Flower farmers in Uganda are currently trying to develop indigenous rare species to reduce on the dependency on imported varieties. This innovation is intended to diversify their market on the international and local markets. Currently under their association - the Uganda Floricultural Association- they are carrying out trials for verification and collection of indigenous flowers and plant species as planting materials.

This project is part of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) that was initiated by the Dutch Embassy to identify market access issues that affect the horticulture sector.

The need to bring onboard smallholder farmers is part of the strategy to eliminate some challenges faced by the flower exporters such as high airfreight charges that are making the industry uncompetitive. If sufficient volumes are produced, it is hoped that they will attract cargo airlines and reduce airfreight rates.

The project started in 2007 and involves farmers of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The Netherlands Embassy injected Euro 900, 000 in the project. Annually, 80% of flowers in Uganda are exported directly to the Netherlands and 20% are sold through Dutch auction houses.

The project also tries to equip Uganda smallholder growers with a high level of organisation, and keenness to adapt to dynamic flower production processes and market to comply with the sophisticated EU market.

Uganda's flower export earnings have continued to drop despite the perceived recovery of the world economies.

The Executive Director Uganda Flower Exporters Association, Ms Juliet Musoke, told East African Business Week recently that the flower industry faces challenges as the value of exports continues dropping. "Though there seems to be a recovery, flowers are a luxury and many people have not yet started spending on luxuries. The prices are low and demand is also low," she said.

According to information availed by the association, Uganda exported 6, 559 tonnes of flowers in 2007 fetching $32million. In 2008, 6, 799 tonnes were exported fetching $34million. This year (January- May) only 3500 tonnes have so far been exported. This is attributed to the low demand and low prices offered on the international market due to the economic downturn.

Due to the financial melt-down, one of the leading flower firms in Uganda Victoria Flowers that belongs to city businessman Gordon Wavamunno has since closed shop.

Some of the smallholder farmers who mainly produce for the local market this paper talked to however said the local market has improved reasonably compared to what it used to be in the last five years.

Venie Karekaho, one of the farmers said she has noticed a significant change in flower consumption on the local market in the 10 years she has been in the industry.