As the world continues to supersonically transform from the orthodox ways of doing things to the digital era, it is only timely and prudent for one to adapt to the changing times, lest they are left behind. Needless to say, agriculturalists have to be at the fore front of embracing digitalisation.
Easy access to information, for example, is one of the avenues through which this transformation can be achieved, and with UNYFA’s Farmer Organisation Video Library (FOVL), the process is already being made easier.
The FOVL is digital platform where various video content about anything and everything in agriculture is described, translated and uploaded. The platform so far translates content in English, Luganda, Swahili and French, to enable various users benefit.
To give an elaborate story of how FOVL is easing farming practices, we had a chat with Joseph Ssemayengo, 27, a passionate urban farmer, in Wakiso, dealing in horticulture (vegetables and organic farming practices). Ssemayengo also trains young people in Agro-ecology practices.
When and how did you hear about FOVL, and what did you think about the platform at first?
I’m not a schooler of Agriculture, but a passionate farmer who enjoys putting things together and getting results through acquiring skills variously. After using different online sites to search for information about farming, with some proving helpful and the rest misleading, I heard of FOVL, on July 1, 2021, when it was launched. With what the platform offered from the beginning, I regained hope and trust in accessing relevant and vital farming content, especially since it was run by Young Farmers’ Federation of Uganda (UNYFA), a reputable organisation.
What fascinated me even more was that all the videos about farming were translated in different languages like English and Luganda, which I understand better.
How has your farming business changed ever since you started using FOVL?
In terms of spending a lot on buying artificial agricultural inputs, FOVL has helped me to devise alternative means of making my own agricultural inputs. This is not only cost effective, but also environment-friendly and helps with conservation.
The platform has also taught me a lot about organic farming, and this has helped me boost my farm, hence attracting more customers.
What challenges were you facing in your Agri-business and how did FOVL help you solve them?
Firstly, it was the fake inorganic Agro-inputs on the market including pesticides, acaricides, and insecticides. It was hard to tell which on
es were fake and which ones were not. However, FOVL offers tips on how to apply the right inputs and I’m a beneficiary of this content.
I also learnt how to make my own organic pesticides, insecticides like vermi wash, ash Brew, and foliar fertilizers among others, using the things surrounding me.
Secondly, the high cost of hiring an agronomist for consultation. With the relevant content of the FOVL platform, I’m able to get assistance without necessarily having to hire an agronomist.
What challenges are you facing with the platform so far and what changes do you think should be made?
Personally, I have not found any serious challenges with FOVL. However, some videos are not yet translated into local languages, which leaves some terminologies unknown.
What advice would you give a farmer who hasn’t tried out the FOVL?
Most importantly, they better start using the platform now because the search for knowledge helps us to convert our ideas into reality, and to reach the success that we desire in life. Moreover, knowledge assists us to differentiate between what is right and what is wrong. It helps us to overcome our faults, weaknesses and dangerous situation in life, to non-schoolers of Agriculture, FOVL is here to help us change our agribusinesses.
