December 2023
Safe food for all by all! We are at the forefront of ensuring food safety with the Food Safety Coalition of Uganda (FoSCU). Recently, our collaborative efforts have brought together technical working groups to explore into important aspects of food safety. Through engaging videos and impactful audio messages, a community listening event was organized to share experiences on pressing concerns.
The messages aired during the event didn’t just state the issues but went deep into the safety challenges across various food categories like beef, dairy, fruits, vegetables, maize, and groundnuts. They didn’t stop there; they also highlighted the grave effects of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, emphasizing the vital role of proper handling practices in securing our food supply.
The event saw a promising turnout, with over 50 participants from farmer groups and consumers converging from Masooli and Kiwale-Manyangwa, Kasangati Town Council Nangabo, Wakiso District. These discussions sparked insightful conversations centered on responsible consumption and production practices.
Community listening activities like these are important. They foster a deeper understanding of food safety concerns, encourage individual participation, and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences among all involved.
Ms. Nabbala Paula, Consumer Advice Point, Kampala, CONSENT highlighted a critical issue: many consumers are being taken advantage of simply because they lack awareness about their rights and responsibilities. These community events provide a platform for open discussions that significantly increase awareness. Additionally, Ms. Paula emphasized the importance of a complaints mechanism that empower consumers with the skills to lodge complaints effectively.
Mr. Kizito Hamidu, a dedicated member of FoSCU, shared a prevalent issue: both farmers and consumers often lack comprehensive knowledge about the hazards posed by the misuse of chemicals in food production. There’s a clear call for increased awareness within these communities. Farmers expressed concerns about the limited access to organic inputs, their availability in low quantities, and the need for more accessible, concentrated forms for easier transportation.
The sentiment was clear: there’s a pressing need to shift focus from profit-making to prioritizing people’s health. Questions were raised about alternatives to chemical inputs and the necessity for smaller, more manageable packaging for organic inputs to avoid bulkiness.
The impact of audio and video messages as educational tools was evident. These mediums serve as powerful tools, enabling farmers to express their commitment to food safety while empowering consumers with the knowledge to handle and consume food safely.
These discussions and revelations take us back to the significance of consumer protection in the food system. The shared responsibility to ensure safe, healthy food necessitates continued engagement, education, and collaborative efforts among all stakeholders.
