Coffee farmers in Ibanda District have launched a new initiative aimed at improving the production of high-quality coffee that meets international market standards.
Operating under the Uganda Specialist Coffee Growers Initiative, the farmers are working together to enhance coffee quality through better farming, harvesting, processing and post-harvest handling practices.
The initiative comes at a time when coffee farming continues to expand across the district, with more households embracing the crop as a reliable source of income.
Organizers say the focus is not only on increasing production but also on ensuring that farmers produce premium-quality coffee capable of competing in regional and international markets.
Speaking during the launch of the farmers' unit, coffee agriculturalist Praise Akampurira said many farmers have ventured into coffee growing but still lack the technical knowledge needed to maintain quality throughout the production chain.
"Many farmers have embraced coffee farming, but a number of them still lack knowledge on proper crop management, harvesting, processing and post-harvest handling. Through this initiative, we want to equip them with practical skills that will enable them to produce quality coffee for better markets," Akampurira said.
Akampurira explained that the initiative will provide continuous training on best agronomic practices, proper use of agricultural inputs, quality harvesting methods and appropriate processing techniques. She noted that improving farmers’ knowledge will ultimately increase productivity and household incomes.
Ibanda District Agriculture Officer Tito Mugabe acknowledged that coffee farmers continue to face several production challenges, particularly the effects of climate change. He said prolonged dry spells have significantly affected coffee yields in many parts of the district.
"Climate change, especially prolonged dry spells, remains one of the biggest challenges facing our coffee farmers. However, through the government's co-funding programme, where farmers contribute 25 percent of the cost, many are adopting micro-irrigation systems to reduce the impact of drought and improve production," Mugabe said.
Mugabe also cited pests and diseases, particularly the coffee twig borer, as another major threat to coffee production. He urged farmers to work closely with agricultural extension officers in their respective sub-counties to ensure early detection and effective management of pests and diseases.
"The coffee twig borer continues to reduce coffee yields in some areas. We encourage farmers to regularly consult agricultural officers so they can receive timely technical advice on pest and disease control," he added.
The coordinator of the coffee farmers, Aggrey Nabimanya, said the formation of the unit will strengthen cooperation among farmers and improve the quality of coffee produced in Ibanda. He expressed confidence that the initiative will position local farmers to compete in national and international coffee markets.
"This initiative brings farmers together to learn from one another and improve the quality of our coffee. Our goal is to produce coffee that meets national and international standards while increasing farmers' incomes and improving their livelihoods," Nabimanya said.
Local leaders and farmers have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will strengthen coffee value chains in the district.
They believe that with improved farming practices, effective pest management and greater investment in irrigation, Ibanda is well-positioned to become one of Uganda's leading producers of high-quality coffee.
