By Andrew Musis Lwanga
National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU) in collaboration with other partners commenced with the first ever Organic Agriculture Week 2022 from 29th November to 7th December 2022.
The organic agriculture week will subsequently, be an annual event for organic agriculture actors to share information, network and be recognized for their efforts in advancing organic agriculture in Uganda.
According to Chariton Namuwoza, the Chief Executive Officer CEO of National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda, the Purpose is to bring about sustainable development in Uganda since the Global demand market for organic products is huge and continues to grow thus creating enormous market opportunities for smallholder organic farmers and SME companies. Currently, the global organic market exceeds Euro 100 Billion (FiBl 2019).
However the rapid development has been partially attributed to a shift in consumer demand. Uganda is increasingly receiving recognition as a major player in the organic export market. With increasing consciousness about health and food safety, the local market for organic products is also growing steadily according to a recent survey commissioned by NOGAMU organic statistics (2018-2021), which was conducted by Makerere University and the Centre for Ecosystems Research for Development (CERD).
During this preparation, experts cautioned farmers against GMO’s since it likely to make farmers slaves. They agreed not to introduction of genetically modified organism (GMO’s). “GMO’s are just meant to make farmers lose their money each and every season” Experts.
“Once you plant GMO’s seeds, its done next season again you have to go and buy them” Said chariton Namuwoza.
Eminent scientists have said there are no benefits of GMO’s. 50 African countries out of 45 have said no to GMO’s. So those who are rushing us to accept them have their agenda” Bufumbira county East MP, James Buturo said.
Meanwhile, namuwoza believes, if they could provide enough irrigation schemes in the country, they would not be seeing things like hunger in some parts of the country like Karamoja.
Uganda continues to maintain its position on the global stage as the country with the second highest number of certified organic producers in the world, after India. The most traded items include beverages (Coffee, Cocoa), Sesame, Chia seed, frozen fruit pulp, Fresh/dried fruits (pineapple, apple banana, mango, papaya, jack fruit, passion fruit), spices (Vanilla, chilli, ginger, cardamom, black pepper), herbs, essential oils, and Shea butter/nuts.
This has been addressed following the approval of the National Organic Agriculture Policy (NOAP) in 2019. Plans are under way to formulate the national organic agricultural bill and develop a popular version that will be translated into different languages for stakeholders to quickly grasp the contents of the policy.
Following the approval of the National Organic Agriculture Policy, NOGAMU embarked on a number of strides to guide its implementation and these include conducting a survey on organic agriculture statistics from 2018-2021, supporting Makerere University in innovating the Kebera tool for testing organic products, reaching out to old and new members to subscribe to NOGAMU and formulating the NOGAMU 2023-2027 strategic plan in line with the implementation plan for the National Organic Agriculture Policy, among other key initiatives.
It’s based on these efforts therefore, that an organic agriculture week will be organized for organic agriculture actors to network, share information and be recognized for their excellent contributions towards advancing organic agriculture.
To provide a platform for stakeholders in the organic fraternity to network, be recognized for their contributions in the sub sector and together lay strategies for implementing the 2023-2027 NOGAMU strategic plan in line with the National Organic Agriculture Policy Implementation plan.
