Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) are alternative certification systems for organic smallholder farmers that involve direct participation by stakeholders in certifying organic production and processing. PGS were developed as a low-cost option for small farms serving local markets. In Uganda, several PGS groups have been established since 2007 when PGS was adopted as an alternative to costly third-party certification. Examples are provided of existing PGS groups ranging in size from 23 to 1250 approved farmers. Key aspects of establishing and managing a successful PGS group are outlined.

1. MUSA.K.MUWANGA
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
NOGAMU
P. O. Box 70071, Kampala
EMAIL:mkmuwanga@nogamu.org.ug

3. • What is a PGS?
They
Share a common goal with 3rd party
certification in provision of credible
guarantee for consumers of organic
produce.
Participatory Guarantee system (PGS) ,are less
formal methods for guaranteeing the organic
status of organic farmers production.
However,
They have a different approach of direct
participation by all concerned actors are
adapted to realities of the small farms,
smallholder farmers & the local markets that
they mostly serve.

4. • PGS concept gained recognition in meeting in 2004 in Brazil organised
by IFOAM.
• Representatives worldwide came together to present different
verification systems of grass root farmer initiatives !
• After meeting PGS Concept was formalised by IFOAM!
• PGS started in Uganda in 2007 after the launching of the East African
Organic Products standard (EAOPS) in Dar es salaam.
• It was adopted as an alternative of facilitating organic products
certification for local marketing in Uganda as compared to more costly
and rigorous 3rd party(external) certification procedures.
• It’s a more appropriate approach to the smallholder farming practices
that are synonymous with most local and regional OA marketing
activities in Uganda.

5. Group name Number of producers
‘KULIKA PGS’
23
ABANA JAM NSIZE PGS SCHEME. 67 APPROVED FARMERS
33 NEWLY REGISTERED MANGO FARMERS (2013)
GWOKUYAA /BOR PGS 660 APPROVED FARMERS
2000 NEW FARMERS WHO HAVE APPLIED AND WHOSE PAPER WORK IS BEING
PROCESSED.
P’KWI FARMERS COOPERATIVE PGS 1250 APPROVED FARMERS,
2000 FARMERS
NAMULONGE HORTICULTURAL FARMERS PGS. 25 APPROVED MEMBERS AND 50 UNDER CONVERSION
FRESH VEGGIES PGS 88 MEMBER PGS IN 3 AREAS OF WAKISO, BUIKWE AND KIRA PRODUCING AND
MARKETING FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRUITS.
DISSC 100 YOUTH FARMERS IN MUKONO AND BUIKWE DISTRICT GROWING, VEGETABLES,
FRUITS AND CEREALS

6. Start with what they have / are
already doing in groups.
Mostly for smallholder farmers
(0.25 to 10 acres)— larger farms
will be treated as separate
entities ( individually inspected)
per peer review.
Get everyone focused on
common commercial project to
generate market volumes.
Agree together on plans to build
capacity, trust& accountability for
all members

7. • Decide on the group Standards to
follow (Based on the East African
Organic Products Standards-
EAOPS).
• Agree on where and how you
want to market your Product .
• Communicate about your product
with every potential buyer start in
your community
• Now your PGS is complete
concentrate on information and
building your PGS Networks.
Who could be
interested in our
PGS Products?

8. Have a file for each PGS with the following information:
• Group PGS Application Form
• PGS Manual.
• Groups acreage and production estimates.
• PGS group Pledge/core values
• List of PGS group members
• Group marketing Strategy&Group Seasons Planning
• Group PGS standards& Group seed source.
• Training /peer review ( inspection) records.

9. • Agree on PGS group
requirements
• Follow agreed plans &
procedures
• Remain within focused
commercial crops.
• Communicate and clarify
requirements to all
members.
• .
• Coordinate and ensure that
planned individual tasks
are effectively carried out
by all members.
• Mutually agree on set
targets: e.g. Market share
to be increased from
present to 45% after 1
year.
• Network to build strategic
alliances

10. • All people along supply chain &outsiders i.e. local
priests, politicians & farmers ,inspectors , sellers,
consumers actively involved.
• Organic products are gaining popularity as healthy &
safe food for babies and the elite class in Uganda!
• Current PGS Groups have strong leadership &
common set of values.
• .Ugandans are ‘’Organic’ by nature – most traditional
farming practices blend well with OA

11. Below Mrs. Kayongo in her
strawberry garden – member
Kulika PGS wakiso Uganda.
‘I can earn over 150 USD every two
weeks for PGS product branded
sales from my supplies to
specialty supermarkets and
home deliveries and yet ours is
just a new PGS ’ Mrs. Kayongo a
farmer
‘I feel very satisfied and safe eating
not only healthy food but also
having it delivered fresh to my
home on a weekly basis’ Joy a
Fresh Veggies PGS home delivery
client

12. • Local consumers still not adequately sensitised about benefits
of PGS branded organic products!
• Majority of farmers still prefer to work as individuals
especially yet PGS requires groups.
• PGS new concept by the consumers & implementers thus lot
of publicity required.
• Many un-genuine Self-claims of organic with substandard
products stain the image of growing PGS products.

13. BEST PRACTICES HANDBOOK
Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for
smallholder organic farmers.
PGS link on NOGAMU website for Relevant PGS
issues such IFOAM Publications, List of PGS
Approved groups in Uganda
For additional info: Email: pgs@nogamu.org.ug

15. Thank you for your Attenti
mkmuwanga@nogamu.org.u
pgs@nogamu.org.ug