From Low-Value Crops to High-Value Horticulture: Mr. Ongom Denis Okidi’s Remarkable Turnaround

Location: Angningni-Bediworo-Loatwal Community, Anyiti Parish, Abako Sub-county, Alebtong District

Mr. Ongom Denis Okidi, a 40-year-old father of five, used to depend on low-value crops like maize and cassava. Like many smallholder farmers, his family struggled with low income and limited progress despite hard work.

The Turning Point Through the INSPIRE Project’s Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) training, Mr. Ongom and his family drew their Household Current Situation, Vision, and Integrated Action Plan. This exercise opened their eyes to the power of purposeful planning. He realized that without a clear plan, his family’s future would remain uncertain.

Motivated by Possibility, Mr. Ongom made a bold decision — to shift from low-value subsistence crops to high-value horticulture, specifically cabbage production.

Impressive Results

• He started with ¼ hectare of cabbage (Fanaka F1 variety) and earned UGX 500,000 after the first harvest.
• He has since expanded to ¾ hectare and expects to earn between UGX 3 million to 4 million in the current season.
• He sells each head of cabbage for at least UGX 1,000, mainly in Otuke District markets.
• He now plans to expand to 2 hectares next year and integrate 100 local chickens while constructing a permanent house.

This transition has significantly boosted his household income and confidence in commercial farming.

Challenges Faced

• Prolonged drought affecting crop quality
• Limited technical knowledge in nursery management and horticulture best practices
• Theft of mature cabbages from the garden

Key Lessons Learned Mr. Ongom’s success demonstrates that diversifying into high-value crops can dramatically increase farm income compared to traditional maize and cassava. He also learned the importance of integration — combining horticulture with livestock — and the need for better security by growing closer to the homestead.

Voice of the Farmer

“PIP helped me see that farming without a plan is like walking in darkness. Now I have a clear vision and I’m earning more from less land.” — Mr. Ongom Denis Okidi