In Kiwangala village, Kisekka sub-county in Lwengo district, David Ntale, a coffee farmer is easily identified as “musomesa” (teacher). Only a few residents realize that the school project is financed by the proceeds from the coffee garden.

“The coffee market price for the 2024 harvest season took us by surprise. I never anticipated the boom because coffee production in the gardens did not change significantly. The boom in coffee income is the reason for the ongoing construction work at the school,” he says.

A graduate of St Mathias Mbuye Agricultural College in Rakai, Ntale used his agricultural training to promote the family’s coffee farm, a 12-acre spread that produces between 70-95 bags each season. As coffee prices rose unexpectedly in 2024, Ntale found himself in a unique position.

“From the semi-permanent structures, we will soon shift the classrooms to the permanent blocks with decent offices and staff rooms for teachers. We were also able to purchase land and a car at the mustard seed kindergarten and primary school from the good income from the coffee,” he tells this publication.

Mr. Ntale’s agricultural background has deep roots. Raised by coffee farmers, he grew up learning that hard work in the fields financed his schooling. Unlike some of the farmers in Kiwangala village who are still tied to traditional farming practices, Ntale’s coffee farm has well-nourished coffee trees and green beans that will guarantee him another smile in December 2024. He devotes more time the gardens.

“A well-kept coffee garden will yield eight to 12 bags of coffee beans. The changing climate requires better agricultural practices that can be boosted by water irrigation. We also need to adapt to mechanized farming practices to increase coffee farm yields,” he says.

Ntale’s farming family

After obtaining a certificate in General Agriculture at St Mathias Mbuye Agricultural College in Rakai District, Ntale dedicated his newly acquired farm

knowledge for home coffee farm development. He didn’t want to waste the farming practices he learned at school because his family had land to farm on.

“Everything in my coffee farm is representative of my farming family background and the training I received at the agricultural college in Rakai District.

My parents worked hard and made sure the children learned by example,” he says.

Born to Peter Sserwadda Kabaganda

(the father) and Mrs. Petralina Nakabugo of Kiwangala Parish, Kisekka Sub-County of Lwengo District, gardening was a must for all the children at home.

When he lost his father, Ntale embraced farming as a way to support himself and fund his aspirations. In 2020, with savings from coffee sales, he set up the Mustard Seed Kindergarten and Primary School, targeting children from disadvantaged backgrounds – just like he did when he was sponsored by Compassion International to continue his education after his father’s death.

Working with organizations

As a trained farmer, Ntale chose to work with guidance from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) to ensure his coffee farm meets the necessary agricultural standards.

“Many of our farmers are negligent simply because they like shortcuts and won’t bother to learn about the violation of coffee standards. When you work under supervision, you get to correct mistakes. I was able to cement the coffee drying area with guidance from UCDA,” he says.

They also work closely with the Greater Masaka Agro-business Dealers Association (GREMADA) for training on disease control, market pricing and good arming practices.

Ntale believes that being a member of such farmer organizations partially adds value to his farm management skills.

“Farmers have to meet the standards,” says Ntale, noting that more than 6 percent of Uganda’s coffee is exported to the European Union, where quality regulations are strict.

“We looked at the guidelines, including those that require coffee to be produced on unforested land. This is good for all parties. We need to protect our environment before we shout loudly against climate change,” he says.

Ntale also advises farmers to seek technical advice before applying pesticides in coffee gardens.

Ntale is also advocating for the consumption of Ugandan coffee to boost local demand. “The rich flavor of our coffee is appreciated globally, but it is hardly consumed

here,” he laments, pointing out that a local market would create competition and add value to the crop.

Looking ahead, Ntale envisages a hybrid processing plant in Lwengo where farmers can sort and process the beans before they reach the market. He hopes this will unlock greater earnings for farmers in Kiwangala village, many of whom still rely on traditional practices and struggle to maximize their harvests.

Meanwhile, the September 2024 Uganda Coffee Development Authority report ranks Italy as the top destination for Ugandan coffee exports with a 36.2.

market share, followed by Germany (15.36 percent) and India.

Italy (36.2 percent market share) Germany (15.36 percent) India (8.6 percent).

Morocco (5.11 percent) Spain (5 percent) Sudan (3.49 percent) Netherlands (2.91 percent) Russia (2.83 percent) USA (2.36 percent)