Through improved agronomic practices and access to reliable markets, a vanilla farmer in Ntoroko District is increasing his harvests, creating employment and investing in a better future for his family.

Christopher Mwesige, a farmer in Nombe sub-county, Ntoroko District, in Uganda's Rwenzori region, has experienced a remarkable improvement in his vanilla production. He is among the participating farmers in the agronomic training under the Vanilla Initiative for Building Resilient and Thriving (VIBRANT) Communities, implemented by Kabarole Resource and Research Centre (KRC) as part of the Decent Work and Social Protection project, funded by the Kingdom of Belgium. Through the initiative, farmers receive practical training and technical guidance to improve vanilla production, strengthen their participation in the agricultural value chain and increase their income.

One of the most significant changes has been learning how to manage his vanilla plantation more effectively. Through the agronomic training, Christopher acquired knowledge on appropriate planting distances, pruning techniques, and the use of organic manure to improve soil fertility and crop productivity.

Applying these practices has helped him improve the management of his vanilla vines and increase the quantity of vanilla harvested. The results have been encouraging. This is because before the training, Christopher harvested about 100 kilograms of vanilla per season. He now produces between 300 and 400 kilograms per season.

For a household that depends on farming, a better harvest creates opportunities to earn more income, meet essential family needs, and invest in other livelihood activities. Christopher is now looking beyond his current production levels. As he continues applying the knowledge acquired through the training, he has set himself an ambitious target of harvesting one tonne of vanilla per season. Achieving this goal will require continued investment in good agronomic practices, proper management of his vines, and access to reliable markets.

Producing more vanilla is only one part of Christopher's progress. Being able to sell his harvest promptly and receive payment on time has also contributed to the growth of his enterprise. Through KRC's efforts to connect farmers with trusted buyers, Christopher has gained access to a more reliable market for his vanilla. This arrangement has helped reduce the uncertainty associated with finding buyers after harvesting

During his most recent harvest, Christopher earned approximately UGX 5,000,000 million from vanilla sales. For him, this income represents the value of combining improved production with better market access.

Another important benefit has been the reduction in post-harvest losses. According to Christopher, KRC mobilises buyers in time for harvesting, thereby enabling farmers to sell their vanilla on the same day. This reduces delays in storage and the risk of produce going to waste before it reaches the market.

The benefits of Christopher's improved production are extending beyond his household. As his vanilla plantation has become more productive, he has employed five workers to work in his garden. The workers help manage the vanilla vines throughout the production cycle, from planting and crop maintenance to harvesting, ensuring that the plantation receives the attention needed to maintain quality and improve yields.

The income generated from vanilla farming is also enabling him to invest in assets that improve his family's wellbeing and financial security for the future. He has purchased a motorcycle to facilitate his movement and improve his mobility. He has also bought 10 goats as part of his plans to establish goat farming as an alternative source of income.

Diversifying into livestock farming provides Christopher with an opportunity to expand his livelihood activities beyond vanilla production. At home, progress is equally visible. Christopher is constructing a family house, while meeting the school expenses of his eight children.

Christopher's experience reflects the wider ambitions of the VIBRANT Communities initiative, which seeks to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations participating in the vanilla value chain. Implemented by KRC and Enabel, the initiative promotes sustainable and inclusive agricultural development by strengthening farmers' technical knowledge, access to advisory services and opportunities for improved livelihoods.

Across Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko districts in WesternUganda, agricultural extension and farmer advisory services have been strengthened through practical agronomic training, household visits, demonstration gardens, Farmer Field and Business Schools (FFBS) and Community Producer Facilitator (CPF)-led farmer support.

So far, 1,447 farmers have received individualised agricultural extension visits, covering crop management, pest and disease control, soil fertility management, irrigation and shade management. Farmers have also received guidance on post-harvest handling, including appropriate harvesting, sorting, grading and quality assurance practices.  

These interventions are contributing to improved adoption of good agricultural practices and better vanilla quality, while equipping farmers with knowledge they can continue applying beyond the project's implementation period. The community-level significance of this approach lies in its potential to strengthen farming as a sustainable livelihood. When farmers improve productivity, reduce losses and connect with reliable markets, they are better positioned to invest in their households and expand their enterprises.

Christopher’s story shows how better vanilla farming can make a difference in a family’s life. His increased harvests have enabled him to employ five workers, invest in livestock, and pay for his children’s education.

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