Empowering Women in Uganda’s Coffee Industry

SIRONKO, Uganda (AP) — In an inspiring initiative to uplift women in coffee cultivation, Meridah Nandudu has transformed the landscape of coffee production in Uganda. By implementing a simple yet effective strategy—paying a higher price per kilogram for beans delivered by female growers—Nandudu has fostered a community of support and empowerment.

A Growing Coffee Sisterhood

This innovative approach has led to a significant increase in women’s participation in the coffee supply chain. Nandudu’s business, Bayaaya Specialty Coffee, has grown from accommodating a handful of women in 2022 to over 600 today, representing about 75% of her registered farmers.

Women’s Contributions Too Often Overlooked

“Women have been so discouraged by coffee; they do the donkey work,” Nandudu explains, highlighting that while women labor extensively in coffee production, it’s often their husbands who claim the sales proceeds. Nandudu aims to reverse this trend in a community where women’s labor is indispensable for coffee production.

The Economic Landscape of Ugandan Coffee

Uganda ranks among Africa’s top two coffee producers, with the crop serving as the country’s leading export. Recent reports from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority indicate that the country exported more than 6 million bags of coffee between September 2023 and August 2024, generating $1.3 billion in earnings.

Fostering Accountability and Support

Nandudu’s dedication to empowering women stems from her personal experiences. As a child, she witnessed how domestic violence often surged during the coffee harvest season, primarily due to disputes over finances. “When men sell coffee, they are not accountable,” she explains. By allowing women to sell the coffee, Nandudu encourages a more equitable distribution of resources.

From Education to Empowerment

After earning a degree in social sciences in 2015—funded by her father’s coffee earnings—Nandudu set out to create a business focused on the needs of women in Uganda. Bayaaya, which translates to “sisterhood” in the Lumasaba language, was launched in 2018 and offers not just coffee buying but also cooperative savings for members.

Economic Incentives for Women

As prices of coffee have significantly increased—from over $2 per kilogram a decade ago to around $5 today—Nandudu adds an additional 200 shillings for every kilogram sold by women. This additional incentive is encouraging more women to participate in the coffee trade, along with a off-season bonus to aid earnings.

A Shift in Family Dynamics

The empowerment efforts are also reshaping family dynamics and relationships. For instance, Linet Gimono, a member since 2022, shares how her family’s decision-making around coffee earnings has become a collective effort. “I can buy soap and sugar without arguments with my husband,” she notes.

Changing Attitudes Toward Coffee

Interestingly, many coffee farmers in the Sironko district had never tasted the coffee they cultivated. However, a cultural shift is underway as younger women in urban areas are becoming more involved in coffee, even securing jobs in roasting facilities.

A Bright Future for Women in Coffee

Phoebe Nabutale, now a quality assurance overseer for Darling Coffee, illustrates this change. Raised in a coffee-growing family, she has inspired her peers to explore opportunities in the coffee industry. For Nandudu, this marks significant progress, as the number of women engaging in coffee as a business continues to grow.

Conclusion

Thanks to Nandudu’s efforts, Uganda’s coffee landscape is evolving, creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for women. As these women take on more roles in coffee production and sales, they are not just feeding their families but also contributing significantly to the economy of their country.