Coffee firm to boost farmers earnings

Kampala

Star Cafe, a local beverage company, has set focus on boosting coffee farmers’ incomes by buying the products directly from local producers.

The company, Uganda’s pioneer in instant coffee processing, has partnered with Kabenywa Farmers Group in the eastern district of Kapchorwa in a bid to provide ready market for the farmers produce.

Mr Elijah Njoroge, the company’s general manager, said: “We are pleased to share the success of Star Cafe with the farmers. We recognise that our success begins with the farmer and we are therefore committed to this partnership that will benefit Star Cafe and the communities in Kapchorwa.”

The partnership will buy at least 25 tonnes of coffee annually from the farmers.

It will ensure that farmer’s coffee premiums are paid on time and also provide social support in the communities in which they live.

After petroleum, coffee is arguably one of the world's most important cash crops and vital to the livelihood of more than 25 million small households.

Its earnings in Uganda are said to have increased by just 0.4 per cent in the last fiscal year 2008/2009, which translates to a dismal income.

This is compounded by the middlemen who exploit farmers by buying the product at low prices before re-selling it to non-licensed traders at exorbitantly high rates.

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The company will also ensure that the farmers are certified, set up a central washing station and a Heifer programme that will allow farmers to earn income when the coffee is out of season.

Uganda Coffee Development Authority - Regional representative, Mr Mike Bulala, applauded Kabeywa Coffee Farmers Association for involving women not only in the coffee nurturing but also in development initiatives.

He also encouraged the farmers to supplement their coffee income with other activities like animal husbandry and other perennial crops.