Okere Farmers Equipped With IMPROVED OXEN-PLOUGHING SKILLS TO PROMOTE Regenerative Agriculture

Over 150 farmers from Otuke District participated in a week-long practical training workshop held in Okere City from 31st March - April 4th, 2025. The training, organized under the Uganda Shea Carbon Project aimed at promoting regenerative agriculture practices through the use of oxen-powered farming and sustainable land management techniques.

The training was facilitated by the experts from Oxen Clinic Uganda, an NGO which for the past 10 years has been at the forefront of championing sustainable low-tillage agriculture in Uganda.

The training provided both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, equipping farmers with the skills to adopt more sustainable, low-cost, and climate-friendly farming methods. With a focus on soil health, productivity, and farmer empowerment, the sessions explored oxen ploughing as an alternative to costly and often damaging mechanized tilling methods.

A Week of Practical Learning

The first day of the training introduced farmers to the core principles of regenerative agriculture, including minimal soil disturbance, improving soil organic matter, water conservation, and boosting on-farm biodiversity. Participants discussed how animal traction farming aligns with these principles and can help reverse the effects of soil degradation common in the region.

On the second day, the focus turned to understanding the benefits of oxen in agriculture. Experts explained that oxen ploughing reduces soil compaction compared to tractors, helps conserve soil structure, and offers a low-emission farming alternative. Farmers shared local experiences and reaffirmed the practicality and cultural relevance of using oxen.

The third and fourth days were dedicated to hands-on training in ox yoke making. Farmers learned how to measure yoke sizes, select quality wood, and use essential tools like hand brazes and drills to construct yokes and related equipment. Additional sessions covered the crafting of rope halters, yoke bows, and hitching posts.

“This training brought back indigenous knowledge, but with new precision,” said one participant. “We now know how to properly fit the yoke, protect the ox, and farm more efficiently.”

Putting Skills to Use in the Field

The final day of the training saw farmers putting their newly constructed ox-ploughs into use in a nearby demonstration garden. Many reported a significant improvement in ease and speed, ploughing over twice the area they would typically manage by hand or with outdated tools.

The day also included a session on Sustainable Land Management (SLM), facilitated by Oxen Clinic Uganda. Key elements covered included erosion control, water conservation, agroforestry practices, and soil fertility restoration.

It was emphasized that these sustainable practices are essential not only for agricultural productivity but also for enabling farmers to benefit from carbon credit programs linked to climate-smart agriculture.

Looking Ahead

Organizers hailed the workshop as a major success. Farmers left with enhanced skills in ox-handling, tool-making, and land stewardship. Okere City founder and community development leader, Ojok Okello, confirmed that plans are underway to:

• Organize regular refresher courses,

• Establish a local workshop for yoke-making tools and materials,

• Launch farmer-led demonstration plots, and

• Continue building a grassroots movement for regenerative agriculture.

“This isn’t just a training,” said Okello. “its part of a larger vision to restore dignity and sustainability to rural farming, reduce dependence on external inputs, and ensure that our farmers are at the center of climate action.”

The Uganda Shea Carbon Project continues to provide vital support to communities in northern Uganda by linking traditional farming knowledge with modern regenerative practices, and by creating new income streams through carbon credits.