Eva Maria Schiffer is a German-American storyteller, photographer, author, and certified holistic nutritionist with a deep connection to Africa. Her journey began with a career in high-end editorials and corporate photography, but everything changed when she wrote Eating with Africa, an award-winning cookbook that took her across 10 African countries, exploring food and culture through personal stories.

These experiences inspired her to establish BODY&SOIL—a vision dedicated to empowering through a cycle of holistic health. She brings creativity, storytelling, nutrition expertise, and innovative ideas to the table, focusing on connecting lasting solutions. Maria sees every challenge is an opportunity, and she keeps on moving.

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Maria Schiffer Photography

Eating with Africa

Samuel Nyanzi is an agronomist, innovator, and the founder of RUCID (Rural Community in Development), where he has dedicated over 30 years to advancing organic agriculture and community empowerment in Uganda. As Director of RUCID and Chairman of NOGAMU (National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda), Samuel is a pillar in the country’s organic movement.

But titles only tell part of the story. Samuel is endlessly curious and never really takes a day off—he’s always working on a new idea, tool, or approach to make farming more regenerative and accessible. One of he’s passions is food processing, which he teaches to our school clubs in a fun, hands-on way that students love. With his deep well of experience and boundless energy, Samuel is not only building systems but also inspiring the next generation to do the same.

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RUCID

NOGAMU

Chef Kalefu is a self-motivated and ever-curious chef who embodies a deep commitment to learning and growing in his craft. Born and raised on a farm near Fort Portal, Kalefu's connection to food has always been rooted in the land. After spending six years working in high-end tourism hotels, Kalefu discovered his true passion for local foods and teaching—an opportunity he stumbled upon by chance but quickly embraced.

He now channels his experiences and skills into supporting BODY&SOIL’s mission to promote indigenous food, helping us teach practical cooking at community schools, with our RUCID students, and local farmers, while also developing our kitchen garden. Together with the communities and Maria, they experiment with new local recipes that are both tasty and nourishing. Kalefu is not just about cooking; he is deeply committed to celebrating the flavors of Uganda’s rich agricultural heritage.

Stuart Nyanzi is not only the College Manager at RUCID Organic Agriculture College, but also an essential part of the BODY&SOIL team. Known for his endless energy and "figure-out-ability," Stuart brings a rare combination of technical expertise and hands-on problem-solving to every challenge. Whether it's finding a missing pipe, improvising a solution in the field, or getting a plan moving, Stuart gets things done.

His passion lies in developing organic fertilizers and natural pest control solutions—critical tools for regenerative farming. He trains students in these methods both at the college and in our partner schools, helping shape a new generation of farmers grounded in practical, sustainable knowledge. His drive, resourcefulness, and deep commitment make him a true backbone of our work.

Elisha Ssebadduka is the Principal of RUCID Organic Agricultural College and a core team member of BODY&SOIL. As an expert in community development, agroecology, and indigenous foods, Elisha brings decades of experience and deep-rooted passion to our work. He teaches students at community schools and oversees how RUCID students continue to train these schools in developing regenerative school gardens.

Elisha is a warm, patient educator and a true fountain of knowledge — yet always open to learning and exchanging new ideas. His commitment to regenerative living doesn’t stop at work: in his free time, he lovingly tends to his own thriving garden paradise, which he envisions as his source of income during retirement. His presence inspires not only our team but also the next generation of growers, teachers, and changemakers.

Francis is a trained biologist with a degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Biology from Makerere University. Born and raised in Kampala, he brings a unique mix of scientific knowledge, digital skills, and creativity to BODY&SOIL.

He’s in charge of growing and managing our local seed bank and shares our work on TikTok, helping us reach and inspire a wider audience. With a strong background in research and ICT, Francis is both inquisitive and reliable—a natural fit for our growing team. On a personal note, he loves music, and when he’s not working or researching, you’ll often find him singing.