S39 Infographic 1 EUPO Uganda
S39 EUPO 3 Uganda
S39 Infographic 2 EUPO Uganda

By Maria Paez

 

In the heart of Teso, Uganda, a quiet revolution is taking place. A proactive and determined group is committed to transforming their communities through permaculture. How and when did these community leaders get involved in permaculture? The story dates back to when S39 Permaculture Academy, led by renowned permaculture teacher Steve Jones, delivered Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) training to 171 people in Uganda between 2016 and 2019. This training sparked a transformative movement, resulting in the formation of three permaculture hubs led by those newly introduced to permaculture.
 

One of these hubs is the Eastern Ugandan Permaculture Organisation (EUPO) in the Teso sub-region. Thanks to the 2020 EUPO-led PDC, the Teso Advanced Permaculture Association (TAPA) was formed, creating a village-based cluster of active permaculture enthusiasts. Their stories illustrate the tangible impact of permaculture and highlight the power of community-driven initiatives to bring about lasting change.


In early 2024, Stella Amuge, a dedicated S39 member leading project evaluation, conducted fieldwork, visiting groups who received PDC training. Her extensive research involved conversations, observations, and group and individual interviews, revealing the profound impact of permaculture in TAPA. 
Permaculture united individuals from diverse backgrounds who had previously felt isolated, fostering a sense of solidarity and cooperation among roughly 400 households. It is estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 people in the region have experienced a tangible impact on their households due to permaculture.

One member of the community shared: 

“Members feel a sense of brotherhood. They think and plan together as a group before they visit a community.”

The impact of permaculture extends far beyond agricultural practices, touching every aspect of community life. Improved health and increased income generation are among the tangible benefits. For instance, Samuel saw a dramatic reduction in family illness after implementing permaculture practices, while Isaac supported his family financially through sustainable agriculture and beekeeping.


As the Chairperson of TAPA, Jackson embodies community empowerment. Through permaculture, Jackson and his fellow villagers have cultivated a culture of self-reliance and mutual support, prioritising sustainability over short-term gains. Each success story inspires neighbouring communities to embrace permaculture principles and work towards a more resilient future.


In Serere, an active group led by a teacher and TAPA executive member exemplifies the spread of permaculture practices. They were shown how to make compost. This practice has become widely adopted, but they acknowledge the need for additional training.


Conversations with Stella and Steve reveal that Teso's transformation journey is just starting. With continued permaculture training from S39 and the establishment of a strong regional network, TAPA is poised to scale its impact to even more communities, potentially reaching up to 50 villages. Support to continue delivering permaculture training and guide the new permaculture leaders is required.


The people of Teso have shown remarkable resilience and determination. Through permaculture, they have not only transformed their communities but also empowered themselves to create a better future. There is vast potential to extend this impact, driven by local aspirations for a sustainable and just world for generations to come.

We want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of Steve Jones and Stella Amuge. Without their dedication, hard work and commitment to collecting and sharing this information, none of this would be possible. This message of gratitude extends to the Teso communities involved in this project, who have embraced permaculture and collaborated by sharing their valuable experiences. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks, where we will highlight the impact of permaculture training in communities across East Africa. Watch this space!