Coffee cooperatives in Uganda

THE PROJECT

In cooperation with LANDac and the Landforum at Utrecht University, Nitubaasa, a coffee buying company from Uganda, headed by a Dutch entrepreneur, expressed interest in a research project. The project aim was to explore business opportunities on mount Elgon in eastern Uganda with a strong focus on the local context and existing social relations to which this entrepreneur was about to extend his operations. Furthermore, the company was engaged in the first steps of an NGO-funded project to boost youth and women leadership in agriculture. The research project therefore had a particular focus on youth and women involvement in coffee farming and processing today and in the future.

RESULTS

Through 5 weeks of fieldwork within coffee farming communities using participatory research methods, the consultant was able to map the local context and describe in detail the involved stakeholders and their perspectives. In addition, through the research, Shared Value Foundation was able to advise the company on ways to get involved in the coffee value chain on Mount Elgon responsibly and well-informed and cater for the needs of coffee farmers. In addition, Shared Value Foundation was able to advise the company on the current status of youth and women involvement in coffee farming and possible ways of empowering these groups through coffee production