Uganda’s organic exports hit $223m

________________

Based on the global comparative advantage Uganda has as one of the leading producers of organic food in the world, experts believe the country can earn much more foreign exchange if efforts for organic food production are intensified.

These were some of the deliberations that dominated the agroecology conference organised by Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) and other stakeholders, which took place at Hotel Africana in Kampala from Monday to Wednesday.

According to data from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, organic agriculture contributes approximately $223m, representing 17.1% of Uganda’s total agricultural export earnings, which currently stand at sh2.7 trillion.

Globally, about 58 million hectares of land are under organic cultivation. Stephen Tibejuka Byantwale from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, said Uganda accounts for 262,282ha of organically certified farmland.

This achievement places the country second in Africa after Tanzania, and fourth globally — after Italy, Indonesia and Mexico.

Virgin Honey Ltd staff Ruth Akatukunda and Patricia Mwambutsya display organic honey during the agroecology conference at Hotel Africana.

“We now have over 210,000 certified organic farmers producing an estimated 115,000 metric tonnes of organic produce annually. Most of these farmers are smallholders managing between 0.5ha and 4ha,” Byantwale said.

This organic revolution is more than a feel-good environmental story — it is a serious economic opportunity.

Uganda’s organic exports are steadily increasing, driven by global demand for healthy, chemical-free food products.

Byantwale believes that Uganda has barely scratched the surface of what is possible.

“If we can expand cultivation to 500,000ha and increase certified farmers to half a million, Uganda could easily double its organic export earnings. The key is transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming, while ensuring inclusivity — especially among smallholder farmers in central Uganda.

“This shift will create jobs, boost incomes, and help mitigate the impacts of climate change,” he said.

Organic coffee, cocoa, cotton, fruits, vegetables, and cereals are among Uganda’s leading export commodities, finding lucrative markets in Europe, the US and Asia.

What experts say

Experts during the conference said with the right investments in certification, value addition and logistics, Uganda could become a regional hub for organic produce.

The principles of agroecology go beyond farming techniques — they embody a holistic philosophy that integrates ecological balance, social justice, and economic viability.

Josephine Akia, the country co-ordinator for PELUM Uganda, said the approach of agroecology, which entails organic farming, is rapidly gaining momentum.

“Agroecology emphasises crop diversification, intercropping, composting, mulching, and the use of organic fertilisers and bio-pesticides.

These methods restore soil fertility, reduce dependence on chemicals, and make farms more resilient to droughts, floods and pests,” Akia said.

Organisations such as PELUM Uganda and ESAFF Uganda (Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers’ Forum) are instrumental in scaling up agroecology. They train farmers, advocate supportive policies, and create linkages to both local and international markets.

Their work especially targets women and youth, who form the backbone of rural agriculture yet often face limited access.

Clovis Kabaseke, a lecturer at Mountains of the Moon University, believes agroecology represents the future of African farming.