Farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS) are central to our food systems. Here is why: they keep indigenous seed varieties alive, preserve farmers’ knowledge, sustain crop diversity and strengthen communities’ capacity to withstand climate shocks. As we gear up for the 1st Eastern Africa Indigenous Seed Conference, we must push for policies that recognise and support FMSS and the farmers who sustain them. Mr. Hakim Baliraine, small-scale farmer from Mayuge district and National Chairperson @ESAFFUG, explains what these systems are, and why they matter. ▶️ Watch full episode on ESAFF Uganda TV: youtu.be/r1QkQ1N3Dvk?si=FWrU… @hekseperworld @1000currents @Sida #FarmerSeedLab | #SeedSovereigntyNow

𝐍𝐀𝐅𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! Representatives from the Central Government, the academia, researchers, small-scale farmers, Local Government Leaders and the civil society adopt The Soroti Declaration on Agroecology 2026, committing to advance agroecology, safeguard farmer-managed seed systems, promote food safety and strengthen farmers’ participation in food-system governance. @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld @Sida #NationalAgroecologyFestival | #AgroecologyNow

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞? On Day 2 of #NAF2026, the exhibition spaces tell the story through the colours of indigenous foods, the ingenuity behind locally made products, the local seeds farmers preserve and the value they add to what they grow. As we mark #WorldFoodDay2026, these displays offer a glimpse of what becomes possible when farmers’ knowledge, local resources and agroecological practices shape the food on our tables and the livelihoods around it. 🎥Take a look: @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld @Sida #NationalAgroecologyFestival | #AgroecologyNow

@ESAFFUG National Coordinator, Ms. Nancy Mugimba also emphasised that advancing agroecology requires synergy among farmers, researchers, policymakers, civil society, local government leaders, the media and market actors. She called for greater collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective action to strengthen the agroecology movement. Watch: @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld @Sida #NationalAgroecologyFestival | #AgroecologyNow

Dignitaries, including central government officials, local government leaders, researchers and civil society representatives also visited Orungo Farmer Field School in Amuria district, where small-scale farmers shared their experiences with indigenous seeds. Farmers reported that local groundnut varieties such as Obino and Egoromoit have performed better than some improved varieties in yield, maturity and resilience to harsh weather. Abino, for instance, reportedly performed better during the recent drought. Established by @ESAFFUG the seed bank preserves these varieties and makes them available to farmers when needed. @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld @Sida #NationalAgroecologyFestival | #AgroecologyNow

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨𝐰: The 2nd Annual National Agroecology Festival #NAF2026 is underway at Soroti Museum, bringing together the people who grow our food, shape agricultural policies, conduct research and create opportunities across our food systems. The festival is creating space for knowledge of farmer-led agroecological innovations to be shared, connections to be built and farmers’ voices to shape the future of our food systems. The gates are open to all! Join us at Soroti Museum. @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld @Sida #NationalAgroecologyFestival | #AgroecologyNow

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬. 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐀 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲! Our Programmes Assistant – Livelihoods & Climate Resilience, Julius Engwedu, offers a glimpse into what awaits us at the 2nd Annual National Agroecology Festival #NAF2026, as Soroti becomes a meeting point for exhibitions on farmer-led innovations, knowledge exchange, market opportunities & conversations that matter. ▶️ Watch & get a feel for what the next two days have in store! 📍 Soroti Museum, Soroti City @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld @Sida #NationalAgroecologyFestival | #AgroecologyNow

𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨! The wait is almost over for the 2nd Annual National Agroecology Festival #NAF2026 in Soroti City on 15–16 October. You can’t afford to miss it! Small-scale farmers, policymakers, researchers, producers, traders and consumers will connect, showcase agroecological products, forge market partnerships and explore practical solutions for resilient food systems and better livelihoods. 📍 Soroti Museum @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld #NationalAgroecologyFestival #AgroecologyNow

𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼! What does agroecology mean for your pocket? Lower production costs, more income streams and farming enterprises that remain profitable over time. At #NAF2026, there will be more to explore than what grows on the farm. Our Programs Officer - Entreprise and Livelihood Development, Naume Kalinaki, shares why farmers, traders and producers should be part of this event. ▶️Watch: @1000currents @noradno @hekseperworld @OxfaminUganda @humundi_ong 15–16 October #NationalAgroecologyFestival | #AgroecologyNow