A top diplomat has opened up about how much climate change may hit production of Arabica and Robusta coffee in Uganda by 2050.
“Climate change, for example, may lower the production of Arabica and Robusta coffee in Uganda by 2050,” Kate Airey, the British High Commissioner to Uganda revealed Friday.
As a result, she said, “resulting in estimated losses of around US$ 1,235 million.”
“Our experience in the agriculture sector in Uganda
According to Airey, the United Kingdom (UK) government’s experience in the agriculture sector in Uganda has taught them (UK government) that “we need to be building sustainable and resilient systems”
For instance, she said that the UK government is spearheading climate smart agriculture.
She, however, revealed that: “I’m delighted to announce that Kew Gardens is undertaking a UK government funded (Darwin initiative) project to explore how Uganda’s coffee natural capital can be used to develop, diversify, and sustain coffee production in Uganda, to build climate change resilience at local and national levels, providing additional motivation for the preservation of Uganda’s natural resources, contributing to addressing climate change.”
According to Airey, these kinds of investments – in sustainable growth that will deliver quality jobs for Uganda’s young people and is built on supporting an improved trading relationship is where “we believe want to take the relationship between the UK and Uganda”
Hosting COP26 in November, the UK government will host the crucial UN climate change conference COP2026 in Glasgow and among key focus areas for discussion will be nature-based solutions, in particular the opportunity to harness nature to reduce emissions, build resilience and support sustainable economic growth.
Airey’s revelation comes at a time when Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) is partnering with the British High Commission to open a market for Uganda’s coffee on the shelves of supermarkets in the UK.
On Friday, UCDA and the British High Commission confirmed the partnership.
Already, the partnership has seen the two parties organize a cross country Arabica coffee competition. Here, the best of the best Ugandan coffee will be revealed on September 29, 2021.
“I look forward to attending the event on 29th of September, and even more excited to taste all the fantastic coffee that is good for the planet, good for the farmer, and good for the cup,” said Airey.
UCDA Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye says that the competition will bring quality Ugandan coffee to an international market, increase UK interest in Ugandan coffee and ultimately increase coffee exports to the UK.
Figures Media Scape news is privy to shows that in 2020, the UK government imported coffee, tea and cocoa worth 1.4 million pounds from Uganda.