Farmers in Mukono and Buikwe districts have adopted a new approach to their agricultural ventures, aimed at increasing their profits by selling their produce directly to consumers, thus avoiding the intermediaries who historically took a significant share of their earnings.
Dauda Mugalu, a farmer based in Buikwe district, has been engaged in cultivating a variety of local foods and cash crops. He revealed that their farming practices have been revitalized with the assistance of Slow Food Uganda, an organization dedicated to promoting local foods and adding value to them. This support has enabled them to establish markets that reduce their reliance on middlemen and, in turn, increase their income from harvests.
Mugalu grows a range of crops, including vanilla, cassava, sweet potatoes, cocoa, vegetables, and balugu. Despite dedicating more than three decades to farming, he is now experiencing significantly higher profits compared to the past.
Slow Food Uganda, in collaboration with local farmers, has established two Earth Markets in the greater Mukono area, one situated at Mukono district headquarters and another at Ngogwe town in Buikwe district. These markets connect indigenous small-scale farmers with local consumers, breaking the cycle where middlemen purchased products from farmers at low prices and resold them at significantly higher rates.
The Earth Markets operate on a weekly basis, allowing farmers to concentrate on their agricultural activities while reserving specific days for the market. This approach has helped farmers receive fairer prices for their products, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
Slow Food Uganda’s objectives encompass conserving biodiversity, protecting the environment, and combating climate change. They also champion the cause of local farmers, who play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and indigenous food species.
However, the organization faces challenges from the adoption of genetically modified seeds and crops by various local and international players, which promise faster growth and higher yields.
Bena Nantongo, a local farmer known for cultivating Balugu, an indigenous food species in Central Uganda, has experienced a significant increase in her income since the inception of Slow Food Markets. She now sells mature Balugu crops and their seeds, enabling her to earn substantial profits.
Francis Walusansa, a resident of Mukono town, noted that he prefers purchasing foodstuffs from the Slow Food Earth market due to their affordability and freshness compared to other markets.
Prossy Nakisozi, a senior entomological assistant in Mukono, is among the farmers involved in beekeeping. The honey harvested from their beekeeping activities is sold at the Slow Food Earth market, providing them with additional income.
To prevent surplus products from going to waste, farmers have acquired skills in preserving their produce. They use a solar dryer at their office in Nakatyaba to sun-dry surplus farm products.
