What factors determine membership to farmer groups in Uganda? Evidence from the Uganda Census of Agriculture 2008/9
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Date
2012
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Publisher
Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC)
Abstract
While government of Uganda and its development partners are targeting farmer groups as
the vehicle for agricultural development, there is limited empirical evidence on what drives
membership to these groups. Using the Uganda Census of Agriculture 2008/9 data, this paper
reveals low levels of membership both at individual and household levels with a marked regional
dimension. The key policy variables found to influence participation in farmer group included
education attainment, distance to extension service and quality of road infrastructure.
Increasing membership to farmer groups requires government and its development partners
to target more resources towards less educated farmers and those who live far from extension
workers. The use of the local language in publicity materials is also important in ensuring
participation among the illiterate and the less educated. Overall, there is a need for concerted
efforts by all institutions supporting groups to ensure that existing groups have improved
access to agricultural technologies and noticeable outcomes are achieved so as to attract
more farmers.
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Keywords
Farmer group Membership, Decision Making, Uganda Census of Agriculture