Farmer-to-farmer transfer of new crop varieties: an empirical analysis on small farms in Uganda

Farmer-to-farmer transfer or dissemination of technologies is a neglected area of research even though successful diffusion of many researcher and farmer-developed technologies is highly dependent upon farmers' private initiatives. This is particularly true in many developing countries where formal market mechanisms used in dissemination are often ineffective. Successful dissemination of new technologies to marginal farmers require greater knowledge and use of indigenous dissemination methods. The determinants of farmer-to-farmer transfer of new bean varieties experimented with by small-scale farmers in Uganda are investigated. Farmers were experimenting with new varieties received through earlier on-farm trials and were transferring small quantities of grain to other farmers for experimental purposes. On-farm trials may thus be an effective, but limited method for diffusing new varieties. Factors directly associated with the transfer decision were farm size and variables identifying a willingness to experiment with new varieties. The Production risk reducing strategies of intercropping and sowing of a larger number of non-climbing bean varieties were negatively associated with the probability to transfer grain. The quantity of grain available to transfer was not associated with the transfer decision. Farmers were not transferring grain of the five varieties at different rates even though significant differences in yield were found

RESEARCH NOTE: BEAN GRAIN CHARACTERISTICS AND PRICES PAID AT RETAIL MARKETS IN UGANDA: IMPLICATIONS FOR BEAN BREEDING.

Bean grain size and color characteristics are investigated to determine their effect on prices paid at consumer markets in Uganda. A price equation that include measures of these characteristics along with market location, grain supply, and marketing month variables is estimated for fresh (high moisture) and dry beans. Neither grain size nor color are found to have a significant impact on either fresh or dry bean prices. Bean breeders should thus not use grain color or size as important indicators of consumer preferences unless strong tradition indicates otherwise. Variation in market prices paid is more a function of market location and month of sale than characteristics of the grain

A report on the socio-economics of bean production and marketing in Uganda: Information for research planning

Socio-economic research on bean production in Uganda is reviewed. Uganda was the third largest bean producer in Africa in the late 1980s with production at 272,000 tons. Beans were increasingly competitive with maize and all pulses, but were decreasingly competitive with cassava, sweet potatoes, and bananas. The most popular cultivars are Kanyebwa, Nambale, Mutike, and Ebyeru. The market for both fresh and dry beans is competitive and efficient. Grain size and color are not important characteristics in explaining consumers' preferences for beans. The lack of a seed industry will be a major constraint in getting seed of newly released cultivars to farmers. (AS)Se revisa la investigacion socioeconomica en produccion de frijol en Uganda. Este pais fue el tercer mayor productor de frijol en Africa a finales de los 80, con una produccion de 272,000 t. La competitividad del frijol con el maiz y otras leguminosas aumento, pero disminuyo con respecto a la yuca, la batata y el banano. Los cv. mas conocidos son Kanyebwa, Nambale, Mutike y Ebyeru. El mercado del frijol fresco y seco es competitivo y eficiente. El tamano y el color del grano de frijol no son caracteristicas importantes que expliquen las preferencias de los consumidores. La falta de una industria de semillas sera el primer limitante para que los agricultores obtengan semilla de cv. recien liberados. (RA- CIAT