At the Kitara Foundation, we believe that the soul of Uganda lies in its soil and its people. For decades, agriculture has been the backbone of our economy, while tourism has been our window to the world. Today, these two pillars are merging into a powerful force:

Agriculture Tourism (Agritourism).

​By integrating Community-Based Tourism (CBT) with our growing agricultural sector, we are witnessing a revolutionary shift in how rural communities thrive, creating a sustainable model for economic growth that begins at the garden gate.​

The Intersection of Two Giants​: Uganda’s economy is uniquely positioned to lead the Agritourism movement. Consider the facts: ​

Agriculture employs over 68% of our workforce and contributes about 24% to the GDP. ​

Tourism is one of our fastest-growing sectors, increasingly leaning toward “authentic” and “experiential” travel.​

When a coffee farmer in the Rwenzori foothills opens their farm to visitors, they are no longer just selling beans; they are selling an experience.

This shift from “raw commodity” to “cultural currency” allows local communities to capture a higher value for their labor while preserving our rich heritage. ​

Why Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Matters​: At Kitara Foundation, our focus on CBT ensures that the benefits of tourism remain where they are needed most—in the hands of the local people. Unlike traditional tourism, where profits often leak out to international entities, Agritourism through a CBT lens ensures:

​Income Diversification: Farmers are no longer solely dependent on unpredictable harvest seasons. Tourism provides a supplementary income through farm stays, guided tours, and “farm-to-table” dining. ​

Youth & Women Empowerment: Agritourism creates diverse roles beyond manual labor, offering opportunities for young people and women as tour guides, hospitality managers, and artisans. ​

Cultural Preservation: Visitors come to see the “Ugandan way of life.” This encourages communities to protect traditional farming methods, indigenous seeds, and local culinary arts. ​

Changing Livelihoods: From Subsistence to Sustainability​The impact of Agritourism on a village level is profound. When a community organizes as a tourism hub, the collective revenue can fund essential services that agriculture alone might not cover.

Shaping Uganda’s Economic Growth​: The marriage of these two sectors is more than just a local success story; it is a national economic strategy. As Uganda moves toward middle-income status, Agritourism acts as a catalyst for:​

Value Addition: Encouraging farmers to process their goods (e.g., roasting coffee, making honey) to sell directly to tourists.

​Rural De-urbanization: By creating viable jobs in the countryside, we reduce the pressure on cities like Kampala and Fort Portal.​

National Branding: Uganda becomes known not just for its gorillas, but for its hospitality, its flavors, and its innovation in sustainable living.

Join the Journey​: The Kitara Foundation remains committed to building the capacity of rural communities to host the world. We invite you to step off the beaten path and into the gardens of Uganda. When you visit a community farm, you aren’t just a tourist—you are a partner in our growth.