By Dismus Buregyeya
Coffee farmers in Greater Masaka have asked the Norwegian Embassy in Uganda to support them in the management of climate change challenges, especially the scorching sun affecting their plantations and harvests.
The call was made by farmers led by a prominent coffee farmer, John Kigozi, at Kitanga village, Kabonela sub-county in Masaka city, where the Norwegian deputy ambassador, Reidar Bergum, made a fact-finding visit on the performance of fertilisers manufactured from Norway.
“Unpredictable climate and drought are among the worrying factors affecting coffee plantations; the coffee cannot flower under this scorching sun. We need support in form of irrigation,” Kigozi, who operates a 60-acre coffee plantation, said.
He said the Norwegian embassy can support the coffee farmers in form of loans that can enable them pump water to the plantations.
Kigozi said he employs at least 100 casual labourers, especially women during the harvesting season.
Michael Ssali, a veteran journalist who owns about 10 acres of coffee in Lwengo district, said the fertilisers, specifically the Yara type, have enabled him to get a bumper harvest.
However, Ssali said the lack of irrigation technology, pests, diseases and rampant coffee theft were still challenges affecting farmers. Farmers commended On his part, Bergum commended the Masaka coffee farmers for the improved coffee yields and quality.
“I am impressed that the coffee yields have doubled in Masaka because of the sound farm practices and affordable fertilisers,” he said.
The envoy said Uganda has a high potential to benefit from the global coffee market due to its quality brand.
“The coffee industry should further build, expand and partner to strengthen and promote the Uganda coffee brand on the global market,” he said.
The ambassador said climate change challenges were real, adding that besides affecting coffee farmers, it also affects food security.
He said the Norwegian government will continue to support programmes aimed at addressing climate change challenges, arguing that fighting climate change requires collective responsibility.
The agronomist in charge of Masaka region, Ivan Ssekanjako, said they have been focusing on training of farmers in the proper use of fertilisers to improve their yields.
He said many farmers make losses because of fertiliser misuse.
Kabonela Coffee Cooperative members said the farmers were empowered by the Yara fertilisers from Norway.
This, they said, resulted in bumper harvests that enabled the cooperative to install a coffee hulling machine at Kabonela.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Kigozi (left) interacting with Bergum (right) during a farm visit in Masaka. Photo by Dismus Buregyeya
