At Gudie Leisure Farm, we believe that the foundation of a healthy and prosperous nation lies in its people’s daily diet. Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that by 2030, at least 1,000,000 households across Uganda are consuming 500 grams of vegetables and fruits each day. This ambitious goal is part of our larger vision to create a healthier, wealthier, and more sustainable future for all Ugandans.
Our Vanguards and Torchbearers
To achieve this goal, we have strategically mobilized a dedicated network of champions and leaders across the country. These vanguards and torchbearers are essential to driving our mission forward, and their collective efforts are creating ripples of change in every corner of Uganda.
1. Cottage Managers: Transforming 873 Parishes
We have empowered 873 cottage managers from 873 parishes, who are each responsible for training and mentoring 87,300 individuals across 33 districts in all regions of Uganda. These cottage managers are the backbone of our initiative, working tirelessly to instill the importance of daily vegetable consumption and sustainable farming practices in their communities.
2. Metropolitan Kampala Trainers: Reaching 150,000 Households
In Metropolitan Kampala, 150 trainers are leading the charge, tasked with the enormous responsibility of training 150,000 households. Their efforts are ensuring that urban and peri-urban households have the knowledge and resources to grow and consume nutritious vegetables and fruits daily.
3. School Agriclubs: Nurturing the Next Generation
Our initiative also extends to schools, where we have established 1,480 school agriclubs, reaching 226,254 students and pupils. These Youth Agriclub Agripreneurs are not just learning about agriculture; they are leading by example, ensuring that their families—averaging four members—consume 500 grams of fruits and vegetables daily. The anticipated impact of this initiative is profound, potentially influencing the lives of 905,016 people.
4. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) Champions: Integrating Health into Meals
A key component of our mission is the integration of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) into daily diets for enhanced health benefits. We have equipped 135 district MAPs champions to lead this journey, guiding households to incorporate these plants into their meals. These champions are supported by 873 MAPs cottage managers and 436,500 MAPs cottage outgrowers, all working towards the goal of enriching Ugandan diets with the health-boosting properties of MAPs.
5. Tree Planting Initiative: A Greener Future
We are committed to reforesting Uganda by encouraging each household to plant at least 100 trees. By 2030, our goal is to see 100,000,000 trees—with a focus on the versatile and nutritious moringa tree—planted across the nation. This reforestation effort is not only critical for the environment but also for ensuring a sustainable source of nutrition for generations to come.
Longitudinal Study: Measuring Impact on Health and Wealth
Understanding the true impact of our horticulture initiatives is key to refining and expanding our efforts. We are conducting a longitudinal study to measure how increased vegetable consumption affects the health and wealth of Ugandans. The insights gained from this study will guide our future strategies and ensure that our programs are making a meaningful difference.
Horticulture eLearning and Artificial Intelligence Database
Education and innovation are at the heart of our mission. To support our champions and households, we have developed a Horticulture eLearning and artificial intelligence database. This cutting-edge resource provides accessible, up-to-date information on best practices in horticulture, ensuring that every participant has the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
Shared Facilities for Value Addition
We are also providing shared facilities—including technologies, services, and spaces—to support various Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). These facilities enable the production of healthy drinks, snacks, soups, sauces, dressings, condiments, and even cosmetics, adding value to the vegetables and fruits grown by our participants and creating new economic opportunities.
Indigenous Vegetable Seed and Orgaculture
Finally, we are championing the preservation and propagation of indigenous vegetable seeds through our orgaculture initiative. By promoting the use of native seeds, we are ensuring that Ugandans can continue to enjoy the rich biodiversity and unique flavors of their culinary heritage.
Join Us on the Journey
At Gudie Leisure Farm, we are more than just a farm—we are a movement. A movement to create a healthier, wealthier, and greener Uganda. We invite you to join us on this journey as we work towards our goal of empowering 1,000,000 households to consume 500 grams of vegetables and fruits daily. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our nation.
For more information on our initiatives and to get involved, please visit our website and stay connected with us as we continue to grow and thrive together.