The Netherlands government, through the CommonGround project, is empowering farmers in Bunyangabu and Ntoroko districts in western Uganda to engage in large-scale coffee farming.
By providing both financial and technical support, the Netherlands is transforming local communities and enhancing their agricultural productivity.
Impact on Local Farmers
Over the years, farmers in Karugutu Sub-county (Ntoroko District) and Bukara Sub-county (Bunyangabu District) have benefited from CommonGround by establishing coffee seed nurseries. These nurseries provide seedlings that farmers later transplant into their farms, paving the way for thriving coffee plantations.
With the expectation that coffee farming will significantly boost household incomes, many farmers are now embracing it as a full-time occupation. This initiative is securing livelihoods and offering a sustainable path out of poverty.
Netherlands Injects Shs300Bn into Uganda’s Agricultural Sector
In a significant boost to Uganda’s agricultural landscape, the Netherlands government has announced a grant of 80 million Euros (approximately Shs300 billion) to support farmers across various regions of the country.
The announcement was made recently by the new Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda, Fredericke Quispel, during a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at her office in Kampala.
Additionally, the ambassador revealed that her government would allocate 35 million Euros (approximately Shs132 billion) to support Uganda’s regional referral hospitals, further strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
A Sustainable Future for Coffee Farming
Through this initiative, the Netherlands is playing a crucial role in fostering agricultural development in Uganda. With increased investment, technical expertise, and market opportunities, smallholder farmers in the Rwenzori region and beyond are poised for a more prosperous and sustainable future in coffee farming.