I have suggested that the Chyrsalis Centre School "Change Makers" in Uganda try a "Three Sisters Garden". In particular I suggested that the students try using non-GMO "Lazy Housewife" green pole beans", non-GMO Waltham" butternut squash and a non-hybrid non-GMO variety of sweet corn. I am a little worried about the corn stalks being strong enough to hold the pole beans and what variety of squash or watermelon we should use to control the weeds. I have suggested the students contact local experts when selecting the varieties of beans, corn, and squash to grow.
My biggest problem is obtaining the proper seeds for this project. Uganda has a very restrictive seed import policy based on FAO recommendations,. I believe the implementation of FAO policies by African countries has gone way beyond what the FAO intended, The policies favor European vegetable importers who only want certified non-GMO products that are not grown in countries that grow GMO products. The FAO needs to review the seed import policies that they have suggested to African countries.
The proper seeds for this project are very rare in Uganda but common elsewhere in the world including European countries. If the Change Maker students are successful. I will suggest the Change Makers donate some of the seeds that they produce to their friends, the women and children who work in the rock quarry in Kampala, in the hope that these poor people will help us in the future. I am certain that the Change Makers at the Chrysalis Center can dramatically help the poorest women and children working in the stone quarries in Kampala improve their food security and income by developing the Native American technology so that it can be used in Uganda
Measures to align policies and laws with the transformative goals
Dr. Paul Rigterink