PREFACE

This meeting was most successful. The number of 76 participants, representing eight countries was quite satisfactory and participants were much interested in the topics that were presented. There was an unexpectedly large number of contributed papers, i.e. 35.

We wish to thank all scientific, technical and administrative people who have devoted their time and energy to this conference and thus contributed towards its success. As a result, a second East African symposium will be held this year in Ethiopia.

The symposium at Kampala afforded a perfect opportunity to make the Society better known in this part of the world and to evoke interest in its aims and activities. The increasing number of members proves that more and more people are willing to give their support to this organization.

The appointment in the meantime of Dr. Wurster as vice-chairman for East Africa of the Commission for Tropical and Subtropical Horticulture of ISHS and the foundation of a regional branch for East Africa will further strengthen the ties with the Society and promote horticultural developments.

The Secretary General of ISHS,

Dr. G. de Bakker


OPENING ADDRESS

The theme of this Symposium - "The Development of Horticultural as a Science and the Role of Horticultural Crops in Agricultural Diversification in EastAfrica" - is undoubtedly a good choice. The countries of East Africa rely heavily on agricultural production, but one or two main crops tend to be predominant. The economyof Uganda, for example, relies heavily on cotton and coffee, with the former contributing 24% and the letter 35% to foreign exchange earnings. The declared policy of the Government is to diversify away from these two crops and the production of horticultural crops is considered one of the most suitable means of achieving this objective. I consider, therefore, that Uganda is greatly indebted to the International Society for Horticultural Science for sponsoring the Symposium, and to Makerere University for acting as host.

The fact that eight countries are represented at this Symposium is evidence of the growing recognition of the Importance of horticultural and horticultural crops in the development of the agricultural sector. However, this meeting ismore than that. It shows that there is co-operation among the developing countries of Africa in seeking solutions to common problems, in this case the expansion of horticultural production. Many African countries have recently embarked on large horticultural development programmes. It appears that Kenya has been considering a five-year horticultural project and Tanzania is building up her Pangani and Wami River Basin Projects with the aim of developing horticultural production including processing installations.

In an attempt to promote horticultural production, Ugandahas drawn up a three-pronged development programme. The first place is centred on the identification of the problems of the production and preservation of fruits and vegetables, for both export and the domestic market. The second is the expansion of production through the establishment of horticultural production projects. The third phase is the establishment of a horticultural demonstration centre for the training of extension service personnel, farmers and market gardeners.

Uganda possesses large areas with exceptionally favourable geographical conditions for the growing of a wide variety of horticultural crops. Almost all kinds of tropical and many temperate types of fruits and vegetables can be grown. The potential of Uganda in the field of horticultural production is therefore almost unlimited.Uganda has, however, made only a modest start in the field of horticultural production, mainly in the area of vegetable production. Around Kampala, small-holders produce some fruits andvegetables during most of the year. These are supplemented by supplies from Kigezi District, Bugisu District, Kenya and Tanzania. Recently, two estates have been developed in Buganda for the production of vegetables for local consumption as well aas for export by air freight. Initialexperience with exports, mainly of vegetables, proves that Uganda is potentially able to produce the quantities required during the periods of main demand. Vegetable production has gained in importance during recent years and has made possible a reduction in the importation of fresh vegetables. However, for a considerable part of the year, over-production of veetables has occurred in products such as cabbage, carrots, spinach and tomatoes. It would appear, therefore, that consideration should be given to processing plant installation.

Many fruits can be successfully grown in Uganda. These include mango, pineapple, avocado pear, passion fruit, pawpa, cashew nut, macadamia nut and some temperate fruits. One of the principal problems hampering rapid development is the lack of knowledge of their production under Uganda environmental conditions. The problems associated with the distribution and marketing of produce are also considerable. Althought 200 hectares of citrus have already been established, further expansion programmes have been constrained by a lack of knowledge of market demand. It hasbeen estimated that Uganda possesses over 1000 hectares of land suitableforcitrus production.

Condiments and spices such as ginger, turmeric, pepper, cardamom, vanilla, drugs and several essentialoils can also be uccessfully grown in Uganda.

Bananas (plantains) are grown in Uganda as a traditional foodcrop, but research on this crop has been very limited, possibly owing to the association of the diseasekwashiokor with the use of bananas as a main source of carbohydrate. With improve dietary habits this disease will soon be minor importance and improvements in the techniques associatted with banana production could become essential.