Lamwo farmers prepare for coffee expansion as district awaits thousands of seedlings

Lamwo district is preparing for a significant expansion in coffee production as thousands of coffee seedlings are expected to arrive during the first rainy season, offering new opportunities for farmers seeking to improve their household incomes.

According to the Lamwo district LC5 chairperson, Oyet Sisto Ocen, at least 400 registered farmers across the district are set to benefit from the distribution of the seedlings as part of government efforts to promote commercial agriculture and transform rural livelihoods.

Oyet said the district leadership has prioritized coffee farming because of its potential to generate steady income for farmers and strengthen the local economy.

“Coffee is one of the crops that can transform the lives of our farmers if it is properly managed,” Oyet said. “We are encouraging our people to embrace it because it has a reliable market and long-term economic benefits.”

For years, farmers in Lamwo have largely depended on traditional crops such as cassava, Soyabean, Simsim, maize, and groundnuts for both food and income.

However, district leaders believe that introducing and expanding high-value crops like coffee will help farmers diversify their sources of income and reduce vulnerability to fluctuating crop prices.

The anticipated arrival of the seedlings during the rainy season is expected to give farmers a favorable planting period, increasing the chances of survival and growth of the young coffee plants.

Oyet urged farmers who have registered for the program to prepare their gardens in advance so that planting can begin immediately once the seedlings arrive.

“We are advising farmers to clear their land early and prepare their gardens well. When the rains begin and the seedlings are delivered, they should be ready to plant without delay,” he emphasised.

The Lamwo district production officer, Patrick Agaba, has called upon agricultural extension workers to play an active role in guiding farmers throughout the process.

He said extension officers are expected to provide technical support on proper coffee farming practices such as correct spacing, mulching, soil management, and pest control.

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According to agricultural officer Richard Cyrus Komakech, coffee farming requires careful management, especially during the early stages of growth. Komakech said without proper care, young seedlings can easily be affected by pests, diseases, or harsh weather conditions.

“Extension workers must closely support the farmers to ensure that the seedlings grow well and produce quality coffee in the future,” Komakech added.

Odong James, one of the farmers from Aceba sub county in Lamwo welcomed the initiative, saying it offers hope for improved livelihoods in the long term.

“Many believe coffee farming can provide a more reliable source of income compared to some traditional crops whose yields and market prices often fluctuate,” said Odong.

However, farmers have also raised concerns about the need for continuous technical guidance, access to markets, and follow-up support to ensure the success of the program.

Komakech Richard Cyrus noted that coffee has the potential to become a major cash crop in northern Uganda if farmers are supported with quality seedlings, training, and proper market linkages.

For Lamwo district, which is gradually recovering and rebuilding its economy after years of conflict in northern Uganda, initiatives that promote commercial agriculture are seen as critical in improving household incomes and reducing poverty.

District leaders remain optimistic that if the coffee program is successfully implemented and well managed by farmers, it could transform the agricultural landscape of Lamwo and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

As the rainy season approaches, many farmers are now preparing their land with hope that the coffee seedlings will mark the beginning of a new chapter in their farming journey.