The Agroforestry Paradox - Climate Clever Coffee (APCCO) project has officially commenced fieldwork in Uganda through a successful reconnaissance study carried out in Mukono and Nakaseke districts from April 15–19 and April 22–26, 2024. This marks a significant step toward addressing the complex intersection of climate change, agroforestry adoption, and coffee production in the country.

Funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and administered by the Danida Fellowship Centre, the APCCO project brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers and institutions including Makerere University, the University of Copenhagen, NaCORI, MuZARDI, and several private sector partners. The project aims to enhance the resilience of Uganda’s Robusta coffee sector by promoting agroforestry systems and nature-based climate solutions.

The reconnaissance study, led by APCCO’s Uganda-based team—including PhD students, academic supervisors, and partner researchers—sought to introduce the project to local communities and authorities, assess the status of coffee farming systems, and identify suitable research sites. Through field visits, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and tree inventories, the team gathered critical data on tree species richness, shading practices, and farmer perspectives on agroforestry.

District officials from Mukono and Nakaseke, including Chief Administrative Officers, Resident District Commissioners, and District Agricultural Officers, warmly welcomed the initiative. These stakeholders pledged their full support, underscoring the project’s strong potential for impact and collaboration at the local level.

The study lays a strong foundation for APCCO’s continued work in developing digital tools, improving farmer livelihoods, and co-creating ecosystem-based business models. Detailed findings from each of the four work packages will guide future project activities and engagement with coffee farming communities.