Bukedi Farmers Turn to Coffee and Cocoa for Economic Revival

Farmers in Uganda’s Bukedi sub-region are increasingly embracing coffee and cocoa cultivation as a more profitable and resilient alternative to traditional crops like cassava and maize. Years of reliance on these crops left many vulnerable to drought, pests, and fluctuating market prices. The introduction of more adaptable coffee and cocoa varieties, developed by agricultural researchers, is sparking a quiet revolution.

Farmers like Jacob Opoya in Tororo District have seen firsthand the benefits. After experiencing significant crop losses due to unpredictable rains, Opoya switched to coffee three years ago. “When the first coffee matured, I saw the difference; less watering, fewer losses and buyers started lining up at my gate,” he shared.

Traditionally grown in central and Bugisu regions, coffee is now finding fertile ground in Bukedi. These new varieties require less intensive care and command higher prices than staple grains. Phibby Otaala Awere, a farmer from Tororo, credits coffee for funding her children’s education, noting that neighbours who once pitied her decision are now following suit.

The government is actively supporting this shift through initiatives like the Parish Development Model, which includes training and subsidized seedlings. Efforts are also underway to promote value addition and improve crop quality through programs like solar drying. This focus on resilience is crucial as climate change impacts traditional agriculture.

Tororo District’s senior agricultural officer, John Obbo Othieno, expressed optimism, stating that coffee and cocoa have the potential to transform households in what has historically been a “chronically poor” region. A regional campaign has been launched to scale up production across seven districts, aiming to boost export revenue and reduce poverty, which currently affects a significant portion of households dependent on subsistence farming.

Vice President Jessica Alupo has urged communities to prioritize coffee and cocoa, highlighting coffee’s status as a major foreign exchange earner for Uganda and its potential to elevate households from poverty to prosperity. She encouraged replacing ornamental plants with income-generating coffee bushes.

To further bolster the sector, there are calls for government funding for decentralized mother gardens and multiplication centers to ensure the availability of high-quality, pest-resistant seedlings. Additionally, proposals include expanding drying and storage facilities and attracting foreign buyers to minimize post-harvest losses and maximize farmer profits.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/bukedi-farmers-find-new-hope-in-coffee-cocoa-farming-5563136