Promoters of food items grown and produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers and related agriculture chemicals are pushing for special sections in existing markets for their products.
The move will increase the consumption of organically produced food items which will in turn reduce cases of lifestyle diseases. This was revealed by Joseph Taremwa, the chairperson of Agroecology Markets and Business Development at PELUM Uganda.
He made the remarks on Thursday, during a dialogue to promote a business forum on promoting active youth engagement in Agroecology consumption, and entrepreneurship for sustainable agroecological business development at the American Center in Kampala.
The meeting aimed to create awareness and knowledge sharing on possible pathways for fostering youth active involvement in Agroecology as either consumers or entrepreneurs.
The meeting follows results from a mini study conducted by the marketing committee at PELUM to find out if the public understands agroecology and its products that are produced organically.
From the findings, it was discovered that most people don’t understand what agroecology is, and later on its practices and products, according to Taremwa.
“We found out that many of us don’t understand agroecology, products or even services. Or even organic farming despite the relevance of these organically produced products for health, environment and even the markets,” Taremwa said.
Taremwa who is also the Executive Director of the Agro Tourism Association added that through such gatherings, they aim to increase awareness about agroecological products and practices.
He added that although PELUM, supported by other organizations, continues to increase awareness of products from agroecology, some misconceptions still block their uptake.
“One of the misconceptions is that one cannot have quality production If you are not using artificial fertilizers or hybrid products and that crops organically produced take longer to grow among others.”
He adds they also face the uptake of organically produced food items including the high cost of organically produced products, not readily available and not well packaged among others.
“There are some markets but these are not enough. We plan to engage work with local leaders, development organizations, market leaders and entrepreneurs to collaborate with us and establish areas in markets where we can be able to sell organic products,” he added.
Elizabeth Kabakoyo, a producer of organic fertilizers, called for the relaxation of some conditions and certification fees demanded by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards for organically produced products.
“It’s really expensive for us to raise sh20 million. It’s not worth it if you are going to promote a young Ugandan innovator,” she said.
