Uganda, April 28 -- Local leaders in the Lango sub-region have intensified efforts to promote coffee growing as a key driver for transforming households from subsistence livelihoods to more stable incomes.

Officials say large-scale adoption of coffee cultivation could spur long-term economic growth and regional development.

Most households in Lira City and the districts of Lira, Kole, Amolatar, Dokolo, Oyam, Apac, Otuke, Kwania and Alebtong depend on subsistence farming, growing crops such as beans, pigeon peas, cassava, sweet potatoes, millet, maize and groundnuts. A smaller number engage in commercial farming of cotton and sunflower.

However, the trend is shifting as leaders push for increased coffee production.

The government, thro...