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The Healthy Rice Initiative is a multi-stakeholder collaboration in the Mbale City region that brings together key stakeholders in the local rice market - smallholder farmers, rice processors, rice aggregators and rice vendors - with local government and civil society. The aim of the initiative is to bring sustainably produced rice from Uganda's wetlands into the spotlight and onto consumers' plates. "Go and experience the great taste and positive environmental impact of Bukedi Savannah Pure Rice!" This slogan, chosen by the stakeholders involved, captures the essence of the initiative: a push to create a recognisable local label for sustainably produced rice. But let's take a closer look at how we got here.
In the bustling public markets of Mbale, vendors call out to passers-by, extolling the virtues of their rice. Sacks of grain line the stalls, presenting shoppers with a maze of choices. Just two decades ago, rice was a relatively new addition to the Ugandan diet, introduced through a campaign to promote the cultivation of New Rice for Africa (NERICA). Today, it has become a household favourite, woven into daily meals - but finding consistent quality remains a challenge.
Consumers in Uganda are willing to pay a premium for rice with long, slender grains that are soft when cooked and firm when cooled. However, most rice in local markets is a mixture of whole grains and broken grains from different origins and often sold unbranded. This lack of differentiation is a significant barrier for farmers who follow sustainable practices, such as those who adhere to the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standard. In effect, their high-quality, sustainably grown rice remains indistinguishable from lower-quality varieties.
By facilitating the development of inclusive business practices, Rikolto is working to improve market access for Ugandan farmer organisations. Since 2021, we have been working with processor and distributor SWT Tanners, which has committed to working more closely with Ugandan farmers. The company, which previously sourced all its rice from Pakistan, now procures 25% of its paddy locally. While this collaboration improves market access for rice producers, it does not automatically bring sustainable rice to the forefront of consumers' minds.
One of the objectives of Healthy Rice Initiative is to create a local rice label that positions sustainably produced rice on the market. Drawing inspiration from Rikolto’s successful Nyange-Nyange label in DR Congo, where rice from local cooperatives is certified by a non-profit organisation to ensure its quality, this initiative aims to do more than simply place a quality label on bags of rice and hope for change.
In reality, awareness of the benefits of sustainable rice consumption remains low among both retailers and consumers. Additionally, the government’s stance on rice farming is not particularly supportive. In Uganda, rice farming—especially in the lowlands—has raised environmental concerns about its potential to harm the environment and natural resources. With government directives to halt rice farming in non-gazetted areas, promoting sustainable rice has become even more urgent.
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As Mukhwana Moses from Bunambutye Area Cooperative Enterprise, who participated in the Healthy Rice Initiative meetings, explains:
“People often view rice as a threat to the environment. We’ve come to realise that we can coexist with rice for generations as long as we adopt sustainable practices. Rice is our livelihood—both a cash crop and a source of food—and I will continue to advocate for sustainable rice production and healthy eating.”
The Healthy Rice Initiative advocates for sustainable rice production and consumption as a solution that benefits both people and the planet. According to a 2024 SRP survey conducted by Rikolto, rice produced in line with the SRP standards is less damaging to the environment, supports biodiversity (with a 16% increase), and reduces input costs while boosting yields for farmers (24% higher in areas with developed irrigation systems, and 56% higher in other areas These improvements result in a 46% increase in income for farmers. Furthermore, because sustainable rice production follows ecological practices, the rice is healthier and safer for consumption.
In summary, growing a market for sustainable rice is essential to support rice farmers, ensure healthier and safer rice for consumers, and preserve the environment. However, influencing consumer behaviour is no small feat and a multi-stakeholder effort was the only way forward.
The initiative is open to all stakeholders that aspire to make healthy rice accessible to consumers, while improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers and other agri-food system agri-enterpreneurs.
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Since its inception, the Healthy Rice Initiative (HRI) has held four key multi-stakeholder meetings to build momentum:
“Bukedi Savannah Pure rice is a high-quality, organic product grown in the Bukedi Subregion. Through its sustainable farming practices, this rice not only benefits the environment but also offers significant advantages for consumers. The production methods used help conserve surrounding natural resources and protect the environment, ensuring that the rice is both environmentally friendly and healthy. As a wholegrain rice, it guarantees superior quality, and is especially safe for consumption—locally grown without the use of harmful toxins, produced with eco-friendly methods, and properly stored. Go and experience the great taste and positive environmental impact of Bukedi Savannah Pure Rice!”
The initiative is on its way to become a self-led initiative with Rikolto stepping back into a facilitator role. That is why, in the upcoming meetings, there will be a focus on:
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This initiative builds on years of efforts in the region, including supporting farmers in adopting sustainable rice practices aligned with the SRP standard and promoting inclusive business models with private sector partners like SWT Limited. In addition, our colleagues from the Good Food for Cities programme worked with vendors to enhance food safety in Mbale’s central market , where several rice vendors involved in the Healthy Rice Initiative are based.
Food security and food safety are two sides of the same coin, offering complementary perspectives on a shared challenge: ensuring healthy diets by providing consumers with safe and nutritious food. Just as collaboration across different projects has created synergies to achieve these goals, so too can the collective efforts of various food system actors within the Healthy Rice Initiative. The shared vision driving this initiative is clear: farmers are recognised and rewarded for their sustainable practices, Mbale’s citizens benefit from improved health through nutritious diets, and wetlands thrive alongside rice production, supporting livelihoods in a harmonious balance.
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