In Bwage Village, agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for most households. However, for Amani Bernard and Omari Said Waziri, earning a reliable income from farming was not always possible. Although both had experience cultivating crops, they faced recurring challenges that limited their productivity. Limited capital, poor soil fertility, and inadequate knowledge of sustainable farming practices meant that every growing season was accompanied by uncertainty.

The two farmers shared a common ambition to transform farming into a dependable business capable of improving their families' livelihoods. They understood that vegetables offered attractive market opportunities due to the increasing demand from local markets, restaurants, and nearby trading centres. Yet establishing a successful horticultural enterprise required resources that neither of them could easily access.

Their turning point came when they joined the Tujikwamue SAT Saving and Lending Group (SSLG). Through regular weekly savings, they accumulated shares that enabled each of them to qualify for loans from the group's revolving fund. Rather than using the loans for household consumption, they made a deliberate decision to invest in productive agriculture.

At the same time, they participated in training sessions organized by SAT through the SUCODE Project, where they learned about organic agriculture and agroecological farming practices. Among the skills they acquired were the preparation and use of compost, production of botanical pesticides from locally available plants, integrated pest and disease management, crop rotation, mulching, proper nursery establishment, water conservation techniques, and maintaining soil fertility through organic matter.

Inspired by the training, Amani and Omari combined their efforts to establish a one-acre organic vegetable farm. They chose to grow cabbage, Amaranthus, and green pepper because the crops mature at different times, allowing them to spread production risks and earn income throughout the season rather than relying on a single harvest.

Applying the knowledge gained through the SUCODE Project, the two farmers carefully managed every stage of production. Compost and farmyard manure improved soil fertility, while mulch helped retain soil moisture during dry periods. Instead of relying on synthetic pesticides, they prepared botanical sprays using locally available materials to manage pests and diseases. Regular field monitoring enabled them to identify problems early and respond using environmentally friendly methods.

Their one-acre farm gradually developed into a vibrant demonstration of organic horticulture. Healthy green peppers, vigorous cabbage plants, and thriving Amaranthus attracted the attention of neighbouring farmers, many of whom visited the field to observe the different farming techniques being practiced.

Beyond the field itself, the partnership between Amani and Omari became one of their greatest strengths.They shared labour, exchanged ideas, divided responsibilities, and supported one another in making production and marketing decisions. This teamwork reduced costs and increased efficiency throughout the season.

The farmers anticipate that the staggered harvesting of their vegetables will provide continuous income over several weeks. This income will allow them to repay their SSLG loans on schedule, increase their household savings, and reinvest in expanding their horticultural enterprise. They are already planning to increase the area under vegetable production in future seasons and introduce additional high-value crops suitable for organic production.

Today, Amani and Omari are increasingly recognized within Bwage Village as examples of how collaboration, continuous learning, and responsible financial management can create new opportunities for rural entrepreneurship.

Most Significant Change

The most significant change for Amani and Omari has been the transformation of farming from an unpredictable seasonal activity into a planned business venture. Through organic agriculture training and access to affordable finance, they have gained the confidence, technical skills, and financial capacity to diversify their production, improve soil health, strengthen household incomes, and become role models for other farmers in Bwage Village.