UCDA and UNDP officials pose for a photo with tablets to be used in documenting coffee farmers from the across the country.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) have partnered to advance inclusive and sustainable coffee supply chain processes.
Their collaborative project, “Unlocking the Potential of Coffee in Uganda through Promoting an Inclusive and Sustainable Coffee Supply Chain Process” focuses on two key interventions of building capacity of youth and women for active participation in the climate-smart coffee supply chain process and supporting the compliance process with EU regulations, including the European Union Deforestation Free Regulation (EUDR) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), through tracking and certification systems.
The project is designed to address the challenges faced by Ugandan coffee farmers in a rapidly changing global market that increasingly demands sustainable and traceable products. By focusing on inclusivity and compliance, the project also aims to strengthen the coffee sector’s resilience and sustainability, benefiting both producers and consumers.
As part of the initial activities the project will equip 1,000 youth and women with skills and tools for coffee nursery establishment and management, train and equip targeted 100 youth and women in the coffee value chain process and support stakeholders in data collection processes using the Uganda Natural Resource Information System (NARIS) and traceability.
The EUDR is a legislative framework established by the European Union to combat global deforestation and forest degradation. It will ensure that certain commodities and products placed on the EU market or exported from it do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. Officially adopted on June 29, 2023, the EUDR will come into full force on December 30, 2024, with an extended adjustment period for small and micro enterprises until June 2025.
The CS3D is a landmark piece of legislation enacted by the European Union to enhance corporate accountability for environmental and human rights impacts. Adopted on March 15, 2024, the CS3D requires companies to conduct thorough due diligence on their operations and across their entire value chains, including subsidiaries and business partners.
“This project is a significant step forward in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in Uganda’s coffee sector,” said Dr. Charles Mugoya, UCDA’s Board Chair. “By empowering youth and women, while ensuring compliance with EU regulations, we aim to unlock the full potential of our coffee industry and maintain our position in the global market.” Dr. Mugoya made these remarks at Coffee House after the UNDP handed over 45 tablets to UCDA to support data collection.
The project will support the National Coffee Registry of all coffee value chain actors to facilitate traceability and compliance with the EUDR and CS3D. This will involve digitally mapping the supply chain down to the plot where the coffee is grown, enabling traceability of millions of small farms across Uganda. The registry will also support comprehensive planning, strengthen extension services, and provide value propositions for industry stakeholders.
“UNDP is committed to supporting Uganda’s efforts in promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth,” said Mr. Abdourahmane Dia, UNDP’s Operations Advisor. “This project aligns with our goals of empowering communities, fostering innovation, and ensuring environmental sustainability. We are proud to partner with UCDA in this important endeavour.”
The launch of the project marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s coffee sector, paving the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and compliant supply chain that can thrive in the global market.