Sesame: | to commodities main page

Background

Sesame, commonly known in Uganda as simsim, is well adapted to Uganda's warm climate and moderate to low rainfall.  Produced in the eastern and northern parts of the country, sesame is traditionally grown by smallholders who have little knowledge of improved production technologies. Varieties that are used normally  yield less than 400kg per hectare.

The sesame seed contains approximately 50% edible oil and 25% protein, and is frequently consumed by farmers as food crop. Commercial uses for sesame in Uganda are expanding and include use in oil extraction, confectionery and animal feeds. 

APEP Interventions

APEP is collaborating with the Ugandan National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO) on field research and the introduction of high yielding sesame varieties, Sesim I and Sesim II. The higher yielding varieties produce as much as 800kg per hectare when combined with sound crop management practices. APEP has established 1000 demonstration sites in conjunction with private sector partners that use high yielding seed varieties and appropriate agronomic practices.   Farmers who have adopted these principles have increased their yields two fold.