Supporting coffee farmers in Rwenzori through financial literacy trainings

Kyagalanyi Coffee Limited and IFC are equipping farmers with financial skills to build resilient businesses and communities.

In Uganda’s Rwenzori region, coffee farmers have gained financial skills that are helping them build stronger, more resilient businesses. Through a collaboration between Kyagalanyi Coffee Limited (Volcafe in Uganda) KCL and IFC (a leading development bank), a financial literacy training programme – delivered via the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) model – has equipped farmers with essential tools to better manage their finances and investments.

Building financial skills for sustainable growth

Since the programme’s launch, 75 VSLAs have been established, bringing together over 2,500 coffee farmers. These groups serve as a vital platform for farmers to save, access credit, and develop smart financial strategies tailored to their needs.

The training covered key areas such as financial planning with the farmer calendar, accurate record-keeping, effective money management, risk analysis, and access to credit. By applying these skills, farmers have shifted their mindset – treating coffee farming as a business, making informed financial decisions, and improving farm management.

Scaling impact across communities

The initiative was rolled out in two phases:

• In 2023, 50 VSLAs were established, reaching 1,758 farmers – including 1,056 women and 702 men.
• In 2024, an additional 25 VSLAs were formed, training 519 more farmers (306 women and 213 men).

Beyond financial literacy, the programme has empowered entire communities. Farmers are now better prepared to navigate economic challenges, invest in their futures, and support their families. As financial knowledge spreads, so does economic resilience – helping coffee-growing communities thrive.

This collaboration between Kyagalanyi and IFC demonstrates how targeted financial education can create lasting change. By investing in farmers' skills and knowledge, the programme is strengthening livelihoods and fostering sustainable development across the Rwenzori region.