OILseeds Uganda – Organic and Inclusive Linkages

Uganda offers great agricultural potential as Africa's largest supplier of organic oilseeds. In 2020, the country introduced a national organic agriculture policy. The oilseed industry can help reduce poverty in northern and northeastern Uganda.

Organic oilseed production creates opportunities to improve smallholder farmers' lives. But their incomes remain low, partly due to a fragmented value chain. Farmers have limited access to inputs. Market opportunities are poor, and there is a lack of vertical integration. By tackling these issues, Uganda can grow its organic oilseed sector and help farmers.

Project goals

The project focuses on:

• Building a sustainable organic oilseed sector that is socially, environmentally and economically fair;
• Increasing smallholders' incomes and creating transparent market connections throughout the value chain;
• Strengthening links between farmers and market actors so that smallholders benefit more;
• Improving organic practices, meeting market standards and connecting farmers with service providers;
• Developing services tailored to sector needs.

Project participants and products

Seven companies are participating in this export coaching programme. Companies were chosen for their value in helping farmers or processing crops. As well as growing their businesses, they help create a more sustainable oilseed sector in Uganda.

Support for companies taking part

Companies selected for the project receive:

• Personal coaching and business training;
• Training to improve oilseed production and quality;
• Expert advice on certifications and market entry;
• Opportunities to take part in international and regional trade fairs.

Project activities

The inception phase started in late 2023 and focused on research and planning. The implementation phase began in November 2024. So far, companies have taken part in the following activities:

• Food safety training – Kampala 2024
• Market orientation mission – Biofach Nuremberg 2025
• Nilotica – in-cosmetics Amsterdam 2025
• Access to finance training – Kampala 2025
• Good Organic Agricultural Practices training – Lira 2025

Partners

• Rural Community in Development (RUCID)
• NgettaZARDI – NARO
• NOGAMU
• Palladium
• GIZ
• ITC
• (Organic) oilseed producers (farmers/cooperatives)
• Ugandan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) exporting oilseed
• Business support organisations in the sector
• European Union (EU) importers
• Organic oilseed sector associations
• Knowledge institutes, NGOs and institutional actors

Nilotica shea

Northern Uganda lies in the East African Nilotica shea parkland belt. Nilotica shea trees help create a unique microclimate for agroforestry in the area. Organic crops like sesame and chia are grown here. The same farmers who grow these crops also collect shea nuts and help protect the parkland. 

In November 2024, five Ugandan companies formed the Nilotica Shea Steering Committee. They aim to develop a sector organisation and promote Nilotica shea to the cosmetics industry. CBI supports this initiative. The companies work closely with communities and add value through local processing or exports. To expand internationally, the sector needs help with:

• Market access;
• Credit access;
• Certification;
• Logistics;
• Export capacity;
• Visibility in Europe.

Contact the Nilotica Shea Steering Committee: info@niloticasteering.org

Get involved as an importer

Are you a European importer looking for chia, sesame or Nilotica shea from Uganda? Contact CBI for more information or to meet with suppliers in this project.