Irrigation as Sustainable Adaptation of Coffee Production

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.