Kilimohai organic - Kilimo Hai

Kilimohai Organic

What is Kilimohai Organic?

Kilimohai Organic is the East African Organic Mark, which is used for and on organic products certified in accordance to the East African Organic Products Standards (EAOPS) or an equivalent organic standard. It is used in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi ensuring adherence to organic farming that ensures sustainable production practices excluding synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) . It helps consumers to identify which products comply with the organic standards, as they are certified—and thus serves as ‘guarantee label’.

What does the Kilimohai Organic Mark represent?

Certified Organic Production: Indicates that crops or processed foods are grown and handled without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or GMOs.
Regional recognition: The mark is endorsed by national organic movements including the Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM) in Tanzania, Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) in Kenya, and the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU) in Uganda, making it valid across East Africa.
Consumer Assurance: Provides confidence to consumers that the products they purchase meet stringent organic standards.
Generally, kilimohai organic represent Quality, Trust and Guarantee.

How the certification works

Farmers and processors can obtain the Kilimohai Organic Mark through:

To learn more about our mission, values, and the benefits of organic living, Link of brochures

Organic Info

Third Party Certification: Conducted by accredited bodies like AfriCert Ltd, which assess compliance with EAOPS.

Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS): A community-based approach where farmers collectively ensure adherence to organic standards through peer reviews and shared responsibility

The use of the mark is approved by the National Organic Agriculture Movements (NOAMs) of the five East African countries (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi), who are the custodians of the Kilimohai Organic Mark in their respective countries.

How Kilimohai Organic is Produced

Kilimohai Organic certification is a guarantee that products are grown, processed, and handled in accordance with the EAOPS. Here’s how Kilimohai Organic products are produced

Organic Info

Soil Management: Organic farming begins with healthy soil. Farmers use natural compost, cover crops, and a sound crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and structure. This approach enhances the soil’s ability to retain nutrients and water, creating naturally rich soils.

Pest and Weed Control: Instead of relying on synthetic pesticides and herbicides, organic farmers use natural pest control methods such as beneficial insects, trap crops, and physical barriers. Where possible, adapted varieties are grown that are naturally more resistant to pests and diseases. These methods overall help to better cope with pests, while weeds are only controlled manually. Here, bringing back the biomass of weeds is an important concept to enrich the soil with organic matter.

Biodiversity: Organic farms encourage biodiversity by planting a variety of crops and preserving natural habitats for wildlife. This diversity promotes ecological balance and reduces the risk of crop failure, as farms also provide important habitats for beneficial insects, which help to control pests.

Water Conservation: Organic farmers prioritize water conservation through improved water retention in the soil and techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. These methods ensure efficient water use, preserving this precious resource - even more so as it is not contaminated with chemicals.

Animal Welfare: Livestock on Kilimohai Organic farms are raised in humane conditions with access to outdoor spaces and organic feed. The use of hormones to stimulate growth artificially is prohibited. Overall, Kilimohai Organic strongly endorses animal health and well-being, and naturally-produced meat and dairy products without the use of GMOs.

Soil Management: Organic farming begins with healthy soil. Farmers use natural compost, cover crops, and a sound crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and structure. This approach enhances the soil’s ability to retain nutrients and water, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Pest and Weed Control: Instead of relying on synthetic pesticides and herbicides, Kilimohai Organic farmers use natural pest control methods such as beneficial insects, trap crops, and physical barriers. Where possible, also varieties are grown that are naturally more resistant to pests and diseases. These methods overall help to better cope with pests, while weeds are only controlled manually. Here, bringing back the biomass of weeds is an important concept, so to also enrich the soil with organic matter
Biodiversity: Kilimohai Organic farms encourage biodiversity by planting a variety of crops and preserving natural habitats for wildlife. This diversity promotes ecological balance and reduces the risk of crop failure, as farms also provide important habitats for beneficial insects, which help to control pests.
Water Conservation: Organic farmers prioritize water conservation through improved water retention in the soil and techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. These methods ensure efficient water use, preserving this precious resource—even more so as it is not contaminated with chemicals.
Animal Welfare: Livestock on Kilimohai Organic farms are raised in humane conditions with access to outdoor spaces and organic feed. The use of hormones to stimulate growth artificially is prohibited. Overall, Kilimohai Organic strongly endorses animal health and well-being, and naturally-produced meat and dairy products

Where to buy Kilimohai Organic in Tanzania

Organic Stores Location Map (I am Organic, Be Organic shop, SAT shops, Shoppers plaza), Buying directly from farmers?

How Do I Know that a Product is Kilimohai Certified?

Look out for the Kilimohai Mark!

Just by physical observation it is highly unlikely that you can discern whether a product is organic – the best way to do that is to look out for the Kilimohai Organic Mark or ask the vendors who are the main suppliers.

Since organic certification relies on traceability to guarantee authenticity of the produce, vendors have to always know where their products come from.