By Jovita Mirembe
Coffee is one of the major contributors to Uganda‘s economy. It is estimated that 20% of the population earns a large portion of their income from it, Albert Kakande, a farmer and trainer in organic Agricultural practices says.
“In line with this, a farmer can hit two birds with one stone by planting coffee in the banana plantation rows. Bananas afford nutrients, shade, moisture, and mulch to young coffee trees. These helpful effects may particularly be applicable to increase the flexibility of the coffee production systems when temperature growth and rainfall become more unpredictable due to climate change. The two crops can grow very well together because a farmer also uses the same labour to weed both of them,” Kakande says.
He says that coffee can be introduced to an existing banana plantation after a period of six to twelve months.
“If a farmer introduces coffee to an existing plantation, they may need to dig out some of the banana plants to make room for the coffee.
Coffee can be planted in banana plantation spaces while planting bananas at the same time. This method in farming is called intercropping, which increases returns for farmers. Farmers in western Uganda who intercrop bananas and coffee earn more than those who grow either crop alone,’’ Kakande says.
Spacing
Kakande says bananas can be spaced 8 to 10 feet apart. This is done to avoid competition for nutrients for the two crops. In another way, four coffee plants can also be planted around a banana plant when it’s in the middle.
Care
He says to confirm healthy growth and ideal yield, coffee plants require regular pruning and maintenance.
“Pruning comprises removing dead or diseased branches, shaping the plant, and controlling its size. This process improves airflow and sunlight penetration, reduces the risk of pests and diseases, and encourages better fruit development,” Kakande says.
Shade and water
Bananas provide shade for coffee because it is delicate to climate. However, he explains that too much shade can reduce coffee yields.
He says bananas can help conserve water during droughts.
Soil and fertilizer
Kakande says that managing the soil carefully by using fertilizers and organic nutrients helps in managing competition for nutrients between coffee and bananas when planted together.
Soil erosion
He says that the permanent nature of the banana and coffee cover and root systems can reduce soil erosion in hilly regions.
