Nogamu

One of the main objectives of NOGAMU is to promote local and export marketing of organic products from Uganda . To achieve this objective, a number of services have been developed.

Market linkages

At the local level, NOGAMU mobilizes small holder farmers into groups, focuses them towards particular enterprises and equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to allow sufficient production for marketing. NOGAMU then identifies suitable markets for these groups in form of local organic outlets, supermarkets, local exporters, schools, other traders and markets, and links them to these markets.

Exclusive local organic outlets continue to be established in partnership with member organizations to serve as marketing points for small holder farmers’ groups in the respective localities but also bring organic products closer to consumers.  Shop Organic Ltd is  located at Kabalagala  and in Jinja now being supplied by over 60 farmers groups countrywide, with a range of fresh and processed organic products.

At the International level, NOGAMU assists local organic exporters to be linked to importers of organic products from various international markets. This is done through profiling the export companies and identifying appropriate import companies to which the former could be linked. NOGAMU normally initiates and monitors this linkage until the first order has been placed by providing appropriate information and support to both the export and importing companies.

Market information services

NOGAMU has established an Organic Trade Point (OTP) to serve as a one stop centre for organic market information and related enquiries to local farmers and exporters as well as importers looking for organic products from Uganda . The OTP is equipped with modern communication facilities including 24 hour fast internet connection and has links to major international market information portals. The OTP has developed market profiles regarding specific export destinations for use by existing and potential exporters. It also runs a data base which serves as a focal point for market linkages, captures information on organic export companies, volumes and supply capacity, seasonality of products and information on packaging. Member companies and producer organizations can access the internet at the OTP for market related information at a subsidized fee and the general public can also access the same services at an additional but affordable fee. For more information on the OTP services, contact the OTP officer at organictradepoint@nogamu.org.ug

Organic market promotion

NOGAMU undertakes the promotion of Uganda ‘s organic products at the local, regional and international markets. At the International level, NOGAMU assists and works with the organic export companies and arranges the promotion of their products to international buyers. This is done mainly through arranging participation in international trade fairs such as Biofach in Germany , the All Things Organic show in USA and the Middle East Natural and Organic products Expo.

NOGAMU also collaborates with the Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) and Uganda ‘s Foreign Mission in promoting Uganda ‘s Organic products to international buyers. In the recent past NOGAMU has collaborated with the International Trade Centre (ITC) to bring international buyers to Uganda on a tour aimed at bringing more visibility of Uganda ‘s organic companies and products. NOGAMU also continues to collaborate with the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) and other International Agencies in promoting Uganda ‘s organic products.

At the local and regional level, NOGAMU organizes participation in trade fairs and other events where information and products from member companies and producer associations are show cased. In all promotional events, NOGAMU assists in the mobilization, preparation of relevant products and information and also offers technical and organization back stopping to participating companies and producer groups.