Uganda is a landlocked country on the equator in East Africa. It is bordered by Kenya to the east; Sudan to the north; Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; and Rwanda, Tanzania, and Lake Victoria to the south. The country has a total area of 241,038 km2 measuring 625 km east to west and 638 km north to south. Although generally tropical in nature, the climate differs between parts of the country. However all regions, except for the northeastern border area and small areas in the southwest, usually receive sufficient rain to permit crops to grow once or even twice a year.
Fertile soils and regular rainfalls are Uganda’s most important natural resources. Agriculture forms the heart of its economy, accounting for 45 % of GDP and employing over 80 % of the work force, with coffee accounting for the bulk of export revenues (IFOAM 2003). Besides plantains, which dominate Uganda’s internal market, cassava, sweet potatoes, dry beans and maize are among the country’s major crops (FAO, 14.07.2006). In general, most farms are small-scale.
Uganda has the most developed sector of certified organic production in Africa. About 33,900 farmers manage 122,000 hectares of land using organic methods, an area that accounts for 1% of Uganda’s arable land (IFOAM & FiBL, 2006). Although still small and far below the increasing global demand, the country’s export of organic agricultural produce has been growing substantially in recent years. In Uganda, this has one of the lowest agro-chemical usages in Africa.
Zambia is a landlocked country in south central Africa. It shares borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania to the north, with Malawi to the east, Mozambique to the southeast, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the South and Angola to the West. The country extends at its maximum about 821 km from north to south and 1,385 km from east to west, covering a total area of 752,614 km2. Although lying within the Tropic Zone, much of Zambia enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate because of the high altitude. The rainy season runs from November to April.
Some 70 percent of Zambia’s working population is engaged in agriculture, largely subsistence farming. The sector accounts for 20 % of GDP. Principal crops are maize, cassava, fresh vegetables, sugar cane, wheat and groundnuts. Beef and dairy cattle are raised for domestic use. Major export crops include cotton, tobacco, maize, sugar, green coffee, peas, beans and fresh vegetables (FAO, 14.07.2006). The agricultural sector remains underdeveloped and vulnerable to weather fluctuations. High transportation costs resulting from long distances to seaports pose a constraint to agricultural exports.
A recent survey reports significant increases in organic production in Zambia. Accordingly, about 2,500 Zambian farmers cultivate 187,694 hectares of land using organic methods. This accounts for 0.53 % of the total agricultural area (IFOAM & FiBL 2006). The data include fully converted land as well as “in conversion” land area. Having a lot of virgin arable land, a favourable climate and still reasonable low labour costs, Zambia continues to show bright prospects for further developing its organic sector. However, in order to compete with surrounding countries, more investment in local infrastructure is required.
We also work inline with Sustainet Kenya;
The aim of SUSTAINET is to support the scaling up of examples of good practice in sustainable agriculture. To this end, SUSTAINET networks have been established among institutions at local, regional and international level. More
Kenya lies astride the equator on the eastern coast of Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and Sudan to the northwest, with the Indian Ocean running down the southeast border. Kenya covers an area of 582,646 km2 measuring about 890 km east to west and 1,030 km from north to south. The country enjoys a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Kenya's economy employing over three quarters of the population (IFOAM 2003). More than 50 % of export earnings and 24 % of GDP are attributed to agricultural products. Tea, coffee, tobacco, palm oil, cashew nuts, sisal and pyrethrum create the largest profit for Kenya. Exports of fresh fruits and vegetables are also attracting an increasing amount of foreign attention and money. The primary food crops are maize, potatoes, beans, cabbages and fruits (FAO, 14.07.2006). Although subsistence farming still represents half of agricultural output, the sector includes many large-scale commercial farms, plantations and specialist horticultural units.
The organic sector in Kenya is still relatively small but growing fast. Over 182,000 hectares of land are under organic management, which accounts for 0.69 % of the total agricultural area in Kenya. About 30,000 farms have changed over to organic cultivation methods so far (IFOAM & FiBL 2006).