Cocoa farming in Mayuge: A bitter sweet reality

By Jaffari Muyinda

Mayuge district, known for its lush green landscapes and fertile soil, is one of the leading cocoa-producing areas in Uganda.

However, the crop that was once a source of pride and income for many farmers is now facing numerous challenges, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and their families.

Despite  government's efforts to eradicate poverty in the Busoga sub-region, including Mayuge, through initiatives like Operation Wealth Creation and the Parish Development Model, cocoa farmers continue to struggle.

The free distribution of more than 20 million cocoa seedlings over the past decade, through Operation Wealth Creation is one of  government's move whose rationality is still feasible but however the crop currently is not yielding to the desired results, as the crop is plagued by pests, diseases, and price fluctuations.

Farmers in Mayuge are at their wit's end, with many expressing frustration and desperation.

"We are tired of watching our crops wither and die due to diseases and pests," said one farmer.

"We need the government to take concrete steps to address these challenges and help us regain our livelihoods."

The plight of cocoa farmers in Mayuge is a bitter sweet reality.

On one hand, the crop has the potential to generate significant income and improve the livelihoods of farmers. On the other hand, the challenges facing the crop are numerous and daunting.

Farmers commended  Operation Wealth Creation coordinators, Col. Uguli Dhamuzungu, Lt col. John Kiggundu among others for the effort saying the challenges facing cocoa farmers in Mayuge are real, but they are not insurmountable.

With the right support and interventions, cocoa farming can once again become a source of pride and income for many farmers in the district.

Urging government and stakeholders to take the plight of cocoa farmers seriously and work towards finding lasting solutions.

Farmers  have protested the government's decision to phase the program even in parts of the country where success was registered, rallying the authorities to revisit the program and up scale it in those specific areas where the program was positive than rolling new programs whose feasibility is under question.

Waiswa Kawuzi, the cocoa focal person in Mayuge district, acknowledges the challenges faced by farmers but reassures them that some of the issues are scientifically normal.

"Pod abortion, for instance, is a natural process in cocoa production and shouldn't cause undue alarm," he explains.

However, he also admits that pests and diseases are a significant threat and recommends the use of pesticides or organic alternatives.

Farmers are hesitant to spray their crops, fearing criticism from overseas markets.

However, Kawuzi encourages them to seek the advice of agricultural extension workers in their respective sub-counties and always visit demonstration gardens established in all sub counties in the whole district to attain knowledge on the best farming practices.

"We need to work together to find solutions to these challenges," he emphasized.

Kawuzi said extension workers are available at Farmers' disposal to extend extension services, and offering training on best practices in cocoa production.

The fate of cocoa farming in Mayuge hangs in the balance, and it is up to the government and stakeholders to ensure that this valuable crop is given the attention it deserves.