In East Africa, smallholder farmers face numerous challenges in accessing organic certification, often due to the high costs and complex procedures associated with third-party certification. Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) offer a viable alternative, enabling farmers to certify their produce through community-based, cost-effective, and transparent processes. This approach not only enhances market access but also fosters trust and collaboration within farming communities.

Understanding Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS)

PGS are locally focused quality assurance systems that certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, and other community members. Built on principles of trust, social networks, and knowledge exchange, PGS empower farmers to take ownership of the certification process, ensuring that organic standards are upheld through collective responsibility.

According to the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa (KHEA), the PGS Facilitators’ Guide provides a step-by-step process for farmer groups to establish, operationalize, and implement a PGS. This guide simplifies the certification journey, making it accessible for smallholder farmers and facilitating the adoption of organic practices across the region.

Brief Insights from the PELUM Uganda PGS Facilitators’ Guide

The PGS Facilitators’ Guide developed by KHEA outlines essential steps for implementing a PGS, including:

• Establishing a Participatory Process: Engaging all stakeholders in decision-making and ensuring transparency throughout the certification process.
• Conducting Internal Inspections: Organizing peer reviews where farmers assess each other’s practices, fostering accountability and shared learning.
• Maintaining Documentation: Keeping accurate records of farming practices, inputs used, and production processes to ensure traceability and compliance with organic standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging ongoing education and adaptation of practices to enhance sustainability and resilience within farming communities

By following these guidelines, farmer groups can effectively implement PGS, leading to improved organic practices, increased market access, and enhanced community cohesion.

Expert Insight

The Broader Impact of PGS

PGS contribute to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture by:

• Enhancing Food Security: Promoting practices that improve soil health and biodiversity, leading to more resilient farming systems.
• Supporting Local Economies: Enabling farmers to access premium markets for organic products, thereby increasing their income and economic stability.
• Fostering Community Development: Strengthening social networks and collaboration among farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders, leading to more cohesive and supportive communities.

Acknowledging the Collaborative Effort Behind the PGS Facilitators’ Guide

The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Facilitators’ Guide for Farmer Groups was developed under the auspices of the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in Eastern Africa (KHEA). This initiative received generous support from Bread for the World (BFTW) and the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through its executing agency GIZ, aimed at strengthening regional knowledge hubs for organic agriculture across Africa.

Sincere gratitude is extended to the contributing institutions led by PELUM Uganda, including Biovision Africa Trust, ESAFF Uganda, Farm Concern International (FCI), and Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns (VEDCo). Their collective expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the development of this guide.

Special thanks are due to the PELUM staff for their technical oversight and supervision during the production of the guide. Their thoughtful reviews and editorial feedback have been invaluable in ensuring the guide’s quality and relevance.

As of today, through the KCOA-KHEA Project, 19 Farmer groups have been supported on Participatory Guarantee Systems ( PGS ) across the five countries(Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda , Tanzania and Madagascar).

Some quick teaser information about the Kilimohai Organic Mark: A Symbol of Trust

The Kilimohai Organic Mark is a certification label that signifies compliance with the East African Organic Products Standards (EAOPS). It is awarded to farmers and processors who adhere to organic practices and undergo verification through PGS or third-party certification bodies. The mark serves as a trusted symbol for consumers seeking authentic organic products, thereby enhancing marketability and consumer confidence.

In Uganda, the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU) recognizes the Kilimohai Organic Mark, allowing certified farmers to access both local and regional markets. This recognition underscores the importance of PGS in promoting organic agriculture and supporting smallholder farmers in the region.

The Kilimohai Organic Mark is a certification label that signifies compliance with the East African Organic Products Standards (EAOPS). It is awarded to farmers and processors who adhere to organic practices and undergo verification through PGS or third-party certification bodies. The mark serves as a trusted symbol for consumers seeking authentic organic products, thereby enhancing marketability and consumer confidence.

Other Key Resources;

1. FAO in partnership with IFOAM Organics International developed a small brief on what PGS is all about. For more information, please visit this link; https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/271c894c-7eb3-45fd-8f7a-e00f17133ac1/content
2. Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) a national membership organization for organic agriculture in Kenya shares a few insights on the Kilimohai mark. See link; https://www.koan.co.ke/kilimohai-organic/
3. Visit the Kilimohai website for more information; https://kilimohai.org/
4. For more information on implementing PGS and obtaining the Kilimohai Organic Mark, visit the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa (KHEA) website; https://khea-africa.org/
5. ESAFF Uganda’s Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) User Guide for Farmer Groups; https://www.esaffuganda.org/_files/ugd/7283b6_307fa183bdca4885bb1d949648d7971b.pdf?index=true

Participatory Guarantee Systems, supported by the Kilimohai Organic Mark and guided by resources like the PGS Facilitators’ Guide, offer a practical and inclusive pathway for smallholder farmers to certify their organic produce. By embracing PGS, farmers not only gain access to certified organic markets but also contribute to the promotion of sustainable agriculture and community development in East Africa.

Disclaimer:

• To learn about the KCOA Project: https://kcoa-africa.org/
• To learn about the KHEA Project: https://khea-africa.org/
• For more details on information in this article, please reach out to pmagino@biovisionafrica.org
• See license statement of all KCOA Content: https://kcoa-africa.org/licence-statement/  which also applies to all content from hubs implementing the KCOA project.

Blog story formulation – done by Magino Pamella-KHEA Communications Officer-PELUM Uganda and Biovision Africa Trust Kenya

Edited, reviewed&uploaded by Magino Pamella-KHEA Communications Officer-PELUM Uganda and Biovision Africa Trust Kenya

Author: Pamella Magino

Ms. Magino Pamella joined PELUM Uganda on 1st Oct 2021 as Communications Officer for the KCOA-KHEA project. With 9+ years in Communications and Marketing, she specializes in Public Relations, Business Development, and Marketing. Pamella holds a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication (Public Relations) and is a Certified Member of PRAU. She has worked with organizations like The Nile Basin Initiative and Victoria University Kampala, crafting strategies that drive positive change.