Ugandan Coffee Farmers Urged To Register Plantations To Enhance Traceability And Protect Farmers From Exploitation – CoffeeTalk

Coffee farmers in Busujju County are being urged to register their plantations under a new EU-backed system to enhance traceability, protect farmers from exploitation, and meet international market standards. The sensitization drive was led by the Buganda Cultural and Development Foundation (BUCADEF) in partnership with Cafe Africa and EDU, who trained farmers on proper management and quality control of their coffee.

Several farmers expressed concern over the impact of climate change, noting that unpredictable weather patterns are increasingly disrupting coffee seasons and causing coffee trees to dry up. Poor harvesting practices, such as plucking immature beans, compromise the overall quality of the crop. Cafe Africa trainers emphasized the importance of registration, explaining that it protects farmers from exploitation by middlemen and strengthens their bargaining power.

BUCADEF’s Executive Director, Andrew Bakyuusa, urged farmers to embrace intercropping as a way of combating the harsh effects of climate change on coffee plantations. He encouraged planting bananas and shade trees in their coffee gardens to conserve soil moisture, protect the coffee from extreme heat, and improve yields.

The Kabaka’s representative in Busujju, Israel Lubega Maaso, expressed concern that many farmers still do not understand the importance of registering their plantations. He cautioned traders against exploiting farmers by mixing coffee from different sources, noting that such practices compromise quality and damage Uganda’s reputation on the global market.

Coffee remains Uganda’s leading cash crop and a key source of livelihood in Busujju and beyond. Stakeholders believe that with proper registration, improved agronomic practices, and stronger quality control, farmers will be better positioned to withstand climate shocks and benefit from premium prices on the international market.

Read More @ Nile Post