By peterson Hiirya  

By Peterson Hiirya.

Farmers, agricultural officers, coffee experts and cultural leaders from across Teso have called for increased investment in coffee production, farmer organization and reliable markets as the region seeks to establish coffee as a major perennial cash crop.

The call was made on Saturday, September 19, 2026, during the Teso Coffee Symposium organized by Cajila Africa links institute, Iteso cultural union and the Teso economic agenda was held at Soroti City Mayor’s Gardens. The symposium brought together farmers from Soroti, Kumi, Serere, Katakwi, Kapelebyong, Kalaki, Kaberamaido and other parts of Teso to discuss coffee varieties, soil management, water conservation, agroforestry, markets, cooperatives and value addition.

The guest of honour, Bishop Bernerd Ebiau- representing Papa Emorimor and Minister of Religious Affairs at the Iteso cultural Union, said the symposium was important in guiding farmers on proper coffee production and helping them avoid losses associated with poorly planned agricultural programmes.

He said farmers need knowledge, quality planting materials and proper management practices if coffee is to become a sustainable source of household income.

Bishop Ebbiau, said the symposium was aimed at redirecting farmers towards proper coffee growing, including correct planting methods and the use of appropriate products to control pests and diseases.

bishop Ebbaiu said stakeholders should protect farmers’ land, support hardworking farmers and organise them into cooperatives. He also announced plans to register coffee farmers across Teso to improve coordination, monitoring and access to support.

He urged farmers to view coffee as a long-term investment for future generations rather than a short-term project.

Dr. Cosmas Agweta ( Ph.D), Executive Director of Cajila Africa Links Institute the lead organisers, said the symposium was to establish a common platform and practical roadmap for transforming coffee from a farming activity into a sustainable, organized and value-driven economic enterprise that contributes to increased household incomes, employment, investment and the broader economic transformation of the Teso Sub-region.

Dr. Agweta advised farmers to understand the market before planting and to select coffee varieties suited to their soils and climatic conditions. He also encouraged the formation of coffee cooperatives to strengthen farmers’ bargaining power and access to services, He further said, “A coffee tree may take time to mature, but every tree planted with knowledge, discipline and purpose is an investment in the future.” Let us therefore plant with knowledge, produce with discipline, process with quality, market with integrity and partner with purpose.

He said coffee should be integrated with other enterprises, including poultry, pigs, goats, beans and other crops, to reduce farmers’ dependence on a single source of income.

Moses Ariong, an agricultural officer and environmentalist, described the meeting as the first Teso Coffee Symposium and said it was intended to promote coffee as a perennial cash crop.

Ariong said Teso has lacked a major perennial cash crop, forcing some households to sell food crops to raise money for education, healthcare and other needs. He encouraged farmers to grow coffee while maintaining food production and diversifying their enterprises.

He recommended Robusta coffee for warmer areas of Teso and urged farmers to improve soil fertility through livestock manure. He also called for mulching, irrigation, trenches, water harvesting and the use of cover crops.

Ariong encouraged agroforestry through trees such as Albizia, Grevillea and avocado to provide shade and conserve moisture. He said farmers could also grow beans and groundnuts between coffee trees.

Hon. Francis Edison Echodu, Iteso Cultural Union Deputy Prime Minister for Northern Teso and a resident of Amuria, warned against agricultural programmes that encourage farmers to plant crops without reliable markets.

Echodu cited previous experiences with mango and citrus programmes, where farmers invested in production but later struggled to benefit from their harvests. He called for clear contracts between farmers, seedling suppliers and buyers to protect all parties.

He also urged political leaders to support farmers with quality seedlings, irrigation systems, equipment and other inputs while encouraging young people to engage in productive agriculture.

Apolot Joyce Mary from Kumi, who works on the financial desk of Teso Economic Agenda, urged farmers to work together regardless of political affiliations.

She encouraged the use of organic products in coffee production and said farmers from different parts of Teso could build stronger agricultural networks through cooperation.

Participants also raised concerns about the quality and consistency of coffee seedlings and called for planting materials suited to local soils and climate.

Several farmers bought coffee seedlings at the symposium and pledged to expand their plantations. Organisers said farmer registration, cooperative development, technical training, quality seedlings, soil and water conservation and reliable markets will be key to making coffee a sustainable source of income in Teso.