On 6 June 2024, the multiple stakeholder partnership promoting the Sustainable Rice Platform standard in Uganda wrote another page of its story. Key stakeholders gathered at Sheraton Hotel to look at the preliminary evidence of the benefits of sustainable rice farming, following the SRP standard. Based on this evidence, policy recommendations were formulated to support farmers’ transition to sustainable farming. The discussions also focused on how these recommendations could influence national policymaking, such as the wetland use policy, which is currently under review.
Since 2018 Rikolto has been piloting the use of the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standard, with over 2,000 smallholder rice farmers cultivating rice in government-established rice irrigation schemes and the community-managed lowlands in eastern, northern and south-western Uganda. This SRP framework encourages sustainable farming practices with the potential to boost farmers’ income while safeguarding the environment. However, implementing these initiatives has not been without challenges, given Uganda’s complex political and environmental landscape.
The Ugandan government is making great efforts to protect the wetland areas from rice farming, citing concerns about its impact on climate change and the depletion of natural resources and water. However, the country still allows rice to be imported from countries such as Tanzania or even Pakistan to meet the deficit in demand, exposing local rice farmers to stiff competition. With limited market connections, these farmers struggle to sell their rice. Ironically, they are also among the first to suffer from the effects of climate change, facing challenges such as flooding, yield losses and income instability.
Rikolto is therefore gathering evidence of the economic and environmental benefits of the SRP standard for rice farmers and the rice industry. Using evidence from the rice fields, backed up by research data, we are working to sensitise farmers to adopt these practices while also working to influence national policy on sustainable rice production. The ultimate goal is to build up a solid case for sustainable rice production that is profitable for farmers and good for the planet.
Rikolto’s efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture in Uganda are part of a project funded by the Flemish International Climate Action Programme, which aims to contribute to wetland conservation and climate mitigation by:
Policy influence is one of the three key components of the project. It is supported not only by data generated through SRP’s advanced analysis tools but also by contributions from other members of the multi-stakeholder platform. In fact, Rikolto is not a lone player but part of a broad coalition working together to drive sustainable change. Key partners include ministries, agencies and departments such as the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF), NARO and NEMA. The project also engages district local governments, retailers (like the Uganda Hotel Owners Association), sector bodies (such as the Rice Millers Council and the Rice Association of Uganda), consumer organisations (e.g., Consent), financial institutions (MSC) and farmer organisations and water-user associations (WUAs).
During the multi-stakeholder dialogue in Uganda, Rikolto presented the results of its latest case study. With the support of a consultant, Rikolto gathered compelling evidence of the results of applying the SRP standard among farmers and shared these results at the regional SRP stakeholder meeting.
The SRP framework includes a set of performance indicators that assess both economic and environmental aspects. The analysis showed an average 17% increase in profitability and a 33% increase in grain productivity. Nitrogen use efficiency also improved by 19%. Notable changes in farming practices were observed. Seed use fell by 53%, reducing input costs, which contributed to an overall 38% reduction in production costs. There was an 84% reduction in pesticide use, improving farmer safety and increasing beneficial insect sightings by 16%. Methane emissions fell by 5%.
Several recommendations were also shared in order to influence current rice farming practices and related policies.
The multiple stakeholders’ platform that aims at promoting an SRP national chapter in Uganda brings together a diverse group of stakeholders within the rice industry. During the June meeting, participants shared best practices, discussed challenges and explored opportunities to collaborate. The goal was to align efforts to improve farming practices and influence policy decisions.
SWT, a large distributor of Pakistani rice in Uganda that also works with outgrowers in Uganda’s eastern wetlands, found that Ugandan consumers prioritise quality and price over sustainability. A key recommendation was to engage government actors – such as schools and the army – as bulk buyers of sustainably produced rice. Additionally, SWT argued that the government should provide more support for the mechanisation of rice production, as this would allow rice producers to provide larger amounts of rice and meet the needs of institutional buyers.
Researchers from NARO (National Agricultural Research Organisation), an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), stressed the importance of sustainable practices in enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate shocks. They highlighted the value of government partnerships in disseminating research findings and encouraging broader adoption of these practices. Other partners such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) were encouraged to continue their efforts to promote and defend environment protection and farmers rights.
In closing, the Commissioner on Wetlands Management emphasised that Uganda’s wetlands policy is currently under review, offering a timely opportunity to share key questions and recommendations from the meeting with the committee overseeing the policy revision.
To advance this agenda, NARO scientists will prepare a position paper integrating the recommendations of the meeting, supported by additional data from farmers and field experiments. The multi-stakeholder coalition will use this paper as a basis for engaging in policy discussions and advocating for the adoption of the SRP framework. The ultimate goal is to secure government support for the sustainable use of gazetted lowlands for rice production. By aligning with the Ministry of Water and Environment’s programme, the coalition believes the SRP framework will guide responsible practices that mitigate climate risks while ensuring local rice farmers can sustainably enhance their livelihoods.
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