Factors Influencing Coffee Cooperative Performance and Farmer Livelihoods in Kasese District, Uganda

The study focused on factors Influencing Coffee Cooperative Performance and Farmer Livelihoods in Kasese District, Uganda. The study is guided by one objective which was to; identify the key factors affecting the performance of primary coffee cooperatives. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and primary data was collected from 200 respondents. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The study used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. The study concludes that significant factors included; member’s participation, Sig. = 0.004, Capacity building and technical support, Sig. = 0.04, Market linkage and price volatility, Sig. = 0.000, Effective governance and leadership, Sig. = 0.014, Poor quality coffee harvested, Sig. = 0.024 and non-significant factors included; Infrastructure deficits, Sig. = 0.140, lack of Knowledge on value addition technologies, B = 0.009, Sig. = 0.831, Inaccessibility to inputs, Sig. = 0.435 and Coffee pests and disease pressure, Sig. = 0.339. The study recommends enhancing access to inputs, credit, and extension services to improve the operational efficiency and sustainability of cooperatives. Local governments and coffee-related authorities should formulate policies that directly support cooperative development. There is a need to stabilize market access and coffee prices. Establish long-term contracts with buyers to minimize price fluctuations. There is a need to promote certification schemes like organic, fairtrade to encourage coffee quality.