Uganda biggest exporter of organic products in Africa

Uganda biggest exporter of organic products in Africa

Author: Jennifer Austin, John Kasozi
All Africa. (Source)

Uganda has the largest number of organic farmers in Africa, a report published by advocates Coalition for development and environment, said.According has risen to the report, the number of organic farmers by 38% from 28,000 in 2002 to 39,600 – until the end of 2004. The report says Uganda the largest area under organic land, approximately 122,000 acres in Africa and the fourth largest in the world has therefore the top exporter of organic products in Africa. Organic farming involves all agricultural systems, promoting ecological, social and economically sound production of food and fiber. Moses Muwanga which Coordinator of national organic agricultural says movement of Uganda (NOGAMU), the worldwide demand for organic products. "Uganda is a major player in international trade of organic products and is among the countries with the highest potential to dominate the market." Muwanga says average annual growth in global demand and the marketing of organic products is estimated at 30% per year, but varies between 10% and 50% in different markets. A report published by the Ministry of finance and economic planning in 2001 says Uganda has the highest comparative advantages for the production of organic products because of its climatic conditions and that much of the land is still pristine. "It has the lowest use of artificial fertilisers in Africa of less than 2%." "On one kilogram fertiliser per hectare, 9 kilograms per hectare compared with the average of sub-Saharan or 5% in other East African countries and 20% in Latin America, use estimated", says the report. Muwanga says to the current demand organic products of Uganda far from care is second to none."With about 60 companies NOGAMU each year was registration buy organic products from Uganda." "Organic products price premiums between 18% and 42% get", he says. "Muwanga says due to the increased demand for organic products worldwide, Uganda exports have increased steadily, both in quality and quantity."Between 2001 and 2003, the number of companies that export organic products rose from 5% to 15%, while increasing the value of organic exports of $4.6 m to $7."7 m."In order for the products to higher prices need to bring werden.NOGAMU certified and others in a local certificate company Uganda organic standards established provides credible certification services.

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