By Alfred Opio
A government-led coffee seedling distribution program in Pallisa District has ignited both optimism and frustration among farmers, as efforts to boost household incomes through agriculture gather momentum.
A total of 42 farmers selected from 21 sub-counties benefited from the initiative, which is valued at approximately UGX 15 million. The program, spearheaded by the district’s Office of Agriculture, aims to promote coffee farming as a sustainable pathway out of poverty.
According to Pallisa District Agriculture Officer Emmanuel Olebo, the beneficiaries were carefully selected based on readiness and capacity to engage in coffee farming.
❝ “Our objective is to increase coffee coverage in the district. Coffee is one of the strategic crops that can lift our communities out of poverty.” ❞
— Emmanuel Olebo
Olebo revealed that the district procured 6,500 coffee seedlings for the current financial year, with plans to scale up distribution in the future as demand continues to grow.
He explained that each sub-county submitted two farmers who were vetted through a rigorous process to ensure that only committed and prepared individuals received the seedlings.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to transition households from subsistence farming—locally known as “kidachonka”—to more sustainable and income-generating agricultural practices.
Olebo also pointed to early success stories within the district, noting that some farmers who embraced coffee growing earlier are already seeing promising yields and income, helping to change perceptions about the crop’s viability in the area.
❝ “People used to think coffee cannot grow here, but those who started earlier are now benefiting. This has encouraged others to join.” ❞
— Emmanuel Olebo
However, despite the positive outlook, the distribution process has been met with dissatisfaction from several farmers, who say the number of seedlings received fell far below expectations.
James Patrick Emorut from Agule Town Council said he had applied for 1,800 seedlings but received fewer than 100, despite preparing his land in advance.
❝ “I had already invested time and resources preparing my land, but what I received is not enough.” ❞
— James Patrick Emorut
In another case, Deo Opio reported that he did not receive any seedlings at all, despite being listed among the selected beneficiaries.
❝ “I dug over 400 holes expecting to plant coffee, but I got nothing. It is very discouraging.” ❞
— Deo Opio
Madilu Auk, a farmer from Pallisa Town Council, also expressed disappointment after receiving fewer than 50 seedlings instead of the 1,500 he had requested.
The shortage, officials say, is due to limited funding and overwhelming demand from farmers eager to venture into coffee production.
Despite these challenges, many stakeholders believe the initiative is a step in the right direction toward transforming agriculture in Pallisa. Leaders and farmers alike are calling for increased investment and expansion of the program to ensure more equitable access in future distributions.
As interest in coffee farming continues to grow, the district remains hopeful that with improved funding and planning, the initiative will play a key role in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods across Pallisa.
