Uganda has the biggest number of organic farmers in Africa, a report released by Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment, has said.

According to the report, the number of organic farmers has increased by 38%, from 28,000 in 2002 to 39,600 by the end of 2004. The report says Uganda has the largest area under organic land, about 122,000 hectares in Africa and the fourth largest in the world hence the top exporter of organic products in Africa. Organic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that promote environmentally, socially and economically-sound production of food and fibres. Moses Muwanga, the coordinator of the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU), says the demand for organic products is rising worldwide. "Uganda is a key player in the international trade of organic products and is among countries with the highest potential to dominate the market." Muwanga says the annual average growth in global demand and marketing of organic products is estimated at 30% per annum but varies between 10% and 50% in different markets. A report released by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in 2001 says Uganda has the highest comparative advantage for production of organic products because of its climatic conditions and that much of the land is still unadulterated. "The country has the lowest usage of artificial fertilisers in Africa, of less than 2%. It is estimated at one kilogramme of artificial fertiliser per hectare compared with the sub-Saharan average of 9 kilogrammes per hectare or 5% of that used in other east African countries and 20% in Latin America," says the report. Muwanga says the current demand for Uganda's organic products is far unmatched by supply. "About 60 companies have been registering with NOGAMU every year, to buy organic products from Uganda. Organic products fetch price premiums, varying between 18% and 42%," he says. Muwanga says due to increased demand for organic products globally, Uganda's exports have been steadily increasing both in quality and quantity. "Between 2001 and 2003, the number of companies exporting organic products grew from 5% to 15%, while the value of organic exports increased from $4.6m to $7.7m." In order for the products to fetch higher prices, they must be certified. NOGAMU and other members have established a local-certification company, Uganda Organic Standards which provides credible certification services.