By Brian Opio
Coffee farmers in Northern Uganda, the Lango and Acholi communities have secured the opportunity to export their coffee directly to North America through the Northern Coffee Alliance.
This initiative is expected to significantly improve the livelihoods of local farmers by providing them with direct access to international markets.Denis Obita, a representative of the Luo Foundation and Northern Coffee Alliance, has pledged to support coffee farmers in the Lira District by gathering data on their activities and addressing prevalent challenges.
He emphasized the need for increased awareness and stakeholder support to help farmers optimize their production methods. “Farmers in Lira District lack information and support. Many are still employing traditional methods of coffee cultivation, and others are not doing it correctly. This reflects a lack of information and support,” said Obita.
Obita urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural technology and take advantage of the resources provided by the Northern Coffee Alliance to enhance the quality of their produce and boost their export potential.
With a focus on quality control and improved production processes, the initiative aims to position Lango and Acholi coffee as a competitive product on the global market.
Beyond benefiting existing farmers, Obita encouraged young people to consider coffee farming as a viable and sustainable economic activity. “Coffee farming is an excellent initiative, and above all, it can endure for two generations once planted, making it a positive move for financial stability. So, my dear youth, take coffee farming seriously as a worthwhile venture,” he added.
George Okora, Chairperson of the Agali Coffee Cooperative Society and head of Coffee Farmers in Lira District, welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude for the Northern Coffee Alliance’s efforts.”In the previous season, we were selling our coffee at 2,000 shillings, and some middlemen increased the price to 7,000 shillings. I hope the export will be more profitable than what we earn in the local market,” said Okora.
Despite this promising development, many farmers have struggled with challenges such as drought, which has adversely affected production due to a lack of mulching and other protective measures.
With direct access to North American markets, the Northern Coffee Alliance’s initiative is expected to provide not only financial gains but also technical support, empowering farmers to produce high-quality coffee that meets international standards.
ENDS
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