The National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Uganda’s food and agricultural systems by supporting organic producers, empowering women-led enterprises, and driving access to global markets through sustainable and ethical value chains.
This commitment was highlighted during the 11th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, which was attended by several leaders from across Africa and was presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐀𝐑𝐅𝐒𝐃-𝟏𝟏), hosted under the theme; “𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸t𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦-𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦-𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴,” aimed at accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The ARFSD-11 focused on five priority SDGs which include; 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 & 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟑), 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟓), 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 & 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 (𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟖), 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟏𝟒), 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 (𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟏𝟕).
NOGAMU’s Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
Speaking at the Forum, Farid Karama, NOGAMU’s Global Market Advisor, emphasized the organization’s focus on four key areas:
Climate Resilience:
Karama revealed that NOGAMU aims to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices that support sustainable development and food security.
Youth and Women Employment
He noted that the organization seeks to empower youth and women in the agriculture sector, promoting inclusive and equitable economic growth.
Healthier Communities
In a bid to ensure a healthy Uganda, Karama revealed that NOGAMU is committed to improving the health and well-being of communities through sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Sustainable Agri-Food Systems
He explained that the organization promotes sustainable agriculture practices, supporting value-added agriculture and inclusive trade.
Key Outcomes from ARFSD-11
The forum highlighted several key outcomes that align with NOGAMU’s work, including:
Strengthening Science-Based Solutions
The importance of science-based solutions for agri-food systems was emphasized, with a focus on promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
Support for Value-Added Agriculture
The need for support for value-added agriculture and inclusive trade was highlighted, promoting economic growth and development.
Focused Investment in Youth and Women
The forum emphasized the importance of investing in youth and women in the agriculture sector, promoting inclusive and equitable economic growth.
Enhanced Partnerships
The need for enhanced partnerships between public and private sectors was highlighted, promoting collaboration and cooperation in the agriculture sector.
NOGAMU’s Efforts in Promoting Organic Agriculture
According to Karama, NOGAMU has been working to promote organic agriculture in Uganda, with a focus on supporting smallholder farmers and improving their livelihoods. He explained that among other things, the organisation has:
Established Farmer Groups
He revealed that through concerted efforts NOGAMU has established farmer groups, providing training and support to smallholder farmers in Uganda.
Promoted Organic Certification
He also highlighted the organization’s efforts to promote organic certification, improving market access and increasing income for smallholder farmers.
Supported Value Chain Development
Through working together with patners, Karama said NOGAMU has supported value chain development, improving market access and increasing income for smallholder farmers.
NOGAMU’s commitment to transforming Uganda’s agricultural systems is a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and food security.
The organization’s focus on climate resilience, youth and women employment, healthier communities, and sustainable agri-food systems aligns with the key outcomes from ARFSD-11.
By promoting organic agriculture and supporting smallholder farmers, NOGAMU is therefore contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food system in Uganda while aligning its goals with those of the ARFSD-11.