Tea outgrowers in Uganda’s Igara region face growing crisis

In Uganda’s lush Igara region, tea outgrowers are facing a brewing crisis far beyond falling prices. From soaring input costs and labor shortages to outdated practices and insufficient government support, smallholder farmers are struggling to keep their fields green and profitable. Despite a draft National Tea Policy aiming to regulate quality and boost infrastructure, critical gaps in enforcement and support leave the sector steeped in uncertainty. Tonight, we dive into the challenges choking this vital industry and explore what’s needed to restore its vitality.