SIRONKO, Uganda - In a bid to empower female coffee growers, Meridah Nandudu launched an initiative in Uganda that incentivizes women to take their coffee beans to collection points by offering a higher price per kilogram. This approach has transformed the dynamics of coffee delivery within the community, encouraging more men to delegate the task to their wives.
Since 2022, Nandudu's business group, Bayaaya Specialty Coffee, has surged from a handful of women to over 600 members, representing approximately 75% of the registered farmers in Sironko district. This mountainous region in eastern Uganda is well-known for its high-quality arabica beans, which contribute significantly to the country's coffee export industry.
Nandudu observed that women often perform the labor-intensive tasks in coffee production, such as planting and post-harvest processing, yet the financial rewards typically go to the men who sell the coffee. This inequity has been linked to a rise in domestic strife during the harvest season, as disputes often arise over unaccounted for earnings. Nandudu hopes to change this narrative and emphasize the essential role women play in coffee production.
Uganda is one of Africa's leading coffee producers, exporting over 6 million bags of coffee valued at $1.3 billion between September 2023 and August 2024, according to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority. As climate challenges adversely affect coffee production in Brazil, Uganda's coffee sector has seen a steady increase in earnings.
Growing up in a rural village near the Kenyan border, Nandudu witnessed firsthand the struggles of women in her community. Her education was funded through coffee earnings, leading her to conceptualize a company focused on addressing the challenges faced by women farmers. The term "bayaaya," meaning "sisterhood" in the Lumasaba language, embodies her vision for the cooperative.
Launched in 2018, Bayaaya Specialty Coffee distinguishes itself in Mbale, the largest city in eastern Uganda, by prioritizing women's empowerment and establishing cooperative savings that members can utilize for loans. The price of coffee, historically low at around 8,000 Uganda shillings per kilogram, has now risen to approximately $5, with Nandudu adding an additional 200 shillings per kilogram for female producers, thereby encouraging more women to participate in the market.
This economic model not only enhances the financial independence of women but also promotes shared decision-making within families regarding coffee earnings. Members like Linet Gimono, who joined Bayaaya in 2022, have reported improved household finances, allowing them to purchase everyday necessities without conflict.
Juliet Kwaga, another member, shared how she was able to convince her husband to send her to collect coffee earnings, which has empowered her to contribute to her family. In Sironko district, farming typically occurs on small plots, often just one or two acres, and many participating women are beginning to enjoy coffee for the first time as younger generations embrace the beverage.
As interest in coffee careers grows among women, initiatives like Bayaaya have created a supportive environment. Phoebe Nabutale, a quality assurance overseer at Darling Coffee, shared that more young women from coffee-growing families are eager to enter the industry, whether as roasters or in other capacities.
With plans for future exports, Nandudu views this increase in female participation in the coffee business as a significant step forward for the community. By fostering a culture where women are valued in the coffee supply chain, the initiative not only uplifts the women but also transforms the social landscape in Sironko.
