Ugandan Coffee Farmers Boost Yields with Regenerative Agriculture

In the Masaka region of Uganda, coffee farmers are increasing harvests and improving quality through a pilot program focused on regenerative agriculture to combat drought and erratic rainfall. The initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility, unites organizations including the largest Ugandan coffee exporter, Nespresso, and the IUCN. They established 30 demonstration farms where local farmers learn practical regenerative techniques.

These techniques range from simple mulching to more complex cover cropping, all aimed at restoring nutrient-poor tropical soils and mitigating the impacts of both intense rains and dry spells. Regenerative agriculture differs from organic farming by prioritizing continuous soil health restoration through practices like planting complementary non-food species.

Farmers report increased resilience to climate shocks and improved income stability. With global coffee prices rising faster than average inflation, this project offers a model for strengthening agricultural production and adapting to climate change.