By Oyikuru Muddy

(Zombo) – Ocanda Genaro, a determined young member of the Avonu Microstation in Zombo District, is finding new meaning in life through tomato farming. After dropping out of school, Ocanda felt lost and uncertain about his future. However, thanks to the economic restoration efforts of the Agency for Community Empowerment (AFCE) and Oxfam, he has turned his life around.

Last year, Ocanda received training on how to grow tomatoes and was supported with one tin of Riogrande tomato seeds. This investment proved fruitful, earning him 541,500 Ugandan Shillings from his first harvest. Encouraged by this success, Ocanda decided to reinvest in his farming venture.

In 2024, Ocanda used 120,000 shillings from his previous earnings to acquire a high-yield Padma tomato variety, which he planted on half an acre. Although the tomatoes are currently in the flowering and fruiting stage, he is optimistic about the upcoming harvest. Ocanda expects to earn at least 1,800,000 shillings from this crop.

Ocanda expressed deep gratitude to AFCE and Oxfam for their support, saying, “The world seemed meaningless, but I thank God for the economic restoration by AFCE and Oxfam.” With his newfound skills and confidence, Ocanda is now on a path to economic independence and a brighter future.