The Hands That Cultivate

This series explores the intricate and often unseen process of coffee cultivation, from harvest to drying and transport. Captured in Uganda, the images highlight the symbiotic relationship between people, nature, and tradition. Through a blend of portrait

This project was born from a desire to understand the journey behind every cup of coffee. Having worked as a barista for eight years, coffee has become an essential part of my daily life. I prepare it, I drink it, but I realized there was a missing piece – witnessing where and how coffee is actually produced.

Traveling to Uganda, Africa’s largest coffee exporter, I encountered a reality far removed from my expectations. Instead of large-scale industrial plantations, I found that most coffee is grown on small family farms. The process is slow, meticulous, and deeply rooted in local traditions.

While I was there, I heard phrases that still resonate with me – simple yet powerful lessons:
"When you down from the mountains, go slow and respect the mountain. Respect the mountain and you will live long."
"Wake up early, that’s the life of a coffee farmer."
"They do like their fathers did – that’s their PlayStation."
These words reflect the philosophy of the coffee farmers – a life shaped by patience, respect for nature, and family traditions passed down through generations.

One striking realization was the way Ugandans perceive coffee. To them, it’s not a daily drink but a form of currency. Historically, colonial powers taught them that coffee was money – not a sensory experience. This perspective still lingers today, in stark contrast to Ethiopia, where coffee culture thrives as an integral part of daily life.

Film photography plays a key role in this project. It’s a personal indulgence, a way for me to relive my journey through the developed images. Every photograph represents a moment experienced twice, allowing me to rediscover fragments of the trip I hadn’t fully processed at the time.

This journey carried a deeper meaning for me. Thirteen years ago, I set foot in Uganda for the first time – my initial encounter with Africa. My uncle worked there, introducing me to a country far from my Congolese roots. Thirteen years later, I returned with a new perspective, shaped by a different understanding of the world. This project became not just a documentation of coffee farming but a rediscovery of the first African country I had ever visited.

Through this series of images, I hope to convey not only the story of Ugandan coffee but also the lives of the people whose hands, patience, and heritage cultivate more than just a product – they cultivate a living connection between the land and us.