Following the issues of reduced individual income and food security as WPF embarked general prioritization of food and cash for refugees in Uganda. Now and Tomorrow Uganda decided to establish Ubumenyi (Knowledge in Rwandan dialect) Research and Training Farm to focus on animal husbandry and maximizing crop production in Nakivale refugee settlement.
After a great consideration, URTF decided to pilot rabbit production as rabbits’ multiplication rate is high for both breeding and for home consumption. Interested local groups are to be supported with rabbits to generate income by selling rabbits and rabbit bio-products. Also, the bio products is crucial for organic farming.
To ensure regular crop production at URTF, Irrigation system has been put in place with enough man power. The crops produced help in three ways; generate income for the farm, Additional food for rabbits and food/income to the local groups working at the farm.
Local groups benefit from the organized training in cunniculture including; cage construction, organic farming (making fertilizer and pesticide from rabbit urine and droppings), and crop production.
URTF is undertaking an experiment in optimum crop production using a variety of farming methods. The farm land has been divided into plots. Where, Inorganic fertilizer is applied, where organic manure and pesticides from Rabbit Urine is applied and where there is no application at all. Results are collected at every step in the process. The results should inform the agricultural groups and individuals to embrace organic farming.