The largest agricultural event in history of farming in Uganda, the Harvest Money Expo, took place last month (February) at the Kololo Independence grounds. 

This three-day event brought together key players in various sectors including poultry, rabbit farming, cattle keeping, beekeeping, fish farming, and piggery. Over 27 training sessions were conducted, enriching participants with valuable knowledge.

A significant focus of the expo was on agricultural value addition, with exhibitors showcasing innovations in agro-tourism, technology, mechanization, nutrition, and medicinal elements derived from natural sources such as shea butter, guavas, pomegranates, and banana farming. 

The central aim was to enable farmers to expand their market beyond Uganda's borders.

The crux of this narrative highlights the emergence of organic cosmetology and beauty as a pivotal component of agricultural value addition in The Harvest Money Expo. 

Proscovia Adong, founder of Kingly Business Hub, is spearheading a cosmetology venture centred on shea butter beauty products. With support from AVSI, an organization dedicated to empowering youth in their entrepreneurial endeavours, Adong is advancing her business.

Reflecting on her experience at the Harvest Money Expo, Apio noted a remarkable growth in her business on two fronts: networking and sales. 

"I sold 95% of my products," she shared, "and established valuable connections with fellow industry players."

 Attending the expo for the first time has been an eye-opening experience for Apio, particularly in terms of approaching her business, especially in marketing. 

"Through the networks I've built," she explains, "I've learned new branding strategies for my products, with a primary focus on expanding my business beyond Uganda."

Initially offering just cold-pressed shea butter oil, Apio has evolved her product line based on client feedback and research. Now, she offers a variety of products including lip balm, shea butter hair oil, and body lotions. 

"I noticed that some clients experienced reactions, such as breakouts with acne, from plain shea butter oil," she says. 

"To address this, I enhanced my products by introducing perfumed variations and expanding into a range of skincare solutions."

Based in Lira, in the Northern part of Uganda, Apio's business primarily operates online. Following our discussion, she eagerly anticipates returning for the 9th edition of the Harvest Money Expo.

During one of the training sessions on urban cattle keeping, Dr. Jolly Kabirizi from Kyakuwa Farm discussed various ways cow waste can be utilized to treat skin complications. 

"Cattle urine has properties that can alleviate pimples, sunburns, eczema, and acne," he explained. 

"Additionally, a hair shampoo can be derived from urine by boiling it with coconut, sunflower oil, fragrance, and fresh lemon, which can effectively control dandruff and scalp infections."

Furthermore, Kabirizi shared insights on how cow dung can be repurposed to create bathing soap, face cream, and shower gel, underscoring the multifaceted benefits of utilizing resources in agriculture.

Expanding further into dairy products, Shilla Kabanyana, a representative from Itoto Cosmetics, highlighted their innovative use of cow ghee in creating highly nutritious skincare products. They have developed a diverse range of cosmetics, including body lotions and hand creams.

"These products are not only hydrating and gentle on the skin," Kabanyana elaborated, "but also 100% organic, catering to all skin types and addressing specific skincare needs."

Interestingly mushrooms have also been introduced into the realm of cosmetology as Dan Ssaka a sales person from African Mushroom Growers elaborated that they are crashing mushrooms into fine powder which is later mixed with wax to create a good mix of organic jell.