Growing New Income Opportunities Through Cocoa in Uganda

Cocoa is an increasingly valuable crop worldwide, known as the primary ingredient in making chocolate. Grown in tropical climates, it offers farmers a reliable source of income while contributing to global demand for cocoa-based goods. In Uganda, cocoa farming is steadily gaining attention as a promising crop, especially for smallholder farmers seeking sustainable livelihoods.

Recognizing this opportunity, our partner organisation Good Forests Foundation Uganda (GFU) introduced cocoa production to farmers as a mid-term income-generating crop. This initiative is designed to complement tree planting, a long-term investment, by providing farmers with a quicker source of income whilst they wait for their trees to grow.

The journey began with a learning visit to Bundibugyo, one of Uganda’s most successful cocoa-growing regions. During this visit, GFU representatives gained practical knowledge on the entire cocoa value chain, including production, maintenance, harvesting, fermentation, and market access. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into the requirements and potential benefits of cocoa farming.

To further strengthen their understanding, the team also visited chocolate companies within Uganda that purchase cocoa directly from farmers. These visits helped establish a clear link between production and market opportunities, ensuring that farmers are well-informed about where and how to sell their produce.

Following this research and field exposure, GFU officially introduced cocoa farming to farmers, beginning with training sessions (Farmer Field Schools) in Kasese District. These training focused on equipping farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully grow and manage cocoa. After the training, GFU carried out seedling distribution, providing farmers with cocoa seedlings to support the start of their farming journey.

In April 2026, cocoa planting officially commenced in Kasese District, marking an important milestone for both GFU and the farming communities involved. This initiative not only supports income diversification but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable agricultural development in the region. Edith Mundo, the cocoa project manager, explained during the training session: “Cocoa can improve farmers’ livelihoods, because once the plants are growing well, they can be harvested regularly, thereby providing a reliable income.” 

See how cocoa farming is empowering smallholder farmers in Uganda in this video:

As cocoa farming flourishes in Kasese, GFU aims to improve farmers’ livelihoods by providing alternative income-generating crops alongside tree growing. We look forward to seeing the first cocoa seedling grow into strong healthy plants that will bring lasting income and improved livelihoods to smallholder farmers.

The project is funded by the Schöck Family Foundation. We are grateful for the generous support.