Makerere University Talks Sustainability, Productivity and Ugandan Coffee Farmer Livelihood Improvement

Contributor : Sara Lamsili, Jnr Project Communication Manager

Our staff recently had the opportunity to interview Godfrey Taulya with Makerere University about its role within the on-going project on Uplifting Income and Climate Resilience in Biodiverse Ugandan Smallholder Coffee Systems, also known as its abbreviated name, the Uganda Carbon and Coffee Project (UCCP).

Can you introduce yourself and your role at Makerere University?

Thank you for this opportunity to participate in this interview. My name is Godfrey Taulya, and I work as a lecturer in the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management under the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

UCCP is divided into four research components and Makerere University plays a particularly large role in Component 4. What is the main vision this research area, and how does it align with the broader goals of the Uganda Coffee Carbon Project?

Component 4 aims to support knowledge-based agronomic management decision-making and promote improved crop management practices that enhance productivity without compromising soil health. This is achieved by leveraging positive interactions, often referred to as synergies, while managing negative interactions, known as trade-offs. These interactions occur across various farm components over time and space, ultimately improving the use efficiency of resources available to the farmer.

In summary, Component 4 directly contributes to the broader goal of UCCP, which seeks to sustainably improve coffee farmers’ livelihoods and resilience to climate and market shocks. The project focuses on increasing farmers’ income through diversified coffee-based production systems, allowing them to generate multiple income streams while maintaining soil and environmental health. By enhancing decision-making in agronomic practices and ensuring that these best practices are effectively scaled, farmers will be better equipped to achieve higher productivity and long-term sustainability.

Can you describe the process of establishing the experimental carbon platforms?

The process of establishing the experimental carbon platforms followed several key steps:

It began with an environmental classification of the target area. While the project had a general idea of where implementation would take place, there was limited understanding of the physical environment and how similar or different conditions were across the region. Using remote sensing data, we analyzed the spatial variability of critical environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, and soil properties, including soil organic carbon content. This analysis helped divide the area into different pedoclimatic zones. We identified one zone that was drier and less fertile and another that was wetter and more fertile.

The next step involved gaining a deeper understanding of the farming practices in these pedoclimatic zones. We conducted a baseline socioeconomic and biophysical survey, which allowed us to assess the diversity of farming methods used by local farmers based on their specific environmental conditions and resource outlay. Using this information, we developed selection criteria to identify farmers who could host the experimental carbon platforms.

These criteria were discussed with the Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union (ACPCU), the implementing partner, who then compiled a long list of potential host farmers. Our team conducted field visits to verify the suitability of these farms, narrowing down the selection to a shortlist of farmers. The shortlisted farmers were invited to an inception workshop where we explained the objectives of the experimental platforms, how they would be implemented, and the respective responsibilities of both the farmers and the research team.

Once the farmers gave their informed consent, ACPCU proceeded with drafting and signing memorandums of understanding or host agreements with the farmers. After completing these administrative steps, the experimental carbon platforms were officially established and put into operation.

What key skills or knowledge areas are being emphasized in the training for students and researchers?

The training emphasizes four key areas of knowledge.

The first focus is on monitoring soil health indicators and understanding how different management practices impact soil quality, crop protection, and overall productivity. This includes examining how these factors contribute to the long-term sustainability of coffee production systems.

The second key area is understanding the marketing channels for products derived from diversified coffee production systems. This involves learning about value chains and how to ensure that farmers receive the best possible prices for their products.

The third area focuses on farmer knowledge co-creation and innovation sharing. This involves exploring different approaches to diversifying coffee production systems in ways that are adapted to farmers’ unique biophysical and socioeconomic conditions. It also takes into account their household production objectives and available resources.

The fourth area of emphasis is understanding gender dynamics in coffee farming. The training explores how gender influences the adoption of improved coffee production techniques and how the benefits of diversified coffee farming can be equitably shared at both the household and community levels.

By equipping students and researchers with these critical skills, we aim to strengthen the sustainability and impact of coffee farming practices in Uganda.

• How will the outcomes of this component directly benefit smallholder farmers in Uganda?

The outcomes of this component will provide multiple benefits to smallholder farmers.

First, we anticipate that farmers will see a 30 percent increase in income from carbon credits. This is based on data estimating carbon sequestration in below-ground biomass. Currently, a student is working on allometric functions that can be used to quantify how much carbon is stored in coffee roots. With this data, we hope to advocate for farmers to receive compensation for the carbon sequestered in their soils.

Second, improved soil fertility management and better alignment with organic-certified niche markets are expected to lead to at least a 25 percent increase in coffee yields. Additionally, pollination services from integrating agroforestry practices will further enhance coffee production and quality.

Third, we expect a 20 percent increase in farmers’ income through the diversification of coffee production systems. Instead of relying solely on coffee as their main source of income, farmers will also benefit from other revenue streams such as beekeeping. Products like honey, beeswax, and other agroforestry outputs will provide additional financial security.

Finally, by addressing existing barriers that prevent women and youth from accessing lucrative markets within the coffee value chain, we anticipate an additional 15 percent increase in income for these groups. This will contribute to a more inclusive and equitable economic system for coffee farmers.

Overall, these benefits will enhance the financial resilience and long-term sustainability of smallholder coffee farmers in Uganda.

• What impact do you expect this component to have on coffee yields, quality, and sustainability in Uganda?

The expected impact of this component on coffee production in Uganda is significant.

We anticipate a 25 percent increase in coffee yields due to improved soil fertility management and the pollination services provided by integrated agroforestry systems. Additionally, coffee quality is expected to improve by 20 to 40 percent as a result of these sustainable farming practices.

Sustainability is another major outcome of this initiative. By improving soil management and closing nutrient gaps, we can prevent the premature decline of coffee farms. Without adequate nutrient input, coffee farms eventually become unproductive, but with better soil management, we expect coffee plants to remain productive for a longer period. Although it is difficult to predict exactly how many additional years this will add to the lifespan of a coffee farm, we are confident that these improvements will significantly extend the productive life of coffee plantations in Uganda.