To build groups and community-based synergies to enhance cocoa farmers productivity and bargain power.
Bwamba Cooperative Union
Bwamba Cooperative Union was formed by Bundibugyo Cocoa Farmers with the aim of getting a platform for better price negotiations and to collectively address problems facing the Cocoa sector in the area. The Union is found in Bundibugyo district, an area popularly known for cocoa growing in Uganda. The district is found in the Western Part of Uganda in East Africa and has a population of approximately 380,000 people.
Since the cocoa crop was introduced in Bundibugyo district in 1950s, private companies such as Esco Uganda, OLAM, Green Organic Watch, ICAM, Ugaden and Three Farmers Investments have been engaged in buying cocoa beans from the farmers. As more companies and individual cocoa traders penetrated the cocoa market in this area, competition became stiff and some companies such as Green organic Watch, which had established a direct working relationship with the farmers, closed shop in 2010. This was followed by Three Farmers’ Investments who exited at the beginning of September 2015. As a result, farmers realized the need to come together to genuinely address their own problems and begin marketing their cocoa so as to realize premium prices and improve their livelihoods.
By 2019, a large section of the cocoa farmers had mobilized them and formed their own primary cooperative societies, groups and associations that would address their challenges of limited access to stable cocoa markets. By September 2020 the farmer groups with 4 member cooperative societies formed a Union named as “Bwamba Cooperative Union” (BCU) - registered by the Government of Uganda under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Unions. Registration Certificate No. 13774/ RCS. At the beginning of February 2021, the primary cooperative Societies affiliated to the Union worked negotiated an internal market with OLAM (U) Limited, Bundibugyo branch to-date with a common goal and interest of developing an independent cocoa business for the benefit of farmers. On 26th Feb. 2021 the 1st Annual general meeting (AGM) was held where a Board of Seven (7) directors was elected.
One of the best ways to improve the livelihoods of farmers and their communities is by improving farm productivity. Cocoa productivity depends on the conditions on a farm, such as nutrients in the soil and shade provided to a cocoa tree, as well as use of high-quality planting material, appropriate use of fertilizer and crop protection. We invest in farmers’ capacity through various training programmes. Our training teaches farmers the techniques and practices they need to improve the agricultural practices on their farms, run them as profitable businesses, and play a positive role in their communities.
To build groups and community-based synergies to enhance cocoa farmers productivity and bargain power.
To provide training and education of cocoa farmers on good agricultural practices, farm maintenance, integrated pest management, post-harvest handling and entrepreneurial skills.
To provide training in proper land use management, such as efficient, sustainable agricultural techniques to support their certification.
To strengthen farmer primary cooperatives societies to achieve economies of scale and better market access.
To offer warehousing and monitoring of cocoa farmers through an Integrated Management System to increase transparency and guarantee traceability.