Uganda intensifies efforts to develop climate-resilient coffee varieties
UGANDA – Uganda’s Parliament has called on the National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI) to accelerate efforts in developing climate-resistant coffee varieties to protect the country’s coffee sector from climate change-related threats.
Members of the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries made the appeal during an oversight visit to NaCORI’s research facility in Kituuza, Mukono District.
Legislators emphasized the critical role of agricultural innovation in securing the future of coffee production, a key driver of Uganda’s export earnings.
Kapelabyong County MP Anthony Esenu highlighted the importance of research in developing resilient coffee and cocoa varieties, particularly for climate-vulnerable regions like Karamoja.
He stressed that climate-adaptive crops would enhance productivity and promote inclusion in government-led wealth creation initiatives.
Godfrey Arinaitwe, Executive Director of NaCORI, welcomed Parliament’s support and revealed that the institute has developed ten climate-resilient coffee varieties, labeled KR-1 to KR-10.
These varieties are currently undergoing trials in northern Uganda and Karamoja, where researchers are analyzing soil and climatic conditions to determine their adaptability.
“Our team is working tirelessly to develop coffee varieties that can withstand extreme weather conditions,” Dr. Arinaitwe said. “We are committed to ensuring that Ugandan farmers can continue coffee production sustainably despite climate challenges.”
However, the Private Nursery Operators Association raised concerns over financial constraints affecting seedling production.
The association disclosed that nursery operators are struggling due to unpaid arrears amounting to UGX 35.5 billion, which threatens the availability of high-quality planting materials.
As Africa’s second-largest coffee exporter, Uganda’s coffee industry supports the livelihoods of approximately 12 million people.
With 126 out of 135 districts engaged in coffee production—primarily in the central, eastern, and western regions—the sector contributes between 15-17% of the country’s export earnings.
In 2024, Uganda exported 6.37 million bags of coffee worth US$1.55 billion, reflecting a 4.12% increase in quantity and a 60.61% surge in value compared to 2023.
December 2024 exports remained strong, with 413,221 60-kg bags valued at US$115.02 million, up from 400,536 bags worth US$108.91 million in November.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing coffee quality standards following the Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Expenditure (RAPEX) program.
Earlier this month, MAAIF reiterated that all regulatory mechanisms previously under the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) remain operational, with penalties imposed on those violating coffee quality standards.
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