Rising Global Prices Forces Ugandan Farmers to Hire Gunmen to Protect Cocoa

Kampala, Uganda - As global cocoa prices soar to their highest in over a decade, some farmers in Uganda are taking extreme measures to safeguard their valuable crops against rampant theft.

The increased value of cocoa, driven by adverse weather conditions affecting major producers like Ghana and Ivory Coast, has led to a surge in crop thefts, compelling Ugandan farmers to hire armed security.

Mutanga Grace, a prominent cocoa farmer and CEO of Mkulima Exports Uganda, disclosed to BBC Newsday that approximately 30% of the country’s cocoa beans are stolen each year.

In response, farmers are now employing armed guards and dogs to protect their fields. Cocoa, a crucial ingredient in chocolate, ice creams, and cakes, has become particularly lucrative, likened to "a hotcake" by Grace, emphasizing the significant financial losses incurred from these thefts.

The situation underscores the broader economic impact of global market fluctuations on agriculture in developing countries.

Uganda, not traditionally known as a major cocoa producer, has felt the ripple effects as its farmers struggle to capitalize on the high prices without falling victim to thieves.

This development also raises concerns about the safety and sustainability of agricultural practices in regions vulnerable to theft.

The reliance on armed protection highlights the desperate measures farmers are forced to adopt in order to secure their livelihoods.

As the global demand for cocoa continues to grow, the challenges faced by farmers like those in Uganda serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and risks involved in the agricultural sector, particularly in regions where enforcement of law and order is inconsistent.

The situation in Uganda is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the agricultural industry worldwide, as it grapples with the effects of global economic pressures and climate change.