UGANDA – With less than two months remaining before the registration deadline, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has urged local government leaders to help raise awareness and promote the registration of coffee farmers and stakeholders.
The registration is part of the country’s effort to comply with European Union (EU) deforestation-free product standards.
UCDA has registered over 100,000 coffee farming households as part of an ongoing national registration campaign. The registration drive, which is set to end on December 31, 2024, seeks to enrol 1.8 million coffee farming households across Uganda.
“The target is to register 1.8 million coffee farmers before the year ends. As of now, we’ve successfully registered 100,000 coffee farmers, and another 5,000 farmers have been registered in Kasese District through a parallel effort by the UNDP,” Israel Ssebugenyi, the Technology Development Manager at UCDA, said.
Ssebugenyi confirmed that the campaign is progressing smoothly, with no major resistance from farmers.
The system is a critical step in ensuring that Uganda’s coffee industry meets international standards, particularly the EUDR, which requires that products exported to the EU be deforestation-free.
“We cannot overstate the importance of this registration process,” UCDA Corporate Communications Manager Laura Walusimbi, noted. “It is essential for improving market access, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations, and supporting the sustainable growth of our coffee sector.”
“It is essential for improving market access, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations, and supporting the sustainable growth of our coffee sector.”
The EU accounts for more than 60% of the country’s coffee exports, making it crucial for Uganda to meet sustainability standards.
Gilbert Rubaihayo, the Kyenjojo District Chairperson urged UCDA to ramp up efforts to sensitise farmers about the initiative, especially in remote areas.
He explained that many farmers are still in the dark about this important exercise and need more awareness efforts to ensure that all farmers understand the benefits and the requirements of the registration process.
Walusimbi emphasized that the registration process is free of charge and aims to build a comprehensive database of coffee stakeholders, from farmers to exporters.
According to Walusumbi, once the farmers are registered, they will benefit from better access to extension services, updated market information, and global trade opportunities.
She added “This is an opportunity for Uganda’s coffee industry to strengthen its global competitiveness and ensure future growth. We must all work together to make this a success.”
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Tumwizire, the UCDA Regional Manager for Rwenzori sub region, noted that poverty cannot be an excuse for unsustainable practices.
He explained to farmers that by harvesting mature coffee, they can earn a reasonable income, but stripping coffee might seem like a quick solution that ultimately leads to lower-quality beans and reduced earnings.
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