As coffee growing becomes increasingly vital to global agricultural economies, Kyaggwe, a County in Buganda Kingdom, is stepping up strategies to help small-scale coffee farmers.
They’ve just started a new project to create coffee model gardens in different sub-counties. This effort is part of the ‘Mwami Terimba’ program, which aims to revive the tradition of coffee farming in the region.
These model gardens are being set up in Ngongwe, Nyenga, Nakifuma, and Buikwe sub-counties, each covering about two acres.
The goal is to provide local farmers with practical examples and support to help them grow better coffee and boost their farming success.
According to County Chief Vincent Bintubizibu Matovu, the new coffee model gardens are designed to fight poverty and strengthen the Buganda Kingdom.
He explained that coffee was once a major cash crop in the area, but it gradually disappeared, leading to increased poverty among local people.
“To boost the local economy, we decided to create these model gardens as learning centres for small-scale farmers. They will provide the basic knowledge needed to grow coffee successfully,” Matovu said.
Kyaggwe was once part of a larger region in Buganda known for its coffee production, but over time, coffee farming declined due to various issues, including diseases and a shift from farming to trade.
“For a stronger Buganda, we need hardworking people who are self-sufficient and can afford their daily needs. Coffee can help families educate their children and handle emergencies,” Matovu added.
He also mentioned that a new coffee processing plant is planned for Kyaggwe’s Nakisunga Sub County, ensuring that coffee grown in the area is processed locally rather than being brought in from other regions.
The county has pledged to provide 100,000 coffee seedlings to farmers, and 3,000 seedlings were handed out during the launch event in Mukono Municipality.
Fred Mutyaba, a coffee farmer from Nkulagirire Village, noted that coffee farming was once common in Kyaggwe but was abandoned for trade.
He shared that abandoned coffee gardens eventually became overgrown and affected by diseases, making coffee farming seem like a thing of the past.
“After exploring various businesses, many now see that coffee is more profitable and sustainable. With the new model gardens, we hope to bring back the glory of coffee farming,” Mutyaba said.
Rev. Father Ponsiano Musoke, the Parish Priest of Kkoome Island, is thankful for the county’s new coffee initiative.
He believes it will offer a valuable alternative to many unemployed residents on the island, especially after recent fishing restrictions imposed by the army.
Musoke sees coffee growing as a promising option that could significantly benefit the islanders by providing a new source of income.
Alex Musisi, a retired agricultural officer with 39 years of experience, points out that many people in Kyaggwe had previously turned to fishing and trade, while those who continued with coffee farming eventually gave up due to low prices.
“Currently, coffee is only grown on a small scale in Kyaggwe. Few people manage their gardens well, and many younger individuals have sold their land. Older residents who still own land often lack the energy and funds for farming,” Musisi explains.
He advises farmers to focus on investing in coffee gardens rather than solely on other businesses.
Musisi also recommends testing the land before applying fertilizers, which can be done for free at the district.
“With proper care, a well-maintained coffee tree can produce up to 8 kilograms of coffee per harvest,” he adds.
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