Essential Oil Crops Commercialization for Sustainable Public Health Products Development and Rational Promotion. (EOCCPHP).

Abstract

The Essential Oil Crops Commercialization for Sustainable Public Health Products Development and Rational Promotion (EOCCPHP) project seeks to transform Uganda’s essential oils sector through the cultivation, processing, and commercialization of aromatic crops such as lemongrass, rosemary, and lemon eucalyptus. The project aims to reduce dependence on imported synthetic essential oils while promoting locally produced natural alternatives for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, aromatherapy, and public health applications. Using a participatory approach involving model farms, farmer training, out-grower schemes, steam distillation technology, and quality assurance by the Uganda Bureau of Standards (UBOS), the project successfully developed market-ready products including herbal jellies, mosquito repellents, cough syrups, and liquid soaps. The initiative demonstrated the economic and public health potential of Uganda’s essential oils industry by improving farmer livelihoods, promoting value addition, strengthening domestic supply chains, and producing products that meet national and international quality standards. The policy brief recommends increased government investment, farmer capacity building, research and innovation, infrastructure development, and market support to establish a competitive and sustainable essential oils industry that contributes to Uganda’s National Development Plan III and the Sustainable Development Goals.