YPARD Joins GP-SAEP Scientific Goggle Training and Monitoring Visit in Bugiri

From the 10th-11th October 2025, Bugiri District came alive with learning, collaboration, and inspiration as over 20 project implementers came together.

Master Trainers, RASPOs, YPARD Youth fellows, District Representatives, farmers, and other partners gathered for the Scientific Google Writeshop and the GP-SAEP Project Monitoring Visit. The two-day engagement, held on 10th and 11th October, was organized by Uganda Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (UFAAS) in partnership with YPARD and Access Agriculture. YPARD was represented by the Bugiri District AE fellow Mr. Tadeo Ajuna as well as the YPARD Uganda Bugiri district ambassador Ms Sanyu Shakirah. The event aimed to strengthen scientific delivery and participatory knowledge generation in agroecology—encouraging practitioners to “use the Scientific Goggle Model” in their daily work, a model that was formulated by Dr. Hlami Ngwenya. The “Scientific Goggle” writeshop introduced a refreshing approach to project design and implementation encouraging practitioners to develop projects structured around clear outputs, timelines, and participatory learning.

Participants explored how to embed field-based inquiry, document evidence, and co-produce knowledge products that can drive transformation in agroecology and extension systems. The session challenged agroecology practitioners to strengthen their capacity to reflect, analyze, and generate scientific knowledge products that can shape practitioner-led inquiry and inspire community-based innovation.

Field Monitoring:

On the second day, the Bugiru GP SAEP Cluster participants embarked on a field monitoring visit to engage with farmers in Bugiri District—many of whom are leading local agroecology transitions. The visit showcased inspiring examples of young farmers practicing sustainable and climate-resilient innovations such as:

• Biochar production and use for soil health improvement

• Energy-saving stoves promoting clean cooking
• Sack mounds for efficient urban and peri-urban farming
• Agroecological principles like biodiversity, synergy, and economic diversification

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“As a YPARD Bugiri Co-Ambassador, I was happy to see that many youths are embracing agroecological practices and influencing others to adopt them,” shared Ms Sanyu Shakira”.

This reflects YPARD’s ongoing mission to empower youth as key actors in sustainable food systems transformation through mentorship, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

“We are proud that YPARD continues to be part of this beautiful transition, especially by championing youth engagement through our fellows and ambassadors,” noted Mr. Ajuna Tadeo.

From biochar innovations to extension videos, YPARD Cafés, and community demonstrations, the project continues transforming the way knowledge is generated and shared in agroecology.

YPARD Uganda extends heartfelt appreciation to all partners, facilitators, and youth champions who made the event a success. Together, we continue to promote scientific delivery, participatory learning, and sustainable agroecological transitions—one community at a time.

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