Slow Food Uganda

“As the winner of this top award, Slow Food Uganda’s achievements reflect the dedication of countless farmers and communities who work tirelessly to preserve Uganda’s agricultural heritage. Their success at the 14th Annual Indigenous Food and Seed Fair is a testament to the growing movement towards agroecology in Uganda, aiming to create a food system that is not only resilient but also deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural traditions.” Read⤵️ https://lnkd.in/dX_EFhns

The Agroecology Week of Action was concluded, and we emerged as the best exhibitors at the 14th Annual Indigenous Food and Seed Fair. Below are highlights from our participation in this significant event: During the National Agroecology Actors’ Symposium, we actively engaged in multistakeholder dialogues. Edward Mukiibi, the president of Slow Food and the vice chairperson of PELUM Uganda, emphasized several key points during his panel submission: - The importance of managing our soils sustainably for a food-secure future. - The need to foster collective action, recognizing that while individual efforts are vital, we can achieve more together. - The enhancement of an inclusive approach by supporting pastoral and indigenous communities, strengthening research, and promoting collective initiatives. At the Agroecology Market Systems Expo, #Agroecological #Entrepreneurs from Slow Food Uganda showcased the potential of #agroecology in supporting local economies. We presented a variety of value-added products, including Kisansa Coffee, Teso Kyere Finger Millet Flour, and honey, as well as raw products such as red and green amaranths and local sweet potatoes. Our Earth Market, locally known as “Akatale K’abalimi,” stood out as an exemplary initiative, educating visitors on how Earth Markets support local producers and promote women's financial independence. At the Indigenous Food and Seed Fair, we exhibited a range of products, inputs, practices, tools, and materials that illustrate the journey from garden to plate. Our exhibition aimed to promote good, clean, and fair food, emphasizing biodiversity conservation, food education, and influencing public and private institutional policies. We showcased #SlowFoodGardens, #EarthMarkets, #Seedbanks, #SlowFoodFarms, #SlowFoodTravel, and the #SlowFoodCoffeeCoalition. Children from the Slow Food Gardens Club at Bright Parents Primary School performed themed presentations and shared insights about the Slow Food Gardens with visitors. Among 46 exhibitors, Slow Food Uganda was recognized as the best exhibitor of the year and received an award for this achievement. Additionally, Dembe Catering Services, members of the Slow Food Cooks Alliance, prepared an indigenous meal featuring various Ark of Taste products. Visitors enjoyed these dishes while learning about endangered foods during the Food Wise event celebration.

We are thrilled to launch our new strategic plan for 2024/2028. This plan will be crucial in guiding Slow Food Uganda's efforts and aligning them with its fundamental mission and goals. This shows our commitment to effecting transformative change across four strategic domains that resonate deeply with our organizational ethos: 1. Defend and promote biological and cultural diversity 2. Promote sustainable food and agriculture education 3. Influence public and private policies and programs towards #Agroecology and food #sovereignty. 4 Build and consolidate a strong network of agroecology actors and partners. Slow Food Uganda will employ unique and gender-responsive methodologies to deliver this strategic plan. Some of these methods/approaches have been proven to work from our previous strategic actions and deliver sustainable outcomes amongst project participants. Here you can review the entire strategic plan ⤵ https://lnkd.in/d3RyYKdP Biovision Foundation Agroecology Fund Slow Food

On this day of independence, let us celebrate not just the freedom of our nation, but the freedom of our plates. Slow Food promotes a movement that empowers us to reclaim our relationship with food, reminding us that true independence begins in our kitchens and gardens. In a world increasingly dominated by fast, processed options, we have the power to choose what we consume. Local, seasonal, and sustainably sourced food nourishes our bodies and supports our communities. It is a declaration of our rights to enjoy flavors that reflect our heritage and to honor the artisans, farmers, and producers who cultivate the land with care. Let us embrace the independence of choosing quality over convenience, flavor over uniformity, and connection over detachment. Happy Independence Day!🇺🇬

The Agroecology Science Days comes to the end today in Lausanne, Switzerland! We shared our experiences in enhancing market access for agroecological products through our ambitious Earth Market project that is transforming the lives of rural communities and bridging the rural - urban gap. Earth Markets play a major role linking our farmers with consumers providing a much needed space for exchanges that are leading to increased committment towards the food system transformation through agroecology agenda. Evidence based transition towards agroecology is key in influencing private and public sector for increased investiment in agroeocology Biovision Foundation

Fredrick Sseruyange, a chef and a member of the Cooks Alliance in Uganda participated in a conference, “Cereals in Global Cuisines: A Diverse Range of Flavors”. He prepared a traditional recipe of Kalo with ground nuts that was tasted by the delegates and visitors in Terra Madre. #terramadre2024 #chefsalliance #slowfood #sustainability #food #tasting #diversity

Reflecting on a Wonderful Visit to Biovision Foundation in Zurich! It was a pleasure for John Kariuki Mwangi from Slow Food Kenya, Manvester Ackson Khoza from Slow Food Malawi, and me representing Slow Food Uganda to connect with the incredible Biovision Foundation team in person. We also had the opportunity to meet with the team from Slow Food Switzerland, where we shared insights about our work and explored potential collaborations between Slow Food in Africa and Slow Food Switzerland. It was also amazing to receive amazing gifts from the Slow Food #Presidia from Switzerland We learned about Biovision Foundation’s 2024/28 strategy and its five impact targets, which inspired us as we look towards the future. A highlight of the trip was visiting a community garden in Zurich, which has beautifully #regenerated degraded land offered by the city to the community. This agroecological space not only grows food but also educates and inspires children about #gardening and #sustainability. Hearing the sounds from the soil was a delightful surprise and a reminder of the connection we have with nature. Thank you, Biovision Foundation team of Jamal Mahmoud, Mélanie Surchat, Thomas Kuyper and others for your warm hospitality and for the enriching experience! Excited for the potential ahead!

Slow Food president calls for urgent action on climate and social crises. Read⤵️ https://lnkd.in/dGMC339b

Day one of #TerraMadre24 was concluded with a vibrant atmosphere as the event officially launched, bringing together over 3,000 delegates from 120 countries. The Ugandan delegates had a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse group of activists and representatives passionate about good, clean and fair food. Throughout the day, participants attended various workshops, meetings, cooking sessions and discussions.

On 31st August, we conducted a Training on the European Union Deforestration Regulation (EUDR) as well as the New EU Organic Agriculture Regulation and the National Coffee Act 2021 for 30 primary Cooperative society leaders under the Bushika Integrated Area Cooperative Enterprise (BIACE) at their office in Bududa District.