Perennial Crops Programme

Rocco Paco is committed to the economic recovery, redevelopment and transformation of the Lwo Acoli society. One of our flagship programmes promotes the cultivation of perennial crops. These are long-term, high-value crops that provide steady income, strengthen food security and open new market opportunities.

From Research to Action: The Perennial Crops Roadmap

A group of people are gathered around a small agricultural plot with young plants, using a makeshift wooden frame for support or a crop-trellising system, outdoors on a sunny day.

In January 2024, Rocco Paco commissioned a comprehensive study led by Dr Collins Okello and Dr Opira Otto. Their research concluded that the most suitable perennial crops for the Acoli subregion are:

  • Coffee

  • Cocoa

  • Cashew nuts

  • Bananas

Following these findings, we launched the Taskforce on Perennial Crops (TPC) to move from research into implementation.

Why Perennial Crops Matter

  • Stronger Incomes

    Farmers in northern Uganda who adopted coffee and bananas report higher yields and greater earnings, with some producing over two tonnes of coffee in a single year. Agriculture already contributes 24 per cent of Uganda’s GDP and supports most rural households.

  • Healthier Land

    Perennial crops protect soil, improve water retention, recycle nutrients and lower fertiliser costs. Their deep roots and year-round cover make them resilient to drought and highly productive.

  • Lasting Value

    Perennial farming boosts profitability, biodiversity, soil health and carbon storage. Studies show benefits rising more than 2,800 per cent over twenty years. These systems reduce crop failure risks and secure stable incomes for families.

The Taskforce on

Perennial Crops (TPC)

Members of the Taskforce:

  • Dr Collins Okello (Co-Chair)

  • Martin Onyach-Olaa (Co-Chair)

  • Dr Opira Otto

  • Mego Commissioner Consolata Acayo

  • Mego Florence Amono

  • Ladit Simon Opoka (Secretary)

  • Ladit Dan Oola Odiya

  • Engineer Moses Onono

The TPC is responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring the perennial crops programme. It sets Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), documents lessons learned, strengthens management and informs future agricultural policy across the Acoli subregion.

A group of people participating in a tree planting activity in an open field, with some individuals digging a hole to plant a young tree, while others observe.

Measuring

success

We measure impact using clear indicators, including:

  • The number of farmers enrolled and the number of hectares cultivated

  • Survival rates of seedlings and crop yields per year

  • Increases in household income

  • The involvement of women and young people

  • The creation of farmer cooperatives and training hours completed

  • The development of value-added activities such as drying, fermenting and packaging

Get Involved

You can support the perennial crops programme in several ways:

  • Donate or sponsor: Help fund seedlings, nurseries and farmer training.

  • Partner with us: Collaborate as an organisation or business to strengthen value chains.

  • Volunteer: Share your expertise and contribute to capacity building in the community.

Together we can plant for prosperity, close the gap between small farmers and large corporations, and create lasting transformation in the Acoli subregion.

Group of people gathered outdoors, some seated and some standing, during a community event or gathering.
Group of people wearing green shirts with the words 'Mucwini Coffee Growers Co-Operative Society Limited' on the back, gathered outdoors among trees.
Group of men in formal and casual attire inspecting and discussing a new crop of seedlings in a garden or farm.
Join Us