The organic agriculture exchange forum 2025 is held at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro Tanzania from 13th to 14th March. The forum provides a platform for organic farming stakeholders to interact and share experiences, knowledge, challenges and way forward for the improvement of Organic Farming.
The forum is organized by PPEP Arizona, USA in collaboration with Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Jordan University College (JUCo), Mzumbe University, Muslim University of Morogoro, SUMAIT University and SUGECO Morogoro. The theme for the forum is “Innovative and Sustainable Organic Agricultural Practices: Learning from the Best Practices”
During the official opening, Prof. Juma S. Kabote, representing the Vice Chancellor, who was the guest of honor, Prof. Raphael Chibunda, mentioned that SUA is playing a role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices through an interdisciplinary approach with other stakeholders. He left the participants with an important question to ponder: Sustainable agriculture is environmentally friendly; however, is it a solution for food security, particularly in Africa?
As the CEO and Founder of Portable, Practical Educational Preparation, PPEP Inc, Dr. John David shared what PPEP is doing particularly on organic farming, and thanked the collaborators and participants for making the forum possible.
Dr. Lilian Shechambo from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture was among the presenters and she presented on “Concept and Genesis of Organic Agriculture”. In her presentation she highlighted the principles, history and benefits of organic agriculture. She also mentioned some of the practitioners of organic agriculture in Tanzania including SAT in Morogoro, Lushoto, Gibbs farm in Karatu. She concluded her presentation by saying that “We need to differentiate Organic from conventional agriculture and understand that what is produced traditionally is also organic although it may lack certification. She added that organic agriculture is not limited to plants, it also include animals because they contribute to the food that we eat. Dr. Shechambo urged the participants to learn and practice more of organic agriculture, as well as educate others on it.
The participants showed positive response to the forum;
“This forum is an important entry point from which the collaborating institutions will collaborate in finding solution to the dwindling agrisystems due climate change, poor soil health, and food safety, through organic agriculture. The forum puts food security as the way to save humanity from hunger and malnutrition while providing a career path of prosperity that will benefit current and future generations.” ~ Dr. Richard Madege, Senior Lecturer SUA
“The forum is important because it has provided participants with the opportunity to field excursion giving them practical examples. It is also an opportunity to explore the real life based challenges and opportunities of Organic Agriculture which if addressed could contribute to food security” ~ Christina Lemson (PhD candidate, SUA)
