From Struggle to School Fees: How Onions Transformed Alex’s Life in Nebbi District

In the heart of Nebbi District, at Gonyobendo micro-station, the Power of Voices Partnerships (PVP) project- funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Oxfam Uganda is sowing seeds of change. For Okweda Alex, the decision to start growing onions in 2023 marked the beginning of a journey from financial struggle to newfound opportunity and hope.

The Intervention: A Strategic Partnership for Diversification
Oxfam Uganda in partnership with UAA introduced a horticulture program as part of the PVP Project . The major objective for UAA was to provide farmers with a fast-maturing, high-value alternative to generate income during the coffee off-season.

UAA’s support was comprehensive:

• Inputs: We provided Red Creole onion seeds, watering cans, and other essential tools.
• Infrastructure: We installed shared irrigation pumps at the community micro-stations.
• Knowledge Transfer: We established demonstration gardens and intensive training on Good Agricultural Practices, including a training on horticulture production to GlobalGAP standards.

The Harvest of Change:
Before the PVP project, Alex struggled to earn a stable income. “I was not earning some money,” he recalls. This changed when he began cultivating onions.

The success of his onion garden has been transformative. Alex now has a reliable source of income, which he proudly uses to fund his child’s education. “Right now, as I’m talking here, I have my child, who is now in some school in Kampala. Now I’m using these onions to pay for him,” Alex shares. This powerful statement underscores how agricultural empowerment directly translates into family stability and future opportunities.

A Sustainable Future:
Driven by this success, Alex’s commitment is unwavering. “This is why I don’t leave the issue of growing this onion,” he says. “I think I will continue… because I’m now earning money, a lot of money from this onion.” His story is a testament to the sustainable impact of the project, creating a cycle of investment and growth within the community.

Challenges and the Path Forward:
Like many farmers, Alex’s journey is not without its hurdles. He highlights three major challenges: unpredictable heavy rainfall, crop disease, and a lack of reliable markets. He notes that while production costs are high, the market price for a basin of onions can be as low as 20,000 Ugandan Shillings, making profitability a significant concern.

Alex’s story is not just one of success, but also of resilience. His experience provides crucial, on-the-ground insights that are vital for shaping future interventions and support systems for farmers in the West Nile region.