First African President of Slow Food Pushes Sustainable Agriculture, Food Diversity and Smallholder Farmers to the Forefront 
When Edward Mukiibi, a Ugandan farmer and agricultural expert, became the first African to lead the international Slow Food movement, it marked a historic turning point for an organization founded in Italy nearly four decades ago. Now, Mukiibi is working to transform the movement into a truly global campaign focused on sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and the empowerment of small-scale farmers.
Founded in 1986 in Italy, Slow Food emerged as a response to the growing influence of fast food and industrial agriculture. The movement has since expanded to more than 150 countries, promoting locally produced food, biodiversity, traditional farming practices, and environmentally sustainable agriculture. Under Mukiibi's leadership, the organization is placing greater emphasis on the challenges faced by farmers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.