Cocoa is a patient crop — but for farmers, it promises generational rewards.

While cocoa has traditionally thrived in Western Uganda, Princo Group is piloting its introduction to Northern Uganda through agroforestry systems. We support smallholder farmers with seedling trials, shade-tree integration, and long-term planning to help them diversify income, regenerate land, and access future export markets.

New Trees, New Futures: Bringing Coffee and Cocoa to the Heart of Northern Uganda

In Northern Uganda — a region long known for its resilience, untapped potential, and subsistence farming — a quiet transformation is taking root. While oilseeds like sesame and sunflower remain Princo Group’s core crops, the organization is now breaking new ground by introducing coffee and cocoa as sustainable, long-term income sources for smallholder farmers.

These high-value crops are more than just agricultural commodities — they are pathways to economic diversification, climate resilience, and intergenerational wealth. And Princo is leading the way.

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Why Coffee and Cocoa?

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Though traditionally grown in Uganda’s central and western highlands, coffee and cocoa are increasingly gaining interest in select areas of Northern Uganda, especially in mid-altitude zones and regions with suitable agroforestry potential. These crops offer unique opportunities:

• Coffee (Arabica and Robusta) thrives under shade and can generate income for over 20 years once established.

• Cocoa is a tree crop with growing global demand, especially when organically produced.

Both crops can be intercropped with bananas, beans, or nitrogen-fixing trees, offering ecological and financial benefits.

Piloting Agroforestry Systems

Princo is working with early-adopter farmers to introduce shade-grown coffee and cocoa systems that integrate well with the region’s landscapes. By promoting canopy-based planting, farmers can protect their soil, retain moisture, and boost biodiversity — all while preparing to tap into future export markets.

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Providing Seedlings and Training

Through partnerships with input providers and research institutions, Princo supports smallholders with:

• High-quality coffee and cocoa seedlings

• Training in pruning, spacing, and pest control

• Guidance on long-term crop planning and intercropping

This ensures that farmers aren’t just planting — they’re planting with purpose and knowledge.

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Focusing on Long-Term Market Access

Princo is actively building relationships with responsible off-takers and export buyers who are seeking ethically sourced, organic cocoa and traceable coffee from new regions. By doing so, we’re not only helping farmers grow — we’re helping them sell.

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Inclusive Expansion

As with all of Princo’s work, the coffee and cocoa initiative prioritizes women, youth, and marginalized groups. Early pilots include youth-led farmer groups in Kole and Lira districts and cocoa demonstration plots in Kamdini and Alebtong.

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The Early Results

• 🌱 Over 3,000 seedlings distributed in 2023 for demonstration and learning

• 👨🏾‍🌾 200+ farmers trained in sustainable agroforestry methods

• 📍 Pilots launched in 5 districts: Lira, Kole, Alebtong, Otuke, and Kamdini

• 🌿 Introduction of mixed cropping that improves soil fertility and food diversity

• 💼 Growing interest from export buyers and processors looking to source traceable, organic product from new regions

The Bigger Picture

By introducing tree crops into annual crop systems, Princo is helping farmers reduce risk, protect their land, and build a legacy that lasts for generations. These aren’t quick wins — they’re slow-growing solutions with long-term rewards.

As global demand for ethical, sustainable cocoa and coffee rises, Princo is ensuring that farmers in Northern Uganda aren’t left behind — they’re getting ahead.

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Princo’s Approach to Impact

"We were losing nearly a third of our harvest to poor drying and storage. Princo trained us on better handling and gave us access to drying racks. Since then, my income has doubled, and I no longer fear rainy seasons ruining my crop."

Okello Denis

Smallholder Farmer-Kole District

VOICES FROM THE FIELD

🤝 Let’s Build a Win-Win Supply Chain

Our farmers are ready. Our systems are in place. And our vision is clear: to connect Uganda’s producers to responsible processors like you — turning every seed into shared value.

We invite you to partner with us, tour our operations, meet the farmers behind the grain, and be part of a new chapter for oilseeds in Uganda.

🔗 Want to Work With Us?

Let’s grow together — from farm to global market.

At Princo Group, we believe that real transformation happens through partnerships rooted in purpose. Whether you’re a local farmer, a community cooperative, Agro-processor, or an export buyer, we invite you to join us in building inclusive, climate-smart, and market-ready value chains across Uganda.