Building Human Capital for the Uganda Coffee Carbon Project

The Uganda Coffee Carbon Project addresses persistently low coffee productivity that is below 30% of its potential by integrating soil organic matter science with targeted education and outreach to build the human capital required for resilient, market-oriented coffee systems. Effective SOM management underpins nutrient cycling, water retention, root development, and carbon sequestration in coffee landscapes, yet limited farmer and institutional capacity to manage SOM remains a critical constraint to sustainable yield and quality improvement. Implemented within the Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union, UCCP focuses on strengthening farmer, youth, and cooperative competencies in SOM-based agronomy, climate-smart coffee production, carbon accounting, and measurement, reporting, and verification, while nurturing next-generation leaders capable of managing agronomic, environmental, and market complexity and supporting diversification into apiculture, horticulture, and digital produce markets. Between 2023 and 2025, the project operationalized these objectives through integrated training, farmer-led on-farm experimentation, and applied research, engaging 1,241 farmers across 1,635 ha in SOM-enhancing agroforestry, distributing over 204,000 tree seedlings, and deploying a digital MRV platform that enabled the application of more than 71,000 t CO₂ of saleable carbon credits, with initial payments to 277 farmers. Education and outreach were scaled through promoter farmer networks and radio-based e-extension reaching approximately 560,000 listeners, while youth-led market engagement facilitated sales of diversified produce. Overall, UCCP demonstrates that well-sequenced capacity development in SOM management, embedded within education, outreach, and market integration, is essential for improving coffee productivity and quality, enhancing soil health and climate resilience, and cultivating adaptive agri-food and carbon-market professionals for long-term sustainability.