The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) has been praised for its efforts in reviving the Gayaza High School farm and its participation in the annual farm camp that has seen the initiative grow but also extended to other similar learning institutions.
The school was further gifted with the Biogas plant to supplement its energy obligations.
Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries has supported the Gayaza High School Farm Camp since its inception. Through the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB) supported to repair school’s dairy section particularly the milking parlour and stores, to establish maize and pastures for silage and hay respectively, and rehabilitated the biogas plant in 2014. Through NAGRC&DB, MAAIF donated 10 dairy crosses, including two Grey cattle, two Friesian, two Guernsey, two Jersey, and two Ayrshire breeds. This was in support of a new programme championed by Gayaza High School the Innovative Agricultural School Development Programme.
The cows were donated to Gayaza High School, with an intention to multiply and disseminate good genetics to farms of other participating schools in the now annual study camp. With continuous guidance and monitoring it was ensured that the female calves were passed on. By 2020, 10 heifers had been passed on to eight schools. With these breeds, students at Gayaza, and those from other schools who participated in the annual study camp were skilled and given practical exposure to selection of good breeds and other aspects or breeding. The “pass on of good genetics” program that has been demonstrated for the last nine years needs shall be scaled out to cover other schools in livestock keeping communities. In addition to these efforts, NAGRC&DB has also consistently supported the training provided during the annual school camp in areas such as dairy, beef, piggery, and poultry management.
State Minister for Agriculture in charge of Animal Husbandry, Bright Rwamirama praised the initiative by Gayaza for championing the annual farm camp saying it has brought impacted farming skills to the learners at the tender age.
“It is an honour and pleasure to be part of this very important occasion—the 10th Gayaza High School Annual Farm Camp. This event has become a beacon of hope and innovation for the agricultural sector in Uganda, and it is heartening to see the commitment of all stakeholders present here today.As we gather here, we are reminded of the crucial role agriculture plays in our nation’s development. It is not just a source of food and income, but also a cornerstone for national growth, sustainability, and resilience. The theme of this camp, which focuses on youth involvement in agriculture, is both timely and significant” The Minister said.
Adding “I would like to extend my appreciation to Gayaza High School for their continued leadership in promoting agricultural education among the youth. The school has demonstrated that agriculture is not only a viable career path but also an essential tool for empowering the next generation of leaders.
The involvement of various partners—such as FAO, MAAIF and its agencies-NARO, NAGRC&DB, and the private sector representatives present—underscores the importance of collaboration in driving the agricultural agenda forward. It is through such partnerships that we can ensure the sustainability and scalability of initiatives like this School Farm Camp”.
The Minister further said that MAAIF recognizes the importance of school demonstration farms in its National Agriculture Extension Strategies as crucial centres of technology transfer to the community. These farms also can serve as incubation centres to champion and develop ready to market enterprises for different agricultural value chains.
He revealed that MAAIF, partnered with different schools across the country including Gayaza High School in the Orange fleshed Sweet Potato project where school farms were given potatoe vines to multiply and the students were even able to take this technology back to their homes. MAAIF under its FAO, China-Uganda South to South Project donated a biogas plant to Gayaza High School to support energy saving technology transfer.
“Through farm camps like this one, we are presented with a unique opportunity to inspire and equip young minds with the knowledge and skills necessary to revolutionize agriculture in Uganda. The hands-on experience provided by this camp will undoubtedly shape the future of these young participants and, by extension, the future of our country”.
Successful farm camps like Gayaza High School Farm Camp, Farm to School Africa in Nigeria, Muscoot Farm in New York, have proven that experiential learning is invaluable. Such camps not only provide agricultural education but also foster skill development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, contributing significantly to food security and sustainable practices.
“As the Minister of State for Animal Industry, I am particularly pleased to see the emphasis placed on animal husbandry and sustainable farming practices. These are critical areas that, when properly managed, can significantly contribute to food security, economic development, and environmental conservation.I also commend the efforts to integrate modern technologies and climate-smart practices into the current secondary school curriculum. This is in line with our national strategy to build a more resilient agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change”.
The annual farm camp was attended by representative from Engosol, Uganda Revenue Authority, Stanbic Bank, Movit, Pepsi, Field of Hope, URUS, Riham, BRIDC, NUCAFE, Private Sector Foundation, SUMZ for Food Industries and Uganda Christian University.
