Kampala: A Ugandan farmer is helping reshape one of the world's best known food movements by bringing the voices and experiences of small farmers to the centre of global discussions on agriculture, climate change and food security.
Edward Mukiibi, the president of Slow Food International, is leading the organisation through a new chapter after the death of its founder Carlo Petrini earlier this year. Mukiibi, who comes from a farming family in central Uganda, says the movement's future depends on making sustainable food available to everyone rather than treating it as a luxury for wealthy consumers.
From his family farm near Lake Victoria, Mukiibi continues to grow crops such as coffee, bananas and vegetables while also leading an international organisation that promotes food that is good, clean and fair. His daily experience as a farmer has shaped his belief that the world's food systems must place greater value on local producers and traditional farming practices.
The Slow Food movement was founded in Italy in the late 1980s as a response to the spread of fast food and the loss of local food traditions. Over the years it has expanded into more than 160 countries, supporting local food communities, protecting biodiversity and encouraging environmentally friendly farming. Under Mukiibi's leadership, the organisation is placing even greater attention on the challenges faced by farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Mukiibi believes many rural communities already produce food in ways that are naturally sustainable. Instead of depending heavily on chemicals, many small farmers continue to rely on traditional methods that protect the soil and local ecosystems. However, he says these farmers often struggle because they do not receive fair prices for their produce and have limited access to reliable markets.
He argues that improving local food systems is just as important as increasing food production. According to Mukiibi, stronger local markets can help farmers earn a stable income while ensuring communities have access to fresh and healthy food. He says the lessons learned during the Covid 19 pandemic showed how vulnerable long and complex food supply chains can become during times of crisis.
One of Mukiibi's priorities has been encouraging young people to see farming as a respected profession with opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. Before becoming president of Slow Food International, he helped establish thousands of school and community gardens across Africa. These projects were designed to teach children and families about healthy eating, environmental protection and sustainable farming while improving food security in local communities.
Climate change remains one of the biggest concerns for farmers across Africa. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and more frequent droughts continue to threaten harvests in many countries. Mukiibi believes that protecting indigenous crops, increasing crop diversity and supporting regenerative farming methods can help communities become more resilient to these growing challenges.
During an interview with Reuters, Mukiibi also spoke about China's expanding agricultural presence across Africa. While he welcomed investment that supports development, he expressed concern that some financial arrangements could eventually give foreign interests greater influence over African resources. China's Foreign Ministry rejected those concerns, saying Chinese investment has helped improve economic growth and living standards across the continent.
The discussion reflects a wider debate taking place across Africa as governments seek foreign investment while also protecting land, natural resources and the interests of local farmers. Many experts believe international partnerships can play an important role in agricultural development if they are transparent and provide lasting benefits for local communities.
Since becoming president of Slow Food International in 2022, Mukiibi has worked to broaden the organisation's global focus while staying true to its founding values. He continues to promote biodiversity, local food cultures and sustainable agriculture, while giving greater attention to the experiences of farmers from developing countries.
As global concerns over climate change, food security and environmental protection continue to grow, Mukiibi says the future of agriculture depends on supporting the millions of small farmers who produce much of the world's food. He believes that creating fairer food systems will not only improve rural livelihoods but also help protect the environment and strengthen communities for generations to come.