During my time back in the UK recently, have had the time to talk to many people about what I’m doing in Uganda. The reactions are varied to say the least! Most are very positive and think that I am doing is great. Others are a bit more cautious, worried about where I will live, what I will eat, whether I’ll be safe and most of all, how can I go and farm in a sandy dessert where nothing grows!
I’ve found that many people have a very narrow mind about what Africa is actually like. I think this is mainly due to the perception that the press give out, adverts of dieing children, dirty water, rundown hospitals. Of course there are these issues in some places, but let me point out that when you see that on TV it does not tell the full story…far from it!
So first of all, sub-Saharan Africa and especially Uganda, is not a sandy desert in any way shape or form! Yes there are large areas of dry land, but on the whole Uganda is a green, mountainous country with lots of wildlife, tress and plants. I have never seen plants and crops grow as fast as they in Uganda anywhere else. Rest assured if there is one country in the world that can grow crops…it is Uganda. This is why in the potential for agricultural development in Uganda is so great. The challenge is finding a way of working with farmers to increase food production and that is what we are setting out to do.
You can also rest assured that I live in a wonderful community of people and I feel safer where I am in Uganda than anywhere else I’ve ever been. We live in a world full of dangers and I have always been encouraged to get out and experience it!
Many people in the west assume that Africa is still living in the dark ages. Africa is developing fast, in fact seven of the fastest developing countries in the world are in Africa. Yes, it is not as developed as we are in the west, but it is moving fast and they have some initiative there that we don’t have. It is likely they will skip some of the development stages we went through and
I think it is only once you have had the privilege of going to Africa that you realise what a wonderful, diverse, beautiful place it is.
I hope that I can share my passion and enthusiasm of Africa with you and that through our photos, blogs, videos and social media we can paint a new picture of Africa. One of lush green crops, trees, wildlife, clean water, people who can afford to get basic healthcare, children who are not hungry and lots of happy farmers. May be then we will stop thinking of Africa as a poor and helps nation and instead see it for what it really is.
Want to help make this happen, we are only a small part of this but every little bit of effort counts, including yours, so please get involved.
If you get the chance to go to Africa…take it!
And if you happen to be in Uganda, send us a message and come and visit us, you can see for yourself how amazing it is.
Jonny
Excelent analysis jonny