Over 50 farmers trained on coffee growing in Pader as government intensifies poverty fight

23 February 2026, 7:04 pm

By Okwong Geoffrey

A total of 56 farmers in Pader District have received training on coffee planting and management as government strengthens efforts to promote coffee farming as a pathway out of poverty.

The training, which took place in Gulalela in Bogitiko Sub-county on Saturday, was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) under the Government of Uganda. Participants were drawn from Porogali, Acholibur, Latanya, Bongitiko, Pajule, Lapul and Atanga sub-counties.

According to Nicolas Okino, the Regional Agricultural Officer in charge of Agago, Pader and Abim districts, government has prioritized coffee growing as a strategic intervention to fight poverty in the Acholi sub-region. He emphasized that farmers must first receive proper training before seedlings are distributed to ensure better survival rates and improved productivity.

He urged farmers to prepare their gardens ahead of the coffee seedling distribution scheduled for April, noting that registration of interested farmers is ongoing across the sub-counties.

In addition to coffee seedlings, government will also distribute banana suckers and shade tree seedlings, as coffee performs better under shaded conditions.

Meanwhile, Sam Okello, the Chairperson of Gulalela Community Farming Association (GUCOFA), said participation in the trainings has steadily increased. He noted that 35 farmers attended the first session, 47 the second, and 56 the latest training — demonstrating growing interest in coffee farming.

Okello explained that the training equipped farmers with practical skills including proper digging of planting holes, correct spacing of coffee seedlings, and management of the crop from early growth to ripening. Farmers were also trained on proper harvesting methods and drying of coffee beans to maintain quality standards.

He added that the knowledge gained would not remain with only the 56 participants, as they are expected to share the information with fellow farmers in nearby villages who may have missed the training.

The group also received guidance on how to manage and maintain coffee plants that were planted during previous distributions.

Reflecting on last year’s experience, Okello said only a small number of seedlings were distributed and they arrived at the wrong planting season around August 2025. As a result, only four farmers who had prepared their gardens were able to plant — including one who received seedlings without prior training.

Despite the earlier challenges, Okello reported that GUCOFA has so far registered 700 members who have filled forms to receive coffee seedlings. With support from the district production officer, the group also received fertilizers last year to boost agricultural productivity.

He expressed optimism that with proper timing, adequate training, and increased registration, coffee farming will significantly transform household incomes in the area.

The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to commercialize agriculture and promote sustainable livelihoods across Northern Uganda.