Modern Agronomy Spurs Coffee Growth in Ntungamo

By Anthony Kushaba

Ntungamo District, Uganda – Thirty farmers attached to the Ahakatakuli Farmers Field School in Ihunga Sub-county have graduated after completing intensive training in modern coffee farming practices, marking a significant milestone in efforts to boost productivity and improve livelihoods in the region.

The graduation ceremony, held last Friday at Nyarujoje Village and hosted by local resident James Bishanga, saw the farmers receive certificates of completion and five spray pumps to support their group activities. The training was facilitated by Scovia Nsiyoona, the area agricultural extension worker, under the guidance of the Ntungamo District Production Office.

Over the past year, the farmers have been equipped with improved agronomic techniques such as proper spacing, pruning, mulching, manure and fertilizer application, pest management, and water conservation methods. Demonstration farms established under the Ahakatakuli Farmers Field School now serve as learning hubs for farmers across Butanda Parish.

Speaking during a monitoring visit, Christmas Eldad, Secretary of the Ahakatakuli Farmers Field School, highlighted the remarkable progress achieved. “Within just one year, some farmers have moved from harvesting only one kilogram of coffee per tree to now targeting four kilograms. In some cases, farmers expect to harvest an entire basin of coffee from a single tree,” Eldad said.

Farmers testified to visible improvements in their plantations. Ezra Bitwiire, one of the beneficiaries, explained how adopting modern practices transformed his yields. “I used to harvest only one kilogram of coffee, but now I expect a basin per tree. Cutting old trees, applying fertilizers, and controlling pests have restored my confidence in farming,” he noted.

Patrick Kamwezi, a retired principal agricultural officer and member of the field school, praised government efforts in promoting modern methods and irrigation support. He, however, called for stricter monitoring of pesticide quality and targeted financial assistance to help farmers invest in irrigation systems and improved seedlings.

Ihunga Sub-county Agricultural Officer Scovia Nsiyoona emphasized that poor farming practices had previously undermined productivity. “Farmers must invest time in their gardens and adopt improved methods if they want better yields and quality harvests,” she said, adding that the program will soon expand to other crops such as bananas and beans.

Ntungamo District Agricultural Engineer Daniel Bwiino confirmed that 197 farmers have already benefited from irrigation schemes to cope with drought and climate variability. Despite challenges such as prolonged dry spells, poor-quality pesticides, and fluctuating coffee prices, the community remains optimistic that modern farming practices will sustain high-quality coffee production and improve household incomes.