The Bushika Integrated Area Cooperative Enterprise is located in the Bududa district in eastern Uganda, in the mountains of Mount Elgon. Since its establishment in May 2010, the cooperative has developed into an important organization that supports small farmers in the joint production and marketing of high-quality Arabica coffee. Today, the cooperative comprises 45 member organizations with a total of 4,875 farmers, of whom 1,889 are actively involved in the coffee value chain. Almost half of the coffee farmers are organic and fair trade certified.
The coffees are grown at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,500 meters, processed using the washing process and are characterized by a medium body and pleasant fruity notes of hibiscus and tea.
Cooperation with Slow Food and focus on sustainability
The Bushika cooperative is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices and has launched an agroforestry and climate protection program. By integrating trees into the cultivated areas, the farmers create a stable microclimate that counteracts the effects of climate change. This method improves soil fertility, increases biodiversity and helps farmers to better withstand extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods.
Since 2023, the Bushika cooperative has been part of the global Slow Food movement. This cooperation underlines BIACE's commitment to preserving traditional farming methods while protecting biodiversity and the environment. In addition to numerous organic and Fairtrade certified members, the cooperative is part of the Slow Food movement and the Coffee Coalition.
