Buganda's Coffee Farmers Grapple with Drought and Declining Prices

Coffee farmers across the Buganda region are experiencing a difficult period, facing a dual challenge of crop damage and reduced income. A prolonged dry spell has scorched gardens in key coffee-producing districts, impacting yields and quality.

For numerous smallholder farmers, each coffee tree is a vital asset, representing income for school fees, household necessities, and future investments in their farms. The current climate conditions and market downturn are therefore posing a significant threat to their economic stability.

This situation is particularly concerning given coffee’s crucial role in Uganda’s export economy. The nation relies heavily on coffee shipments for foreign exchange, with the crop being one of its leading commodity exports. The current struggles in Buganda could have wider implications for the agricultural sector and national export figures.

Farmers are now contending with the dual impact of reduced harvests due to the drought and the disheartening reality of lower prices for their produce. This combination is squeezing profit margins and making it challenging for them to recover from the losses incurred.

The Ministry of Agriculture has acknowledged the extreme temperatures driven by the dry spell, highlighting the meteorological factors contributing to the crop damage. The resilience of this vital sector is being tested as farmers navigate these adversizing conditions.