they empower local farmers to improve their agricultural methods, thereby enhancing productivity while also preserving the environment. This dual role of conservation and education strengthens the community’s capacity to produce food agroecologically, reinforcing their autonomy and contributing to long-term food security. No wonder why she received several awards, one of them being Uganda’s best farmer in 2016.
As we explored the banana and coffee plantations, it became clear that these crops are not only essential for local livelihoods but also serve as a foundation for sustainable agricultural and cooking practices. The visit concluded with an enlightening session where women farmers showed us their skill in selecting the best seeds, carefully selecting them by hand.
Showing commitment to the ecosystem we rely on
Seeing initiatives, such as the Joy and Family Demonstration Farm and the Ankole Long-Horned Cattle presidium fighting so passionately to preserve their local heritage and food sovereignty deeply, moved me. These projects embody resilience, especially in the face of a challenging socio-economic context where food insecurity, external seed reliance, and environmental degradation pose serious threats to local communities. These communities are safeguarding the profound traditions that have long kept humanity connected to the ecosystems we rely on. How ironic, and even tragic, that we now have to fight to keep these traditions alive.
These efforts go beyond safeguarding food systems—they are about preserving identity, history, and a way of life that has stood the test of centuries. The pride, dedication, and collaborative spirit of the farmers I met are a testament to their unwavering commitment to creating a more agroecological future for themselves and their communities. Now, it’s time for us to demonstrate our commitment as well.
