CONCEPT NOTE FOR COFFEE DEMO PLOT ESTABLISHMENT FOR YOUTH

BENEFICIARIES AND TRAINING OF YOUTH ON REGENERATIVE

AGRICULTURE

SUBMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEER

KAWACOM (U) LIMITED
 TABLE OF CONTENT
TABLE OF CONTENT..............................................................................................................i

1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................2

1.1 Background..................................................................................................................2

1.2 Goal and Objective......................................................................................................3

2.0 Activities, Milestones, outcomes and impacts................................................................3

2.1 Activities of the initiative............................................................................................3

2.2 Expected Outcomes.....................................................................................................4

2.3 Expected Impact and Indicators..................................................................................4

2.4 Impact Measurement...................................................................................................4

3.0 Approach and methodology............................................................................................4

3.1 Approach.....................................................................................................................4

3.2 Expected participants...................................................................................................5

3.3 Assumptions................................................................................................................5

4.0 Proposed budget..............................................................................................................5

5.0 Anticipated risks and mitigation strategies.....................................................................6

References..................................................................................................................................6

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
Coffee is a vital crop in Uganda, contributing to nearly a third of the country’s export and
providing livelihoods for 1.8 million households. However, conventional coffee farming
practices in Uganda often result in soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and vulnerability to
climate change. In response to these challenges, there is a growing interest in promoting
regenerative agriculture techniques to improve the sustainability and resilience of coffee
production systems in the country. Rregenerative agriculture practices, such as cover cropping
and composting, can enhance soil fertility, organic matter content, and nutrient cycling in coffee
agroecosystems in Uganda (Akullo et al., 2020; Birungi et al., 2019). Research conducted by
Birungi et al. (2019) demonstrated that the incorporation of leguminous cover crops in coffee
farms improved soil nitrogen levels and microbial activity, leading to increased coffee yield and
quality. Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees with coffee cultivation, have been found to
promote biodiversity conservation in Uganda by providing habitat for birds, insects, and other
wildlife (Kagezi et al., 2013; Namuddu et al., 2020).

Studies by Kagezi et al. (2013) and Namuddu et al. (2020) documented the positive effects of
shade trees on bird diversity and abundance in coffee agroforestry systems, highlighting the
potential of agroecological approaches to enhance biodiversity while maintaining crop
productivity. Regenerative agriculture practices, such as agroforestry and soil conservation
techniques, can help coffee farmers in Uganda adapt to climate change by improving soil
moisture retention, reducing erosion, and enhancing ecosystem resilience (Nalukwago et al.,
2021; Ssentongo et al., 2020). Research conducted by Nalukwago et al. (2021) demonstrated that
agroforestry systems with shade trees provided better microclimate conditions for coffee plants,
resulting in improved yield stability and resilience to climate variability. Farming communities
learn best good farming practices through peer learning thus creating a need to establish demo
plots for easy learning and adoption of coffee farming practices. Based on the benefits associated
with regenerative agricultural its on this basis that Kawacom Uganda Limited proposes to
undertake this initiative among the farming communities so that they can harness the benefits
associated with regenerative agriculture and agroforestry.

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1.2 Goal and Objective
The main goal of this training program is to equip Youth Coffee demo holders’ with the
knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to transition to regenerative agricultural practices and
establish demo plots that can be used for learning purpose. The specific objectives of the
capacity building sessions include;
1. Set up and equip youth owned Coffee Demo plots with standing Coffee Agronomic
Practices
2. To equip the youth beneficiaries with adequate knowledge and skills on regenerative
agriculture
3. To use youth owned demo plots as centers for training youth beneficiaries on
regenerative agriculture, climate change adaptation and coffee agronomy
Business Case
Investments in development of Youth own coffee demo plot is required for technology
transfer among youth coffee farmers, boost farmer-to-farmer extension and improve
yield and incomes for the youth thus job creation at farm level for the youth demo plot
holders. Furthermore, the dividends arising from investment in the Youth owned demo
plots especially improved yield, income and livelihoods will draw and attract youth in
coffee production and marketing consequently ensuring succession in coffee farming,
increasing supply of raw material for the market and Coffee sector growth.

2.0 Activities, Milestones, outcomes and impacts

2.1 Activities of the initiative
In pursuit to equip farmers with knowledge on regenerative agriculture and development of
demo plots the following activities will be carried out

 Training will include the following topics renovation and rehabilitation, agroforestry, soil
conservation practices, integrated nutrient management.
 Farm visits for demonstration of practices for regenerative agriculture
 On-farm demonstrations of regenerative practices such as cover cropping, composting,
agroforestry, and water conservation methods.
 To facilitate knowledge exchange and peer learning among farmers by creating a
platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and best practices.

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Intervention under development of outstanding demonstration farmer include;
 Identification of the farmers to host demonstration plots
 Training of the farmers in demonstration plot establishments
 Procurement and distribution of demonstration plot kits
 Management of the demonstration plots
 Follow and monitoring the establishment and performance of demonstration plots

2.2 Expected Outcomes

 Increased understanding and awareness of regenerative agriculture principles among
coffee farmers.
 Adoption of regenerative farming techniques by participating farmers, leading to
improved soil health, biodiversity, and resilience.
 Enhanced coffee quality and yield as a result of improved farming practices.
 Coffee demonstration plots established

2.3 Expected Impact and Indicators

The expected impact indicators are as follows:
 Improved livelihoods for coffee farmers through increased yields, reduced input costs,
and access to premium markets for sustainably produced coffee.
 Enhanced resilience of coffee farming communities to climate change and environmental
degradation.
 Conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in coffee-growing regions,
contributing to broader environmental goals.

2.4 Impact Measurement

 Increase in yields for the coffee
 Number of farmers trained in regenerative agriculture
 Number of farmers adopting regenerative agriculture practices
 Number of demonstration plots established

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  Number of demonstration plot kits distributed
 Feedback from participants
 Feedback from the community.

3.0 Approach and methodology

3.1 Approach
The training on regenerative agriculture and development of demos will be conducted through
different phases and these include
 Training of Field officers who will train the farming communities on regenerative
agriculture and establishment of good demos
 Training of the farming community through the field officers
 Development of the demonstration plots as well as procurement and distribution of
demonstration of plot Kits.
3.2 Expected participants
 Agronomists
 Field Supervisors
 Field Officers
 Farmers

3.3 Assumptions
 All the activities will be implemented planned
 Trainings are undertaken under suitable condition for the farmers and trainers of trainees
 Farmers provide time and attend the scheduled training as set by the field team.
 Farmers comply to the procedures place in place
 Field team works with the farmers during training activities.

4.0 Proposed budget

Project Activities Unit No. of Unit Rate Total (UGX)
units (UGX)
1 Activity 1. Needs Assessment
1.1 Inception meeting Project Management Man days 2
Team, Agronomists 500,000 1,000,000
1.2 Regional Familiarization & Capacity Man days 15
evaluation meetings 300,000 4,500,000

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1.3 Onsite Visits and Verification of Selected Man days 5
Demos 300,000 1,500,000
1.4 Logistics Car hire 20
150,000 3,000,000
1.5 Fuel Ltrs 800
5,500 4,400,000
SUB TOTAL
14,400,000
2 Activity 2. Training of Field Officers (FO)
and Demo Holders
2.1 Developing the training programs and Man days 3
manuals & protocols based on the needs 500,000 1,500,000
Ass.
2.2 Training on Climate Smart, Regenerative Man days 48
Agriculture Practices & Practical demo 300,000 14,400,000
establishment
2.3 logistics Car hire 25
150,000 3,750,000
2.4 Fuel Liters 800
5,500 4,400,000
SUB TOTAL
24,050,000
3 Activity 3. Establishment of Demo plots
3.2 Procurement of demo establishment Demos 254
tools, materials and equipment 420,300 106,756,200
3.3 Procurement of Soil Scanners Pieces 6
30,000,000 180,000,000
3.4 Distribution of equipment, tools and Mileage 2,960
materials 3,000 8,880,000
3.5 Branding of demo plots demos 254
150,000 38,100,000
SUB TOTAL
333,736,200
4 Project Monitoring and Evaluation
4.1 Monitor project progress Man days 32
300,000 9,600,000
4.2 logistics Car hire 32
150,000 4,800,000
4.3 Fuel Ltrs 400
5,500 2,200,000
4.4 End of project evaluation and report Man days 2
preparation 500,000 1,000,000
SUB TOTAL
17,600,000

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 GRAND TOTAL
389,786,200

5.0 Anticipated risks and mitigation strategies

Anticipated risk Proposed mitigations for the risks
Unfavorable weather that will affects Timely planning and execution of the activities in
ascertaining the follow up on activities like the morning hours
farmer trainings, learning visits and expos
Limited time due to competing priorities in the Prioritize activities
various activities being implemented
Mechanical issues that may occur and affect time Contingency funds to work on mechanical issues,
as scheduled in the plan ensure the vehicles are checked before the journey

References
 Coffee Reg Ag Handbook Uganda

 Akullo, F., Mulumba, J.W., Njoroge, J.B., and Okello, J.J. (2020). Effect of leguminous
cover crops and organic materials on soil fertility and productivity of Robusta coffee in
Uganda. Soil Systems, 4(1), 5.

 Birungi, P., Semalulu, O., Kagoda, F., Kigozi, B., and Nansamba, A. (2019). Effect of
cover cropping on soil fertility, disease incidence and productivity of Robusta coffee in
central Uganda. Journal of Sustainable Development, 12(3), 158-172.

 Kagezi, G.H., Wamala, S., Kamatenesi, J., and Kiwuka, C. (2013). Effect of shade trees
on bird diversity in coffee agroforestry systems of Uganda. International Journal of
Biodiversity and Conservation, 5(6), 357-366.

 Namuddu, A., Sekabira, H., Obua, J., and Kaboggoza, J.R.S. (2020). The influence of
shade trees on bird diversity and abundance in smallholder coffee agroforestry systems of
Central Uganda. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 24(3), 537-546.

 Nalukwago, J., Mugagga, F., Mwanjalolo, M., Byakagaba, P., and Turyomurugyendo,
L.F. (2021). Coffee farmers’ adaptation to climate change in Uganda: Insights from
agroforestry systems. Sustainability, 13(11), 59

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