CAPCN

Isaac Mubashankwaya founded the Center for Agroecological Practices and Conservation of Nature (CAPCN) in 2018 on the site of his farm. Despite having been a farmer for many years, it was his decision to study a PHD in agroecology that transformed his understanding of, and passion for a different kind of farming.

Now, the Center relies on a wide range of farming practices, including horticulture: vegetables and fruits, as well as a nursery where they produce and sell seedlings. The Center also includes livestock, including cattle which produce milk and calves that are sold for additional income, and poultry, incorporating indigenous varieties such as duck and geese. This incredible array of farming activities also includes goats and merino sheep, as well as mushroom huts which are managed by local youth. They have initiated compost and vermicompost production and are looking to expand further into eco-tourism opportunities.

The Center was established with the community in mind, seeking to provide training opportunities in conservation agriculture practices, access to techniques which will support local farmers, and the promotion of agroecological techniques which will encourage environmentally friendly farming.

There are already a number of circular practices in action at the center, showing a strong commitment to reducing waste and external inputs. These include the use of cow and pig manure for compost, and also the requisitioning of post-harvest loss from the mushrooms for vermicompost production This compost is then used to support the growth of the seedlings in the nursery, which are sold to the local community for crops, or for trees like grevillea, which are used in agroforestry.

Isaac is hopeful about the impact of the CIRF training for his business, with existing meetings already proving inspirational. He anticipates that the training will support his business practices and embolden his marketing opportunities.

It employs 8 full-time staff, 25 part-time staff, and receives approximately 30 interns across the year for a duration of 2 months at a time.