From the fields of Amuria and Serere to the exhibition grounds in Soroti, #NAF2026 has been a reminder that the future of our food systems begins with the people who grow our food. Over the past two days, the 2nd National Agroecology Festival has brought together farmers, researchers, policymakers, producers, traders and other food-system actors to share knowledge, showcase innovations and explore pathways towards more resilient food systems. We have seen farmers preserve indigenous seeds, turn locally available resources into valuable agricultural inputs, showcase diverse foods and add value to their produce. Field visits also brought important lessons on climate resilience, seed conservation, market access and the need to invest in community-led solutions. One message stood out: agroecology must work for the people who feed us. That means protecting farmer-managed seed systems, supporting locally adapted solutions, promoting food safety and ensuring farmers have a voice in decisions that shape our food systems. The festival closed with representatives of central government, academia, researchers, small-scale farmers, local government and civil society adopting the Soroti Declaration on Agroecology 2026, committing to advance agroecology and translate shared priorities into action. The conversations may end here, but the work continues. The real measure of NAF 2026 will be what we do next to support farmers, safeguard our food heritage and build food systems that serve people and the planet. @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld @Sida @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld @Sida #NationalAgroecologyFestival | #AgroecologyNow

Good food, great conversations and plenty to discover! Hon. Muwuma K. Milton, Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Alliance on Food and Nutrition Security (@upa_fns), is among those exploring the exhibition stalls this morning at #NAF2026. From indigenous seeds and local foods to innovative agroecological products, there’s something new to discover at every turn! Who else is ready to explore what our farmers have to offer? #NationalAgroecologyFestival #AgroecologyNow

These specific ones are called Amora 1R #NAF2026 #NationalAgroecologyFestival #AgroecologyNow

One exhibitor, a wealth of local crops and seeds! At the 2nd National Agroecology Festival, Eroju Joseph from Soroti District is showcasing an impressive range of agricultural products, from groundnuts, beans, soybeans and simsim to local onions, dodo, malakwang and eggplant. His display also features hibiscus flowers and seeds, chia seeds, ginger, different nuts, as well as natural pesticides and fungicides. The diversity on display highlights the value of preserving local crops and seeds, making use of available plant resources and keeping diverse food options within our food systems. #NAF2026 #NationalAgroecologyFestival #AgroecologyNow

Good morning from Soroti! 🌱 Day 1 of the 2nd National Agroecology Festival (#NAF2026) took us beyond the exhibition grounds and into farming communities in Amuria and Serere districts, where we saw how farmers are preserving indigenous seeds, adapting to changing weather patterns and sustaining local food systems. At Orungo Community Seed Bank in Amuria, farmers shared their experiences with indigenous varieties such as Abino and Egolomoit, highlighting their reported resilience during difficult weather conditions and the growing challenge of accessing local seeds. Meanwhile, at Okunguro Farmer Field School in Serere, discussions focused on strengthening local seed value chains, improving post-harvest management and securing formal recognition for farmers’ seed varieties. These visits reinforced an important lesson: resilient food systems need more than productive farms. They need seed diversity, farmer-led knowledge and support that enables local agricultural innovations to thrive. As Day 2 begins, we carry these lessons forward. #NationalAgroecologyFestival #AgroecologyNow

3/3 But preserving seeds is only part of the solution. Farmers in Orungo are calling for the seed bank to be expanded and a water tank installed to help them through dry seasons. I also learned about the importance of seed quality, from genetic purity and seed health to physical quality, vigour and traceability. Agroecology is not just about what we grow. It is also about what we preserve, what we learn and how we prepare for an uncertain climate. #NAF2026 #AgroecologyNow

Soroti, Yoga Atupuruch! 🌞🌱 Today, Soroti City comes alive for the 2nd Annual National Agroecology Festival (#NAF2026)! Farmers, researchers, policymakers, producers, traders and consumers are gathering at Soroti Museum to celebrate agroecology, showcase locally produced foods and explore ways to strengthen farmer-to-market connections and build resilient food systems. Over the next two days, we’re sharing knowledge, forging partnerships and championing solutions that support farmers, protect our environment and improve livelihoods. 📍 Soroti Museum, Soroti City 📅 15–16 October 2026 The festival is officially underway. Let’s talk agroecology! #NationalAgroecologyFestival #NAF2026 #AgroecologyNow

Soroti, the National Agroecology Festival is here! The 2nd Annual National Agroecology Festival is underway at Soroti Museum, bringing together farmers, producers, researchers, traders and other food system actors to showcase agroecological products, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for better livelihoods. From organic soil fertility solutions and indigenous food varieties to locally grown produce and value-added products, the exhibition highlights the innovations and knowledge shaping more resilient food systems. 📍 Soroti Museum, Soroti City 📅 15–16 October 2026 Come discover what agroecology looks like in practice! #NationalAgroecologyFestival #NAF2026 #AgroecologyNow

What if organic waste could become a valuable resource for healthier soils? At the National Agroecology Festival in Soroti, exhibitor Nelson Otema is showcasing manure produced using earthworms to decompose animal dung and other organic waste. His approach transforms materials that might otherwise go to waste into a useful agricultural input, without adding chemicals or other additives. It’s a practical demonstration of how recycling organic resources can support soil fertility and more sustainable farming. 📍 Soroti Museum #NAF2026 #NationalAgroecologyFestival #AgroecologyNow

What does it take to build food systems that sustain communities, protect the environment and create better livelihoods for farmers? Agroecology offers practical solutions, from sustainable farming practices to stronger connections between farmers and markets. On 15–16 October, Soroti City will host the 2nd Annual National Agroecology Festival, bringing together small-scale farmers, policymakers, researchers, producers, traders and consumers to showcase agroecological products, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities for resilient food systems. The festival is a chance to turn conversations about sustainable agriculture into practical solutions that work for farmers and communities. 📍 Soroti Museum, Soroti City 📅 15–16 October 2026 Be part of the conversation! @noradno @OxfaminUganda @1000currents @humundi_ong @hekseperworld @ESAFFUG #NationalAgroecologyFestival #NAF2026 #AgroecologyNow

Tomorrow, LANDnet, @UCOBAC_ and partners convene the Fourth Women’s Land Rights Conference under the theme “From Demands to Action: Securing Women’s Land Rights for Equality and Empowerment.” On 15–16 October 2026, stakeholders will come together to address persistent barriers to women’s land rights and identify practical actions to turn commitments into reality. Women’s land rights must move beyond promises to meaningful action. #4thWLRConf26 #WomensLandConf26