As coffee prices soar in Uganda, thefts of unharvested beans from farms have surged, prompting farmers to adopt new security measures like guard dogs, night patrols, and even bees. Ugandan farmer Charles Waliggo, among others, has faced repeated thefts as thieves exploit the high prices of coffee, leading farming associations to declare the issue at unprecedented levels. With farm-gate prices rising 65% this year, coffee has become a prime target for criminals, threatening both farmers’ income and the country’s goal to expand coffee production.
Uganda, the world’s fifth-largest coffee exporter, has been hit hard by these thefts, as they not only reduce current yields but also damage trees, potentially limiting future productivity. The Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance and Central Coffee Farmers Association have recommended various security measures, including fencing and hiring guards, to combat the growing theft crisis.
Many smallholders, living near the poverty line, struggle to afford these protective measures, further complicating efforts to boost production. With the Ugandan government aiming to increase coffee output from less than 7 million to 20 million bags by 2030, continued theft could undermine these goals unless stronger action is taken.
