Lango Shifts Focus to Commercial Agriculture With Push for Coffee, Cocoa Production

Leaders in the Lango sub-region have intensified efforts to transition communities from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, with a renewed push for large-scale coffee and cocoa cultivation.

The strategy, unveiled during a Regional Consultative Stakeholders’ Engagement on Perennial Crop Production at All Saints University–Canon Lawrence Campus in Lira City, encourages each household to commit at least two hectares of land to high-value crops.

Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul said the sub-region’s economic transformation hinges on adopting structured, business-oriented farming supported by long-term planning and inclusive partnerships.

Okul emphasised that meaningful leadership should be reflected in practical contributions that directly improve productivity and household incomes, noting that repositioning Lango within Uganda’s coffee value chain requires collective responsibility.

The engagement highlighted emerging local initiatives already shaping the shift.

Bishop Joseph Omara’s investment in boreholes to support irrigation and clean water access, alongside Bishop Professor Alfred Olwa’s coffee farming and farmer training programmes, were cited as examples of grassroots-driven transformation.

Religious leaders called for a stronger link between knowledge and practice.

Rev. Hagad Emuny of Adok Parish Church of Uganda urged communities to prioritise demonstration farms, continuous training and organised production systems to enhance output and livelihoods.

The meeting also underscored the need for stronger institutional support.

Participants called for improved extension services, better market systems and expanded partnerships with government agencies to ensure farmers benefit from fair and stable returns.

Hans De Heer, chief executive officer of Plutus Coffee, outlined a phased implementation plan focused on community mobilisation, technical support and sustainable farming practices.

The initiative will also target youth participation and promote organic production, while strengthening supply chains through farmer organisations.

Environmental sustainability emerged as a key concern, with experts urging farmers to align production with climate patterns.

There were also calls to utilise idle land, particularly in schools and institutions, to boost agricultural output.

However, concerns over governance persist. Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Julius Peter Ocur Odwee warned that corruption continues to undermine progress in the sector.

Stakeholders identified capacity building as central to success, estimating that it accounts for more than 60 per cent of farm productivity.

The establishment of certified nursery beds to supply quality seedlings was also prioritised.

Participants agreed that with coordinated investment, technical guidance and community commitment, Lango is well-positioned to emerge as a competitive hub for coffee and cocoa production, offering a pathway to improved household incomes and broader socio-economic development.