NaCORI
National Coffee Research Institute
Profile
The National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI) is one of the 16 Public Agricultural Research Institutes under the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). NaCORI’s main campus is located at Kituza in Mukono district (38km East of Kampala). It has a sub-station at Bugusege in Sironko district. Kituza and Bugusege campuses occupy 162ha and 6ha of land respectively.
A centre of excellence for developing quality coffee foundation seed for Robusta and Arabica varieties.
Vision
Mision
Mandate
To conduct basic and applied research of strategic nature and national importance on coffee and cocoa.
NaCORI News
Location
16km along Mukono-Katosi Road. National Coffee Research Institute, P. O BOX 185, Mukono.
Governance
NaCORI is headed by a Director of Research, who reports to the NARO Governing Council (NAROC) through the office of the Director General, NARO. At the institute, an Advisory Committee appointed by the NAROC advises the Director of Research for proper management and execution of the Institute’s mandate.
Focus Areas of Research
- Increase efficiency for the production of foundation seed of the improved Robusta and Arabica varieties.
- Fast-tracking release of candidate Arabica coffee varieties.
- Developing agronomic practices to address key farmers’ constraints.
- Profiling bio-active compounds in coffee and cocoa for dietary and industrial applications.
Institute Programs/Activities
Coffee and Cocoa Variety Improvement Programme (CVIM)
To develop coffee and cocoa varieties that are competitive in the market and are resilient to climate change.
Coffee and Cocoa Value-Addition Research Programme (CVA-R)
To develop post-harvest processes and innovations for the production of quality coffee and cocoa products.
Coffee and Cocoa Plant Health Management Programme (CPhM-P)
To sustainably increase coffee and cocoa production through the elimination of losses due to pests, diseases, weeds, poor plant nutrition and unreliable climate.
Products & Services
Diversifying the end products that use coffee as an ingredient creates alternative uses of coffee, hence attracting a better price for the farmer, determined by demand and supply. NaCORI is conducting research into making various byproducts (dietary and non-dietary) in response to emerging market demands. These products have the potential for import substitution and use in the cottage industry.
Key Achievements/ Milestones
- 5 candidate Arabica coffee varieties submitted to MAAIF for assessment before release.
- 10 Coffee Wilt Resistant varieties developed. The varieties are clones named KR1, R2, KR3, KR4, KR5, KR6, KR7, NARO KR8, NARO KR9 and NARO KR 10.
- Built capacity of over 500 coffee nursery operators to multiply Coffee Wilt Disease-resistant clones. This has created employment opportunities for several of the beneficiaries.
- Established a coffee gene bank with germplasm from natural coffee tree species.
- Produced farmer information materials on good agronomic practices for both coffee and cocoa production to help increase productivity.
- Produced CWD-r cuttings and seed for Arabica coffee. Most of these materials are availed to nursery operators for the establishment of mother gardens and seedling nurseries.
- Constructed a biotechnology laboratory and a multi-purpose lab. to enhance research undertakings, especially the production of quality coffee and cocoa plantlets.
- Developed an integrated pest and disease management package for coffee and cocoa.
Who we work with
District local governments in the LVCAZ; Community based organizations and NGOs; Farmers, youth and women groups; Schools and universities like Kyambogo and Makerere Universities; Other NARO institutes; Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD), International universities.
Partnerships and Collaborations
NaCORI is partnering with 7 (seven) organisations to spur quality coffee production through research engagements in strategic areas of coffee production, value-addition and consumption. Some of the agreed activities include; strengthening community systems and structures to increase coffee production and productivity. Others are promoting good agronomic practices and climate-smart technologies; equipping farmers with knowledge and technical skills to increase quality coffee production. The organisations include; Omukazzi W’omutima Ltd, Artisans Farm Limited (AFL), Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE), Masaka Cooperative Union Ltd, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, World Coffee Research (WCR), United States of America, and Uganda Coffee Development Authority.
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