For over 30 years, Elder Tom Mboijana has been running a transformative project in Fort Portal, Kabarole District, that addresses two of Uganda's most pressing issues: malnutrition and malaria.
His initiative, named Sustainable Environment to Fight Malnutrition and Malaria (SET-FMM), has been a beacon of hope for his community.
Mboijana has cultivated over 5 acres of eco-forest reserve, using ecosystem-appropriate technologies to create a thriving environment for flora and fauna.
This unique approach has attracted birds, monkeys, bees, and other insects, creating a vibrant and biodiverse area that supports the propagation of various tree species.
The most prominent trees in his reserve are palms, giving his garden its name, Whispering Palm Gardens.
His efforts have even led to the migration of bird species from Semuliki Game Reserve and Kibale Forest National Park, such as the black and white casqued hornbills and great blue turacos.
"I have planted avocado trees by simply throwing leftover seeds into the forest, which germinate easily and grow like other trees," Mboijana shared. "Now, I am feeding fish with avocado fruits."
Mboijana’s project has not only contributed to biodiversity but also provided a solution to malnutrition.
Malnutrition is a slow killer among children under 5, with one in every ten children born in developing countries like Uganda dying from severe malnutrition.
At the same time, malaria continues to claim lives rapidly. However, Mboijana's project addresses both issues simultaneously.
Through his fish ponds, Mboijana provides a reliable source of protein-rich fish for his family and neighbours.
The fish ponds also play a critical role in combating malaria. Fish in the ponds feed on mosquito larvae, significantly reducing the spread of the disease.
The fish ponds, some of which are over thirty years old, cover around 2500 square meters. These ponds have become a model for sustainable fish farming, which Mboijana believes is an affordable and reliable venture for communities.
"Fish farming, if managed properly, can be one of the best ventures to improve people's welfare both in health and financially," he said.
Fish farming, according to Mboijana, requires minimal capital investment compared to other ventures like poultry or animal husbandry.
The fish feed on microorganisms, plant plankton, and insects, naturally keeping costs low. Fish like tilapia, which primarily feeds on such organic matter, are particularly suited for this purpose.
In addition to his work with fish farming, Mboijana has emphasized the importance of a clean and healthy environment to prevent mosquito breeding.
"Proper drainage and garbage disposal are essential in stemming the breeding grounds of mosquitoes," he advised.
Mboijana’s project has already had a positive impact on his community. His neighbour, Ritah Kanyiginya, has seen firsthand the reduction in mosquito populations since Mboijana’s fish ponds were established.
"When Mzee (Mboijana) started, mosquitoes were many in our homes, and we used dry cow dung with fire, but now they have reduced, and we no longer use those things," she said.
Beyond his practical efforts, Mboijana has been an advocate for local community development and sustainable practices.
He has been preaching the importance of fish farming as a solution to malnutrition and malaria on VOT-FM since 1996.
However, he acknowledges that adapting to new practices takes time.
Mboijana also believes that schools should place a greater emphasis on teaching health science and environmental stewardship.
"It's highly ideal that schools should teach health science. This is how I got the idea to start fish farming to address malnutrition and fight malaria," he shared.
As he reflects on his 30-year journey, Mboijana is hopeful that his project will inspire others to replicate his efforts.
"I started this project over 30 years ago, and it has been very successful. I hope my project will inspire others to follow in my footsteps," he concluded.
Mboijana’s work stands as a testament to the power of local initiatives in tackling large-scale problems like malnutrition and malaria.
His determination to use sustainable methods for community betterment offers a valuable lesson in resilience and innovation.
