Agricultural experts, Participatory Ecological Land Use Management PELUM-Uganda, are calling for more government support in promoting Agroecology among Ugandan farmers to ensure sustainable farming practices that work with nature.
Their concerns add to among the many raised during the just concluded World Food Day celebrations on October 16th 2023.
“As PELUM, we thought it wise to amalgamate all the different contributions we have had as an organization to climax into the Agroecological week of action.
This is according to the PELUM country coordinator, Josephine Luyimbazi, ahead of the 13th indigenous traditional food and seed fair and the 5th National Agroecology Actor's Symposium, under the theme: “Nurturing healthy, nutritious and resilient food systems for all”.
“We have a series of events lined up from today until Friday 27th and we are working closely with the line ministries, that of Agriculture as well as Trade, who will be joining.”
“When you see PELUM at the forefront know that the agenda we are driving is beyond us,” Luyimbazi added.
According to the PELUM Uganda, Board Chairman, Dr. Christopher Kyeswa, scaling up Agroecology is critical towards achieving zero hunger that requires a transition towards more sustainable food systems with more socioeconomic benefits and with less environmental consequences.
He adds that the three events of the Agroecology week of action have been designed to promote scaling up of Agroecology in all the three spheres of public policy, agricultural production and market systems.
“The 5th National Agroecology Actor's Symposium will entail sharing experiences and strategies for food systems transformation, while the second Agroecological Markets Systems Expo will feature activities designed to highlight the potential of Agroecology businesses in improving livelihoods and transforming food systems and will include public awareness campaigns, showcasing Agroecological products multi-sectoral services and exhibitions among others.”
“Additionally, the 13th indigenous traditional food and seed fair is aimed at showcasing the significance of Uganda’s indigenous and traditional food and seeds in fostering health and sustainable food systems for now and the future,” says Kyeswa.
On his part Dr. Sande Bob George, the senior Agriculture Officer Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) notes that while government has done a lot to ensure a conducive environment, not a lot has been achieved in ensuring that Agroecology is a pivot point for ensuring bio-diversity conservation.
PELUM has a membership of 71 organizations working with over 3 million small holder farmers, who include the youth and 60 percent women as a special category.
Source: Capital Radio