Notes from Uganda.

10 days in the pearl of Africa.

I was hoping to provide regular updates from my recent trip to Uganda, unfortunately, I failed… Trips to coffee-growing countries rarely stick to the programme and you often wish for a few more days. This trip was no different, it was a jam-packed 10 days of travel with very little downtime. I will try my best to share some of my notes over the coming week however, I have a feeling that a few more days of reflection are in order…

Travelling is one of the many reasons I became a green coffee buyer and possibly my primary motivator in the early days, as I am sure you will be aware it has been extremely difficult to travel over the last few years and a constant source of frustration. Travelling to the countries I buy from is so important for multiple reasons, and I will try my very best to explain. One thing I do know for certain though, it feels good to be back out on the road.

Coffee is a complex world, and as I dive deeper into its colourful tapestry I find myself repeating the phrase, the more I learn the less I understand. Travelling to coffee-growing countries and visiting the communities that rely so heavily on coffee as a source of income will always provide a mixed bag of emotions. On these trips, I am constantly reminded of the fragile nature of agriculture in an ever-increasing volatile climate but this is often coupled with the hard work, hope and dedication of the farmers to produce quality crops which serves as a wonderful juxtaposition.

I feel so incredibly fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to play a small role in sharing the stories and the beautiful coffee from these communities. Travelling, learning and immersing yourself in a new culture has a way of focusing the mind and strengthening the mission. It will also leave you slightly scarred, reinforcing the fact that coffee has a long way to go before it is truly equitable for all involved.

I want to thank the Rowlands for all their hard work and for allowing me to be a part of their journey. I have huge admiration for your dedication. I also have a sneaky feeling that I will be back very soon.

Thank you to the producer groups of Katanda, Kilingwe and Ibanda for your warm hospitality and for sharing your stories. Uganda has the potential to produce some of the world’s best coffee and I am looking forward to sharing it.

Give me a couple more days to decompress and I will share more of my notes from this amazing country.

Cheers

Burts.