ORACH OCHAYA VINCENT2026-09-302026-09-302025http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14270/961The coffee value chain in the Zombo and Nebbi districts of Uganda faces significant socioeconomic challenges that impact the productivity and economic status of smallholder coffee farmers. This study set out to analyze coffee value chain upgrading opportunities in these districts. Specifically, the study characterized smallholder coffee farmers, determined the extent of value chain upgrading, and examined factors affecting upgrading choices. A cross-sectional study design was employed to obtain responses from 288 smallholder coffee farmers. Descriptive statistics was used to characterize smallholder coffee farmers and to determine the extent of value chain upgrading among smallholder coffee farmers and probit regression was used to examine the factors affecting value chain upgrading choice among smallholder coffee farmers. Study findings revealed male dominance in coffee farming, low educational attainment among farmers, and heavy reliance on agriculture for livelihoods. The study also highlights limited access to market information and credit, which impedes farmers' ability to scale operations and invest in necessary inputs. The results indicate that while most farmers are engaged in the initial stages of value chain upgrading, such as producing red cherries and parchment coffee, there is a significant drop in involvement beyond these stages. Factors such as farm size, access to extension services, and market information positively influence upgrading, whereas poverty and high costs pose significant barriers. The study recommends that there is a need for targeted interventions to improve access to affordable credit, extension services, and market information.enCOFFEE VALUE CHAINUPGRADING OPPORTUNITIESThesis