Farmers in Mityana District are taking deliberate steps to improve the quality and market value of their coffee through collaboration, innovation, and skills development, as they respond to growing demand both locally and internationally.
Under organised farmer groups such as Nkokonjeru Area Cooperative Enterprises and Semalungu Development Initiative, growers have formed a joint partnership aimed at equipping farmers with modern coffee farming practices. The initiative focuses on training at the grassroots level to promote better agronomic methods that can enhance both yield and quality.
As part of these efforts, the groups have established a modern coffee drying facility in Kyamusisi, Kalangaalo Sub-county. The facility is expected to address one of the key challenges affecting coffee quality--poor post-harvest handling.
"Coffee remains one of the most important cash crops with strong market potential, but its quality has recently been affected by poor handling practices at the farm level," said Joseph Magezi, one of the farmers.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Agricultural experts working with the cooperative say the intervention is timely, noting that many farmers have struggled to meet required standards due to limited knowledge and resources. Emmanuel Tumwizire, an agricultural advisor with Nkokonjeru Area Cooperative Enterprises, highlighted some of the persistent challenges.
"Farmers face constraints such as limited access to quality seedlings and inadequate funding, which affect productivity and overall output," he said. "However, with proper training and improved facilities like this dryer, we expect to see significant improvement."
The newly launched coffee dryer is designed to help farmers process their produce under controlled conditions, ensuring uniform drying and higher-quality beans. Stakeholders say this will enable farmers to access more competitive markets and earn better incomes.
"With this facility, farmers will be able to maintain high standards, which is critical for both local consumption and export markets," Tumwizire added.
Farmers have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that it will improve their livelihoods despite ongoing financial challenges.
"We believe this is a step in the right direction. If we continue working together and receive more support, we can improve our earnings and sustain our farms," one farmer said.
At the national level, the Uganda National Farmers Federation has pledged support for such grassroots initiatives. Its president, Dick Kamuganga, said efforts are underway to engage government authorities on the challenges affecting farmers.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"We are committed to presenting farmers' concerns to the relevant authorities so that practical solutions can be found," he said. "There is a need for stronger support from both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance to empower local farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs."
Experts continue to encourage farmers to prioritise quality production and embrace value addition as a pathway to increased profitability. By investing in improved farming techniques and post-harvest technologies, stakeholders believe Uganda's coffee sector can achieve sustainable growth while enhancing rural livelihoods.
