Community-led food sovereignty means farmers and communities, not corporations, decide how food is grown, which seeds are saved and how food reaches the market.
This programme is delivered through social accountability frameworks, using rights-based and participatory methods. CECIC builds the capacity of local governments and communities in relation to their specific rights and obligations, so that the right to adequate food and health is respected, protected and fulfilled.
Through community advocacy, the programme increases public understanding of nutrition, agribusiness, food safety and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. At a strategic level, it engages policymakers at national, regional and global levels through dialogues, consultations and workshops, supporting laws and policies that advance sustainable agri-food systems with agroecology as a core priority.
Food sovereignty objectives
- Enhance social accountability and advocacy for Adequate Living Rights (ALRs)
- Build the capacity of vulnerable groups to use legal frameworks to claim their rights
- Establish local food systems that use natural resources to maintain soil health and control pests
- Foster local governments that champion inclusive, safe and sustainable agri-food systems
- Advocate for seed equity, seed sovereignty and the seed rights of smallholder farmers
- Promote indigenous, safe and nutritious foods through agroecological technologies
- Advance climate justice through a human rights-based approach
Areas of intervention
Law & policy for agroecology
Action research and multi-stakeholder engagement so that agroecology is integrated into legal and policy frameworks at every level.
Seed equity & seed sovereignty
Community seed banks at CECIC learning centres, farmer-managed seed systems, legal analysis and policy briefs on seed laws.
Safe agro-inputs
Mobilising communities to petition against highly hazardous agrochemicals and sharing knowledge on safe, organic inputs.
Agroecology entrepreneurship & markets
An Agroecology Community of Practice, territorial "earth" markets and levy-free market bylaws with local governments.
Four Agroecology Learning Centres are operational in Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Bunyangabo, supporting peer-to-peer learning among smallholder farmers.
Climate justice and food sovereignty
The programme promotes climate justice by applying a human rights-based approach and advocating for the full implementation of international frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Food sovereignty is closely linked to our climate resilience work. To visit a learning centre or partner with us, get in touch.
Common questions
What is agroecology?
Agroecology is a way of farming that works with nature: healthy soils, diverse crops, natural pest control and farmer-saved seed. It reduces costs for farmers, protects the environment and strengthens local food systems.
How can farmers join a learning centre?
Farmers in Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Bunyangabo can contact CECIC or their local farmer group to join food sovereignty activities at the nearest Agroecology Learning Centre.
Why does seed sovereignty matter?
Farmer-saved seed is adapted to local soils and weather, costs nothing to replant and keeps traditional, nutritious varieties alive. Protecting it keeps farmers in control of their own food systems. It is at the heart of food sovereignty.
Other CECIC programmes
Climate Change & Community Resilience
Locally led adaptation, clean energy and nature-based solutions for climate-vulnerable communities.
Natural Resource Governance
Making Uganda's critical minerals benefit people and planet through transparency and community rights.
Just Transition
A fair shift to clean energy that puts frontline communities and workers in charge.
Gender, Health & Environment
Linking reproductive health, gender equality and climate adaptation in one approach.
Wildlife Conservation
Fighting wildlife trafficking with communities, rangers and stronger laws.
Batteries & Renewable Energy Solutions
Safe battery use, recycling and producer responsibility as solar spreads.
Stand with communities in the Rwenzori
Partner with CECIC, support a programme, or bring our team to your district. Together we can make climate justice real.