Highlights:
- Cocoa Revolution in Busoga: A Path to Prosperity
- Empowering Busoga Farmers
- Boosting Income and Food Security
In the heart of Uganda’s Busoga sub-region, a quiet revolution is underway. For decades, the region has been predominantly focused on traditional cash crops. However, an initiative called the Coffee and Cocoa Value Chains Development (CoCoDev) project has been working to change the status quo. It aims to sensitize and educate Busoga’s farmers about the potential of cocoa cultivation and its economic benefits.
Led by Swisscontact in collaboration with the Government of Uganda and the private sector, the CoCoDev project organized a Busoga Regional Cocoa Field Day under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Cocoa Growing in Busoga for Enhanced Household Income and Food Security.” This initiative seeks to transform the economic landscape of the region and create new opportunities for its farmers.
Kenneth Aedu, the Programme Manager of Swisscontact, emphasizes the importance of providing farmers with reliable information to help them succeed in cocoa production. Currently, cocoa is grown in four districts in Uganda, including Mayuge, Buikwe, Bundibugyo, and Mukono. However, Swisscontact is extending its reach to 12 districts, even those not traditionally associated with cocoa farming, to raise awareness about the economic advantages of cocoa cultivation.
Swisscontact is an independent non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the skills of individual farmers and promote business competitiveness. Their efforts include providing financial support to registered farmers. In Mayuge district alone, Swisscontact has invested at least 100 million Ugandan Shillings to assist cocoa growers. Farmers are also encouraged to diversify their crops, including the cultivation of soybeans, bananas, sweet potatoes, and coffee.
Cocoa farming in Uganda is not a new venture. The country has over 200,000 cocoa farmers, primarily smallholders with at least an acre of land dedicated to cocoa cultivation. As of 2022, Uganda exported 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa, generating over 100 million US dollars in annual revenue.
Recognizing the potential of cocoa farming to drive economic growth, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) is actively promoting the Cocoa Value Chain. This initiative encompasses all aspects of cocoa production, from cultivation to postharvest handling and management.
One of the government’s key strategies is the “Mark-Up” program, funded by the European Union, designed to train farmers in postharvest handling and good agricultural practices for cocoa. The goal is to add value to cocoa products, making them more appealing to local and international markets.
Uganda’s cocoa is exported to neighboring countries such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, as well as various African nations and the European market. Cocoa-derived products, including chocolates and cocoa powder, enjoy strong demand.
The National Cocoa Research Institute (NaCORI), in partnership with UCDA, is working on developing higher-yielding cocoa varieties. Currently, Ugandan farmers primarily cultivate three main cocoa varieties: Criollo, Trinitario, and Forastero.
The journey to establish cocoa farming as a viable economic opportunity in Busoga has its challenges. Cocoa farmers face issues such as pests, diseases, and the need for proper postharvest handling. However, the enthusiasm and commitment of local farmers are driving positive change in their communities.
Lucy Kivuma, a cocoa farmer from Malongo village, highlights the importance of government support in eradicating pests and diseases affecting cocoa crops. Catherine Nabyoga, from Bukalenzi village, acknowledges the local market’s role in boosting cocoa sales and farmer incomes. She also highlights the need for disease control to enhance production.
Vincent Oketcho, another farmer, emphasizes the value of direct involvement in the sale of cocoa beans to ensure a better understanding of the business. He credits the agricultural extension workers with providing valuable knowledge on improved farming practices.
Muzamiru Maido, with six acres of cocoa fields, appreciates how cocoa proceeds have diversified his economic activities. Despite challenges with weeds, Maido’s success is a testament to the potential of cocoa farming in the region.
Agricultural experts and specialists, like Dennis Isada, offer guidance to address pest-related issues. Isada recommends the use of Omex Calmax, a chemical that protects crops and enhances flowering and pollination in crops like cocoa.
