The African Institute for Culture and Ecology [AFRICE]

 The African Institute for Culture and Ecology [AFRICE] is a non-governmental organization based in Uganda. Established in 2016 and officially registered with the Uganda NGO board in 2017, AFRICE is dedicated to working with local communities to revive their knowledge and practices related to food, land, and ecosystems conservation. By empowering indigenous communities, AFRICE aims to strengthen their cultural practices and promote the conservation of food, land, and natural heritage. This review article provides an insight into AFRICE’s vision, mission, and key work areas. Empowering Communities for Harmony:AFRICE envisions empowered communities that apply their indigenous knowledge for harmony with human and non-human beings. This vision recognizes the importance of preserving cultural diversity and fostering a balanced coexistence between communities and their environment. By empowering communities to rediscover and utilize their traditional wisdom, AFRICE encourages sustainable practices that benefit both people and nature. Mission to Accompany and Build Community Confidence:AFRICE’s mission is to accompany communities on their journey towards sustainable conservation. The organization aims to build community confidence by supporting them in their ecological, food, and cultural governance systems. Through collaborative efforts, AFRICE facilitates the strengthening of local communities’ knowledge and capacities, ensuring that they can effectively manage their natural resources and protect their cultural heritage. Work Areas: Revitalizing Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation:AFRICE focuses on two program areas in three communities, namely Bagungu of Buliisa along Lake Albert, Banyabutumbi of Rukungiri along Lake Edward, and Basese of Kalangala island in Lake Victoria. The organization’s work areas encompass ecosystem rejuvenation, biodiversity conservation, revival of indigenous seeds, farming systems, and agroecology. Ecosystem Rejuvenation:AFRICE recognizes the critical role of healthy ecosystems in supporting sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. Through their ecosystem rejuvenation initiatives, the organization works closely with local communities to restore degraded ecosystems, protect natural habitats, and promote sustainable land management practices. By engaging communities in the restoration process, AFRICE ensures the long-term preservation of essential ecosystem services. Biodiversity Conservation:Conserving biodiversity is another core focus of AFRICE. The organization actively promotes the preservation of indigenous plant and animal species by involving communities in biodiversity monitoring and protection efforts. By fostering an understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and nature, AFRICE encourages communities to become stewards of their local biodiversity, thereby contributing to the global conservation agenda. Revival of Indigenous Seeds and Farming Systems:Recognizing the importance of traditional agricultural practices, AFRICE works towards reviving indigenous seeds and farming systems. Through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities, the organization empowers communities to reclaim their agricultural heritage and adopt sustainable farming methods. By revitalizing indigenous seeds and farming practices, AFRICE promotes food security, enhances agrobiodiversity, and strengthens the resilience of local communities in the face of environmental challenges. Agroecology:AFRICE champions the principles of agroecology, which emphasizes the integration of ecological processes into agricultural systems. By promoting sustainable farming techniques that mimic natural ecosystems, AFRICE helps communities reduce their reliance on chemical inputs, increase soil fertility, and promote biodiversity on farmlands. Through agroecological practices, communities can improve their livelihoods while safeguarding the environment for future generations.