In the hills of Manafwa District in Eastern Uganda, 1,012 coffee farmers are working together through Butta Farmers’ Cooperative Society to improve coffee production and strengthen their livelihoods. Through its Wonder Farms initiative, the cooperative promotes regenerative farming practices, including planting improved coffee varieties, producing natural fertilisers and using manure to improve soil health. It is also raising 10,000 coffee seedlings in its nursery.

Many farmers rely on resources readily available on their farms. Cow dung, urine, ash and tithonia are used to make natural fertilisers, while 80% of Butta’s certified farmers own cows that provide manure for their coffee trees. The cooperative aims to increase productivity to 2 kg of parchment coffee per tree. To support farmers in reaching this target, it encourages improved farming practices and recognises progress through Bronze, Silver and Gold categories.

Organic farming is another focus. Butta has 300 certified organic farmers, with a further 300 in the conversion process. The cooperative is also working to strengthen the participation of women and young farmers, including 82 women members.

Beyond farming practices, Butta supports its members through a savings and credit cooperative (SACCO), which provides access to loans for farm investments and other needs. Tools such as pruning saws and secateurs help farmers apply improved practices in the field. Together, these services aim to help farmers increase production, improve their incomes and invest in the future of their farms and families.

The coffee you are tasting comes from Butta’s farmers in Manafwa, whose efforts to improve soil health, farming practices and productivity are helping shape a more sustainable future for coffee production in Eastern Uganda.