Bwindi AMAGARA (meaning 'life' in the local language) is a farming cooperative which aims to help local farmers to produce and market foods for the tourism industry using environmentally sensitive methods. Volcanoes is supporting the project by sourcing our fresh produce for meals at Bwindi Lodge from the AMAGARA gardens. Volcanoes is also encouraging clients to visit the gardens where they can learn how the association operates and hear about the range of different growing techniques that are taught to local farmers, meet the local people who work at the garden and join them in planting seeds. They can also sample some of the produce including strawberries, honey and chillies, and learn how to cook traditional Ugandan food at one of the cooking lessons as part of their safari itinerary.

In March 2009 the Bwindi AMAGARA ran a worshop for local people living with HIV/ AIDS in their demonstration garden, encouraging people to establish kitchen gardens to increase their own and their family’s nutrition.  AMAGARA also uses its strong partnership with Bwindi Community Hospital to facilitate training on reducing the risk of passing on sexually transmitted diseases and taught about the benefits of family planning, how a small manageable family can mean that people enjoy a better life.   For further information on the Bwindi AMAGARA and Volcanoes Safaris click here.