Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Participation in Rice Value Chains in Uganda

This study explored the key determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in the One Stop Centre Farmer Association (OSCA) rice value chains in Uganda. Data were collected from 98 respondents in Luwero and Bugiri districts using focus group discussions and 20 key informant interviews, and analysed with NVIVO software. The findings indicated that style of leadership, trust, cohesive networks and support services were key determinants of participation. Minimal participation of some members occurred due to unrealistic expectations and incompetent leadership. Further, addressing OSCA objectives can mitigate ensuing expectations. Along with this, strengthening the OSCA leadership to entrench transparency and establishment of business models for integration of value chain interventions into the wider livelihood strategies is important in order to cater for interests of all the members

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Participation in Rice Value Chains in Uganda

This study explored the key determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in the One Stop Centre Farmer Association (OSCA) rice value chains in Uganda. Data were collected from 98 respondents in Luwero and Bugiri districts using focus group discussions and 20 key informant interviews, and analysed with NVIVO software. The findings indicated that style of leadership, trust, cohesive networks and support services were key determinants of participation. Minimal participation of some members occurred due to unrealistic expectations and incompetent leadership. Further, addressing OSCA objectives can mitigate ensuing expectations. Along with this, strengthening the OSCA leadership to entrench transparency and establishment of business models for integration of value chain interventions into the wider livelihood strategies is important in order to cater for interests of all the members

How the timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Uganda

Videos have the potential of enhancing learning among smallholder farmers. The study intended to establish whether timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Kamwenge district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 48 focus group participants; 100 individual video participants and 16 key informants. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) mapping was used to establish the video catchment areas and distribution of video participants. Farmers approved the video for providing timely, useful and reliable information and bringing extension service providers closer to the farming communities. Majority (94%) of the farmers said that video provided useful information that fostered change in rice production practices and technologies. A one sample T-test indicated that the timing and location of video events are significant in influencing learning among farmers particularly by women, elderly and distant farmers. The implication is that locating video shows far away and running them late at night seriously compromised involvement by females, elderly and distant people. Thus, modalities suggested by farmers need to focus on adjusting the timing of video shows and ensuring rotational operational of videos in the respective villages or parishes purposely to reach out to the elderly, distant and women farmers.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 77-81, December, 201

Social-Cognitive Factors Influencing Household Decisions to Grow Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato in Uganda

This study sought to enhance the understanding of the role of orange-fleshed sweetpotato in alleviating Vitamin A deficiency among rural households in Uganda. Cross-sectional survey data collected from 341 randomly selected household heads drawn from two rural districts in Uganda were analysed using hierarchical regression. Perceived capability and perceived social approval significantly predicted household decision to grow orange-fleshed sweetpotato (p<0.001). Overall, decision-makers’ subjective norms and control beliefs were significant mediators (p<0.01). These results point to a cardinal role for processes that create supportive social and cognitive environments in promoting the cultivation of bio-fortified technologies such as orange-fleshed sweetpotato

Determinants of Participation and Leadership in Food Security Groups in Southeast Uganda: Implications for Development Programs and Policies

Local groups are increasingly being promoted as vehicles for effective involvement of community members in development initiatives in the Global South, with the expectation of successful and sustained achievements. Previous studies on participation and leadership in groups have yielded mixed results, implying a need for more contextualized and validated assessments. In this study, using 281 household interviews and discussions with 21 farmers’ groups in southeast Uganda, we established that group participation was positively associated with age of household head, household size, and proximity to trading and health facilities. Group leadership was positively associated with the educational level of the household head, land size, and non-agricultural sources of income: the latter two indicating wealth of an individual. Implications for development programs and policies included special efforts to support the participation of youth, as well as dedicating extra effort to reach remote households and groups. Regarding leadership, groups were recommended to facilitate the taking up of leadership roles by non-educated members; enable youth to benefit from the government policy of Universal Primary Education; and establish measures to avoid elite capture

Impact of social capital on food security in southeast Uganda

Assuring food security in Uganda is a fundamental challenge that the government and development agencies face. Recent analyses indicate that some successes have been achieved, but food insecurity gaps still exist, with implications for more concerted investments in a multiplicity of community assets to achieve better results. This study assessed whether social capital is a key asset for achievement of food security in Kamuli district, southeast Uganda. More specifically, it focused on the determinants and levels of participation in food security groups. The study also explored the status, challenges and gaps of information flows in rural communities. Potential relationships between social capital and food security were also examined. Data were collected using a survey (378 randomly sampled households from six sub-counties), group discussions (21 groups) and community interviews (12 communities), and analyzed using SPSS and NVIVO. Results indicated that participation in food security groups is affected by socio-demographic, economic and spatial factors. These included age, education level of the household head, a household's possession of a non-agricultural income source, land acreage owned and distance to health facilities. Participation in a food security group is motivated by perceived benefits such as access to material incentives and capacity building opportunities available to members as well as group leadership style and mutual trust among members. The level of partnerships -- other groups, organizations and institutions with which groups work in development interventions -- was low. For groups with partnerships, members wished that they continue working with them for an indefinite period, an indication of dependency. Information was accessed from a variety of sources including local community members and leaders, private business entities and staff from government and non-governmental organizations. Reliability and applicability of some of the information, from the perspective of the community members, was low and community members had no capacity to demand accountability. Information linkages among different types of actors were low or non-existent. Bridging and linking social capital characterized by household membership in groups, access to information from external institutions, and observance of norms in groups were positively associated with food security. In addition, cognitive social capital, characterized by observance of generalized norms in the village (trust and belief in helpfulness of residents) was positively associated with food security. Human capital (education levels) and physical capital (access to water sources) were also significantly associated with food security. The key policy implications include promotion of both formal and non-formal education opportunities such that rural communities attain skills with potential for augmenting the capacity for better management of their resources and improving their livelihoods. Strengthening of linkages is necessary and these should include an exit/ sustainability strategy. Finally, farmers' associations and local institutions need a supportive legislative and regulatory framework in which they can thrive and assume greater responsibilities related to demanding accountability.</p

The gender dimension of rural producer organisation in Uganda

Last ned gratis This report is one of four reports in the series of policy reports from the Business Experience Exchange Programme. It analyses the gender dimension of producer organisations in national policy development and the influence of national policy on the development of the rural institutions in Uganda

How the timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Uganda

Videos have the potential of enhancing learning among smallholder farmers. The study intended to establish whether timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Kamwenge district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 48 focus group participants; 100 individual video participants and 16 key informants. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) mapping was used to establish the video catchment areas and distribution of video participants. Farmers approved the video for providing timely, useful and reliable information and bringing extension service providers closer to the farming communities. Majority (94%) of the farmers said that video provided useful information that fostered change in rice production practices and technologies. A one sample T-test indicated that the timing and location of video events are significant in influencing learning among farmers particularly by women, elderly and distant farmers. The implication is that locating video shows far away and running them late at night seriously compromised involvement by females, elderly and distant people. Thus, modalities suggested by farmers need to focus on adjusting the timing of video shows and ensuring rotational operational of videos in the respective villages or parishes purposely to reach out to the elderly, distant and women farmers.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. &amp; Tech. 6 (2): 77-81, December, 201

HOW THE TIMING AND LOCATION OF VIDEO SHOWS INFLUENCE LEARNING AMONG RICE FARMERS IN UGANDA

Videos have the potential of enhancing learning among smallholder farmers. The study intended to establish whether timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Kamwenge district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 48 focus group participants; 100 individual video participants and 16 key informants. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) mapping was used to establish the video catchment areas and distribution of video participants. Farmers approved the video for providing timely, useful and reliable information and bringing extension service providers closer to the farming communities. Majority (94%) of the farmers said that video provided useful information that fostered change in rice production practices and technologies. A one sample T-test indicated that the timing and location of video events are significant in influencing learning among farmers particularly by women, elderly and distant farmers. The implication is that locating video shows far away and running them late at night seriously compromised involvement by females, elderly and distant people. Thus, modalities suggested by farmers need to focus on adjusting the timing of video shows and ensuring rotational operational of videos in the respective villages or parishes purposely to reach out to the elderly, distant and women farmers

Determinants of Participation and Leadership in Food Security Groups in Southeast Uganda: Implications for Development Programs and Policies

Local groups are increasingly being promoted as vehicles for effective involvement of community members in development initiatives in the Global South, with the expectation of successful and sustained achievements. Previous studies on participation and leadership in groups have yielded mixed results, implying a need for more contextualized and validated assessments. In this study, using 281 household interviews and discussions with 21 farmers’ groups in southeast Uganda, we established that group participation was positively associated with age of household head, household size, and proximity to trading and health facilities. Group leadership was positively associated with the educational level of the household head, land size, and non-agricultural sources of income: the latter two indicating wealth of an individual. Implications for development programs and policies included special efforts to support the participation of youth, as well as dedicating extra effort to reach remote households and groups. Regarding leadership, groups were recommended to facilitate the taking up of leadership roles by non-educated members; enable youth to benefit from the government policy of Universal Primary Education; and establish measures to avoid elite capture.This article is from Journal of Rural and Community Development 8 (2013); 77-97.</p