Uganda

Uganda covers about 241,000 km² and lies in East Africa along the equator. Its landscape consists of fertile plateaus, lakes and river systems, including the shores of Lake Victoria, which strongly influence climate and agriculture. Uganda has a tropical climate moderated by altitude, allowing for year-round farming in many regions.

Before British colonisation in the late 19th century, local kingdoms practised subsistence agriculture and livestock keeping. During colonial rule, cash crop production expanded, especially coffee and cotton. After independence in 1962, agriculture remained central to the economy.

Today, the primary sector contributes around 25% of GDP and employs the majority of the population. Approximately 70% of the land is used for agriculture. Coffee is Uganda’s most important export crop. Other crops include tea, bananas, maize and cassava for both export and domestic consumption. Livestock farming includes cattle, goats and poultry, particularly in pastoral regions.

Forests cover roughly 15–20% of Uganda’s territory, though deforestation has reduced forest areas.
Uganda’s many lakes and rivers support inland fisheries, especially around Lake Victoria, providing food and employment.

Overall, Uganda’s primary sector reflects its fertile plateau geography and water resources: diverse crop farming, livestock rearing, forest use and freshwater fisheries. Despite economic diversification, agriculture remains vital for livelihoods and export earnings.

Gerold first visited Uganda in May 2009 together with Klaudia to attend the 1st African Organic Conference in Kampala. During the two-week stay, Gerold also travelled to Jinja, Fort Portal, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Entebbe. At the time, Uganda had the highest number of certified organic farms worldwide, primarily smallholder operations focused on export products such as dried fruits. Gerold observed a predominantly subsistence-based agricultural system, shaped by limited infrastructure and ongoing development challenges. Gerold returned to Kampala in 2019 to support the establishment of a Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture, including visits to Makerere University and farmer training initiatives. In 2022, Gerold spent two weeks in Uganda conducting field assessments for the LandLessFood project in western regions near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on farm-level data related to crop residues and yields.