Cooperatives help Ugandan farmers thrive 

Uganda's cooperative movement has been a cornerstone of rural development since its inception, empowering farmers across the country through collective action and mutual support.

Coffee growers in southern regional cooperatives have played a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity, fostering community resilience, and promoting economic stability.

Cooperatives emerged in Uganda as a response to exploitative trade practices during the colonial era, initially organized by African farmers seeking fair prices for their produce.

Today, these cooperative societies continue to unite farmers, providing them with a unified voice in negotiating prices and accessing markets.

Mr. Ali Kagobbe, a coffee farmer and member of the Kibinge Coffee Farmers Cooperative society in Bukomansimbi District, attests to the transformative impact of cooperatives.

"Before joining the cooperative, we struggled with middlemen who paid us poorly for our coffee beans. Now, through collective bargaining and direct market access, we earn better prices and have improved our livelihoods because through our Kibinge coffee cooperative, we export our coffee directly abroad."

The cooperative model has enabled farmers to engage in value addition and export, significantly boosting their income.

Ms. Josephine Namuddu, also a member of the Kibinge coffee farmers’ cooperative society, explains.

"Our cooperative not only markets our coffee but also provides us with training on modern farming techniques. This has increased our yields and allowed us to diversify our crops."

Namuddu, also said that their Cooperatives also facilitate access to credit and agricultural inputs, crucial for small-scale farmers.

"Through our cooperative, we can secure loans for purchasing fertilizers and improving our farming. This has helped us expand our coffee production and meet market demands."

Beyond economic benefits, cooperatives promote social cohesion and community development.

Mr.Donovic Kwehangana, a member of St.Ludovic foundation and cooperative union in Lwengo, highlights, "Our cooperative supports us not only financially but also socially. We share knowledge, support each other during challenging times, and contribute to local development projects like building schools and health centres."

While cooperatives have thrived in Uganda, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic hurdles, and occasional mismanagement have hindered their full potential.

Mr. Sowedi Sserwadda, the chairperson of Kibinge coffee cooperative society in Bukomansimbi, points out, "Government support is crucial for the sustainability of cooperatives. We need policies that facilitate access to markets, improve infrastructure, and provide training for cooperative management."

As Uganda celebrates the International Day of Cooperatives, themed "Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All," stakeholders call for renewed commitment to strengthening cooperatives.

Senior Pastor Fred Ssekyeewa, the CEO of Celebrate hope coffee business center in Kyotera district, also a cooperative development expert, emphasizes,

"Cooperatives are engines of economic growth and social development. With strategic government support and community engagement, they can play an even greater role in transforming livelihoods across Uganda."

Uganda's cooperative movement continues to empower farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and foster community development.

Through solidarity, shared resources, and collective decision-making, cooperatives remain a vital force in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for rural communities.

Recently while meeting coffee farmers in Lwengo district, Uganda Coffee Development Authority said starting next year, coffee farmers will be able to directly sell their coffee internationally since all licenses of the exporting agencies that have traditionally bought coffee from Ugandan farmers are expiring on December, 31, 2024 but, this will benefit only those who were in cooperatives.