Sunflower oil is commonly used in food as a frying oil, and in cosmetic formulations as an emollient. Sunflower oil is primarily composed of linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fat, and oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat. Through selective breeding and manufacturing processes, oils of differing proportions of the fatty acids are produced.
How many farmers grow sunflowers in northern Uganda?
At present, Lira District dominates in number of farmers growing sunflower in Northern Uganda as asserted by SNV (2009), that Ogur Sub County alone has 52,200 farmers.
When was sunflower introduced to Uganda?
In Uganda, the exact date for the introduction of sunflower is not known either is it recorded in obtainable literature. According to the National Sunflower Association (2015), sunflower is an indigenous North American crop possibly brought to Uganda in the 1920s and 1930s by missionaries.
Does South Africa produce sunflower seeds?
Elsewhere in Africa, according to Nhundu (2018, September). Sunflower is one of the most vital field crops produced in South Africa, accounting for approximately 60percent of oil seeds produced locally. However, total sunflower seed production is considerably lower than total consumption; making the country a net importer of sunflower.