Ugandan Farmer Leads Global Slow Food Movement

Edward Mukiibi, a 39-year-old Ugandan farmer and agronomist, now leads Slow Food, a global food advocacy group founded in Italy in 1986. Mukiibi aims to expand the movement’s reach beyond Europe, ensuring its relevance to communities in the developing world following the death of its founder, Carlo Petrini, in May.

He runs a family farm growing coffee and bananas near Lake Victoria and believes sustainable food isn’t a luxury but a right. Mukiibi is focused on strengthening local food systems and ensuring fair prices for farmers, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing corporate agricultural influence.

Mukiibi also expressed concern about Chinese investment in African agriculture, warning that loans could lead to land grabs and resource extraction. He will seek re-election later this year to continue steering the organization, which operates in over 160 countries.