Ugandan officials are urging swift action to rescue coffee farmers, warning that the global price collapse is threatening rural livelihoods and the nation’s coffee sector.
Global Coffee Price Crash Hits Uganda
Uganda’s coffee farmers are struggling after export prices dropped by over 50 percent in just one month. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that coffee prices fell from Shs18,481 per kilogram in April to Shs9,689 by May.
This sharp decline is mainly due to increased coffee production in Brazil and Vietnam. As a result, many Ugandan smallholders face reduced incomes and uncertainty.
Ms Connie Acayo, Assistant Commissioner for Communications at the Ministry of Agriculture, stressed the urgency to rescue coffee farmers. “They need support in production, quality management, value addition, and transportation,” she explained during a stakeholder meeting in Kampala on June 26.
Low-Quality Practices Reducing Farmer Incomes
Improving coffee quality is essential for farmers to earn better prices. Unfortunately, some producers still dry coffee on bare ground, which lowers its grade and market value.
“Some farmers do not understand the grading process,” Acayo explained. “We need to train them and sensitise communities so they can meet international quality standards.”
She emphasised the shift towards high-grade specialty coffee, which fetches premium prices globally and strengthens Uganda’s competitiveness.
Existing Government Programmes Fall Short
Despite government efforts like Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and the Parish Development Model, smallholders continue to face major obstacles.
“We have invested billions, but what results can we show? We have failed farmers by not providing the right support,” Acayo admitted.
This lack of impact reflects poor coordination and failure to address the real needs of those on the ground.
Policymakers Urged to Engage Directly with Farmers
Many officials seem disconnected from the challenges farmers face daily. Ambassador Phillip Idro, Special Advisor at OWC, shared his experience: “I recently visited Kamuli. A farmer told me her biggest problem was transport, yet I was focused on other issues.”
Understanding farmers’ specific challenges, such as transport, inputs, and market access, is crucial to rescue coffee farmers effectively.
Mechanisation as a Solution for Productivity
Farmers also lack access to affordable technology. Mechanisation could significantly boost productivity, yet most smallholders cannot afford essential tools.
Acayo called for wider access to walking tractors, which help farmers cultivate up to three acres per day.
Mr Frank Muhumuza of Hello Tractor Uganda agreed, highlighting how technology can bridge the gap. “We connect farmers with affordable mechanisation, while creating income for tractor owners,” he explained.
Strengthening Partnerships to Support Farmers
The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), active in Uganda since 1986, continues to promote regenerative agriculture, market access, and nutrition-sensitive farming.
SAA President Mr Shuichi Suzuki emphasised working directly with farmers. “We need inclusive, resilient approaches to make the sector thrive,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Mel Oluoch, SAA’s Director for Strategic Partnerships, urged Uganda to learn from Ethiopia. Strong partnerships between government, academia, and private actors have boosted Ethiopia’s wheat production—Uganda could apply the same model to rescue coffee farmers.
Climate-Smart Farming and Soil Fertility Improvements
Soil health and climate adaptation are critical for coffee farming success. Prof Peter Ebanyat from Makerere University called for better farmer training on soil fertility management and climate-suitable crops.
These practices would help farmers improve yields and build resilience against future price shocks.
A Coordinated Approach is Key
Mr Robert Anyang, SAA’s Uganda Country Director, stressed the importance of collaboration. “One bee alone cannot make honey. We must work together to support farmers,” he explained.
Coordinated efforts among government agencies, private sector partners, and development organisations are vital to truly rescue coffee farmers and protect Uganda’s coffee sector.
Urgent Action Needed to Safeguard Farmers
Without immediate intervention, Uganda’s coffee sector risks collapse. Officials, experts, and development partners agree that to rescue coffee farmers, the country must prioritise quality improvements, affordable mechanisation, market access, and stronger partnerships.
Supporting smallholder farmers is not just necessary—it is essential for Uganda’s economic growth and food security.
Also check: Why coffee prices have drastically reduced