PELUM Uganda Seeks Govt Approval to the Finalized Strategy and Reaffirm the Initial Political Will.
The Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Uganda has appealed to the government of Uganda for support towards the confirmation of National Agriculture strategy and policy frameworks at the national level during the unveiling of the agroecology week 2024 in kampala at hotel Africana.
Monday, while discussing on the forthcoming 14th Annual Indigenous Seed and Food Festival, 6th National Agroecology Actors' Symposium and 3rd Agroecological Market Systems Expo, during a media engagement, the Programme Manager, Advocacy, Mr. Onen Moses said that the collaboration between the Ministry of agriculture and civil society organizations is to establish a national structure for agriculture. The strategy's implementation is expected to be supported through national budget frameworks and integrated with other legislations.
Onen, emphasized the need for government support to ensure the strategy's success. The symposium concludes with requests for the strategy's approval and effective implementation, he noted
“The national structure, chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture, includes decentralized regional agroecology platforms, the symposium therefore aims to engage over 10 million people directly in agricultural issues through various platforms because it is significant as it relates to regional processes within the East African Community and the African Union, Regional and International Connections.”
According to Onen, the first agriculture conference was held in Nairobi last year, which led to resolutions passed to the African Union. This year's symposium continues discussions from the first conference and prepares for the second agriculture conference in Nairobi next year and Uganda will host the finalization of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program in 2025.
He, however, included that the symposium aims to influence the National Agriculture strategy and policy frameworks at the national level. Development and Validation of the Agroecology Strategy.
While outlining the progress of the agroecology strategy from the first symposium to the fourth, he said, the first symposium resolved that Uganda should develop a strategy to promote agroecology, the second symposium drafted the strategy, and the third validated it with comments.The fourth symposium however, consolidated all comments, resulting in a final national public strategy and Call for Government Approval and Support.
Josephine Akia Luyimbazi the Country Coordinator Pelum Uganda, described the engagements with Stakeholders in Uganda and said that the recent interactive week in Uganda, were emphasizing the goal of bringing together various stakeholders to support agroecology and the ministry of agriculture is working with other stakeholders to hold the national agroecology and access symposium, focusing on sharing knowledge and getting input from different sectors.
Akia, added that the symposium aims to increase the market share and consumption of ecological products, involving private stakeholders, markets, financial institutions, and business development service providers. The event is open to the public, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement and public participation, promoting Healthy and Sustainable Diets.
She also called for embracing a healthy and sustainable diet that is free of genetic chemicals and nutritious. The 14th indigenous and traditional event will showcase various aspects, including preparing groups and public testing with the focus on enhancing capacity and knowledge sharing among members and partners, and emphasizing on best practices, innovative technologies, and indigenous knowledge.
The public is encouraged to join and participate in knowledge sharing and capacity building through various sessions and events. Inclusivity and Youth Participation is a key and th principle of inclusivity is emphasized, with a call for youths to join and participate in the activities, she noted.
The importance of promoting and integrating equality, ensuring active participation of women and youth, is highlighted in this symposium. Success stories from Uganda's network will be showcased, demonstrating how agroecology has led to increased food security, improved livelihoods, and environmental conservation.
