Rows of roses are growing in a warm and humid greenhouse. The cultivation of flowers is a source of livelihood for 8,500 Ugandan people. A total of 80% of them are women. The livelihood of Ugandan flower farmers and their families was, however, threatened when the EU banned the import of flowers from Uganda after discovering pests in shipments. The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) – a global partnership bringing together many organisations – promoted cooperation between flower farmers and Ugandan authorities in solving the problem.
The STDF helped to train 100 researchers and 10 inspectors in Uganda between 2012 and 2015. They improved farming techniques to make products comply with the international phytosanitary standards. This secured the viability of Ugandan flower exports and international market access, which in turn improved the income of farmers. The project also succeeded, among other things, in reducing the exposure of workers to pesticides.
Finland supports the STDF in its work to help developing countries improve plant health and the occupational health and safety of workers. This work supports sustainable economic growth and environmental protection, reduces poverty and increases food safety.
Photo: STDF, graphics: Juho Hiilivirta