Kampala, Uganda
The prestigious PELUM Uganda Agroecology Week of Action was concluded on Saturday 26th at Hotel Africa with Slow Food Uganda emerging as the winner of the 14th Annual Indigenous Food and Seed Fair, taking home the best exhibitor’s award. This prestigious event, which brought together over 46 exhibitors nationwide from the PELUM member organizations, showcased Uganda’s rich diversity of indigenous food and seed heritage.
The theme for this year’s fair, “Harvesting Heritage, Honoring the Past, Nurturing the Future,” emphasized the importance of preserving traditional food systems and seeds. It celebrated Uganda’s agricultural heritage while also looking towards sustainable practices for future generations. The theme served as a call to action for farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders to recognize the value of indigenous knowledge in agriculture and the need to integrate it with modern agroecological practices.
Slow Food Uganda was recognized for its outstanding efforts in promoting agroecology, preserving indigenous seeds, and fostering community-based food systems that respect the environment and local culture. The organization has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, local food sovereignty, and the critical role that traditional crops play in ensuring food security. Their exhibits at the fair highlighted a variety of indigenous seeds, traditional food products, and innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, which greatly impressed both the judges and attendees.
The fair was a vibrant showcase of Uganda’s agricultural diversity, featuring a range of traditional seeds, indigenous food crops, and organic products from different regions. Exhibitors demonstrated various techniques for preserving seed varieties and promoting organic farming methods that respect the environment and strengthen local economies. The event also provided a platform for knowledge sharing among farmers, practitioners, and organizations, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose in promoting agroecological practices.
“As the winner of this top award, Slow Food Uganda’s achievements reflect the dedication of countless farmers and communities who work tirelessly to preserve Uganda’s agricultural heritage. Their success at the 14th Annual Indigenous Food and Seed Fair is a testament to the growing movement towards agroecology in Uganda, aiming to create a food system that is not only resilient but also deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural traditions.” John Kiwagalo, Head of Programs at Slow Food Uganda, noted after being awarded the best exhibitor.
The Agroecology Week of Action and the Indigenous Food and Seed Fair continue to play a vital role in advocating for sustainable agricultural practices and recognizing the efforts of those committed to protecting Uganda’s ecological heritage. With the support of PELUM Uganda and other like-minded organizations, the future of Uganda’s agriculture looks promising, blending the wisdom of the past with innovative practices for a sustainable tomorrow.
