This farming training is focused on pests and diseases and their control.
Materials to be used in this training:
- Alcohol
- Red oxide
- Ash
- Bucket
- Tobacco leaves
- Red pepper
- Spraying pumps
- Marigold
This training is conducted organically by the following technical team:
- Bwambale Coronel
- Mutahinga Matthew
- Thembo Geoffrey
- Muthaghanzwa Sanairi
This training will be conducted in person, and we started in Mihunga Village, Ruboni Valley, Ibanda Kyanya T C.
Farmer no 1: Kasokoli Ernest
We gathered with Mzee Kasokoli Ernest at his home in his coffee plantation, and Mzee Mathew, the training technician, briefed us that Mzee’s farm is not in bad condition. We started by addressing the issue of trenches. Then, he mentioned the importance of trenches, such as reducing the speed of running water, thus preventing soil erosion, and trapping washed soil, leading to manure. The recommended dimensions for the trenches are 4 feet width, 7 feet length, and 2 feet depth. When dug, the trenches also help in reducing parasites on the coffee trees, thus combating coffee diseases. If your land is near areas sprayed with chemicals, it’s advised to maintain a distance of 3 meters before harvesting, as neighboring plants may contain chemical residues.
Diseases of coffee
Here are some diseases and pests that affect our coffee:
- Coffee berry borer
- Leaf rust
- Mealybugs
These diseases and pests can be prevented by keeping the coffee plantations clean and employing the following methods:
- Weeding
- Mulching
- Spraying with local herbs
- Pruning
Among these methods, spraying comes after mulching.
Mulching
Mulching involves covering the topsoil with grasses to prevent soil erosion and enhance soil quality. Alternatively, you can dig a hole, place grasses inside, and let them decompose to enrich the soil organically.
Pruning
Pruning involves removing new stems and suckers from the coffee plants to ensure proper growth and flowering. This is particularly important for older coffee plants that have become overcrowded.
Spraying with Local Herbs
This is done using local ingredients to control pests and diseases attacking the coffee plants.
Field Scouting
Upon patrolling the garden, we observed that Mzee Kasokoli’s land had a problem with caterpillars. This affects coffee beans and reduces coffee quality.
Recommendations
We advised Mzee Kasokoli to:
- Dig trenches
- Prune his coffee
- Weed the coffee plantation regularly
- Plant tobacco in his plantation
- Plant red pepper in the coffee plantation
Farmer no 2: Biirah Joyce
After inspecting Biirah Joyce’s coffee plantation, the technical team advised her to start digging trenches, demonstrating the process according to the slope of her land. Trenches serve to trap fertile soil washed by running water and reduce soil erosion.
Pruning
Biirah was taught the importance of pruning, which involves removing new growth to promote better flowering and fruiting.
Weeding
Biirah was instructed on the importance of regular weeding to maintain a clean plantation and prevent pest infestations.
Spraying with Local Herbs
Biirah was educated on organic pest control methods using locally available materials.
Mulching
The team recommended mulching using grass or food crop waste to improve soil quality and reduce erosion.
Recommendations
Biirah Joyce was advised to:
- Continue digging trenches
- Prune her coffee plants
- Weed her plantation regularly
- Plant more tobacco
- Plant red pepper
- Collect and dispose of polythene bags
- Count the coffee trees
Farmers no 3 & 4: Muhindo Felix & Marahi Leo
These farmers received joint training as they share boundaries and coffee plantations. They were introduced to organic farming principles and techniques.
Trenches
Marahi Leo and Muhindo Felix were instructed on digging trenches to prevent soil erosion and improve soil quality.
Pruning
They were advised on the importance of pruning to ensure adequate sunlight penetration and airflow in the coffee plantation.
Weeding
Regular weeding was emphasized to prevent pest infestations and maintain a healthy coffee plantation.
Spraying with Local Herbs
They were educated on organic pest control methods using locally available materials.
Mulching
The farmers were encouraged to mulch using locally available materials to improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
Recommendations
They were advised to:
- Continue trenching
- Prune their coffee plants
- Weed regularly
- Collect and dispose of polythene bags
- Plant tobacco and red pepper
- Maintain proper counting of coffee trees
Farmer no 5: Batsurana Sirus
Introduction to Organic Farming
Sirus was introduced to organic farming as a sustainable and cost-effective farming method that utilizes locally available resources.
Trenches
Sirus learned about the importance of properly sized trenches to prevent soil erosion and retain soil fertility.
Pruning
He was instructed on the significance of pruning to promote healthy growth and yield of coffee plants.
Weeding
Regular weeding was emphasized to prevent weed competition and maintain the health of the coffee plantation.
Spraying with Local Herbs
Sirus was trained in using organic pest control methods using locally sourced materials.
Mulching
He was advised on mulching techniques using grass or food crop waste to improve soil health.
Recommendations
Sirus was advised to:
- Modify his trenches
- Plant more tobacco and marigold
- Start the process of spraying
- Collect and dispose of polythene bags
- Dig a rubbish pit
- Prune his coffee plants
- Plant red pepper
- Weed his plantation regularly
Farmer no 6: Isingoma Abednego
Introduction to Organic Farming
Abednego learned about the principles of organic farming, emphasizing its low-cost and environmentally friendly nature.
Trenches
He was educated on the importance of trenches in water conservation and soil erosion prevention.
Pruning
Abednego was instructed on proper pruning techniques to ensure optimal sunlight exposure and airflow in the coffee plantation.
Weeding
Regular weeding was emphasized to maintain a clean plantation and prevent pest infestations.
Spraying with Local Herbs
He learned about using locally available materials for organic pest control.
Mulching
Abednego was advised on mulching techniques using locally available materials to improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
Recommendations
He was advised to:
- Plant modified grasses for mulching
- Prune his coffee plants
- Collect and dispose of polythene bags
- Plant tobacco and red pepper
- Regularly weed his plantation
- Count the number of coffee trees
Farmer no 7: Jozonia Kyalire
Introduction to Organic Farming
Jozonia was introduced to the principles of organic farming, emphasizing its benefits and sustainability.
Trenches
She learned about the importance of trenches in soil conservation and water management.
Pruning
Jozonia was instructed on proper pruning techniques to ensure optimal growth and yield of coffee plants.
Weeding
Regular weeding was emphasized to maintain a clean plantation and prevent weed competition.
Spraying with Local Herbs
She learned about using locally available materials for organic pest control.
Mulching
Jozonia was advised on mulching techniques using locally available materials to improve soil health and moisture retention.
Recommendations
She was advised to:
- Plant tobacco and marigold
- Dig more trenches
- Collect and dispose of polythene bags
- Plant red pepper
- Prune her coffee plants
- Weed her plantation regularly
- Count the coffee trees
Farmer no 8: Muhindo Mosese
Introduction to Organic Farming
Muhindo learned about the principles of organic farming and its benefits for both humans and the environment.
Trenches
He learned about the importance of trenches in soil conservation and water management.
Pruning
Muhindo was instructed on proper pruning techniques to ensure optimal growth and yield of coffee plants.
Weeding
Regular weeding was emphasized to maintain a clean plantation and prevent weed competition.
Spraying with Local Herbs
He learned about using locally available materials for organic pest control.
Mulching
Muhindo was advised on mulching techniques using locally available materials to improve soil health and moisture retention.
Recommendations
He was advised to:
- Plant tobacco and marigold
- Dig trenches
- Collect and dispose of polythene bags
- Plant modified grasses for mulching
- Give coffee priority
- Count the coffee trees
Farmer no 9: Martina Ebrahimu
Introduction to Organic Farming
Ebrahimu learned about the principles of organic farming and its benefits for sustainable agriculture.
Trenches
He learned about the importance of trenches in soil conservation and water management.
Pruning
Ebrahimu was instructed on proper pruning techniques to ensure optimal growth and yield of coffee plants.
Weeding
Regular weeding was emphasized to maintain a clean plantation and prevent weed competition.
Spraying with Local Herbs
He learned about using locally available materials for organic pest control.
Mulching
Ebrahimu was advised on mulching techniques using locally available materials to improve soil health and moisture retention.
Recommendations
He was advised to:
- Plant tobacco and marigold
- Dig trenches
- Collect and dispose of polythene bags
- Plant red pepper
- Prune his coffee plants
- Weed his plantation regularly
- Count the coffee trees