Vanilla Farmers Urged to Expand Production as Global Demand Grows

What the report says

Ugandan vanilla stakeholders are urging farmers to keep and expand their plantations as international demand for the crop grows. According to Nile Post, the call comes after Uganda’s vanilla exports fell from 603 metric tonnes in 2024 to about 455 metric tonnes last year, with lower volumes also reducing export earnings. The Ministry of Agriculture, exporters and processors say the country still has strong room to grow because of the quality of its beans and the market premium linked to high vanillin content.

The article says officials point to reports from the Sustainable Vanilla Initiative showing Uganda’s vanillin content at 4.5 out of 5, which they describe as a competitive advantage in the global trade. Barbara Komushaago, the ministry’s vanilla focal person, said Uganda could strengthen its position if farmers maintain production. She attributed the export decline to climate change, price swings and theft, all of which have discouraged some growers.

Nile Post reports that Uganda is the world’s second-largest vanilla producer after Madagascar, but the crop is grown in only 37 districts, leaving more areas available for expansion. In response to production challenges, Enimiro Uganda and partners have launched annual awards to recognise growers and encourage continued investment in the crop.

Enimiro Uganda says it currently buys up to 250 metric tonnes each season and wants to increase purchases to 500 metric tonnes as its customer base grows. Farmers interviewed for the story welcomed the support, while also raising concerns about low farm-gate prices, theft and harvesting rules. Stakeholders say the key message is to diversify where needed, but not abandon vanilla gardens when prices fall.