By Jumah Kakomo
PELUM Uganda, in collaboration with the Government of Uganda—specifically the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives—has announced the commencement of the National Agroecology Week of Action (AWA) 2024. Running from October 21 to October 26, this initiative aims to engage the public in sustainable agricultural practices and food systems transformation.
The week features several key events, including:
- 6th National Agroecology Actors’ Symposium on October 23, themed “Advancing Uganda’s food systems transformation through the National agroecology strategy.”
- 3rd Agroecology Market Systems Expo on October 24, focused on “Strengthening partnerships for sustainable agroecology entrepreneurship and markets development.”
- 14th Annual Indigenous and Traditional Food and Seed Festival on October 25-26, under the theme “Harvest heritage, honoring the past, and nourishing the future.”
Jude Ssebuliba, Acting Head of Programs at PELUM Uganda, emphasized that the National Agroecology Week aims to provide a platform for agroecology stakeholders to exchange experiences and strategies for transforming food systems in Uganda. He noted that these events will foster participation among various actors in the agriculture and agroecology sectors.
Josephine Akia Luyimbazi, the Country Coordinator for PELUM Uganda, stated that the events will gather policymakers, technical staff, farmers, private sector representatives, financial institutions, and civil society organizations to share skills and knowledge. She highlighted the partnership with the government to scale up agroecology in Uganda by addressing concerns related to agroecological production and market systems.
Erick Kizito, Program Manager at PELUM Uganda, stressed that scaling up agroecology is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 on zero hunger. He pointed out that a transition to more sustainable food systems would yield socio-economic benefits while minimizing environmental impacts.
Edward Mukiibi, Vice Chairman of PELUM Uganda, noted the importance of indigenous and traditional food systems as a significant source of nutritious diets, which contribute to food and nutrition security. He emphasized that access to secure and healthy food is crucial for promoting human security and societal stability.
The National Agroecology Week of Action seeks to elevate the dialogue around sustainable agriculture and foster collaborative efforts towards a resilient and food-secure Uganda.
