The Second G-25 Africa Coffee Summit is set to take place in Uganda with the aim of addressing challenges faced by African coffee-producing countries and promoting value addition, as well as domestic consumption of coffee.
Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, emphasized the importance of coffee value addition to the social-economic transformation of African economies during a press briefing at the government-owned media center.
The summit intends to foster synergies to expand regional coffee trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Climate change and its impact on coffee farming in Africa were also discussed, with the minister stressing the need for continuous investment in research, innovation, and development to develop resilient coffee varieties.
One of the major challenges faced by coffee farmers in Uganda is the Coffee Leaf Rust disease, which significantly affects coffee farming at low altitudes. To combat this, David Kashura Kyomukama, the Permanent Secretary of MAAIF, suggested the use of pesticides recommended by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), and assistance for farmers in accessing these pesticides depending on the severity of the outbreak.
He also mentioned that Uganda has managed to breed leaf rust-resistant coffee varieties, providing a long-term solution to the problem.
