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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 46407, member: 636"] Women coffee farmers from Bugisu gathered at Mayor's Gardens in Mbale on June 12. The Food Rights Alliance and ActionAid Uganda organized the Coffee Baraza meeting. Farmers spoke directly with officials about their concerns. They demanded more fairness and inclusion in Uganda's coffee industry. The women want better representation in decisions that affect their work. Uganda's coffee sector faces major changes as the government absorbs the Uganda Coffee Development Authority into the Ministry of Agriculture. The European Union Deforestation Regulation also brings new requirements for farmers. Women farmers worry about being left out of these important changes. Gladys Nawire from Namanyonyi Salom Cooperative said coffee serves as their lifeline. She explained that farmers need training and protection as markets shift. The Bugisu region produces Uganda's premium Arabica coffee with heavy reliance on women workers. Women plant and harvest crops but rarely participate in major decisions. Lydia Nambuya from Bufumbo Organic Cooperative Union described how women work the land but men control the money. She called for financial training and decision-making roles for women. Many farmers lack technical support and pest management knowledge. Mbale City Production Officer Dr. George Mangeni Otebero acknowledged the women's concerns. He stressed the importance of organized groups in meeting new requirements. Julian Amanya from Food Rights Alliance urged real change beyond symbolic gestures. The women demanded simplified training on regulations and market standards. They also want better access to extension services and financial literacy programs. [/QUOTE]

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