The goal was simple but powerful: empower vanilla cooperatives and exporters in the Rwenzori Region to access and thrive in global markets. And the impact? Immediate. By the close of a dynamic one-day export readiness training in Kasese, vanilla farmers and exporters were not only asking smarter questions they were already envisioning themselves as direct players in the international vanilla trade.
Uganda produces between 250 and 300 tons of cured vanilla beans annually. In 2021 alone, the country exported 189.18 tons valued at over USD 21.5 million (UGX 81 billion), according to Bank of Uganda statistics (2023), placing it second in Africa. Despite this, most smallholder farmers remain cut off from direct export markets, often due to lack of knowledge, certification, or formal training in export compliance.
To bridge this gap, the Vanilla Initiative for Building Resilience and Nurturing Thriving Communities (VIBRANT) Project (implemented by Kabarole Research and Resource Center and funded by Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency) organized an export readiness training in Kasese. The event was hosted at Uhuru Hotel and moderated by Oteba Eric, brought together 15 vanilla cooperatives and 5 export companies from Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Ntoroko districts.
Sam Karuhanga led the opening session, guiding participants through the full export journey: assessing readiness, conducting market research, selecting the right product and destination, preparing documentation, and managing export logistics. But what truly stood out was his candid breakdown of the three pillars that matter most to international buyers: quantity, quality, and consistency.
Karuhanga also took time to expose common myths that often discourage rural producers:
- “I’m too small to export.”
- “Exporting is only for big companies.”
- “It’s too expensive and complicated.”
He explained that none of this is true. What’s needed instead is clarity, compliance, and commitment to standards. He also highlighted emerging trends of international markets, such as rising demand for traceability, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Certifications like Organic, Rainforest Alliance, and Fair Trade are becoming key to unlocking high-value export opportunities.
In the second session, Rukara Julius, District Production Officer of Kasese, walked participants through Uganda’s vanilla export procedures. These include registering offline as an exporter and applying for inspection within 14 days before shipping. Each shipment must be cleared through a phytosanitary certificate to ensure that it meets international safety and health regulations.
For many of the farmers and cooperative leaders in the room, this was their first real exposure to the step-by-step process of exporting. What they discovered was both surprising and motivating that the door to global markets is not as far off as they had imagined.
Challenges still persist. A key concern raised was premature harvesting, which compromises bean quality and disqualifies many producers from formal export. Others expressed fear around taxes and a general lack of clarity on required certifications and procedures. However, with support and training, these challenges can be overcome.
In fact, the training helped to bring Uganda’s current export performance in a new light. While Bank of Uganda data shows a decline in total vanilla export earnings—from USD 891,394 in 2020 to USD 439,349 in 2024 this drop is more or less about demand and rather about internal limitations like quality control, market access, and consistent supply. Global demand remains strong, especially from countries like the United States, France, Germany, and Canada.
By the end of the training session, the tone had shifted. Participants were not just receiving information—they were forming strategies for their next steps. Several asked how to initiate certification, how to meet sustainability requirements, and how to organize more effectively as cooperatives.
The key message from the training was simple but game-changing that is Uganda’s vanilla farmers are not too small, too far, or too late to compete. With a focus on quantity, quality, and consistency and the right support they can export directly, earn more, and lead the transformation of Uganda’s vanilla sector.
Article compiled by Carol Namagembe
Production and Marketing Officer- KRC-Uganda
