Projects overview
Ugacof Ltd runs a number of projects. These include:
Mobile washing units project
- Mobile washing unit
Aimed at enhancing both quality and yield of coffee, Ugacof's washed Robusta project has mobile washing units that move around the country during the coffee seasons. Targeting 5000 farmers in three different regions of the country (Kinoni, Iganga and Kamuli), Ugacof's mobile washing units process Robusta directly at farmer level. Farmers are grouped in farmer associations providing training in areas such as proper coffee husbandry, harvest and post-harvest methods and correct use of inputs. Through enhanced yields and quality, household incomes are improved. The project also gives farmers direct market access shortening the supply chain thus minimizing intermediary costs. Farmers will further benefit by international certification such as Utz Kapeh and Fair Trade.
Certification
- Coffee Cherries
Ugacof is committed to adding value to coffee for the combined benefit of better prices for small farmers, enhancing profitability along the entire Ugandan coffee chain and delivering better quality coffee to consumers. Coffee production having significantly decreased in the past decade in Uganda, Ugacof works actively towards reversing the decline.
Internationally recognised certification will add value to our product and improve the livelihood of Ugandan farmers who will in turn be encouraged to produce more. This process also increases the knowledge of consumers on Ugandan coffee and therefore actively plays a role in increasing the value of Ugandan exports. Our suppliers will have full knowledge of this certification and can benefit from all its aspects. Sustainability goes hand in hand with Ugacof's vision of conservation of traditional farming practices, conservation of the environment and conservation of indigenous culture.
In the same vein as Utz Kapeh (for which we are registered), certifying the farmers involved in our project in Fair Trade can add value to their product and therefore increase their incomes. The relationship with the certification partners is based on dialogue, transparency and respect, seeking greater equity in international trade.
Cocoa project
- Cocoa drying tables
Ugacof is developing a cocoa project in Jinja and Buwenge districts east of Kampala. Farmer cooperatives have been selected as a pilot project in order to produce high quality cocoa. A training program will be set up to encourage improved cocoa tree management (planting of seedlings and shade trees), maintenance (weed control, shade management, pruning of suckers, pest control), harvesting, primary processing (fermentation) and drying. The project is targeting organic cocoa objectives.