Online Agriculture Information System for Uganda

Abstract

Over the last decade, agricultural output in Uganda has generally been declining yet the population is rapidly growing. This implies that interventions by government and other development partners through: improved seeds, advisory services, loans, animal grants and agro-processing services, have had negligible impact. In addition, information about performance of individual farmers is not known, making it difficult to implement initiatives that leverage their potential. This paper presents an information system for managing agricultural output data of individual farmers for effective decision making. As part of the information system, a novel “seed banking” idea is implemented, whereby farmers deposit harvested seeds in the seed bank and in return withdraw improved seeds for planting. The paper maintains that as seed banking is adopted, farmers will be assured of improved seeds for planting in all seasons, thereby empowering them to make realistic plans for future expansion without regard to uncertain interventions from government or other development partners.