From Guns to Gardens: The Role of Agricultural Education in Rebuilding War-Torn Communities

By Sam Childers, Machine Gun Preacher

For decades, I’ve been in the trenches of East Africa, fighting to rescue children and give them hope for a future free from violence. The things they’ve seen. The things they’ve witnessed and been forced to participate in. If you could see it first-hand, you’d wonder how Satan has gained such a strong foothold in our world.

While the immediate need has always been to pull these kids out of danger, the long-term challenge is equally important: helping them find their purpose and independence so they can heal and build strong communities. 

As a former sinner who’s been given a shot at redemption in the eyes of the Lord, I feel it’s only fair these innocents have that same chance. It’s one thing to rescue a child from conflict, but it’s something else to give them the skills they need to thrive. That’s where agricultural education comes in to help this still-developing corner of the globe.

Healing the Scars of War with Agricultural Education

Through Angels of East Africa, we’ve seen firsthand how teaching children and teens about farming, animal care and self-sustenance doesn’t just fill empty stomachs. It helps plant the seeds of a stable, hopeful future. These skills help young people learn to contribute meaningfully to their communities, secure food for themselves and their families, and even rebuild the economies ravaged by war. 

Our journey from “guns to gardens” represents a powerful shift in how we empower the next generation – after being plucked from the clutches of ruthless warlords – to stand strong and be self-sufficient.

Why Agricultural Education?

In the communities we serve across Uganda, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, poverty and hunger are some of the only certainties in life. We know poverty in America, but our realities are often considered privileged in comparison. 

Many families struggle to meet their basic needs. Land and resources are available, but skills, knowledge and tools for sustainable agriculture are lacking. Some of the most brutal examples of guerrilla warfare the world has ever seen have disrupted life for decades. 

As the dust settles, agricultural education fills gaps for East African children. These young people not only grow crops, but also learn life skills that are essential for personal and community resilience.

Agriculture is more than just farming. It’s a means of survival, a path to self-reliance and a way to heal communities. We’re giving them a way to take ownership of their future, a foundation to build upon, and a sense of pride and purpose.

Planting Seeds of Change: Our Programs in Agricultural Education

At Angels of East Africa, we’ve developed programs that combine practical agricultural training with values of self-sufficiency and community cooperation. We run several initiatives in our centers that not only provide food security, but also help children gain independence and confidence in their abilities to create positive change.

1. Hands-On Farming Training

We’re proud of our small-scale farms across East Africa, where rescued children and teens learn to plant, grow and harvest crops. Under the guidance of trained agricultural mentors, they gain hands-on experience with soil preparation, planting, watering and crop management. 

Each child learns the cycle of farming. Our kids learn that they can be agents of change. 

2. Livestock Care & Animal Husbandry

By learning to care for chickens, goats and other livestock, children understand the importance of animal welfare and responsible caretaking. This experience also prepares them to raise livestock as a source of income and food.

This gives these kids a newfound sense of responsibility and empathy. They learn that all God’s creatures need care, love, and a safe environment to grow and thrive.

3. Sustainable Farming Practices

Sustainable farming practices are essential for long-term success in regions where resources are scarce. We teach techniques such as crop rotation, composting, well drilling and water conservation. We emphasize the value of preserving the environment and minimize the depletion of natural resources.

Instead, they contribute to the land's fertility, helping the soil and local ecosystems thrive. When they return to their communities, they become ambassadors of sustainable living.

4. Farm-to-Table Lessons

It’s important for these young people to see the direct connection between the farm and their everyday lives. Our programs include farm-to-table lessons that show children how to harvest, prepare, and cook the food they’ve grown. They learn about nutrition, food preservation and the importance of healthy meals. 

Cooking and sharing meals together also strengthens bonds among the children, creating a sense of family and community. 

5. Supporting Local Economies

Our agricultural programs also emphasize the potential of farming as a financial tool. For older children and teenagers, we provide training on basic market economics, teaching them how they could sell surplus crops or livestock to generate income. They learn essential business skills such as budgeting, planning and record-keeping, which can help them achieve financial independence and contribute to the local economy.

In war-torn regions, every dollar matters. We empower them to help lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Why This Matters for East Africa’s Future

The impact of agricultural education reaches beyond the farm. When we teach these children to grow food, we’re also showing them the value of hard work, patience and perseverance. These are the qualities they need to overcome the trauma of their past and to build better futures for themselves and their communities.

Our agricultural programs at Angels of East Africa have already transformed lives, but there’s still so much work to be done. Many of the children who come to us have been conditioned to think only about surviving from one day to the next. Through these programs, they begin to dream about more than just survival. 

They begin to imagine lives where they can contribute to their communities, support their families, and live with purpose and dignity.

Join Angels of East Africa in Rebuilding from the Ground Up

The journey from “guns to gardens” isn’t easy, but it’s a journey worth taking. Angels of East Africa is committed to continuing this work, but we can’t do it alone. We need the support of people around the world who believe in the power of knowledge, resilience and self-determination. 

Click here to donate today!