Mama ROSE OKOT a TIST farmer from Northern Uganda, Gulu district, Lokome cluster (TIST # 2018UG190)

 Mama ROSE OKOT is a widow who faced immense hardship after the loss of her husband years ago during the insurgency. As the sole provider for her 15 children and grandchildren, she struggled to make ends meet through traditional subsistence farming. The yields from her small plot of land were inconsistent due to soil degradation and unpredictable weather patterns, common challenges in her region. The lack of reliable income made it difficult to provide daily meals, pay school fees, and cover medical expenses, creating a cycle of worry and financial insecurity.

 A turning point came when Mama ROSE OKOT joined TIST program in 2018. She participated in a series Cluster meeting and field training sessions that taught her sustainable farming techniques, including:

• Proper tree planting methods for conservation and future harvesting.
• Soil management and the important of using energy cook stove.
• Integrating trees with existing crops (agroforestry) to improve soil health, provide shade, and diversify income sources.
• Financial planning and the benefits of an association model for support and market access.

 Inspired by the training and newfound knowledge, Mama ROSE OKOT started implementing the new practices on her plot. She strategically planted fruit trees (oranges, mangoes, jackfruit, fast-growing timber (Malina, mahogany) and nitrogen-fixing trees around her crops.

 Today, her land is a testament to her dedication and hard work. The trees are thriving, providing a range of benefits:

 Improved Food Security: The diversified crops and improved soil fertility ensure a consistent food supply for her household.

Increased Income: She received incentive payment and carbon credit hence generating other income activities like local poultry keeping and bee keeping. The trees provide valuable products like fruits, firewood for the branches, and future timber, which she sells at local markets, supplementing her income from annual crops. This has enabled her to earn a steady income and save money. She said ‘’she can’t forget CORONA period, because her orange fruits were serving the entire community, hence giving her a lot of money and herbal at the same time.’’

Economic Independence: Mama ROSE OKOT proudly shares, "Farming has truly been my lifeline. Now I can provide for my family's needs, pay school fees on time, and have even started building a more permanent house". She is no longer dependent on relatives or limited support systems.

 Community Impact: Her success has inspired other farmers in the village, especially other women and widows, who now seek her advice on adopting similar agroforestry practices to join TIST program.