By Ivan Tsebeni
Coffee farmers in Buganda have called on Government to support them with machinery to boost production.
The manual methods they apply to tilt their lands are not effective, and therefore limiting production, they noted.
Stephen Ssekandi, a coffee farmer from Masaka said machinery, when used will boost production. He noted that the country’s economy is hinged to farming, yet only few youths take part.
Ssekandi said most youths think that farming is a venture for the poor, and therefore tend to distance themselves, something he says affect the labour. He claimed that youths, who he says contribute biggest population, are instead seeking for white-collar jobs whereas abandoning farming.
“We would be producing more than we are currently able to, but the youths, who are stronger and more are not involved. Most of them roam on streets, they think that farming is for the poor,” Ssekandi said.
Ssekandi was addressing the meeting that was attended by Buganda Kingdom Premier, Charles Peter Mayiga on July 4, 2023, at Bulange Mengo.
Farmers are also disadvantaged as they receive low prices for their produce and have to deal with unpredictable forces such as limited economic resources. In addition, food insecurity is becoming a recurrent challenge in the region, affecting mostly small-scale coffee farmers, according to Ssekandi.
Farmers are also disadvantaged as they receive low prices for their produce and have to deal with unpredictable forces such as limited economic resources. In addition, food insecurity is becoming a recurrent challenge in the region, affecting mostly small-scale coffee farmers, according to Ssekandi.
Accordingly, the Katikiro called on coffee farmers to up their standards so as to inspire more young people join farming. On this, Mayiga advised farmers to ensure better standards of living in their homes, so as to effect the mind change among their children, especially on how they view farming.
He noted there were several farmers whose statuses have improved over time, therefore advising them to help others follow the path.
“A farmer can also live in a powerful house, take their children to school and also, they can put on neckties like anyone else. You should make sure that your farming speaks economic transformation into your lives,” Mayiga appealed.
