Coffee farmers in Bulera Sub-county have received renewed support aimed at improving productivity and soil fertility, as the Buganda Cultural and Development Foundation (BUCADEF), in partnership with Cafe Africa, intensified efforts to strengthen coffee farming as a sustainable source of income.
The two organisations visited Bulera to assess the progress of farmers who have been benefiting from ongoing technical support, while also distributing additional resources to enhance coffee quality and yields.
As part of the outreach, farmers were supplied with bean seeds for intercropping in their coffee gardens — a practice expected to improve soil fertility, enhance moisture retention and increase overall farm productivity. The initiative aligns with a broader campaign to promote modern coffee agronomy practices across Ssingo County under the Buganda Kingdom’s coffee development strategy.
A key feature of the programme is the involvement of trained youth extension workers under BUCADEF. During the field visit, the youth demonstrated practical skills in coffee pruning and crop management, including techniques for removing old and unproductive stems to stimulate the growth of young shoots and improve yields.
Fred Mulalira Kawuma, Chairperson of the Board at Cafe Africa and Coffee Ambassador for Africa, said the programme has successfully built a network of local expertise to support farmers at the grassroots level.
“In Ssingo alone, we have trained about 14 youth who are playing a critical role in guiding farmers within their communities. Their work is helping to improve coffee management and increase productivity,” Kawuma said.
He added that the distribution of bean seeds for intercropping will contribute to restoring soil nutrients and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coffee farming in the area.
Harriet Namusisi, a field officer with BUCADEF, explained that integrating beans into coffee gardens will provide farmers with additional harvests and diversified income streams.
“Farmers will now benefit from multiple harvests within the same piece of land. This will improve household food security while also increasing their earnings,” Namusisi noted.
Youth trainers involved in the programme reported noticeable improvements since they began mobilising and training farmers at the village level.
“We are seeing clear progress in how farmers manage their coffee gardens. Proper pruning and field management have significantly improved the performance of the crop,” one of the trainers said.
The intervention reflects growing efforts to professionalise coffee farming in Ssingo County by combining technical training, youth empowerment and soil restoration practices. Stakeholders believe the integrated approach will improve coffee quality, raise household incomes and strengthen the region’s agricultural economy in the long term.