- Kanungu, Western Uganda
Sparking Self-Sufficiency in Africa Through Sustainable Income
In Uganda, Coffee production is a highly lucrative but highly competitive industry. To sell their crops, Smallholder Coffee growers find themselves at the whim of middle men or saturated local markets, and forced to sell at prices often lower than production costs. The Farmers in the Kanungu district were especially vulnerable, as there was no Cooperative to unite the farmers and organized support services such as agricultural extension and financing are practically nonexistent. Pilot Light, partnering with the Kigezi Coffee Development Academy, can provide the local support needed for the growers to unify and then successfully compete in the coffee production industry.
Sustainable Coffee Production Means sustainable economically, environmentally and socially. We work within the community to identify best strategies to ensure market security, provide education in environmentally sound farming practices and promote long term community well being and prosperity.
From Planting to Harvest Adoption of Best Farming and Harvesting Practices is supported through improved access to Agricultural Extension Services. Tarpaulins, drying screens and standardized grading methods ensure that only top quality beans reach market.
Economic Sustainability Focus is on the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) methodology, because we believe that the VSLA are the best way for people living in poverty to achieve sustainability of income. Group members are trained in how to save together as a group, give each other loans intended to start or grow their businesses, hold each other accountable for payback with a 2% interest. That interest helps the savings pot grow larger, bigger loans become available, incomes grow and families are transformed. Currently, there are 700 group members in 23 VSLA groups.
Community Unity Common Goals and Shared Prosperity build secure interdependent Communities
Preservation of Natural Resources Adoption of appropriate agricultural techniques increases yields and crop diversity ensures environmental and economic sustainability into the future.
Sustainable Marketplace and Increased Business Acumen Understanding a stable Marketplace Ensures a stable future for coffee bean production and an industry that can be passed to the next generation.
I am Ethiopian senior coffee proffessional with experiences of more than 30yrs in the area. I have come to Uganda Image coffee plantation before two months. Come to the farm to witness the changes. I want to extend my consaltancy services in the area to your cooperstive. You can connected to me through my address. Thank you in advance.
Respectively,
Getachew Zeleke.