Pur Manyen means “new farming” in Acholi, the language of northern Uganda. The name reflects a commitment to moving beyond traditional methods toward innovative, sustainable agriculture that empowers local communities.
In 2024, Heart Sounds supported the pilot phase of the Pur Manyen Project—an initiative in northern Uganda designed to improve food security, create short-term employment, and promote sustainable farming in the region.
The pilot began on a ¼ acre of land, where maize and beans were cultivated. Despite challenges—including a two-week dry spell, pest and disease outbreaks, and crop damage from stray animals—the project yielded encouraging results. At the end of the season, 40 kg of beans and 108 kg of maize were harvested. Of the total harvest, 20% was donated to two local beneficiaries, while the remaining 80% was sold to fund future expansion. In addition to producing food and income, the project offered short-term employment and served as a platform for agricultural education for community members.
For the upcoming planting season, we plan to expand the farm to 2 acres, focusing exclusively on soybeans—a crop with strong market demand. The project will incorporate both organic and traditional pest control methods and rely on a combination of animal traction and hand-digging techniques. This expansion will increase local employment and deepen community engagement. We’re also actively exploring partnerships with other local farming organizations to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Help Us Grow
Your support can make a real difference. A donation today helps provide seeds, tools, training, and fair wages for local farmers.
Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient farming community—one harvest at a time.
