Leda Microstation was constructed in 2017 by a group of farmers in the Alur Highlands, West Nile in Zombo district with a vision of improving their economic well-being and empowering the youth through employment in coffee.
The station faced several challenges in its early days like limited road access, unstable electricity, and security - but the station has remained resilient. Their ability to produce high-quality coffee has sustained their motivation and growth over the years.
Coffee is a key source of income, food and employment for the members of the Leda microstation. The farmers practice mixed farming where they intercrop coffee with legumes, bananas and fruit trees like oranges for shade.
At harvest, farmers deliver cherries to buying points in Ndhew, Leda, and Ayanyunga. Here the cherries are hand-sorted and floated before sun drying on raised racks or tables and turned regularly to prevent mold and preserve flavor. Once dried, the cherries are hulled at the Zombo Coffee Partners factory at Jukia park.
Most of the coffee grown around Leda is SL14, a hardy and flavorful variety developed by Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kenya and promoted by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority.
