At 32 years old, Bonny Kimmula Kagulire, a married father of two and a graduate of Computer Systems and Networks from Buganda Royal Institute, embodies the resilience of Uganda’s emerging rural agripreneurs. Before engaging with SAA interventions, Bonny worked as a teacher at Kasawo College, earning 33 USD (equivalent to UGX 120,000 at the time)　a week from four lessons. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his income, compelling him to return to his rural home in Luweero. Coming from a farming background, he ventured into tomato cultivation on one acre using recycled seeds on his family land. His first harvest produced 15 boxes sold at USD 41.20(equivalent to UGX 150,000 at the time) each, but his efforts were undermined by unreliable rainfall patterns, persistent pest and disease pressure, soil fertility decline, and unreliable market access.

His turning point came when he approached local model farmer Mr. Kiseka Edward, who introduced him to ZIKA Cooperative. Through the Nippon Foundation’s support, SAA provided Bonny with comprehensive training in regenerative agriculture, recordkeeping, and farming-as-a-business. He learned and adopted various regenerative agriculture practices, including crop rotation, organic manure application, soil and water conservation techniques, integrated pest management (IPM), proper seed selection, and maintenance of soil cover to reduce erosion, maintain soil moisture in the soil and improve soil structure. Bonny also received training through the Zirobwe Agaliawamu Agribusiness Training Association (ZAABTA), an SAA-supported One Stop Center Association (OSCA) where he learned safe pesticide use that enables him to manage pests responsibly while protecting the environment and safeguarding his own health.

Bonny safely spraying his maize field using IPM techniques acquired through SAA training

These regenerative practices significantly improved his soil fertility, plant health, reduced production costs and overall productivity. Coupled with SAA’s market-oriented agriculture interventions such as collective marketing through ZIKA Cooperative, access to good quality inputs, improved recordkeeping for profit tracking, linkages to reliable buyers, and staggered production planning, Bonny gained stronger bargaining power and more predictable market access.

With improved agronomic skills and access to high-quality seeds, Bonny expanded his tomato production from one acre to two acres. The results were remarkable: he harvested 167 boxes of tomatoes, each selling for USD 69 (equivalent to UGX 250,000 at the time)　a significant leap from his earlier yields and income levels. With the profits earned, he purchased a motorcycle to enhance mobility and logistics and acquired a piece of land where he plans to construct a permanent family home. These achievements marked a profound shift in his livelihood, offering stability and long-term security for his household.

By 2025, Bonny had fully embraced regenerative farming and crop diversification. He is cultivating maize on 5 acres, each planted at different stages to ensure consistent market supply. Through the application of organic manure and integrated farming techniques learned through SAA training, he expects to harvest more than 8 tons. His business plan includes milling five tons for sale and retaining two tons for value addition to boost household nutrition and income.

With clear goals, Bonny now envisions expanding his land ownership and constructing a permanent home entirely financed by proceeds from his growing agribusiness. Reflecting on his transformation, he says, “SAA and ZIKA Cooperative taught me to farm with knowledge. Regenerative practices changed my soil, my harvests, and my income. I now plan and farm confidently.”

With enhanced skills, sustainable production practices, and strengthened market linkages, young farmers like Bonny are building resilient livelihoods, contributing to local food systems, and inspiring others in their communities to pursue agribusiness with confidence and dignity.

Bonny smiling in his flourishing maize field after adopting RA practices taught by SAA.