Hello All,
As I was reading the comments about the most innovative idea of planting a tree
for every baby being baptized which Fr. Ruffino initiated, I could not help but
jump the bad wagon. I think this is some very brilliant and very practical idea
which needs to be supported with a lot of vigour. Someone (I believe it was
Margaret Angucia) also mentioned how somewhere in South East Asia where people
getting married are compelled to plant a tree in order to register the marriage.
If we can push and sale these two suggestions to the church and the local
officials, so that a policy is established to implement these ideas, I think
within a short time frame, we can transform West Nile region into a green area.
Perhaps for the marriage part, we could come up with the suggestion that when a
couple elopes, they should plant at least 6 or 10 trees, while those who have
followed the matrimonial route will have to plant say 4 to 6 trees. I believe
this initiative can be very successful because of the Church connection. The
most closest institution to both the urban and rural population is the church.
If this idea can be sold to the church leaders and they establish this as a
policy to implement, I believe some tangible results can be seen within a short
period of time.
While the type of trees to be planted may be the issue of debate, I would like
to suggest that fruit trees, moringa and other types that are beneficial to the
environment should be recommended. Much as we need wood-fuel for our domestic
energy needs, eucalyptus trees should be very limited because they are very
detrimental to the environment. I would also suggest we should encourage the
the planting of grape vines which so far have only been planted on a small
scale at Catholic Missions. I think Ediofe and Londonga Catholic Missions may
already have grapes growing from which they produce wine.
Our (West Nile region) Agro-Climatic environment is very similar to the
northern areas of Brazil which is already one of the major wine producers in
the world. I think grapes can grow very well in West Nile, and especially
because of the warm climate we have, we could have two harvests in a year from
the grapes planted. These grape plants when taken care of properly can produce
grapes for over 30 years, while they provide soil protection from erosion and
improve soil drainage. Already some grapes are growing very well in Acholi and
Lango area. Some of you people on the ground can establish this if you have the
opportunity to be in those regions.
If grape growing is implemented seriously in West Nile, we could in a matter of
3 to 4 years be a wine producing region of Uganda. Moreover the fruits are very
sweet and tasty for consumption and they can be sold fresh for consumption.
This is one of the fruit trees I would suggest we need to consider seriously.
The alternative crops we need to encourage our people to grow should be those
that can generate income as an alternative to growing tobacco, and at same time
they protect the environment.
Vasco Oguzua
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