By Kulubya Moses
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mbale Mr. Bayole Stanley has called upon coffee farmers in the Masaba sub-region to overhaul traditional farming methods and embrace gender inclusivity to boost the region’s economic output.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at a high-level Farmco workshop held at the Lashalom Hotel in Mbale, the RDC emphasized that the future of Ugandan coffee depends on value addition and land consolidation.
The workshop, organized by Farmco was centered on findings from a recent case study conducted in Masaba land. The study highlighted three critical pillars: The Coffee Value Chain, enhancing the journey from seedling to cup, social Issues- addressing cultural barriers affecting growth of coffee.
During his address, RDC Bayole Stanley outlined several strategic shifts necessary for the region’s success.
In a direct message to the men of Masaba land, the RDC urged them to allow women to play a more central role in coffee farming. He noted that women often provide the meticulous care and “needful” attention required for high-quality coffee production.
He cautioned against the fragmentation of land into small, inefficient plots. To achieve industrial-scale production and maintain high value, he advised farmers to keep land tracts viable for commercial use.
The RDC stressed that farmers must be proactive in following up on modern agricultural techniques to overcome the recurring challenges that currently lower production levels.
The workshop drew praise from various stakeholders who see it as a turning point for the local industry:
The knowledge acquired here will not remain in this room. We are committed to delivering these insights directly to the grassroots through our Sub-county Agricultural Officers. Nabirye Rose, Mbale District Agricultural Officer said.
Mr. Johnson, a Field Manager at the Kyinyinga Forest Foundation in Fort Portal, also commended Farmco for the initiative. He noted that the workshop serves as an eye-opener, providing farmers with the practical ideas needed to navigate modern farming hurdles.
As Farmco continues to bridge the gap between research and the field, the emphasis remains on productivity and value. By addressing chemical challenges and social dynamics, specifically gender roles and land use, Mbale is positioning itself to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in the Ugandan coffee sector.
This workshop was attended by many district officials including Mr Wangwe Robert the LCV Chairperson Mbale district speaker , madam Nabirye Rose the District Agricultural Officer, and other officials.