Scientists Develop Drought-Resistant Coffee Varieties to Safeguard Farmers

The National Coffee Research Institute (NACORI) is actively engaged in creating coffee strains that can better survive challenging environmental conditions, particularly drought and heat stress.

Researchers have successfully cross-bred indigenous Kisansa coffee, known for its resilience, with the popular Robusta variety. Five experimental hybrid types are currently undergoing rigorous testing to assess their viability under simulated heat stress before wider field trials can commence.

Dr. Geofrey Arinaitwe, NACORI’s executive director, highlighted the urgency of this research, especially after a recent dry spell significantly impacted coffee farmers across several regions. The institute, operating under the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), is exploring Kisansa’s genetic potential, a lineage associated with Coffea liberica and Excelsa, which are recognized for their hardiness.

A previous study in 2018 had already identified Kisansa as a crucial source for enhancing the genetic diversity of Ugandan coffee, noting its potential to combat issues like climate change, pests, diseases, and low farm productivity. Reports from 2019 indicated that varieties incorporating Kisansa showed improved yields and resistance to prevalent diseases such as coffee wilt and leaf rust.

With government funding, NACORI is expanding its research facilities. The goal is to develop approximately 100 new varieties, narrowing them down to the top 10 candidates for testing in drought-prone districts. This initiative aims to bolster the resilience of Uganda’s coffee sector against the escalating impacts of climate change.

This development comes at a time when new initiatives like the Uganda Coffee Group (UCG) are emerging, aiming to enhance coffee quality and increase the participation of Ugandan businesses in higher-value segments of the global coffee market, from processing to international marketing.