For decades, vanilla has been a significant source of income for households in Masaka. However, frustrated by plummeting prices, farmers across the Masaka Sub-region are now turning away from vanilla cultivation, opting instead for coffee and other cash crops.
The dissatisfaction among vanilla farmers stems from the current market offering a mere Shs5,000 per kilogram of mature harvested vanilla, which falls far short of covering the investment costs. Previously, vanilla commanded a price as high as Shs250,000 per kilogram, attracting many farmers to the crop.
Andrew Kyambadde, a prominent vanilla farmer in Lwankoni Sub-county, Kyotera District, notes that the drastic decline in vanilla prices has led to significant losses for farmers. As a result, many have decided to replace vanilla with coffee, a traditional cash crop whose price has been steadily increasing over the past three years.
Emmanuel Mutebi, a farmer in Bukomansimbi District, highlights the diminishing profitability of vanilla farming despite the substantial investment required. Expenses such as purchasing vines, planting, weeding, pollinating, and hiring guards for garden protection contribute to high operational costs.
Sam Ssemanda, a vanilla trader in Kyotera District, advises farmers against uprooting vanilla plants, suggesting that prices are likely to rebound soon. He attributes the current price fluctuations to market oversupply and anticipates a normalization in the near future.
Uganda boasts some of the finest vanilla globally, providing a competitive edge in international markets. However, challenges such as fluctuating prices and theft have hindered the full potential of the vanilla industry.
Despite its historical significance as a major income source, some regions have witnessed a decline in vanilla cultivation due to price instability and security concerns. This trend limits opportunities for additional earnings from the international market.
Statistics indicate that Ugandan vanilla farmers produce approximately 31.4 metric tonnes annually.
