If Uganda's economy is to gain from higher export volumes and earnings, pressure is growing to swiftly double the country’s more than 404,246 certified organic farmers.
According to data from Uganda's National Organic Agricultural Movement, fewer than half a million farmers with established value chains produce and realize less than $200 million in export earnings.
In order to certify more value-added products, NOGAMU's CEO, Chariton Namuwoza, says that together with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards, there are ongoing efforts aimed at accelerating their collaborative efforts in certifying more organic producers.
By streamlining the certification process, they hope to bolster the organic sector's growth and sustainability in Uganda.
“This partnership will also enhance training and capacity to farmers, enabling them to meet the necessary standards for organic certification. As a result, a greater number of producers will be able to access premium markets, fostering economic development in rural areas and beyond,” Namuwoza stressed.
The organic sector in Uganda contributes 17.1% of the nation’s agricultural export value, with its main exports being fruits, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, and an increasing demand for organic vegetables and cereals.
“This growing sector not only enhances farmers' livelihoods but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices. As consumer awareness increases globally, Uganda has the potential to expand its organic market even further, attracting more international buyers,” notes the NOGAMU CEO.
With 280,282 hectares of land dedicated to organic farming and half a million certified organic farmers using the approach, natural goods account for 17.1% of agricultural export value.
“As government, we are doing all it takes to ease the burden of expanding the volume of fields under organic production and by extension the export figures, by ensuring quick certification procedures and processes,” Sunday George, an official at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, emphasises.
In order to maintain soil fertility, lower pollution, and enhance health, organic products are crucial. “The National Organic Agriculture Bill 2022 is expected to enhance the sub-sector’s performance,” he adds.
A major influence in Africa's organic agricultural industry, Uganda's organic movement promotes the value of chemical-free food and environmentally friendly methods that preserve the natural food supply.
“We want as many more farmers as possible to engage in organic production, more so through the participatory guarantee system. This will enable us to meet the ever-growing demand in the international markets,” says Zahra Muhammed of Sulma Foods Limited.
The participatory guarantee system is a locally centred, bottom-up organic production quality assurance system that actively engages producers, consumers, and other stakeholders.
During the first week of November, farmers, the government, and international markets are anticipated to use the annual National Organic Week to draw attention to and address current issues.