agriculture 3 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Shea Butter and Coffee Shine at Gulu Agriculture Expo
Shea butter and coffee dominated the spotlight at the five-day agriculture exhibition in Gulu, blending traditional practices with cutting-edge research to boost northern Uganda's farming economy. Experts highlighted innovations in processing, cultivation, and value addition to help farmers achieve higher incomes and sustainability. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/shea-butter-coffee-take-centre-stage-at-agriculture-exhibition-5412894
The agriculture exhibition at Kaunda Stadium in Gulu has grown into a vibrant hub where farmers explore new ways to enhance their crops through science and tradition.
Shea butter, dubbed northern Uganda’s ‘green gold,’ drew major interest. Frank Mugabi from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro) emphasized its value for women and youth in cosmetics and food. Researchers showcased advanced processing techniques yielding superior butter that meets global standards, offering smoother quality and better prices.
Mugabi warned against cutting down shea trees, which robs communities of future earnings. Naro is now developing faster-maturing varieties to shift from wild harvesting to sustainable farming.
Coffee, traditionally grown elsewhere in Uganda, is gaining traction in the north. The National Coffee Resources Research Institute introduced climate-adapted varieties, with demos on plantation setup, pest control, and post-harvest handling to tap premium markets.
‘Coffee can be a real business here,’ Mugabi stated, promising stable livelihoods with proper methods.
The event stressed precision farming over guesswork, featuring resilient seeds, modern livestock care, and tailored innovations from Naro institutes. Value addition emerged as key, transforming raw goods into marketable products via drying, roasting, and more.
Other highlights included calls for women to invest in export-ready businesses and government efforts to commercialize shea butter while protecting trees.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)