Ronan Aliro Otto completes an intensive three-month training programme in Zambia, earning top honours in the globally-proven Mittleider Method of vegetable production.
ADRA Uganda is proud to announce that Ronan Aliro Otto, a staff member representing ADRA Uganda, has successfully graduated from an intensive agricultural training program in Zambia — and earned the distinction of Best Male Student at the graduation ceremony held on 19 February 2026.
The course, running from 17 November 2025 to 20 February 2026, provided rigorous training in both theory and hands-on practice in the speciality: Vegetable Growing According to the Dr. Jacob R. Mittleider Method. The programme was hosted by ADRA Zambia and funded by ADRA Australia through ADRA International, in partnership with the GoodOne Organisation.
Training Period
17 November 2025 – 20 February 2026
Graduation Date
19 February 2026
Host Organisation
ADRA Zambia
Funding Partners
ADRA Australia / ADRA International & GoodOne Organisation
About the Mittleider Method
The Mittleider Method is a scientifically-grounded crop production system that has been applied successfully across more than 30 countries over three decades. Developed by Dr. Jacob R. Mittleider, it stands apart from conventional approaches through its ability to produce high yields of quality vegetables regardless of soil condition, climate, or available land area.
The Mittleider Method enables crop cultivation on any soil type, in any climate — combining precision nutrition, controlled environments, and continuous plant monitoring to produce large, uniform, high-quality harvests.
The system is built on four integrated pillars that together create optimal conditions for plant growth:
1 Universal Growing Media
Cultivation is enabled on any soil type through improved growing media, narrow beds, and grow boxes — removing traditional land-quality barriers to productive farming.
2 Climate Adaptability
Greenhouses and seed houses create controlled micro-environments that support production in all climates, extending growing seasons and enabling early, clean harvests year-round.
3 Scientific Fertiliser System
A structured nutritional programme — including pre-plant feeding, weekly plant nutrition, and correctional feeding for deficiencies — ensures optimal plant health at every growth stage.
4 Precision Plant Management
Continuous monitoring, pruning, proper spacing, and precise nutrient management combine to deliver large, uniform, high-quality crops while maximising yield, efficiency, and sustainability.
A Commendable Achievement
Among all participants in this demanding three-month programme, Ronan Aliro Otto stood out for his exceptional performance in both the theoretical and practical components of the course. His recognition as Best Male Student at graduation reflects not only his personal dedication and capacity for learning, but also ADRA Uganda’s commitment to equipping its staff with the highest standards of professional expertise.
The program combined classroom instruction with intensive field work, requiring participants to demonstrate mastery of each pillar of the Mittleider system under real growing conditions — a challenge Ronan met with distinction.
Impact for Uganda
The knowledge Ronan brings back to Uganda will directly strengthen ADRA Uganda’s capacity to design and implement evidence-based, high-yield agricultural programmes across the country. By applying the Mittleider Method, ADRA Uganda will be better positioned to support smallholder farmers, advance food security goals, and help communities produce more food with fewer resources — even in areas with challenging soils or variable climates.
This investment in staff development reflects our broader mission: building lasting resilience in the communities we serve, starting with the expertise of the people who lead our programs.
Acknowledgements
ADRA Uganda extends sincere gratitude to ADRA Australia and ADRA International for funding this transformative opportunity, and to the GoodOne Organisation for their generous partnership. We also thank ADRA Zambia for graciously hosting the training and providing an outstanding learning environment. Congratulations to Ronan on this remarkable achievement — we look forward to seeing its impact in the communities we serve across Uganda.
