Organic movement courts youth
2 min read
Chariton Namuwoza (in black Jacket) the CEO NOGAMU in a group photo with Makerere University Agribusiness students at Makerere University. Photo by Christopher Bendana
By Christopher Bendana
Kampala
The clarion call from Chariton Namuwoza, chief executive officer of the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU), to Makerere University agribusiness students was clear; do and promote organic farming.
“Be advocates of organic farming,” he said last Wednesday.
Namuwoza was presenting a paper titled “Making the Most of Organic Agriculture in Uganda: Business Opportunities, Challenges and Research Priorities” on 16 September at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Conference Room at Makerere University.
His presentation was part of a series of programmes run by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
He highlighted the huge global organic markets, especially those in the developed world.
He also advised students to explore research related to organic farming; including on soil fertility, and pests and diseases.
Fred Kiba, a professor in CAES known for the KeBELA organic biosensor, told the students to do research that answers societal challenges. There are many challenges affecting organic farmers, from loss of soil fertility to pests and diseases.
It seems the students picked up the organic philosophy.
Mackline Ahabwe, a third-year agribusiness student who attended the seminar through Makerere University Agribusiness Students’ association , said she will research black soldier flies amplifying her career in organic farming. She already did her internship with Kulika, an organization involved in organic farming. The flies can be processed into animal feed.
She argues for organic farming against industrial agriculture, with its high use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Her belief is that high chemical use on agricultural farms is responsible for the increase in disease burden, including cancer.
There are also other young people already practicing organic farming. Brian Bukulo, 28, an agriculture major from Gulu University, is already an organic pineapple farmer in Ndeeba, Kayunga District. He praises organic produce for their better prices, and environmental sustainability.
His conversation is laced with the phrase ‘Kasangwawo’ an agricultural system found around.
