By Juma Kakomo
Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Uganda has announced that the 2026 National Agroecology Week of Action will take place from October 26 to 30, bringing together farmers, policymakers, researchers and private-sector players to promote sustainable food production and strengthen markets for agroecological products.
The announcement was made by Edward Mukiibi, Executive Director of Slow Food Uganda and chairperson of the PELUM Uganda board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.
The five-day event aims to promote the adoption and expansion of agroecology by linking sustainable agricultural production with supportive policies, viable markets, biodiversity conservation and inclusive economic opportunities.
Organisers expect more than 1,500 participants, including smallholder farmers, farmer organisations, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and development partners.
This year’s edition will run under the theme: “Accelerating a Just and Resilient Food Future: Connecting Agroecological Production, Policy Action and Market Synergies.”
Mukiibi said the initiative builds on years of activities aimed at promoting agroecology and creating platforms through which farmers and other stakeholders can exchange knowledge, showcase products and influence discussions on sustainable food systems.
He cited the Indigenous and Traditional Seed and Food Festival, which began in 2010, as one of the longstanding initiatives associated with the movement. The Agroecological Market Systems Expo was launched in 2022, while the National Agroecology Symposium began in 2019.
According to Mukiibi, increased public awareness of agroecology has been among the key achievements, contributing to the growth of the movement, encouraging more farmers to adopt agroecological practices and attracting additional members to PELUM Uganda.
Markets for agroecological products
PELUM Uganda Country Coordinator Josephine Akia Luyimbazi said the Week of Action had helped the organisation build partnerships with government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders.
She said the activities had also increased interest in agroecological products, including tomatoes, seeds and biopesticides, while creating opportunities for farmers to connect with potential buyers.
Luyimbazi pointed to dedicated markets in Kabalagala and Mukono as examples of efforts to improve access to markets for agroecological produce. She also cited links between farmers and hotels as part of efforts to expand the customer base for such products.
However, the extent of growth in the market share of agroecological products was not quantified in the information provided by the organisers.
She further noted growing engagement from young people and academic institutions, saying universities including Makerere University, Mountains of the Moon University and Bishop Stuart University were increasingly involved in agroecology education.
The involvement of academic institutions is intended to strengthen research, knowledge-sharing and skills development in sustainable agricultural production.
Linking farmers to policy and investment
The 2026 Week of Action is expected to provide a platform for discussions on how agricultural policies, market access and production practices can work together to support resilient food systems.
Agroecology applies ecological principles to farming and food systems, with approaches that can include crop diversification, soil conservation, responsible management of natural resources and the use of locally adapted seeds.
Its proponents argue that these practices can help farmers respond to climate-related risks, conserve biodiversity and reduce dependence on certain costly external agricultural inputs. Outcomes, however, depend on the farming system, location, implementation and access to markets.
Through the planned activities, PELUM Uganda and its partners aim to bring farmers, government agencies, researchers, entrepreneurs and development organisations together to discuss practical ways of expanding agroecological production and improving the livelihoods of farming communities.
The October gathering will also provide an opportunity for participants to showcase agricultural products, exchange experiences and explore partnerships connecting producers with markets and other actors in the food value chain.
