The ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries(MAAIF) has taken over the implementation of the Coffee and Cocoa value chain Development project (CoCoDev) on behalf of the government of Uganda.
This is in line with the rationalization process.
The project previously under the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), is co-founded with support from the European Union and has a total implementation budget so Shs25.5 billion.
CoCoDev which commenced in March 2022 and will end in September 2027 has three main results areas of supporting, strengthening and implementing coffee and cocoa policy and regulating framework , Enhancing Commercial coffee and cocoa production and productivity as wel as reducing post-harvest losses, improving quality and marketing opportunities for coffee and cocoa products.
The national coffee strategy 2040 and the coffee roadmap in line with the National Development Plan III aims to scale up coffee production to 20million bags by 2030 as directed by president Museveni, CoCoDev complements government efforts to increase production, enhance the regulatory framework, post-harvest handling , quality assurance and marketing within the entire coffee and cocoa value chain.
Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama the permanent secretary of Agricultural ministry says reveals that as part of implementation, between August and October 2024, CoCoDev awarded matching grants totaling Shs12, 602,277,938 to 152 beneficiaries following a competitive and transparent application process that attracted over 1,200 farmers nationwide.
Under this reimbursable grant, which the government co-funds up to 55%, the beneficiaries will plant 3,497 acres of coffee and 552 acres of cocoa.
The Ministry urges all beneficiaries to continue implementing their activities, including preparing for the next planting season, due in March 2025.
It further reiterates its commitment to effectively implement the project, assuring all beneficiaries that will adhere to the terms and conditions of the contract signed with UCDA.
“Internal process to change signatories to the bank accounts are underway in accordance with the public finance Management Act and when complete ,payments to grantees will be expedited”Said PS Kasura.
