There is an old saying, “Health is wealth.” But nowadays, humankind is losing this precious wealth because of an unhealthy diet and the use of synthetic products. So a transformation back to the origins of agriculture is much needed, which will make a healthier planet and healthier people.

To make a healthier planet and healthier people, Uganda can play an important role. The environment of Uganda is becoming a haven for organic farming. It is a place for agricultural and economic expansion. Uganda aims to meet a 40% rise in organic food exports by 2024.

Ugandans are more health-conscious and eco-aware. They now want organic products that are free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This trend aligns with global movements toward sustainable and natural consumption.

Let us join on a journey through Uganda’s rising demand for organic products.

Uganda’s Organic Boom: Uganda is witnessing a significant shift toward organic farming, with over 210,000 organic farmers and a goal to increase organic food exports by 40% by 2024. 

Key Organic Exports: Uganda’s organic sector contributes 17.1% of agricultural export value, with top exports including coffee, vanilla, cocoa, and a growing demand for organic cereals and vegetables. 

Vermipro’s Impact: Vermipro Limited is revolutionizing farming with bio-fertilizers, biopesticides, and organic fungicides, addressing health risks linked to chemical use while enhancing crop yields and farmer profitability. 

Investment Opportunities: Uganda presents lucrative investment prospects in organic horticulture, coffee, cocoa, cotton, and shea butter, with potential for value addition and export expansion. 

Sustainable Future: Uganda’s organic movement promotes health, sustainability, and economic growth, making the country as a key player in Africa’s organic agricultural sector.

Organic farming is vital to Uganda’s economy. It makes up 17.1% of agricultural export value. Uganda has over 210,000 organic farmers and 262,282 hectares of land for organic farming. This area is 1.8% of all farmland. It shows a strong shift to organic practices. Farmers are getting access to markets, thanks to NOGAMU. It is the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda.

Uganda’s organic exports are huge, with significant contributions to its economy. In 2016, the country exported organic products worth approximately USD 56.9 million. This shows Uganda’s organic sector is now more important and capable globally.

Uganda’s organic market is diverse. Its top exports are coffee, vanilla, and cocoa. There is a rising demand for organic cereals and vegetables. These products are mainly exported to the EU, the US, and other regions.

So we can see Uganda has national standards for organic production. They are vital for the quality and trust in Ugandan organic products on the global market.

Chariton Namuwoza, CEO of NOGAMU, shared these insights. He also highlights the importance of investments to boost Uganda’s agriculture sector. He was elected President of the African Organic Network (AfrONet) at the African Organic Conference in December 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda. His election is a big step for Uganda. It will lead organic agriculture efforts in Africa.

Source: 256 Business News

Figure: NOGAMU’s Namuwoza tapped to lead bid for increased intra-African trade in organics

These two organizations play crucial roles in promoting organic agriculture. They are important for Africa’s development, food security, and conservation.

NOGAMU is an umbrella organization. It supports all organic stakeholders in Uganda. Its main goals are to promote organic farming and its activities. It aims to support organic certification and improve market access for organic products. They also take part in research and development initiatives.

Source: Campus Bee

Figure: NOGAMU launches green action week to promote organic agriculture

AfrONet is an important organization in Africa. It unites stakeholders in Africa’s organic industry. It is a platform for cooperation and for growing the organic sector across the continent. They also strengthen the organic certification and market for African organic products.

Vermipro Limited is a manufacturer of high-quality bioproducts for plants, livestock, and poultry. They are different strains of beneficial, effective microorganisms. They are both aerobic and anaerobic. This company, Vermi Brew, produces bioagriculture inputs. They are registered with the Ministry of Agriculture in Uganda. Also certified by an international certification body as an organic producer of inputs. They provide unique solutions for farmers. They know what farmers are facing: high costs and low yields. It’s hard to make money, which threatens agriculture’s sustainability. They believe this is a good solution for farmers.

In an interview the company said, “Chemicals harm people. There has been a rise in cancer and kidney failure cases in Africa and Uganda. This is due to various factors, including the use of chemicals in agriculture. Producers who use our product will produce safe food. We need to change people’s thinking. They must use a better product to save their health and soil. It will increase their production and profits. This will not happen using chemicals.”

Source: Vermipro

Bio-Fertilizers:

Organic fertilizers promote plant growth and improve soil health. These fertilizers contain beneficial microorganisms that increase nutrient availability and uptake by plants. These fertilizers are suitable for a wide range of crops, including cereals, vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.

Bio-Pesticides:

Biological sources produce natural pesticides to control pests without harming the environment. This product is used for controlling various agricultural pests and diseases in crops.

Organic Fungicides:

Fungicides are made from natural ingredients to combat plant diseases caused by fungi, so they are effective against a variety of fungal diseases affecting different crops.

Livestock and Poultry Enhancers:

Bio-products designed to boost the growth and productivity of livestock and poultry. The products are suitable for poultry, dairy cows, beef cattle, and fish farming.

Farm Hygiene Products:

Products aimed at maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in farming environments. The products are for waste treatment, odor control, and fly reduction in livestock and poultry farms.

Organic Rooting Hormones:

Natural rooting hormones promote root development in plant cuttings and seedlings. The product is for nurseries, crop propagation, and other horticultural work. This includes coffee and eucalyptus.

Training and Support:

Vermipro places a strong emphasis on farmer education and support. The company holds regular training sessions and demos across Uganda. This ensures farmers know how to use their products effectively. This hands-on approach helps farmers get the best results. It boosts their productivity and profits.

Vermipro is revolutionizing farming in Uganda and beyond by offering bio-agricultural inputs. Their products promote sustainable farming. They also address health issues from chemical use, like cancer and kidney failure. Vermipro’s products help farmers. They get higher yields, lower costs, and access to profitable organic markets.

Uganda’s organic agriculture sector offers many investment opportunities. These are in the value chains of horticulture, coffee, cocoa, cotton, and shea butter. Each sector offers unique prospects for growth, higher output, and more exports. Here’s a closer look:

Uganda is the second-largest producer of horticulture in Sub-Saharan Africa. Horticulture makes up 85% of its agricultural exports. It has a high export value in this sector. Horticulture is a major part of the country’s agricultural exports. Most horticultural production includes fruits like passion fruits, pineapples, mangoes, and vegetables. Smallholders carry these out. This is a big chance to organize for certification and to scale up production.

There is a large post-harvest loss during Uganda’s two main fruit harvest seasons. They should invest in storage and processing plants for frozen fruit. Pulps, purees, and juices could cut waste and boost profits.

Uganda is a major player in the coffee sector. They are Africa’s largest coffee exporter and the second-largest coffee producer. Coffee accounts for a significant portion of Uganda’s export value. It contributes 17.7% to Uganda’s total export value The opportunity lies in scaling up production. Uganda is a leading producer of Robusta coffee, accounting for 7% of global Robusta exports. They should enhance processing to include soluble and processed coffee. This could increase the value of our exports.

There is scope for large-scale production and for processing facilities. The export of processed coffee, including soluble coffee, could add value.

Uganda is the third top exporter of organic cocoa in the EU. Accounting for 6.8% of total cocoa bean imports into the EU. They have the potential for scaling up production. Intercropping cocoa with vanilla, a high-value crop, suggests new opportunities for integrated farming and value addition.

Cocoa production is mainly in central and western regions. But, there is great scope to increase it.

Uganda is known for its high-quality cotton fiber. Uganda accounts for 0.42% of global organic cotton production. Although the organic cotton production sector remains unexplored. This offers a chance for large-scale organic cotton farming. There is a demand for high-quality organic textiles in international markets.

Uganda has less than 1% of the global shea trade. It produces shea nilotica, prized for its high oleic acid content. The northern region of Uganda produces this variant of shea butter. It has the potential to scale production. The processing for cosmetics values its unique properties.

As Ugandan shea nilotica has more oleic acid, it keeps soft at room temperature, which is a desirable trait in the cosmetics industry.

These sectors boost Uganda’s economy. They also support sustainable development through organic farming. Investing in these areas could bring high returns. It would also promote sustainability and community welfare.

As a new day starts in Uganda, a story is being created. A story of organic farming. It was not just about personal gain. It was about a shared awakening. Health concerns and awareness of farming can impact Ugandan consumers. This tale, a product of sustainable labor, inspires beyond Uganda’s fields. It whispers secrets of a healthier, more connected world. 

Organic products are essential in preserving soil fertility, reducing pollution, and improving health. They offer clean, chemical-free food and practices that are friendly to the environment and natural supply of food resources. 

As Uganda grows its organic sector, collaboration will be key. Farmers, the government, and international markets must work together. With focus and effort, Uganda can become a top organic exporter in Africa and beyond.

But the true power of organic farming lies in its spirit of community. With no dangerous chemicals to handle, the farmers live longer and healthier lives.

So let us focus on “eating clean.”