Stakeholders, including market leaders, farmers, and agroecology suppliers, have issued a compelling call to the Ugandan government, urging the opening up of markets for more agro-ecologically produced foods. Notable government bodies, including KCCA, municipalities, and city leadership, are implored to intervene and ensure that market stalls allocate space for healthy organic products, allowing buyers to easily differentiate them from non-organic alternatives.
This appeal emerged following a three-day training facilitated by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) and Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (Pelum) Uganda in Entebbe. The training drew participants, including market masters, from neighboring Rwanda and Zimbabwe, focusing on sustainable farming techniques, natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation. The emphasis was on establishing a supply chain that benefits all stakeholders, particularly marginalized communities.
During a subsequent press conference, market leaders shed light on challenges hindering the production and access to organic products in territorial markets. Their plea to the government includes kick-starting the certification process for agroecology farmers and ensuring adequate space allocation for their products in all markets.
Hadija Nalule from Pelum Uganda, a training facilitator, stressed the importance of involving agencies like KCCA to increase the availability and accessibility of organic products in markets while ensuring consumer identification and access.
Chairman Nakawa Market, Joseph Mudhasi, decried government complacency, attributing it to the widespread use of harmful chemicals in crop production. He expressed concerns about the environmental impact of modern farming technologies, urging a shift from practices that breed laziness and contribute to soil degradation.
In contrast, Richard Mugisha, a farmer from Jero Farms in Entebbe, challenged the misconception that agroecology is more expensive. He shared his success story of increased output without synthetic fertilizers, emphasizing the primary challenge faced by him and fellow farmers – limited market access.
Mugisha called for government support in certifying organic food producers and ensuring fair competition in markets. Stakeholders expressed gratitude to AFSA and Pelum, advocating for continued engagement to make agroecology more relevant.
Market Master at Wandegeya, Zuena Nantume, pledged to push for space allocation for organic foods in her market, ensuring it is fully stocked upon her return.
Blessing Tendekani Muwomo from Pelum Zimbabwe highlighted the workshop’s significance in integrating agroecology into territorial markets, fostering collaboration among farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders for positive change.
Civil Society organizations, including AFSA and Pelum, have actively engaged the government at different levels, participating in the development of the national organic policy and the ongoing formulation of a national agroecology strategy. The collective efforts aim to propel Uganda towards the production of healthier food products and a more sustainable agricultural future.
