Written By |
Coffee farmers in Ntungamo during the coffee engagement at Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo district. Photo: Jovita Hasto
Search
By Jovita Hasto
NTUNGAMO – Coffee farmers in Ankole have turned to an innovative approach—a marathon—to promote coffee farming, encourage value addition, and advocate for women's inclusion in the coffee industry.
The farmers say they have been earning meager returns from coffee despite being primary growers, while countries that do not grow coffee profit significantly from it.
Now, the farmers want to see local producers—especially women—reap the full benefits of their labor from planting to harvesting.
The event will take place in Rwashamire Village, Kajara County in Ntungamo District, at the Africa Coffee Park, during Coffee Week, scheduled from May 21 to 24, 2025. The event aims to celebrate the resilience, dedication, and contributions of rural women in the coffee sector.
Mr. Dan Kaguta, Chairperson of Coffee Growers in Rwashamire, said it's time for local farmers to benefit more directly from their efforts, rather than letting foreign nations that don’t grow coffee profit disproportionately.
He explained that the Coffee Marathon, set for May 24, is intended to promote value addition, create market linkages, and inspire others to engage in coffee farming for long-term economic gain.
“Here in Uganda, a kilogram of coffee earns a local farmer about UGX 15,000, yet in other countries, the same amount fetches over UGX 150,000. We want to change that so our farmers can earn more from their hard work,” he said.
Mr Dan Kaguta (third right) the chairperson of coffee farmers in Ntungamo district launching the coffee marathon slated 24, May 2025, aimed at coffee value addition and women inclusion
Mr. Kaguta also noted that women are often the ones who tend to coffee gardens, yet they rarely see the proceeds from coffee sales, as men usually control the earnings. He revealed that proceeds from the marathon will go toward establishing a women’s SACCO to empower them financially.
“Women do most of the work—from harvesting to drying coffee—but they don’t benefit. This marathon will help create a SACCO so they can borrow money and invest in their farms,” he added.
Mr. Nicholas Asiimwe Banginzi, a coffee farmer in Ntungamo, emphasized the importance of promoting the coffee industry beyond politics.
“We must put politics aside and grow the coffee sector. This initiative is vital, and I thank Parliament and taxpayers for funding this program,” he said.
He also urged Ugandans to regard coffee as both a cash crop and a food crop, noting that colonial systems were designed to benefit foreign powers while African farmers remained impoverished.
“This is a week of celebration, and it’s time to reclaim what’s ours. The colonial system was built to benefit colonial masters, but now we must benefit from our own coffee,” he said.
He added that the vision behind the marathon is to empower Ugandan coffee farmers—especially in Ankole—so they too can profit from the global coffee trade.
Ms. Peace Musiime, Chairperson of the Women Coffee Farmers Association in Ntungamo, welcomed the initiative, saying it would boost productivity and help families through improved access to agricultural inputs.
“If this SACCO becomes a reality, it will help us acquire irrigation systems, mulching materials, and organic fertilizers—all of which are critical for producing quality coffee,” she said.
She encouraged women across Uganda to embrace coffee farming as a sustainable source of income for their families.
“I urge all women to get involved in coffee farming. It has helped us raise our families, and it’s a reliable source of income,” she added.
Ms. Molly Kyohairwe, a coffee farmer from Kyabinengo Cell, Butande Ward, Ihunga Parish in Kajara County, said they have long sold coffee on credit due to financial hardships. She believes the SACCO initiative by Inspire Coffee Africa will change that.
“We’ve suffered as women, doing all the work yet earning little. This project will stop us from selling immature coffee just to meet urgent family needs,” she said.
Ms. Kyohairwe is hopeful that the SACCO will enable women to secure loans, boost productivity, and improve family livelihoods.
“We’ve been selling a basin of coffee for as low as UGX 10,000 just to survive. With this SACCO, we hope to access loans and grow better coffee,” she said.
Torch Media Africa
