The state Minister for Minerals, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, joined Inspire Africa Coffee during the weekend to launch the first ever Coffee Marathon in Uganda.
The Coffee Marathon, which is set to happen on May 24, 2025, at the Inspire Africa Coffee Park in Kabuhungu Hills, Rwashamire town Council, is themed ‘Uplifting coffee women from poverty’ and aims to raise Shs2 billion to support coffee farmers.
Minister Nyamutoro described the Coffee Marathon as “A cause to support the empowerment of rural women coffee farmers, because many Ugandan stories bear a Coffee livelihood sought through history.”
She noted that envisioning empowered women coffee growers is fast-tracking Uganda’s economic growth while implementing value addition.
However, Nyamutoro’s remarks and the campaign to uplift the livelihoods of coffee farmers come at a time when many of them are crying foul because of the prolonged dry season that has destroyed their plantations.
Climate Change Devastates Coffee Farmers
It is important to note that Uganda’s coffee sector, a crucial economic pillar, is facing an unprecedented threat from drought caused by climate change. The prolonged dry season has destroyed coffee plantations, leaving farmers counting losses and struggling to survive.
Faridah Mbabazi, a climate journalist and activist, contends that among the most-hit areas is Lwengo district in South-central Uganda, where farmers are counting losses because of their coffee plants being scorched by the sun.
While on her recent tour in Lwengo district to asses the impact of drought on coffee plantations, Mbabazi noted that; “It’s deeply heartbreaking to witness the devastating impact of climate change on farmers in Lwengo District. The once-thriving coffee plantations, the backbone of many families’ livelihoods, are now withering under relentless sunshine, which has dried up their water sources. Without access to water to sustain their crops, the farmers’ years of hard work are fading away, leaving them with little hope for the future.”
Impact on Coffee Production
According to Mbabazi, the drought has significantly reduced coffee yields, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on coffee production. Arabica coffee, which is sensitive to temperature changes, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are altering the suitable areas for growing Arabica coffee, threatening the future of Uganda’s coffee industry.
Farmers’ Struggle
Mbabazi observed that this tragedy highlights the harsh reality of climate change not just as an environmental issue but as a crisis that is ravaging the most vulnerable communities.
She cautioned that those who have contributed least to the problem are often the ones suffering most, noting that in Lwengo, it’s not just about crops dying but also lives and livelihoods being erased.
Adaptation Strategies
To mitigate the impacts of climate change, Ugandan coffee farmers are adopting various adaptation strategies, including:
Agroforestry
Integrating coffee with other trees and crops to enhance resilience and improve soil fertility.
Climate-resistant varieties
Adopting robusta coffee varieties that are more resilient to temperature fluctuations and diseases.
Water management practices
Implementing rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation techniques to conserve water.
Soil conservation practices
Using cover cropping, composting, and terracing to combat soil degradation.
The impacts of climate change on Uganda’s coffee sector are far-reaching and devastating. To support coffee farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector, it is essential to prioritize climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
As such, Mbabazi calls upon the Ugandan government, civil society organizations, and international partners to work together to provide farmers with the necessary support and resources to adapt to the changing climate.