Farmers and agricultural stakeholders are urging greater investment in indigenous seeds, traditional foods and sustainable farming to improve child nutrition, strengthen household food security and help communities withstand climate change.
Agricultural stakeholders in the Rwenzori sub-region are calling for increased investment in indigenous seeds and traditional foods to tackle malnutrition, improve household food security and promote climate-resilient agriculture.
The call was made during the 2026 Rwenzori Indigenous Seed and Food Fair, held in Fort Portal City from October 15 to 16, where farmers, agricultural organisations and government officials highlighted the importance of preserving local seed varieties and promoting diverse, nutritious diets.
Stunting among children under five in the sub-region stands at between 41 and 55 per cent, according to figures cited by stakeholders at the fair, underscoring the need for interventions that improve children's access to nutritious foods.
The two-day event was organised under the Rwenzori Agroecology Actors’ Platform (RAAP), with support from Joint Efforts to Save the Environment (JESE), PELUM Uganda and other partners.
It ran under the theme, “Revitalizing Indigenous Seeds and Foods for Resilient Food Systems, Healthy Diets and Sustainable Livelihoods in Rwenzori.”
Activities included a symposium at Night Rose Hotel and exhibitions showcasing indigenous seeds, traditional foods and locally available agricultural produce.
Clovis Kabaseke, the RAAP chairperson, said promoting agroecology was important for sustainable food production, preserving traditional farming practices and improving household nutrition.
“Indigenous seeds and traditional foods are an important part of our agricultural heritage. Promoting agroecology helps communities protect this heritage while building food systems that can withstand changing weather conditions,” Kabaseke said.
The exhibitions gave farmers and agricultural organisations an opportunity to showcase the region's agricultural diversity and exchange knowledge on preserving indigenous seed varieties that have sustained communities for generations.
Organisers said local varieties could help farmers diversify production, preserve traditional agricultural knowledge and adapt to changing weather patterns and declining soil fertility.
However, stakeholders warned that exhibitions alone would not safeguard indigenous food systems, calling for improved access to quality planting materials, agricultural training and reliable markets for farmers.
Patrick Baguma, the executive director of JESE, said collaboration between government, agricultural organisations and communities was essential to sustaining indigenous seeds and traditional foods.
“Preserving indigenous seeds and promoting traditional foods requires collective effort. Government, development partners and communities must work together to support farmers with the knowledge, resources and market opportunities they need to sustain these food systems,” Baguma said.
Fort Portal City Mayor Willy Kintu Muhanga pledged the city's support for initiatives aimed at improving agricultural production, food security and nutrition.
“As city leaders, we are committed to supporting farmers through training and lobbying for support from government and non-governmental organisations. We want to ensure that food security and good nutrition remain priorities in our communities,” Muhanga said.
Representing the Commissioner for Crop Inspection and Certification at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Senior Agricultural Inspector Norah Nabachwa highlighted the importance of maintaining seed quality standards and regulating pesticide use.
She urged local governments to use decentralised inspection arrangements to support community seed banks while ensuring compliance with seed quality requirements.
“Local governments have an important role to play in supporting community seed banks and ensuring that farmers have access to quality seeds. Maintaining seed standards is essential for protecting farmers and strengthening agricultural production,” Nabachwa said.
Beyond preserving agricultural heritage, stakeholders said promoting indigenous crops could help households make better use of locally available foods to improve nutrition, particularly among young children.
They noted that agricultural potential alone did not guarantee balanced diets, pointing to the need for greater awareness of dietary diversity and improved access to nutritious foods.
They called for sustained partnerships among farmers, government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to preserve indigenous seeds, expand access to agricultural knowledge and develop markets for traditional foods.
Stakeholders said such efforts could strengthen household food security, improve nutrition and protect the Rwenzori sub-region's agricultural heritage for future generations.