SOROTI CITY, July 4, 2026 — Coffee experts are urging farmers in Uganda’s Teso Sub-region to embrace coffee cultivation as an alternative cash crop that can provide a more reliable source of income and improve household earnings.
The call comes as many farmers in Teso increasingly turn to crops that are less vulnerable to unpredictable rainfall and market fluctuations than traditional staples.
Experts say coffee has strong market demand and can help households generate income throughout the year. This was highlighted during a press conference held on Thursday at Town View Hotel in Soroti City, ahead of the Teso Coffee Forum Symposium scheduled for August 15 at Mayor’s Gardens.
The event, organised by the Teso Coffee Forum in partnership with the Iteso Cultural Union, the Teso Economic Agenda, and other stakeholders, will bring together farmers, researchers, policymakers and investors to discuss coffee production, value addition and market opportunities.
Moses Ariong, Secretary General of the Teso Coffee Forum Organising Committee, said many households in Teso continue to struggle with low incomes despite the region’s strong agricultural potential.
“Many households in Teso continue to earn very little, even though the region has great farming potential,” Mr Ariong said.
He noted that coffee “sells itself”, adding that quality largely determines the price a farmer receives. As long as farmers produce the required quantities, he said, buyers are available because the global coffee market is largely unregulated.
According to Mr Ariong, the symposium will provide farmers with a platform to gain knowledge and explore coffee as an enterprise capable of improving livelihoods.
Chairing the symposium planning process, Dr Cosmas Agweta said Teso has suitable soils and favourable weather for coffee production, but farmers require knowledge, improved agronomic practices and better market information to increase productivity.
“Teso’s soils and weather are ideal for coffee, but farmers require training, better farming methods and market data to raise yields,” Dr Agweta said.
He added that the forum will help connect research, farming and markets to support commercial coffee production.
Joseph Opolot, chairperson of the Teso Economic Agenda, said coffee could strengthen the region’s economy and encouraged residents to adopt commercial agriculture alongside other income-generating activities.
The symposium is also expected to feature exhibitions and practical training sessions on coffee production, value addition and marketing, aimed at equipping farmers with skills to support commercial farming.
Teso Sub-region is undergoing a significant agricultural transition from traditional cotton and subsistence farming towards commercial coffee and cocoa production. Backed by government programmes and Operation Wealth Creation, initiatives spearheaded by Vice President Jessica Alupo aim to distribute more than 80 million seedlings to boost household incomes across the region.
https://thecooperator.news/teso-farmers-urged-to-embrace-new-vaccination-policy-for-livestock/
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