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The export market has been the main driving force for organic agriculture in Uganda, with a few commercial companies engaging in organic export since 1994. Many NGOs, CBOs and the government promote organic as an approach for food security, income generation, soil fertility, and pest control, and how organic agriculture with smallholder farmers’ access to markets is linked to poverty reduction is becoming increasingly recognized. Uganda has over 39,000 certified organic households, for whom cash crops are the major source of income. The development of the organic export markets to date has relied heavily on the support of foreign donor programs. In 2001 the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU) was established, and in 2005 was linked to 25,000 stakeholders. NOGAMU promotes export and also the development of the domestic market in several ways, such as a shop in Kampala and supplies to schools, restaurants, and supermarkets. The elaboration of an East African Organic Standard for organic agriculture started in 2002 and was adopted by the East African Community in January 2007 after a process of co-operation between the private sector and governmental institutions. Organic policy development in Uganda has been spearheaded by the private sector. A process to draft a policy concept paper was initiated in 2004, involving government departments and the private sector. The Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) has taken a keen interest in organic exports for many years, and the Coffee Development Authority has established a target of 10% certified organic coffee. (Author: Moses Kiggundu Muwanga)
(Adapted From IFOAM, Building Sustainable Organic Sectors)
Further reading on Early Organic Sector Development In Uganda:
Organic Agricultural and Social Conditions
Organic Market Development
Organization and Structure
Regulatory Framework
Policy
Supporting Structures and Lessons Learned
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