Leading Sustainable Coffee Farming in Kitsutsu Village, Uganda

In the rural community of Kitsutsu village, Kasese District in Uganda, Mrs. Ithungu Zeresi Kighoma has become a beacon of progress in sustainable coffee farming. As a mother, coffee farmer, and tailor, she has leveraged training and support from Kawacom’s Ugandan Smallholder Livelihoods Initiative to enhance her farm’s productivity and secure a stable income for her family.

Before joining the initiative, Ithungu faced many obstacles common among smallholder farmers, including low yields. Through training provided by Kawacom, Ithungu learned essential techniques such as pruning, organic fertilization, and proper coffee drying and storage. These skills have not only enhanced her productivity but also qualified her farm for Organic and Rainforest Alliance certifications, unlocking access to premium markets.

"I had limited knowledge of coffee agronomic practices, inadequate post-harvest handling, and no reliable access to markets," Mrs. Kighoma.

Today, coffee accounts for 75% of Ithungu’s income. The earnings from her coffee sales allow her to pay school fees for her children, improve her home, and reinvest in her farm. Ithungu’s farm has become a model for sustainable practices in Kitsutsu, inspiring other women to embrace improved farming methods. Her success underscores the critical role women play in Uganda’s agricultural sector when given the tools and opportunities to thrive.

"We use the income from coffee sales to meet household needs and invest in better farming practices," Mrs. Kighoma.

In Kitsutsu village, Kawacom is supporting the community as part of the Ugandan Smallholder Livelihoods Initiative, a USAID partnership that focuses on empowering smallholder farmers through training, certification, and market linkages, with a strong emphasis on women and youth inclusion. Kawacom has trained 45 farmers in Kitsutsu (40 of them women) on: Good Agronomic practices, Post-Harvest Handling, Organic and Rainforest Alliance standards, Financial Literacy, and Income Diversification. These efforts have led to significant improvements in coffee quality, increased yields, and higher incomes for farmers.

"Pruning and fertilization techniques, especially using organic inputs, have improved my coffee quality and yields," Mrs. Kigoma.

Looking ahead, Ithungu remains focused on further improving her farm and contributing to her community. Kawacom’s continued support, including clean planting material and centralized processing facilities, aligns with these aspirations, ensuring farmers like Ithungu have the resources they need to succeed.