National Agroecology Week of Action 2023 kicks off with a flourish of events

PELUM Uganda, in collaboration with the Ugandan government's Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, is spearheading this initiative. 

The AWA, taking place from October 23 to 27, is being streamed live on various online platforms, ensuring that the public can participate from the comfort of their homes.

The 2023 National Agroecology Week of Action kicked off with a series of activities that will be running through the week.

Among these is the 5th National Agroecology Actors’ Symposium (NAAS): Scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, which will provides a platform for agroecology actors to share experiences and strategies for transforming food systems in Uganda and improving public policies.

There is also the 2nd Agroecological Market Systems Expo (AMASE) which is kicking off on Wednesday, October 25, and will feature public awareness campaigns, market showcasing of agroecological products, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. It will also focus on strengthening entrepreneurship capacity and addressing public policy issues regarding trade in agroecological products.

Also lined up is the 13th Annual Indigenous and Traditional Food and Seed Fair from Thursday, October 26, to Friday, October 27. It will showcase the importance of Uganda's indigenous and traditional food and seeds in fostering healthy and sustainable food systems. Indigenous and traditional food systems play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, ensuring food security, and providing nutritious options.

The National Agroecology Week of Action aims to promote agroecology, which is defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture and food systems.

It optimizes the interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment while ensuring socially equitable food systems. This initiative is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

Agroecology has been recognized as a key driver for more sustainable and socio-economically beneficial food systems while reducing environmental impacts. It addresses three vital aspects: public policy, agriculture production, and market systems.

These events will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policy makers, government officials, farmers, private sector actors, financial institutions, media, research institutions, youth, development partners, civil society, and academia.

In addition to the informative discussions and workshops, this year's Agroecology Week of Action presents a unique opportunity for the public to explore the various cuisines from different regions of Uganda. Traditional foods like Malakwang, Malewa, Lowombo, Akuring, and Ariwara are available for tasting. Furthermore, agroecological technologies, practices, and indigenous seeds will be showcased and traded by local farmers during the event.

The organizers, PELUM Uganda and the Ugandan government hope 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 keep up with the live stream sessions, visit PELUM Uganda's online platforms on Twitter, YouTube, and Zoom, or watch for coverage in mainstream media outlets. The events are free to attend, and all are encouraged to participate and engage in the journey toward more sustainable and equitable food systems.