Irrigation as sustainable adaptation of coffee production

  • Country: Uganda
  • Organisation: Masaka District Farmers Association Ltd
  • Support area: Adapting to the impacts of climate change
  • IKI funding: 80,649 euros
  • Project start: 01/06/2024
  • Project end: 31/05/2026
  • Website: District Farmers Association

The Masaka region in Southern Uganda is one of the country’s largest Robusta coffee growing areas. Changing rainfall patterns and lack of knowledge about the effects of climate change are negatively impacting coffee producers. Climate-adapted irrigation could help, but currently only about 5 per cent of the potential is being used. This IKI Small Grants project plans to equip 150 hectares of cultivated land with sustainable drip irrigation and increase coffee production by 30 per cent. The project addresses 1,500 smallholder producers. Potentially, 15,000 producers can benefit from the results and learning experiences. The project also encompasses extensive training on irrigation and marketing. It sets up tree nurseries with resilient species, and helps producers get access to credit. The project trains 20 experts to continue the work.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

IKI Small Grants supports Masaka District Farmers Association Ltd in their organisational capacity development through:

  • Development of a holistic Monitoring & Evaluation system
  • Training on the new M&E system
  • Implementation of anti-corruption and whistle blowing policies
  • Support for the development of a Fundraising Strategy
  • Staff training on writing, fundraising and effective networking

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

The Masaka District Farmers Association (MDFA) is a non-profit organisation established in 1998. The association is working on topics, such as agriculture, empowering women and youth and mitigating and adapting to climate change. The organisation works with partner institutions such as the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE).