By Waure Eddy.
The Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, together with Catholic priests from the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, has conducted supervision visits to farmer groups in Uze and Ngindo, strengthening commitment to sustainable agriculture practices and community resilience.
The visits to Uze Farmers Group at St. Theresa Bakiri Center and Ngindo Farmers Group at St. Mary Chapel Baguga formed part of ongoing project oversight for the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative funded by Manos Unidas and implemented by CODEP.
Knowledge Over Money
Reverend Father Charles Mbikoyo, CODEP Director, commended farmers for their dedication while emphasizing that success depends on applying acquired knowledge rather than seeking financial handouts.
“If you put money ahead of your work, it will not help you. Here we are giving you knowledge for free, and it needs your attention to learn new skills and apply them well,” Father Mbikoyo said, noting that the project took years to secure from donors.
He clarified that donors provide knowledge and tools enabling farmers to earn from their own production. “The donors don’t pay farmers at the end of the month. They give you knowledge and tools so that you can cultivate and earn from your produce,” he explained.
The CODEP Director thanked Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala for his support and reminded farmers that harvests belong to them, not to organizations or the Diocese.
Priestly Support and Encouragement
Reverend Father Oboi Jochim, Parish Priest of St. Augustine Catholic Parish, praised diocesan leadership and affirmed farmers’ serious commitment.
“Christians and farmers of Bakiri Center are serious about this project. They will have money when everything is ready. This project will feed many people in the community and beyond,” he said.
Reverend Father Abel Tindi, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Parish Maingbangaru, reported positive progress in Ngindo, noting that maize crops are flourishing and farmers have cleared land for second-season planting while awaiting rainfall.
Farmer Perspectives
Mr. Clement James from Uze Farmers Group expressed appreciation for the supervision visit, saying institutional oversight strengthens motivation.
“We are happy to see CODEP and the priests coming to check our farms. It gives us strength to continue working hard. We agree to work hand in hand for the success of this project,” he said.
Elizabeth Peter from Ngindo Farmers Group emphasized the significance of visible institutional care and renewed commitment to collective success.
“This visit shows that the Bishop and CODEP care for us. We thank them for their efforts. We will remain committed so that our farming benefits our families and the community,” she stated.
Both farmer groups pledged continued collaboration with CODEP and the Diocese to ensure the project’s success and achieve improved household food security and income generation through sustainable agricultural practices.
