The 2023 National Agroecology Week of Action (AWA) officially commenced today, October 23, at Hotel Africa, introducing an exciting array of events aimed at advancing agroecology and sustainable food systems in Uganda.
PELUM Uganda is leading this initiative in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives.
The AWA, scheduled from October 23 to 27, is accessible for the public through various online platforms, allowing participation from the comfort of one’s home. The week began with a series of activities that will unfold over the course of the event.
Key highlights include the 5th National Agroecology Actors’ Symposium (NAAS) on Tuesday, October 24, providing a platform for agroecology experts to exchange experiences and strategies for transforming Uganda’s food systems and enhancing public policies. On Wednesday, October 25, the 2nd Agroecological Market Systems Expo (AMASE) kicks off, featuring public awareness campaigns, showcasing agroecological products, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and a focus on strengthening entrepreneurship capacity and addressing public policy issues concerning agroecological trade.
The 13th Annual Indigenous and Traditional Food and Seed Fair will run from Thursday, October 26, to Friday, October 27. This event underscores the significance of Uganda’s indigenous and traditional foods and seeds in fostering healthy and sustainable food systems, contributing to biodiversity preservation, food security, and nutritious options.
The National Agroecology Week of Action’s primary goal is to promote agroecology, an approach defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a holistic strategy for sustainable agriculture and food systems. Agroecology optimizes interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment while ensuring socially equitable food systems. This initiative is pivotal in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), recognized for fostering more sustainable and socioeconomically beneficial food systems while reducing environmental impacts, addressing public policy, agriculture production, and market systems.
These events will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, farmers, private sector representatives, financial institutions, media, research organizations, youth, development partners, civil society, and academia.
Besides informative discussions and workshops, this year’s Agroecology Week of Action offers a unique opportunity for the public to explore a variety of cuisines from Uganda’s different regions. Traditional foods like Malakwang, Malewa, Lowombo, Akuring, and Ariwara are available for tasting. Furthermore, local farmers will showcase and trade agroecological technologies, practices, and indigenous seeds during the event.
PELUM Uganda and the Ugandan government aspire that this week-long event will raise awareness about the importance of agroecology and encourage active participation from all stakeholders to promote sustainable food systems in Uganda.
To join the live stream sessions, visit PELUM Uganda’s online platforms on Twitter, YouTube, and Zoom, or follow coverage in mainstream media outlets. These events are open to all, and everyone is encouraged to participate in the journey toward more sustainable and equitable food systems.