Soroti to Host National Agroecology Festival

What the report says

Soroti City will host the second National Agroecology Festival on October 15–16, with farmers, policymakers, researchers and development partners expected to gather at Soroti Museum for discussions on climate-resilient farming, indigenous seeds, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods. The event is being organized by the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF) Uganda, according to Nile Post.

The festival will feature farmer-led exhibitions, a national policy dialogue, innovations, cookery demonstrations, food tasting and cultural performances. Organisers say the goal is to give small-scale farmers a platform to share practical knowledge, showcase locally adapted solutions and build links with buyers, researchers and government institutions. The program also includes discussion of a proposed Soroti Declaration on Agroecology 2026.

Nile Post reports that the gathering comes as farmers face pressure from climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss and concerns over hazardous chemical pesticides. ESAFF Uganda said the event is intended to strengthen agroecological enterprises, improve market access and highlight the role of farmer-managed seed systems in biodiversity, seed security and climate resilience. A policy dialogue is expected to cover issues such as food safety, the National Agroecology Strategy and the Ministry of Agriculture’s memorandum on highly hazardous chemicals.

The second day will coincide with World Food Day, offering a wider opportunity to promote indigenous knowledge, locally adapted seeds and diverse foods. ESAFF Uganda, which describes itself as a farmer-led advocacy movement, says the festival should help farmers participate more actively in shaping agricultural policy and programmes.