Decoding Ankole’s Coffee Landscape: Farmer Typologies and Livelihood Strategies from Uganda Coffee–Banana Systems

Coffee–banana systems are central to rural livelihoods in southwestern Uganda but vary widely in resource endowment and livelihood strategies. Using baseline data from 470 households in Mitooma and Ntungamo districts, farm typologies were developedbased on household assets and income sources. Two farm types emerged: coffee-dependent smallholders, and entrepreneurial, livestock-oriented asset-rich farmers. Coffee remained the dominant income source, while diversification through banana, livestock, and other enterprises contributed to household resilience. The findings highlight the need for typology-specific extension, nutrient management, and development interventions to improve productivity, resilience, and sustainability in coffee-based farming systems.