In areas where land fragmentation is common, many farmers are finding creative ways to maximise food production on small plots.
One such farmer is Julius Atuheire from Habutiki village in Rubanda district.
Faced with limited land, Atuheire turned to intercropping, specifically combining cabbage and Irish potatoes on the same piece of land.
“I had less than an acre to work with after our family land was divided,” Atuheire says.
“So, I decided to grow two crops that could benefit from each other without competing too much.”
With proper spacing and care, he found that both crops could thrive together.
According to Allan Nsubuga, an agronomist, intercropping cabbage and Irish potatoes is not only possible but also beneficial when done correctly.
“Cabbages grow above ground with wide leaves, while Irish potatoes grow underground with compact foliage. This means they don’t compete much for sunlight,” he explains.
“If a farmer uses proper row spacing, usually alternating two rows of potatoes with one row of cabbage, they can manage both crops well.”
Nsubuga also stresses the importance of timing.
“Cabbages mature later than Irish potatoes, so the potatoes can be harvested first without disturbing the cabbages. This timing also reduces the risk of disease buildup between the crops.”
Atuheire has also learned to rotate the crops after every season to maintain soil fertility and prevent pest resistance.
He uses organic manure and mulching to keep the soil moist and nutritious.
“From the little land I have, I now harvest enough to feed my family and sell some at the market,” Atuheire says.
With proper agronomic guidance, intercropping offers a smart solution for farmers battling land scarcity, turning small spaces into productive, profitable gardens.
