From Alcohol Abuse To Self-Reliance: My Journey Through Vegetable Growing.
My name is Omona Gerald, a 24-year-old resident of Abera Village, Parabanga Parish, Pabbo Sub-County in Amuru District. In 2023, I joined the Aywekwene Vegetable Farming Group, a decision that changed the direction of my life. Through the group, I received training in financial literacy and modern vegetable farming practices. I learned how to establish nursery beds, manage vegetables through their growth stages, and, importantly, how to budget, save, and invest my income.
Before joining the group, I struggled with alcohol. After selling my farm produce, I could spend more than UGX 50,000 a day on alcohol. Despite advice from my parents, I found it difficult to stop. My earnings quickly disappeared, leaving me uncertain about my future and sometimes even about where my next meal would come from.
Joining the group introduced me to people with different perspectives and lifestyles. Their encouragement made me reflect on my choices, and with support from the WACFO livelihood team, I made the decision to stop drinking and focus on building a better life. I began putting my earnings into productive activities instead of alcohol.
In March 2025, I established my own vegetable garden, growing tomatoes, eggplants, and cabbages, while continuing to participate in the group's collective farming activities. During the second season of 2025, I planted half an acre of eggplants and harvested three sacks, earning UGX 400,000. In April 2026, I used part of my farm proceeds to purchase two goats, starting a small livestock enterprise. In my community, goats are highly valued, selling for about UGX 150,000–200,000, and they provide a form of savings that can also support families during emergencies.
This second season of 2026, I have planted half an acre of tomatoes and cabbage. I hope to earn more than I did last year and use part of the proceeds to purchase oxen to support and expand my farming activities. I sell my produce at Pabo Market, Bira Centre, and Oguru Centre, which provide ready markets for my vegetables.
My transformation has also encouraged me to support other young people. I have shared my knowledge of vegetable farming with some of the youth I used to drink with, encouraging them to reduce alcohol consumption and see farming as a source of income and hope.
Today, I may not have everything I want, but I have something I once lacked: a clear direction and hope for the future. My journey has taught me that change is possible when we are willing to make a different choice and take advantage of the opportunities around us. For me, vegetable farming has become more than a source of income, it has given me a chance to rebuild my life, become self-reliant, and inspire others to do the same.
