The Minister of state for agriculture, Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, has hailed researchers at the National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI) for developing coffee and cocoa research innovations that have contributed to an increase in coffee production in Uganda.
Over the past ten years, NaCORI has proven itself to be a beacon of research excellence, a hub of innovation and a catalyst for the growth and development of our coffee and cocoa industries, the minister noted.
Minister of state for agriculture, Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga
The minister, who officiated as guest-of-honour at celebrations to mark NaCORI’s 10th Annivesrasry on August 8th, at Kituza in Mukono, also noted that the theme of the 10-year celebration: 10 Years of Technologies and Innovations For Enhanced Coffee, Cocoa Export and Industry Development, was not only timely, but also reflective of the transformative journey NaCORI has undertaken since its establishment in 2014.
He noted that the Government of Uganda has over the years been running a strategic intervention to increase coffee production as part of its broader vision to transform the agricultural sector and drive economic growth. The minister recognised NaCORI’s efforts toward conducting research work that has boosted coffee production from about 3million 60kg bags to the current 5.7 bags.
He highlighted some of the efforts as promotion of high-yielding and disease-resistant coffee varieties where NaCORI has played a pivotal role in expansion of coffee cultivation in non-traditional growing areas; provision of training and resources to farmers to improve their agronomic practices.
The minister urged NaCORI to focus on value addition research in coffee and cocoa as Uganda’s increasingly valuable cash crops, and also develop innovations that increase domestic coffee consumption.
The value-added coffee and cocoa products developed by NaCORI, ranging from dietary items such as coffee powder and chocolate, and non-dietary products: facial scrubs and body lotions, are paving the way for a more diversified and resilient agricultural economy. The commercialization of these innovations will not only create employment opportunities for our youth, but also enhance household incomes, making the coffee and cocoa value chains more profitable and sustainable, he noted.
He also urged communities in coffee growing regions of Uganda to harness all opportunities along the entire coffee and cocoa value-chains and also venture into domestic tourism.
The NARO Deputy Director General for Technology Promotion, Dr. Swadik Kassim, who also represented the NARO Director General, called on NaCORI researchers to develop smart technologies that are beneficial to communities.
For the next 10 years, NaCORI will focus on implementing the revised National Coffee and Cocoa Research and Development Agenda, which sets a clear research path for the next ten years. This agenda aligns with Uganda’s national socio-economic frameworks and repositions NaCORI as a regional center of excellence in coffee and cocoa research. It is through such strategic planning and partnerships that Uganda’s position as a leading producer of high-quality coffee and cocoa can be strengthened on the global stage.
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary for NaCORI, the coffee research team focused on:
• Communication and Outreach initiatives to strengthen community connection for enhanced technology development and adoption.
• Reviewed the coffee Research Strategies and National Coffee and Cocoa Research and Development Agenda to align to the socioeconomic frameworks and positioning NaCORI as a centre of excellence for Robusta coffee research in Africa.
• Established partnerships for enhancing awareness among potential users, industry partners, and stakeholders about NaCORI’s innovative technologies, products and solutions.
Several events were held to highlight the role of coffee and cocoa research as a cornerstone of the coffee and cocoa industries development and a key to unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s agricultural sector. Key among these were; the National Coffee Research Symposium that was held at Hotel Africana, Kampala on August 6th, 2024, and the Coffee Spark Experience held on August 2nd at the Agricultural showground in Jinja.