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Trip to Uganda Provides Firsthand Proof of Success

During a recent trip to Uganda, Trees That Feed Foundation’s communications and program manager, Natasha Norris, witnessed significant progress in a country where breadfruit is not native.

Until now, our efforts in Uganda have been research-oriented. Thanks to the leadership of TTFF’s East Africa representative, Kamya Musigire, and other partners, Uganda is primed for a leap forward in the breadfruit business.

New partner organizations excited to utilize education and resources provided by TTFF in front of a breadfruit tree. Also shown are propagation instructors Nattimba Grace (far left) and Kamya Musigire (far right).

The trip was highlighted by two Breadfruit Mastermind events, as well as visits to farms and food forests, where trees provided by TTFF are thriving. More than 20 local farmers participated, as well as hundreds of villagers.

You may recall that we held a Breadfruit Mastermind event in Jamaica, where partners from other countries learned the breadfruit business. Kamya was among them. Now, the student has become the teacher in East Africa!

At the events, Natasha and Kamya spoke about TTFF’s strategy for improving food security, creating economic activity, and improving the environment. They shared stories of success in other countries and plans for Uganda.

Ugandan planters and TTFF educators trekking through a food forest to examine our favorite tree: breadfruit!

Nightingale Kasumba introduced event attendees to local fare made with a twist – breadfruit flour! The food included kabalagala (a banana pancake), mandazi (a spiced biscuit), fruitcake, porridge, and chips.

Air-layering experts leading the propagation workshops included Nattimba Grace from His Grace Demo Farm, Phillipa Nantamu, and Kamya.

At the conclusion of each event, participants spoke enthusiastically about continuing training, putting their newfound knowledge to work, and sharing their experiences to help each other.

Ugandans getting their first taste of traditional local foods made with breadfruit flour instead of maize or wheat flour.

Our Ugandan friends are passionately energized, and so is TTFF! Together we will plant as many trees as we can fund and keep alive.

Once there is enough fruit available, TTFF will begin to educate growers and entrepreneurs about flour processing, as well as recipes, food preparation, and sales.

All of TTFF’s integrated programs – Fruit Trees, Nutritious Food, Entrepeneurship, and Education – will be implemented broadly and methodically to help Ugandans achieve self-sustaining households and businesses.

Partners learning to air-layer breadfruit trees, which will produce seedlings, eliminating the need to import trees and creating a better future for Uganda!

Special thanks go to Kathy Johnson and Grace Mubiru for hosting the event at His Grace Demo Farm, located southwest of Kampala in Nsasi village. Here is a message from Grace!

We also have deep appreciation for the amazing crew at Aid Africa who hosted the event in Gulu. They plant fruit trees with families in the surrounding rural areas.

We extend our thanks to others who hosted us at their food forests, including Freedom in Creation and Mark Okoke.

As always, we must recognize our longtime supporter and collaborator, National Tropical Botanical Garden, which has funded many of the breadfruit trees growing in Uganda, as well as other parts of the world.

TTFF’s Natasha Norris (right) with a family enjoying the event. Father and son are learning the breadfruit business. Our educational activity book adapted for Uganda was instantly treasured by the children.

TTFF is grateful to all breadfruit enthusiasts everywhere, including our supporters, who are making this thrilling, life-changing program possible.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we will be posting more videos and photos from this trip!

The Grey Crowned Crane is the national symbol of Uganda. It is pictured on the flag with one leg raised, indicating forward motion. That is apropos of TTFF’s activity in the country. We are going full speed ahead!

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