From Learning to Practice: Aceng Costa’s Kitchen Garden Transformation

Under the Integrated and Sustainable Production for Inclusive and Resilient Economies (INSPIRE) Project, the Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) approach is driving practical change at household level. Through Farmer Learning Groups (FLGs) and Integrated Plot Plans, farmers are learning from one another using a strong farmer-to-farmer model that promotes adoption of sustainable practices.

One such example is Aceng Costa, a 48-year-old single mother of six from Adonyo Village, Abangoimay Parish, Abia Sub-County in Alebtong District. A PIP Innovator (PI) in her community, Aceng also runs a small business to support her family.

Before adopting improved practices, Aceng only grew vegetables during the rainy season using basic methods. Her garden lacked mulching, regular watering, and fencing, limiting productivity and consistency.

Through participation in Farmer Learning Groups and peer learning, Aceng was inspired by other farmers’ successes and supported to adopt the keyhole kitchen garden model. The design—featuring clear pathways, a composting basket, and space for diverse crops—proved easy to manage and encouraged family involvement. With guidance from Field Extension Officer Jackqueline Akullu, she established an improved kitchen garden using mulching, regular watering, proper fencing, and diversified vegetables including cowpea leaves, onions, malagwan, tomatoes, and alayo.

The impact has been immediate. Aceng earned morethan UGX 30,000 from selling surplus vegetables to neighbors, boosting her household income. Her family now enjoys a consistent supply of nutritious vegetables, reducing dependence on the market and improving dietary diversity.

Aceng’s garden has become a learning point for other Generation One (G1) farmers, many of whom are beginning to replicate the same practices. Her experience demonstrates how motivated PIP Innovators and Lead Farmers, supported by effective extension services, can drive sustainable farming and community-wide change.