URDT’s holistic and integrated approach to development includes raising environmental consciousness and adherence to the Earth Charter.
URDT believes that the natural environment needs to be protected. It provides livelihood and food security for the poor. Therefore,environmental security is a human right.
URDT gives training and advocates for appropriate environmental management and sustainable agriculture.
This is done through:
- Demonstration farm (see below)
- Wild-life Education Centre (see below)
- Demonstrations in the communities in the homes of URDT students and alumni
- Establishment and membership of Civil Society Oil and Gas Network
- Programmes on its community radio, KKCR 91.7 FM
- Tree planting by listeners club of KKCR 91.7 FM
- Training at the institute for vocational training and youth leadership URDT Institute
- Special Projects
DEMONSTRATION FARM
URDT’s demonstration farm in Kagadi, Kibaale District has provided a learning place for many people in Uganda.
The farm demonstrations include:
- a green house, bio gas, micro irrigation system, sustainable vegetable gardening, liquid manure and organic pesticide formulations, double dug beds, nine maize hole, sack gardening, and water harvesting technologies for micro irrigation.
Agronomic practices and extension service include in the production of:
- grains, colonial coffee, bananas, chili, tomatoes, onions, cabbages, fruits, apiary and animal husbandry practices on cattle, piggery, goats and poultry
- value chain management and value addition
Collaborative research includes:
- organic long staple cotton, disease resistant cassava varieties and legumes in partnership with NARO, AFRRI and AGRO ECO.
Results
On annual basis the farm receives over 20 farmers groups, 40 government officials, 50 delegates from other countries and at least 20 schools to learn the different sustainable and appropriate farming technologies.
Visitors who toured the farm included Hon Prime Minister Mbabazi; Gen Elly Tumwine; Executive Director NAADS Dr. Nadhi
WILD LIFE EDUCATION CENTRE
The Centre aims to
promote respect for the environment and ii) educate rural community members on the importance of wild life in sustainable development.
This is a project in progress.