Agroforestry open Co-creation day activity at Kagadi native tree nursery, Kangombe Central Forest reserve on 15th January 2024.

The activity was organized under the project “Understanding Ugandan Native Plant Species’ Role in Innovative Sustainable Landscapes” and is implemented by Tooro Botanical Gardens [TBG], Botanic Gardens Conservation International [BGCI], Makerere University [MUK], National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO]-Plant Genetic Resources Centre [PGRC-Entebbe Botanical Gardens] and Grass Roots Uganda Limited. The project focuses on the conservation of native food species integration in agroforestry systems in Uganda.  The Agroforestry open Co-creation Day is a continuous activity across project areas and aims at enhancing advocacy about native food plant species in diverse agroforestry systems and how they could help address plant conservation challenges. It involves overview discussion and sharing with stakeholders about useful native plant species suitable for agroforestry, their propagation techniques and growth habits, and additional silvicultural practices for maximized food crop production. At these open-day co-creation activities, we target native food crops that were collected during the project period. They were analyzed nutritionally, and developed into new food products by Makerere University, and exhibited and tested by the audience during the open day. Some of the developed products include herbs developed into powder; Amaranthus thunbergia [Pigweed], Cleome gynandra [African Cabbage], Corchorus olitorius [Jute mallow] and native fruit juice from Annona senegalensis [Soursop] and Tamarindus indica [Tamarind]. The goal is to advocate for creation of novel food products from native species that address nutritional gaps in Ugandan diets, improving their value and marketability. The inclusion of smallholder farmers at every stage of this development ensures they are the future beneficiaries of developments in Uganda. The day was an open discussion day and everybody shared insights about agroforestry with native plant species integration from a diversity of cultures and traditions.