Coffee Prices Soar in Ibanda District

Farmers in Ibanda are experiencing a boon in their earnings as coffee prices reach unprecedented highs over the past few months. Robusta coffee, in particular, is currently trading at a record high of sh9,200 per kilogram in Ibanda town, with beans fetching sh8,900 a kilo in Kashangura, Kagongo division, Ibanda municipality.

These prices signify a notable increase from sh8,700 and sh8,300 at the commencement of December last year. The current price levels mark the highest recorded in the district in recent years, defying the typical trend where coffee prices drop as the harvest season nears its end due to lower quality and yield.

Despite the Robusta coffee harvest season expected to conclude in February, having commenced in mid-September, 2023, prices have remained buoyant, contrary to the usual decline associated with the culmination of the harvest.

Meanwhile, Arabica coffee prices have also experienced an upswing, reaching shillings 10,000 per kilo in Kashangura and sh9,700 in Ibanda town. This reflects a notable increase from shillings 8,000 at the beginning of the previous month.

Deogratias Tihwayo, a coffee trader, anticipates further increases in Arabica prices in the coming weeks as more buyers enter the market. The Arabica coffee harvest period is scheduled to commence in March.

Levi Tibenderana, a coffee farmer in Kigarama Bisheshe Division, notes that the favorable prices have not only boosted the morale of existing farmers but also attracted new entrants into coffee cultivation. Additionally, individuals who had shifted their focus from coffee to vanilla are now reconsidering, as vanilla prices have experienced a decline in recent seasons.

UCDA Indicative Prices

As of Monday, January 15, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) indicative prices reveal the following:

• Kiboko coffee ranges from sh4,000 to sh4,500 per kilo.
• FAQ (fair average quality) is priced between sh8,600 and sh9,400.
• Arabica parchment is valued at sh10,000 to sh11,000 per kilogram.
• Drugar coffee (clean) varies from sh9,000 to sh9,500.