BASELINE SURVEY REPORT

Transcription

1 NORTHERN UGANDA AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOODS RECOVERY PROGRAMME A Government of Uganda PRDP Programme Funded by the European Union BASELINE SURVEY REPORT SEPTEMBER 2013 FED/2013/ CESVI-BLR-OCT13 IMPROVED LIVELIHOODS IN LANGO SUB-REGION EAST THROUGH PROMOTION OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE Commissioned by Cesvi Onlus Conducted by leleo@reborn.com This publication has been produced with the assistance of the Government of Uganda and the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of CESVI Onlus and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Government of Uganda or the European Union.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS... ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...vi CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Background The contextual situation of Lango sub region east Objectives Broad Objective Specific objectives Study questions...2 CHAPTER TWO METHODOLOGY Study Design Sampling Sample size and sampling frame Data Type Data analysis Quality control Limitation...6 CHAPTER THREE SURVEY FINDINGS Basic Information on respondents Respondent s distribution by district and sex Respondents distribution by marital status Respondent s educational status by sex Household leadership Membership in FFG/PG Respondent's income levels Number of meals had by respondents in a day Period household food reserves can last Access to, ownership and control of productive resources by sex Current Level of agricultural production and productivity of progressive farmers ii P a g e

3 3.2.1 Production orientation Volume or quantity of production Quality of product of farmers Production techniques, equipments and tools Proportion of farmers activity dedicated to commercial crop production Level of agronomic practices and livestock technology in use by the farmers in Lango sub region east Land opening/plough technology Planting technology Weed control technology Harvesting technology Value addition technology Irrigation technology Transportation technology The knowledge and skills of farmers in commercial agriculture Amount of land cultivated by farmers Intercropping, use of pesticides, herbicides and hired labour Soil fertility improvement practices Soil and water conservation knowledge and practice Modern crop husbandry practices Current usage of produce marketing channels managed at the sub county level Challenges that progressive farmers in East Lango region face and options for addressing the challenges Drought and changing weather pattern Pests and diseases Lack of quality farming equipment Limited access to improved seeds and farming inputs Poor seed varieties used Limited access to technical services and advice to farmers Limited knowledge of farmers in modern farming methods Unpredictable or low market prices Poor physical infrastructure for commercialization of agriculture Poor marketing practices and infrastructure CHAPTER FOUR iii P a g e

4 CONCLUSIONS ON FINDINGS Conclusions The current level of agricultural production and productivity of progressive farmers in Lango sub region east Level of agronomic practices and livestock technology (mechanization) in use by the farmers in Lango sub region east Knowledge and skills of farmers in commercial agriculture Usage of the current marketing channels managed at the sub county level The level of farmers practicing primary and secondary value addition The level of income derived from the sale of crops, livestock and their products Challenges that farmers in Lango sub region east face and the various options for addressing these challenges CHAPTER FIVE RECOMMENDATIONS Introduction Support farmer s transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture Increase farmer s access to modern agricultural technology Expound farmers knowledge and skills in commercial agriculture Promote usage of marketing stores managed by the sub counties and private sector Promote Primary and secondary value addition Support interventions to improve income derived from the sale of crops, livestock and their products Mitigate challenges to commercial farming REFERENCES Appendix I: Overview of indicator status Appendix II: Members of Research Team Appendix III: Sketch Map of Lango Sub Region East showing districts/sub-counties of survey.. 50 Note: Not to scale Appendix IV: Household Survey Questionnaire Appendix V: Key Informant Guide iv P a g e

5 LIST OF ACRONYMS ALREP CSO DAO DCO DFPO DVO FFS HIV IGAs INGO KI LC MDG NAADS NDP NDP NGO PEAP PG PLWHA PRA SGBV SPSS UBOS UDHS UGX UNHS UPE Agricultural Livelihoods Recovery Program Civil Society Organization District Agriculture Officer District Commercial Officer District Focal Point Officer District Veterinary Officer Farmer Field School Human Immune-deficiency Virus Income Generating Activities International Non Governmental Organizations Key Informants Local Council Millennium Development Goal National Agricultural Advisory Services National Development Plan National Development plan Non Government Organizations Poverty Eradication Action Plan Parents Group People Living With HIV and AIDS Participatory Rural Appraisal Sexual and Gender based Violence Statistical Package for Social Scientists Uganda Bureau Of Statistics Uganda Demographic and Health Survey Uganda Shillings Uganda National Household Survey Universal Primary Education v P a g e

6 USE VDC Universal Secondary Education Village Development Committee EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As a contribution to the Northern Uganda Agricultural Livelihoods Recovery Programme, a Government of Uganda PRDP programme funded by the European Union, CESVI onlus commissioned a baseline study of commercial crop production and productivity in Lango sub-region east districts of Lira, Alebtong and Otuke. The study sought to qualify and benchmark indicators for CESVI s Improved livelihoods in Lango sub region east through promotion of commercial agriculture project and provide in depth understanding of agricultural production and productivity in the region. The study was conducted in September 2013 involving 600 farmer household (40.8% male, 59.2% female) and 8 ALREP District Focal Point Officers directly interviewed to obtain primary data. 36 LC I Chairpersons, sub county leadership in 9 selected sub counties of the three study Districts guided the field data collection exercise. Vast opportunities exist for the development of commercial agriculture in Lango east sub-region especially with its people already engaged in agriculture, generally favorable climate, vast fertile soils for crop production, fairly established road and market infrastructure especially to the main towns, government systems, structures, personnel and programs, vast water resources, availability of farm labour for hire and vast market both locally and internationally for most crop products. The study found 98.5% of the respondents were engaged in crop production though largely at subsistence or peasantry level, characterized by low application of modern farming knowledge and skills, limited use of mechanization machinery (predominant use of manual rudimentary tools by 80% of respondents) and the subsequent small quantities of output (average 337.2kg in a season)/little acreage opened (average of 3.31 acres per farmer about 45.53% of average arable productive land available to a farmer), low farm level value addition (19.26%) and lack of an organized marketing systems leading to low bargaining power of producers in the market. The primary reason for production for most farmers (85.3%) was meeting family food needs other than producing surplus for marketing purposes. These challenges were compounded by drought and changing climatic pattern as most farmers depend on rain for farm water supply, crop pests and disease, adulterated seeds in circulation, poor road infrastructure especially feeder roads to farmers, poor post harvest handling practices adulterating the quality of farmer s produce, in adequate financial services for commercial agriculture and the generally high poverty level in the sub-region. vi P a g e

7 The engine for development of commercial agriculture is generally hinged on an organized marketing system established, appreciated, owned and trusted by individual smallholder farmers, an expansion of modern farming knowledge and skills to smallholder farmers and establishment of the necessary physical infrastructure, especially roads, to ease access to farmers by technical personnel, potential buyers and farmers access to prospective markets and source of quality inputs including seeds and machinery for mechanization of agriculture. Details of these findings are in this report organized into five chapters. The first is an introduction to the study. Chapter two explores the baseline methodology entailing sources of data, sampling methods, data collection, data processing, quality control and challenges. Chapter 3 presents findings of the baseline study. Conclusions and recommendations are in chapters four and five respectively. vii P a g e

8 1.0 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE 1.1 Background As a contribution to the Northern Uganda Agricultural Livelihoods Recovery Programme, a Government of Uganda Programme under the frame work of PRDP Funded by the European Union, CESVI onlus commissioned a baseline study of commercial agriculture production and productivity in Lango sub region east covering the districts of Lira, Alebtong and Otuke in September The study sought to qualify and benchmark indicators for CESVI s Improved livelihoods in Lango sub region east through promotion of commercial agriculture project and provide an in depth understanding of agricultural production and productivity in Lango sub-region east. The program provides targeted interventions in form of secondary farm implements, training and capacity building in commercial agriculture, improving the agricultural techniques and technologies practiced by targeted progressive farmers and improving the quality of production in the livestock sector in targeted areas, contributing to the attainment of objective 3 of Peace Recovery Development Plan (PRDP) Revitalize the economy. 1.2 The contextual situation of Lango sub region east With the improved security situation in Northern Uganda where Lango east sub region falls, people who were displaced into Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps have returned to their traditional land, resulting into increased accessibility to fertile, arable land for agricultural production. Targeted interventions by GOU in return, resettlement, and development programmes and humanitarian organizations in the food security sector are helping to revitalize the agricultural production and productivity in collaboration with the three Higher Local Governments of Lira, Alebtong and Otuke Districts. In spite of the below par level of agricultural production, Lango east sub region makes significant contributions to the national crop product especially in oil crops, root crops, cereals and cotton. The high crop production is associated to large acreage under crops rather than productivity as the region still produces relatively low yields per unit area. The climate of the sub region is modified by the large swamp areas within it. These areas along wetlands and dams are as well potential areas for development of small scale irrigation in the face of an ever changing climate pattern punctuated with droughts. The rainfall in the region is bimodal with one peak during April-May and the other in August-October.

9 Lango sub region is endowed with vast fertile arable land for commercial crop and animal production. The Langi predominant people of Lango east sub region are agro pastoralists keeping cattle as well as cultivating crops like simsim, maize, cotton, sunflower, groundnuts, fruits (oranges and mangoes), rice, cassava, honey, sweet potatoes, beans and soya with potential for commercial production. 1.3 Objectives Broad Objective The overall objective of this baseline survey was to conduct a pre-project measurement of the key results indicators outlined in the log frame to serve as a guide for project implementation, and as a basis against which the level of attainment of milestones and targets can be compared during results assessment and impact evaluation Specific objectives 1. To establish the challenges faced by the progressive farmers in their attempt to commercialize their agricultural production and viable options for addressing these difficulties in order to inform the successful implementation of this project. 2. To provide the project with appropriate and in-depth understanding of the socioeconomic and political environment under which the progressive farmers operate within the target areas. 3. To establish benchmarks for key project indicators so as to measure progress over time and impact at the end of the project Study questions The study was guided by the following research questions: 1. Assess the knowledge and skills of farmers in commercial agriculture 2. Assess the current level of agricultural production and productivity of the progressive farmers 3. Assess the level of farmers practicing primary and secondary value addition 4. Assess the level of agronomic practices and livestock technology in use by the farmers in Lango sub region east 5. Assess the current produce marketing channels managed at the sub county level 6. Assess the level of income delivered from the sale of crops, livestock and their products 2 P a g e

10 CHAPTER TWO 2.0 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Study Design This study used an exploratory and case study research design chosen for the following reasons: i. The design is the most appropriate for data collection in this study that is focused on perceptions, facts, feeling, experiences and emotions of the respondents. ii. The research questions generated require an exploratory, descriptive and analytical perspective in order to describe the current state of affairs, as the perceived by respondents. 2.2 Sampling Sampling followed a multi-stage random sampling approach using the probability proportional to size (PPS) method. Based on the number of households (n) required to be interviewed per district/sub county/parish/village. This ensured a wide geographical coverage. Purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of key informant respondents for the qualitative information. Strata of stakeholders for all interviews were made to incorporate all categories of stakeholders relevant to the Improved livelihoods in Lango sub region east through promotion of commercial agriculture project. Respondents were selected from all the three study districts of Lira, Alebtong and Otuke and from all 9 sub-counties of Ogur, Aromo, Agweng, Apala, Awei, Akura, Okwang, Ogor and Olilim. Two (2) parishes were randomly selected from each of the 9 sub counties and 2 villages randomly selected from each parish through the bawl method. A total of 18 parishes and 36 villages were hence surveyed. All households within a village had equal chance of selection to participate in the study save for the first household purposively selected (generally that of a local council member). The data collector interviewed a household head from every second or third household depending on the population density of the selected village along a village path. Gender consideration was taken into account to ensure that a 2:3 interviewee ratio of male to female was maintained. Six out of every ten respondents targeted were female 3 P a g e

11 and 4 out of ten male. This was to align to beneficiary ration under the broader projects of CESVI onlus. 2.3 Sample size and sampling frame The sample size was determined basing on Raosoft s sample size calculator at the margin of error (confidence interval) of 5%, confidence level of 95% and response distribution of 50% given the study was to take place in the respondent s peak season. The sample for the study was estimated using the following formula: 2 z pq n= 2 x 2 d Where p=0.3; q= (1-p) =0.6; d=+/-5% and z=1.96. This sample was intended to estimate the proportion of study population (p) to which a 5% margin of error (d) with 95% confidence limits (z). A design effect of 1.5 was taken into consideration. We presumed sample size of 600 would satisfy the needs for all indicators without compromising the precision of the survey exercise. The study involved various stakeholders from within CESVI onlus ALREP project implementation area. Key among these were political leaders especially Local Council I V chairpersons, civil servants at district and sub county level, ALREP district focal persons, farmer households and CESVI onlus Lira office and field based personnel. Table 1 below shows the people directly interviewed in the study. Table 1:The sampling size Category Alebtong District Lira District Otuke District Sample size Farmer household representative District Veterinary Officer (DVO) District Agriculture Officer (DAO) District Commercial Officers (DCO) Total Data Type The study used both primary and secondary data types. These were obtained by among others reviewing related project documents including logical framework of CESVI onlus programs related to the study, district and sub county development plans, primary data gathered using household questionnaires & interview schedule for key informants and meetings with project staff in relation to the study as detailed below: Primary Data collection 4 P a g e

12 Quantitative and qualitative primary data collection was undertaken in four days in Lira and Alebtong districts and five days in Otuke district by three teams of 4 research assistants and one district team leader. Team leaders provided technical support, took charge of administration and management of study tools and field logistics. They ensured the collection of high quality data as well as coordination of team members. They provided supervisory support to the data collection teams. Local and civic leaders, CESVI field staff and LG staff were involved in guiding the research teams within the respective enumeration areas. They helped in the identification and verification of data collection areas and respondent s locations. Household interviews were undertaken using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The target population for household survey included the household heads from randomly selected households. The consultants interviewed 8 key informants (KI). Their interview was guided by a semi structured interview guide. The KI provided our team with significant information about the program. They included District Veterinary Officers, District Agricultural Officers and District Commercial Officers of the three districts Secondary data The literature reviewed included: Improved livelihoods in Lango sub region east through promotion of commercial agriculture project design and logical framework, district development plans, sub county development plans and UDHS as well as UBOS population data. 2.5 Data analysis All questionnaires were coded at design and appropriate definition of codes provided to research assistants. Data was entered in a customized Epi Data base and exported to SPSS Version 16 for analysis. Key points were picked from review of interview notes as well by looking for patterns and relationships focusing on baseline objectives. The information has been presented in form of graphics (tables, charts, diagrams) and texts (verbatim quotes, text boxes). Findings were interpreted basing on set national and international standards and findings of previous studies and baselines. This was used to provide a list of clear, actionable and prioritized findings, recommendations and conclusions for use by various stakeholders and development partners. 2.6 Quality control A number of quality control measures were employed in all stages of data collection, entry and analysis: 5 P a g e

13 To ensure quality of qualitative data, guiding questions were developed and followed closely. Double questioning technique where questions requiring the same response are asked in different sections to test consistency Data was collected by experienced consultants in local language (Lango) and was based on the principles and criteria of the qualitative tools selected. The household questionnaire was pre-tested by 3 research teams in 3 of the study villages without any major defects noticed before being fully affirmed for data collection. Enumerators were interviewed and competent ones were recruited, trained in data collection, baseline tools and supervised closely. Each questionnaire completed was screened for accuracy and completeness before entry. 2.7 Limitation The nationwide dry spell that preceded the study hit the region hard and could have affected the results and perspectives presented herein. 6 P a g e

14 CHAPTER THREE 3.0 SURVEY FINDINGS This chapter details the findings of the study. It is presented in six sections that provide answers to the research questions on knowledge and skills of farmers in commercial agriculture, the current level of agricultural production and productivity of the progressive farmers, the level of farmers practicing primary and secondary value addition, the level of agronomic practices and livestock technology in use by the farmers in Lango sub region east, the current produce marketing channels managed at the sub county level and the level of income derived from the sale of crops, livestock and their products besides general information about the respondents in the first section. The information presented combines analyzed primary data from household survey, key informants, desk search and statistical abstracts of UBOS. 3.1 Basic Information on respondents Respondent s distribution by district and sex A total of 600 respondents from the districts of Lira, Alebtong and Otuke were interviewed in the research. Two hundred (200) respondents were interviewed from each district. 40.8% of the respondents were male while 59.2% were female. The details of the respondents distribution by sex and district is presented in Fig 1 below. Fig 1. Respondents distribution by district and sex Frequency Lira District Alebtong Otuke Total District District Male Female Respondents were interviewed from 9 sub-counties, with 69 from Ogur sub-county, 69 from Aromo sub-county, 62 from Agweng sub-county, 68 from Apala sub-county, 68 from Awei sub-county, 64 from Akura sub-county, 46 from Okwang sub-county, 98 from Ogor sub-county and 56 from Olilim sub-county. 7 P a g e

15 3.1.2 Respondents distribution by marital status The study findings showed that 2.7% of respondents were single while the vast majority (90.8%) were in marriage relationships. 6% were widowed and 0.5% either separated or divorced as presented below. Fig 2. Respondents' distribution by marital status 90.8 Percent Single Married Widowed Separated Respondent s educational status by sex The respondents were largely a semi-illiterate people with 32.1% having had no formal education at all, 54.5% having attained the primary level of education, 12.3% ordinary level education, 0.3% advanced level education and 0.8% having reached tertiary institution or university level. Fig 3. Respondents distribution by education status and sex Male Female None Primary O level A Level Tertiary + The breakdown by sex shows that women are the less educated, with 41% having no formal education and 52% having only attained primary level education, meaning that 93% of the women either had no formal education or stopped at primary level of education. This is closely in line with UBOS statistics for literacy levels among people populations aged 10 and above in Northern Uganda which stands at 52% among women and 77% among men according to 2010 statistics Household leadership The research found that Lango sub region east is a patriarchal society where men are largely leaders of households with rare instances where women lead households. About fifty five percent (54.6%) of the respondents were household heads while 45.4% were not. 8 P a g e

16 Yes No Fig 4. Respondents that head a household Male Female As seen in the figure above, of the 327 persons who reported being household heads, 71.3% were male while 28.7% were female. Women who reported being household heads were largely widows and the elderly Membership in FFG/PG The study found out that 31.5% of the respondents were members of a farmer field school or PG while 68.5% were not, as seen below. Fig 5. Respondents' membership in FFS and PG Yes No 31.5% 68.5% The farmer groups present a new social network for the farmers that can be capitalized on to deliver new knowledge and skills Respondent's income levels Respondents were asked about their income in the past twelve months. It was found that the respondents earned an average income of 398,000 Ugandan shillings % of respondents earned no income in the past 12 months while about 50% earned 100,000 shillings and less in the entire year. The person that earned highest got 7,250,000 in the past 12 months. The total income of the households interviewed was 200,996,550 shillings as shown in table 1 below. Table 2. Income levels of respondents Total Income Average Income Lowest income Highest Income 200,996, , ,250, P a g e

17 This closely agrees with UBOS statistics on per capita consumption expenditure in northern Uganda estimated at twenty eight thousand four hundred shillings (28,400=) per month in 2009/10; an increase from 21,500= in 2005/06. Incomes also varied according to district and gender, with Lira and Alebtong districts scoring higher average income levels compared to Otuke district and men generally earning higher than women as indicated in the table below. Table 3. Average income of respondents distributed by district and gender Lira Alebtong Otuke Total Male 673, , ,930 1,475,303 Female 485, ,710 73,650 1,000,640 The study further found that 71.3% of the respondents had one source of income from farming alone, while 28.7% had more than one source of income as illustrated below. Fig 5b: Sources of household Income 71.30% 28.70% Agriulture only Agriculture and other sources of income Other sources of income for the households included brewing alcoholic beverages, business activities, bodaboda business, tailoring, carpentry, teaching and manual labor hire for mainly construction and farming. Those employed in agriculture (51 percent) are more likely to move into and out of poverty than those in the services or manufacturing sector. According to UBOS 2013 statistical abstracts, those employed in agriculture (51 percent) are more likely to move into and out of poverty than those in the services or manufacturing sector. National statistics by UBOS also indicates that on average, every poor individual residing in the Northern region would require 86,953 shillings (in 2005/06 prices) per person per month to move above the poverty line Number of meals had by respondents in a day The researcher probed households on the number of meals they had in a day and the summary response is presented in the table below. Table 4. Number of meals per day by households Category Frequency Valid Percent 10 P a g e

18 Once Twice Thrice Total Of the 596 valid responses, it was found that 21.98% of the respondents had one meal a day, 75.84% had two meals a day while 2.18% had three or more meals in a day Period household food reserves can last The study sought to find out how long food reserves of the respondents could last. Summary of the responses is presented in the table 4 below. Table 5. Period household food reserve can last Category Frequency Valid Percent One month and less months months More than 6 months Total The study revealed that 14.53% of the respondents had food reserves that could last for 6 months or more. Food reserves of 23.36% of the respondents could last between four to six months while food reserves of 32.35% of the respondents could not last more than a month. This situation is closely linked to the national situation where the percentage of food secure households (households with food energy sufficiency, good dietary diversity and sufficient expenditure quintile-not monetarily poor) is estimated at 41% according to UBOS s comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis report released in April Access to, ownership and control of productive resources by sex Land, livestock and crops are the most important productive resources in Lango sub region east. However, the access to, ownership and control of these resources varies according to sex. The respondents were asked on if they had access to, ownership and control of land. The responses of those without access to, ownership of or control over land are presented in Fig 6 below. 11 P a g e

19 Fig 6. Respondents with no access, ownership and control of land 66.48% 0% 2.25% 2.45% 20.56% 36.73% No access to land No ownership of land No control over land Men Women All 245 men interviewed reported having access to land while 8 women reported not having access to land. Six (6) men reported not owning land while 73 women reported that they did not own land. Ninety (90) men reported having no control of the land they owned while 66.48% women reported that they did not control the land they owned. A similar trend was also observed in livestock and crop access, ownership and control. The imbalance in access to, ownership and control of productive land and other productive resources among the sexes needs to be addressed. 3.2 Current Level of agricultural production and productivity of progressive farmers Whereas the technocrats did not give any single universal definition for progressive farmers, they did outline critical criteria that would distinguish between subsistence and commercial production. Key traits mentioned were the volume of production, the technology in use by the farmers, the proportion of produce marketed, the quality and quantity of produce supplied regularly and the bargaining power of the farmers in the market. A number of questions were asked to probe for these aspects and their summary responses indicated that the level of production of respondents was peasantry as expounded below Production orientation Respondents were asked about their primary reason for engagement in agricultural production and the following responses were obtained: 12 P a g e

20 Fig 7. Primary reason for agricultural production Sale to earn income 15% Home consumption 85% Fifteen (15%) of the respondents said their primary reason for production was commercial agriculture while 85% said it was home consumption. This primarily consumption oriented production is backed by the low acreage (3.73) cultivated and the small quantities of harvest, averaging kg per farmer for the main crop cultivated Volume or quantity of production The research sought respondents views on if they supplied sufficient quantities for their main market. Responses indicated that 19.7% of respondents supplied sufficient quantity for their market while 80,3% did not, as shown in the figure below. Fig 8. Did you supply sufficient quantity of produce for your market? % 80.3% Frequency Percent Yes No Mr. Ebonga Samuel, the DAO Otuke District, said that produce are sold immediately after harvest. Within 2 months you do not find the produce in the market. All the technocrats agreed that the quantities produced by farmers in their districts were too meager and they associated this mainly to poor technology being used, poor farming methods and prevalent traditional agricultural practices among farmers. The study found out that the respondents opened a total of 2,180 acres, and planted an average of kg of seeds for various crops in the season preceding the study, kg of which was retained seeds while 9.84 kg was bought seeds. A total of 15,892 kg of retained and bought seeds were therefore planted by the respondents. Table 5. Quantity of seeds planted and quantity of harvest of respondents 13 P a g e

21 Category Average in Kgs Total in Kgs Retained seeds used Bought seeds used Total seeds planted Harvest ,342 A total harvest of 202,342 kg was realised by the end of the season, with an average of 337kg of harvest per farmer from a total of 2,180 acres cultivated. According to Dr. Anyuru Thomas, the DVO of Otuke, the yields are still very low compared to expected yields for every crop. This is confirmed by the above statistics showing that farmers harvested just about 13 times the amount they planted Quality of product of farmers Quality of farmer produce was also assessed. Based on farmers responses, most farmers produce was below required quality standards in the eyes of the farmers, technocrats and the buyers of farmers produce. Fig 9. Farmer's ability to meet quality benchmarks Yes 21% No 79% Only 21% of the respondents reported that their produce met quality benchmarks for their markets while 79% failed to meet quality bench marks for their markets as shown above. According to all technocrats, the quality of farmers produce is considerably below the benchmarks. They associated the situation mainly to poor post-harvest handling especially at storage level, traditional farming practices and negligence of farmers. According to Mr. Ebonga Samuel (DAO Otuke District), the low quality of produce also reinforces the problem of low market prices Production techniques, equipments and tools The study found that farmers generally used rudimentary tools at all levels of their agricultural activity i.e land clearing, land opening, fine tilling, planting, weeding, 14 P a g e

22 harvesting to storage and marketing as expounded in the next section. The majority of farmers (63.5%) used traditional farming knowledge for production, retained local seeds for production and did not practice secondary value addition besides the basic primary value addition activities. Pest and disease control was at its bare minimum, herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers were largely not in use among the respondents Proportion of farmers activity dedicated to commercial crop production Fig 10 Number of days in a week spent on production of crops for sale Valid Percent day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days 6 days 0 day It was established that 23.2% of the respondents spent at least 50% of their time on production of crops for the market. Over 50% did not spend any time producing for the market. This further confirms the lack of market orientation in production activities of respondents. 3.3 Level of agronomic practices and livestock technology in use by the farmers in Lango sub region east The third objective of the study was to assess the level of agricultural technology in use (mechanization) by the farmers in East Lango sub region. The research asked respondents about various forms of technology they employ at different levels of their farming activity. Presented below are the summary results. Fig 10. Ploughing, planting, weeding and harvesting technology in use 15 P a g e

23 percentage score 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Ploughing Planting Weeeding Harvesting Traditional tools 80% 90.60% 99.50% 99.70% Oxen plough and accessories 19.20% 9.40% 0.30% 0.30% Tractor and accessories 0.80% 0% 0.00% 0.00% Land opening/plough technology The study revealed that 80% of the respondents used traditional tools for land opening and fine tilling. Pangas and axes were commonly used for clearing land while hand hoe was reported to be used for digging. 19.2% of the respondents used ox plough technology for land opening while only 0.8% respondents used tractor technology for land opening. Knowledge of availability of tractor technology and accessories for hire in the community was reported by 3.8% of the respondents, while only 1.2% of them reported benefiting from the service in the past 12 months. Only 0.8% of the respondents rated tractor technology as easy to afford Planting technology The study found that 90.6% of the respondents used traditional and locally improvised implements for planting crops with hand hoe as the most commonly used tool for planting activities of farmers. The remaining 9.4% reported using ox-plough to aid their planting activities especially for making often imperfect- lines for planting seeds. No respondent reported using tractor technology for planting activities Weed control technology The vast majority (99.55%) of the respondents reported using hand hoes and traditional implements for weed control. No mechanized weed control was reported. Chemical weed control was reported in practice by 3.8% of the respondents while 96.2% reportedly never used herbicides or chemical weed control in the past 12 months as summarized in the figure below: 16 P a g e

24 Fig 11. Use of herbicides by farmers 4% Yes No 96% This means often times, farmers fail to weed entire gardens since the traditional weeding process is time consuming, contributing to losses in quality and quantity at farm level especially where they manage to cultivate a sizeable land for commercial agriculture purpose Harvesting technology 99.7% of the respondents use manual and traditional tools for harvesting. The tools included; sickles, knives, hand hoes and manually uprooting crops depending on the crop type. The use of traction and tractor-based harvest technology and combined harvesters were not reported at all Value addition technology The common value addition equipment in Lango East is grinding mill for processing maize, millet, sorghum and cassava into flour, and paste machines for making groundnut and simsim paste although most farmers still use pounding motors and peddle stones for the same purpose. Rice hullers do exist in Lira and Alebtong towns, but most farmers do not have access to them and market their rice unshelled % did not practice any form of value addition, 9.72%) practiced primary value addition and 9.54% practiced secondary value addition. Value addition is therefore generally low in Lango East as presented in the figure below. 17 P a g e

25 Fig 12. Value addition practice by farmers in Lango East Secondary Value addition 9.54% Primary Value addition 9.72% None 80.74% Irrigation technology Irrigation technology was reported in use by three (3) respondents (0.5%) as a response to the constraint of drought and changing weather pattern affecting the farming activities of farmers in East Lango region. The other 99.5% of respondents did not use any form of irrigation. Irrigation technology is at its basic form of fetching water and pouring on plants especially in vegetable gardens near swamps. Dorcus Alum, the District Agriculture Officer (DAO) of Lira District, reported that none of the farmers was practicing irrigation technology. This information was confirmed by other district key informants interviewed who generally estimated irrigation usage at below 1%, in spite of the sub region being parched by a number of water sources in fairly large swamps from Lira to Alebtong and Otuke Transportation technology The farmers largely used manual labour for transportation of agricultural produce from both the field to homes and from home to the market, as reported by 441 respondents. 146 respondents (24.54%) reported using bicycles as the means for transportation of agricultural products as seen in the table below. Table 6. Technology used for transportation of agricultural produce Frequency Valid Percent Manual labour Bicycle Ox cart Tractor Motorcycle Motor vehicle No ox cart technology was in use while 2 respondents reported using tractors, 1 reported using motorcycle and 5 reported using vehicles to transport their produce. The level of agricultural technology in use was generally low with negligible use of technology necessary for commercialization of agriculture. 18 P a g e

26 3.4 The knowledge and skills of farmers in commercial agriculture The study sought to establish the knowledge, skills and practices of farmers in commercial agriculture and the statistics showed that 98.5% of the respondents were participating in crop production during the time of the study. The summary results are presented below Amount of land cultivated by farmers Of the 587 valid responses on number of acres of fertile arable land available to farmers, respondents reported a total of 4,267.1 acres of land, amounting to an average of 7.27 acres of arable productive land per person. Of this, households cultivated an average of 3.73 acres or 51.31% of the total arable productive land available in the previous season. This had dropped to an average of 3.31 acres (45.53% of available land) in the current season and farmers hoped to cultivate an average 4.81 acres (66.16% of arable land) in the coming season. Table 7. Fertile arable land statistics for respondents Household arable and productive land available Land cultivated in past season Land cultivated in current season Land to be cultivated in coming season Total acreage Average Minimum Maximum Frequency The trend in arable and productive land opened in a season shows a general upward growth at a rate of 5.57% per year. Percentage Fig 13. Trend of average proportion of total arable land cultivated Past Season Current Season Next Season Series P a g e

27 Both the size of arable land under cultivation and the number of farmers engaged in crop production kept varying over the seasons. The average percentage of fertile arable land under cultivation dropped from 51.31% in the previous season to 45.53% in the current season, while the farmers plan to cultivate 66.16% of fertile arable land in the next season. At least twelve different crop types were reported to have been cultivated in significant proportions by the farmers within the period under study. Details of these crops are presented in the figure 14 below: Fig 14. Common crops cultivated by farmers in Lango East The most common crop grown by the respondents is beans as reported by 33.7% of the respondents. Peas and cassava are other commonly grown crops with 15.9% and 13.45% reporting respectively. Soybeans (12.4%), maize (8.5%), millet (8.2%) and ground nuts (4.5%) are other crops reported to be grown by a significant proportion of the respondents. Other crops grown include simsim, rice, sorghum, vegetables, cotton, potatoes, sunflower and fruits. In Lira district, beans, soybeans, maize and cassava were reported most grown crops. In Otuke district, peas, millet, beans and g-nuts were reported most grown while in Alebtong District Beans, Cassava, peas and maize were crops reported most grown by respondents. This is in agreement with UBOS 2012 statistical abstracts where the northern region was reported to have led in the production of field peas (10,428 tones), pigeon peas (11,031 tones), groundnuts (83,182 tones), soya beans (15,727 tones) and simsim (93,562 tones). 20 P a g e

28 3.2.2 Intercropping, use of pesticides, herbicides and hired labour The study found that 45.65% of the respondents practiced intercropping while five hundred forty five (545) respondents did not practice intercropping. Maize, beans and cassava were the most intercropped crops. About 18.5% of the respondents reported use of pesticides for pest control while 81.5% did not use pesticides in their farming activities. 3.8% of the respondents reported use of herbicides for weed control while 96.2% did not use any herbicides. 40.9% of the respondents reported using hired labour for their farming activities while 59.1% did not hire any labour. The average cost of labour per katala was 2,280 shillings. The lowest cost for hire of labour was 500 shillings while the highest cost paid for labour was 15,000 shillings per katala. Yes No Fig 15. Common agricultural Practices Intercropping Use of pesticides Use of herbicides Hired labour Soil fertility improvement practices The study found out that most farmers in Lango east do not know and practice soil fertility improvement in their farming activities. Various forms of soil fertility improvement activities were probed for and the response summary are presented in the figure below: Fig 16. Soil fertility improvement practices among farmers in Lango East 9.30% 4.30% 3.50% 2.00% Compost making Animal Manure Double digging Furrowing 21 P a g e

29 It was established that 4.30% of the respondents practiced compost manure making and the rest did not. 3.5% of the respondents practiced animal manure making while 96.5% did not. 9.3% of the respondents practiced double digging while 90.7% did not. Furrowing was reported in practice by 2.0% of the respondents. Most farmers tend to open a small portion of their larger arable land and continuously till the land, rather than shifting from one plot to another to allow land to regain fertility after use Soil and water conservation knowledge and practice Soil and water conservation knowledge and practices were at a very low level among the respondents as presented below: Fig 17. Soil and water conservation practices in Lango East 10.80% 14.80% 0.50% 2.00% Irrigation Grassbands Mulching Trenches The study found out that 0.5% of the respondents practiced irrigation technology, a figure that matches with the less than 1% estimate of Ebonga Samuel the District Agriculture Officer of Otuke District. Grass bands were reported in practice by 10.8% of the respondents while 14.8% practiced mulching. 2.00% of the respondents reported practicing digging of trenches for better water movement in gardens while 98% did not report digging trenches for soil conservation Modern crop husbandry practices Respondents were asked on their knowledge and practices of pest and disease control, proper spacing, early weeding and timely planting. Their summary responses are presented in the figure below: 22 P a g e

30 Fig 18. Modern crop husbandry practices in Lango East 24.30% 45.30% 40.30% 49.50% Pest & Disease control Timely planting Proper spacing Early weeding It was established that only 24.3% of the respondents practiced pest and disease control, a critical aspect given that pests and diseases were the second most important challenge to the farmers % of the respondents practiced timely planting, 40.3% practiced proper spacing and 49.5% practiced early weeding. 3.5 Current usage of produce marketing channels managed at the sub county level The study found that the sub-county marketing stores managed by the sub-county and private sector are largely abandoned structures being used by a negligible proportion of the farmers in preference for home based storage facilities. Fig 19. Storage facilities used by respondents Traditional granary Polythene bags in house Sacks in house Sub-county store 0.68% 21.86% 6.27% 71.19% As seen in the figure above, 71.19% of the respondents used sacks in their homes for storage while 21.86% used the traditional granary in homesteads for storage of agricultural produce. 6.27% of the respondents stored their produce in polythene bags in their houses. Four respondents reported using the sub-county stores managed by the sub-county or private sector, forming 0.68% of valid responses. 23 P a g e

31 The storage facility services for farmers exist in their sub county, the vast majority (96.7%) respondents expressed ignorance about the existence of storage facilities meant for farmers in their sub county I do not know 0.52% Fig 20. Knwoledge of existance of storage facilities for farmers in the subcounty Yes 2.77% No 96.71% Only 16 respondents (2.77%) were aware about the existence of storage facilities for farmers in their sub county. This lack of awareness about the marketing stores symbolizes their insignificance to farmers current farming activities. Commenting on the usage of marketing stores in sub-counties in Lira District, Ajungu Peter, the District Production Officer of Lira District says, they are not being used at all. People prefer to keep their produce in their living houses than in the marketing stores. The management is weak. Ten (10) stores in 5 sub-counties of Ogur, Aromo, Awei, Ogor and Olilim were reported not in use at all, including 3 private store houses in Olilim sub-county not being rented and empty. Some stores, especially those in Apala sub-county were reportedly temporarily empty because farmers had not harvested their crops and would be in use at harvest time. Most stores were empty wall and roof structures with ample space but ill equipped for proper storage. They lacked basic equipment including weighing scales, moisture meters, pallets, ladder, sample spear, set of sieves, hydrometer and sanitary facilities nearby. The physical conditions of most of the stores are wanting though most store walls look strong enough. Major cracks on the floor are living the originally cemented floors bare. Roofs of some of the stores are leaking especially that in Ogur, posing a threat to farmers produce. Some stores have weak wooden doors and weak shutters especially in Agweng and Ogor sub-counties. 24 P a g e

32 Some structurally fair stores were reported not in use due to mismanagement by the store management committees, especially those in Awei and Ogur sub-counties. Three (3) stores in Agweng and Okwang are however in use, in spite of being ill equipped. The public private partnership that has seen some of the stores privatized is reported to have weakened the management committees according to technocrats interviewed. 3.6 Challenges that progressive farmers in East Lango region face and options for addressing the challenges The farmers reported a number of challenges to their farming activities with varying degrees of severity as represented in the figure below. Fig. 21 Challenges faced by respondents in their agricultural activities Old age and disease burden Limited land Theft Unpredictable and low product prices Poor storage facilities Lack of market Pests and diseases Rudimentary tools in use Lack of access to improved seed varieties Poor seed varieties in circulation Draught and changing whether Limited knowledge of farmers Lack of technical services and advise Drought and changing weather pattern Respondents identified drought and changing weather as the most pressing challenge they face in their farming activities. It was reported by 421 respondents (70.16%) as the main challenge to commercial agriculture. Beans was the crop most affected by drought, followed by peas, maize and soybeans as represented in the figure below. 25 P a g e

33 Fig 22. Crops most affected by draught Frequency The majority of respondents (95%) did not know what to do in response to the drought and changing weather and simply succumbed to its devastation as shown in the figure below. Fig 23. Coping mechanisms used by farmers in response to drought Frequency Percent Replanting crops Changing seed variety Irrigation Buy food from the market Nothing The remaining 5% of respondents re-planted their crops (17 respondents), changed the seed variety they used (7 respondents), 3 respondents irrigated their crops (0.5%) and 3 abandoned cultivation and waited to buy food from the market. The situation is made worse by the fact that most farmers do not have access to weather and climate information as detailed below. 26 P a g e

34 Fig 24. Availability of weather information to farmers in East Lango I do not know 0.17% Yes 16.44% No 83.39% The study found that 83.39% of the respondents were not aware of any climate or weather information services in their sub-county. Only 16.44% were aware that climate and weather information services can be got from their locality. However, only 9.3% had ever accessed information on weather and climate in the past 12 months preceding the survey. The respondents requested for support in terms of increased access to weather and climate information to guide timing of planting, need to provide irrigation schemes, need to provide improved seeds and need for food relief to the population. Fig 25. Desired response to drought by respondents Need to provide Information on climate change Need to provide Irrigation scheme Need to provide Improved seeds to farmers Need to provide food relief to farmers It should be noted that most respondents were pessimistic about the possibility of any action to counter changing weather pattern and its impact on their farming activities. 27 P a g e

35 2.6.2 Pests and diseases Pests and disease were the second most important challenge to commercialization of agriculture in Lango East sub region, reported by 358 respondents. Fig 26. Crops most affected by pests and deseases Rice Sun flower Cotton Sim Sim Sorghum Millet Peas Soybeans G-Nuts Beans Maize Fruits Cassava 6.45% 0.54% 1.08% 4.30% 3.76% 0.54% 2.15% 1.61% 9.68% 0.54% 2.69% 32.26% 34.41% Beans and peas were reported as the crops most affected by pests and diseases. Maize and rice were other crops significantly affected by pests and diseases, with rice being destroyed largely by birds. Cassava, simsim, sorghum, soybeans, ground nuts and cotton were other crops affected by pests and diseases. In a typical peasant farming approach, most respondents (547 respondents representing 91.2%) did nothing to overcome the challenge of pests and diseases while 6.7% (40 respondents) sprayed their crops with pesticides in line with modern farming practice. The rest either replanted their fields (0.8%) or changed seed variety for more resistant seed varieties (1.3%). This could be a result of limited knowledge about modern ways of managing pests and diseases as well as limited access to better technology for pests and diseases control/management. The respondents suggested government and NGO support in management of pests and diseases through provision of insecticides, spray pumps and better seed varieties. 28 P a g e

36 Fig 27. Suggested solutions to pests and diseases Need to provide pestcides and Insectcides to farmers Need to provide Improved seeds to farmers Need to provide spraying machines to farmers Just like the question on weather and climate change, respondents were largely pessimistic about possibilities of support against crop pests and diseases as symbolized by the low response recorded Lack of quality farming equipment A total of 117 respondents reported the use of rudimentary tools as a constraint to commercial agriculture. The hand hoe, which is the most commonly used tool, is associated with little coverage per day and exhaustion due to its being purely manual. Alternative farming technologies like ox-plough and tractors are considered too expensive to afford by the farmers. The study found that 98.1% of the respondents were not working towards acquiring better farming equipment. Respondents ultimately hoped for oxen and ox plough as the medium or long term solution to the problem of poor farming equipments they use Limited access to improved seeds and farming inputs Limited access to improved seeds and inputs was the fourth most important challenge, reported by 108 respondents. Whereas seeds are available in major towns with private seed dealers, most farmers do not have access to better yielding seed varieties due to remoteness and the associated costs of acquiring seeds. For most farmers, improved seeds are too expensive to afford due to limited supportive services as seen in the figure below. 29 P a g e

37 Fig 28. Services for agricultural commercialisation Yes No Improve seeds from multiplication activities Subscidized agro inputs Agricultural inputs on credit Cash loans for agriculture Whereas 19.7% of the respondents reported existence of improved seeds from multiplication activities in their communities, 80.3% of respondents did not have such services. The figure reduces to 14% for respondents who have actually accessed and utilized improved seeds from multiplication activities in the past 12 months. The remaining 86% of the respondents reported not having accessed such services in the past 12 months as presented in the pie chart below. Fig 29. Whether respondents have ever accesed improved seeds from multiplication activities Yes 14% No 86% As noted earlier, subsidized agro inputs were only available to 1.7% of the respondents, mainly contract farmers with bigger buyers. 7.1% of the respondents had access to agricultural inputs on credit while only 19.7% could access agricultural loans on credit mainly provided by their farmer associations or village savings and loan associations in meager amounts. 30 P a g e

38 Dorcus Alum, the District Agriculture Officer (DAO) of Lira District, decried the inadequacy of financial services to farmers saying, financial services are inadequate. There is need for Agriculture Commercial Banks to offer loans to farmers. Farming is considered a high risk investment often excluded by existing commercial banks for lending purposes Poor seed varieties used Closely associated to the above was the problem of poor seed varieties in circulation. 92 farmers reported adulterated seeds in circulation, mainly associated with poor germination especially when seeds are retained for the next season. It should also be noted that the majority of farmers (87.2%) still use local seed varieties mainly associated with poor yields and longer maturity periods and only 12.8% used improved seeds as their source of seeds Limited access to technical services and advice to farmers Although the government and development partners have employed and deployed technical staff to provide advice to farmers, especially under the NAADS programme, only 143 respondents (23.8%) had accessed technical services and advice in the past 12 months while 86.2% did not access these services. NGOs and government were the main providers of technical services and advice to farmers as illustrated in the figure below. Fig 30. Providers of technical services and advice to farmers in East Lango NGO Government Business Farmer Group/VSLA Frequency Valid Percent Of the valid responses to who provides technical services and advise in their community, 57.41% of the respondents said NGOs while 41.2% said it is the government. Private 31 P a g e

39 business people and farmer groups accounted for 1.4% of technical training and advice received by farmers. Farmers largely depend on traditional farming knowledge accrued over time for their farming activities, yet such knowledge is more rooted in subsistence farming than commercially oriented production as reported by 63.5% of the respondents who had no knowledge of technical services and advise to farmers existing in their community. 36.5% of the respondents said technical services and advice to farmers were being provided in their community Limited knowledge of farmers in modern farming methods Of the 600 respondents interviewed, 59 reported that they had limited knowledge to handle modern farming activities. This limited knowledge limits farmers access to modern technology that exists, modern techniques of production as well as access to existing services and opportunities for commercial agriculture. Fig 31. Crops most affected by limited knowledge of farmers Valid Percent Maize 4.55 Beans Potato 4.55 Soy 4.55 Peas Millet 4.55 Simsim Rice 9.09 Pigeon peas was reported as the worst impacted crop (31.82%) by lack of knowledge in modern farming by the farmers especially as they were also reported highly impacted by pests and diseases. Beans (22.75%), simsim (18.18%) and rice (9.09%) were other crops highly impacted by farmers limited knowledge yet form a vital part of their livelihood. Other crops reported included millet, potatoes, soybeans and maize Unpredictable or low market prices This was a challenge reported by 59 respondents (9.83%) as a pressing challenge especially associated to cash crops like cotton and sunflower as presented in the figure below. Fig 32. Crops with most unpredictable market prices 37.5% 12.5% Cassava 32 P a g e 12.5% Maize 12.5% G-Nuts Cotton 25% Sun flower

40 Cotton was reported as the crop with the most unpredictable price, highlighted by 37.5% of the respondents, followed by sunflower as reported by 25% of the respondents. Cassava, maize and ground nuts were other crops associated with either low or unpredictable prices Most farmers sale the crops at the low prices provided especially by mother companies for cotton and sunflower. According to the technocrats interviewed, the problem of low and fluctuating prices is a problem of poor marketing practices of the farmers that have been described by Mr. Ario Mike, the District Commercial Officer of Lira, as disorganized. Each individual farmer markets their produce on their own, making it difficult for prices to be regulated and therefore the buyers tend to determine the price. Dr. Anyuru Thomas, the DVO for Otuke District, says, Group marketing is being promoted through NAADS but is still a challenge. The absence of a District Commercial Officer makes marketing even more challenging Poor physical infrastructure for commercialization of agriculture According to Mr. Ogwal Moses, the commercial officer for Alebtong District, poor road infrastructure is another major bottle neck to commercialization of agriculture; a view shared by six of the 9 technocrats interviewed. The research team encountered the same challenge especially in Alebtong and Otuke districts where research assistants had to remove their shoes to cross swamps and join paths to reach respondents due to the poor state of feeder roads. With many parishes in accessible by road, both the delivery of services and products to intended consumers becomes impossible Poor marketing practices and infrastructure The District commercial officer Alebtong District reported that the marketing practices of the farmers was largely characterized by individual marketing due to mistrust among farmers, unspecialized enterprises, no value addition and sale immediately after harvest. The market infrastructure was also reported insufficient especially with most marketing stores not in use mainly due to miss management and mistrust among intended users. Famers mainly sell their produce at auction markets either directly to other consumers or mobile traders. 33 P a g e

41 CHAPTER FOUR CONCLUSIONS ON FINDINGS 4.0 Conclusions This chapter presents conclusions of the researcher derived from findings and analysis of the key research questions. 4.1 The current level of agricultural production and productivity of progressive farmers in Lango sub region east The survey findings indicated that the level of agricultural production of farmers is subsistence agriculture majorly oriented towards production for home consumption (among 85% of the respondents), with low average harvests of kg per farmer a season. Farmers had opened less than half (45.54%) of fertile arable land available to them for cultivation in the current season; a drop of 5.78% from the previous season. With rudimentary farming tools like hand hoes, axes, pangas, sickles and knives still largely the most used technology among the farmers for various levels of farming activity from land opening to weeding and harvesting and 79% of the respondents not being able to meet quality benchmarks besides 80.3% failing to meet quantity bench marks, the subsistence nature of production is further revealed. Production is largely by small holder peasant farmers who do not generally apply modern farming techniques for soil and water conservation and soil fertility improvement. Farm level value addition was practiced by only 19.26% of the respondents. The poor post-harvest handling further reduces the quality of produce that is marketed in largely informal channels by individual farmers exposing them to exploitation by buyers. 4.2 Level of agronomic practices and livestock technology (mechanization) in use by the farmers in Lango sub region east The study found out that ox- plough technology is the major form of mechanization used by 19.2% of interviewed farmers in Lango east mainly for land opening. A negligible proportion of respondents (0.8%) use tractor technology for land opening while the vast majority (80%) uses traditional farming implements. These manual traditional farming tools include the hand hoe, axe, pangas, sickles and locally fabricated knives to aid their farming activities. Herbicides were used by 4% of the respondents as the greatest form of application of modern technology especially within Lira District. Weeding and harvesting were 99.5% done using traditional tools. 34 P a g e

42 Value addition technology in place is mainly grinding mills and paste machines. Irrigation technology is applied by 0.5% of the respondents in its basic form near swamps on mainly vegetable gardens. Transportation of labour, agricultural products to and fro the farm and to the market was generally manually done by 74.12% of the respondents while 24.54% used bicycles for transportation of their produce. Mechanized transport means using tractor cats, motor vehicle or motorcycles accounted for only 1.34% of the respondents. 4.3 Knowledge and skills of farmers in commercial agriculture The survey findings showed that farmers in Lango east sub region generally used accumulated traditional farming knowledge as reported by 86.2% of the respondents other than technical advice and farming knowledge for their farming activities. About 98.5% of the respondents engaged in agricultural production. Although their number and the subsequent acreage opened per season kept varying over time, it is generally increasing over time. Farmers plant a number of crops including pulses like beans and peas, tubers like cassava and potatoes, oil seeds like soybean, ground nuts, simsim and sunflower, cereals like maize, millet, rice and sorghum besides vegetables and fruits. All the crops are freely marketable although most farmers did not produce them for marketing purpose. Cotton is the commonest cash crop reported grown in the area. About 45.6% of the farmers do intercropping, 18.5% used pesticides while about 4% used herbicides. Hired labour costs an average of 2,280 shillings per katala and was reported utilized by 45.6% of the respondents, indicating it is generally common. Most farmers do not practice any form of soil fertility improvement activity as only 4.3% reported practicing compost making, 3.5% farmyard manure making, 9.3% double digging. Only 2% of farmers practiced furrowing. Most farmers opened a small portion of their vast arable land and repeatedly tilled them year after year while expanding or reducing the acreage cultivated. Soil water conservation and management practices were used by less than 15% of the respondents including mulching, digging trenches and irrigation. 4.4 Usage of the current marketing channels managed at the sub county level The study established that all sub-counties surveyed had marketing stores built and largely managed by farmer field schools. Ogur sub-county had 4 stores with none in use while Apala, Okwang and Agweng sub-counties had three stores all in use. 3 privately 35 P a g e

43 owned stores in Olilim sub county were not rented and hence not in use. Aromo and Awei sub counties had a store each but none in use. The condition of most of the sub county stores posed a threat to farmer s produce due to the poor state of the floors, leaking roofs, weak wooden doors and door shutters and lack of sanitary facilities. Most stores were empty wall and roof structures without necessary accessories for full functionality including pallets, weigh scales, hydrometers, sample spears, ladders and moisture meters. Poor management of most stores by the farmer groups is the primary cause of the malfunctioning of the stores. The cohesion among individual farmers intended to use the stores is still weak and their relationships characterized by mistrust and suspicion. This might be due to the stores being built too early in the group formation process of the intended beneficiaries. 0.68% of the respondents reported using the sub county network to market their produce and bulking in the sub county stores. Overall, 2.77% of the respondents recognize the stores as a service in place to support them and help ease storage problems in their community. 4.5 The level of farmers practicing primary and secondary value addition The study found that the knowledge and practice of value addition and utilization of the related technology is generally low in Lango East. The vast majority (80.74%) of the respondents did not engage in any form of value addition, while 9.72% practiced primary value addition and 9.54% practiced secondary value addition. The common visible value addition technology accessible to the respondents were grinding mill for processing maize, millet, sorghum and cassava into flour, and paste machines for making groundnut and simsim paste. Other forms of value addition technology in urban centers include rice huller and simple oil extraction plants accessed by a few farmers. In some instances, farmers are reported to have sold some of their products even before harvest. This is common with cassava gardens. This practice is associated to the limited knowledge of the farmers in benefits that accrue to them as a result of value addition. Where farmers are aware of these benefits, they are limited by the fact that they do not have access to the final market and are often selling to intermediaries and hence would not benefit from value addition. 4.6 The level of income derived from the sale of crops, livestock and their products The study found that 66% of all income earned by respondents was from sale of crops while 6% of total income earned was from sale of fruits. Income from sale of livestock products constituted 28% of the total income earned by respondents. The average 36 P a g e

44 income earned by respondents in the past twelve months was 398,000, an average of 33,150 shillings per month. This closely agrees with UBOS statistics on per capita consumption expenditure in northern Uganda estimated at twenty eight thousand four hundred shillings (28,400=) per month in 2009/10; an increase from 21,500= in 2005/06. National statistics from UBOS indicates that on average, every poor individual residing in the Northern region would require 86,953 Shs (in 2005/06 prices) per person per month to move above the poverty line. Hence the current income level of 33,150 shillings is generally too low. A considerable proportion of the population (15.83%) was found to have earned no income at all in the past twelve months while about 50% earned 100,000 shillings and less in the entire year. The person that earned highest got 7,250,000 in the past 12 months. The study found that farmers in Otuke district earned significantly lower incomes (average 102,200 Shillings) compared to their counterparts in Lira (579,500 shillings) and Alebtong (556,100 shillings) districts. In terms of gender, it was found that women generally earned 10% less income than the men. Women s income accounted for 40.4% of the average total income per person while income from men accounted for 59.6% of the total average income per person. It was found out that, agriculture was the sole source of income for 71.3% of the respondents while 28.07% had more than one source of income. This is a blessing in disguise because according to UBOS 2013 statistical abstracts, those employed in agriculture are more likely to move into and out of poverty than those in the services or manufacturing sector. Other sources of income for the households included brewing alcoholic beverages, business activities, bodaboda business, tailoring, carpentry, teaching and manual labor hire for mainly construction and farming. 4.7 Challenges that farmers in Lango sub region east face and the various options for addressing these challenges Farmers in Lango sub region east face numerous challenges to their agricultural activities and hardly had options for addressing most of the challenges. Most farmers expressed pessimism in whether they or any other organization will ever address these challenges. 37 P a g e

45 In the order of severity, farmers faced the following challenges: drought and unpredictable weather or climatic conditions, infestation by crop pests and diseases, use of poor farming tools, lack of access to improved seed varieties, poor seed varieties in circulation, limited technical services and advise to farmers, un predictable and low market prices for products, limited knowledge in modern farming activities, lack of market for certain commodities, poor storage facilities, theft, limited land for expansion, old age and disease burden. The key informants agreed with the existence and severity of all the above challenges and added the challenges of poor access to credit and agricultural loans, bad feeder road network and market infrastructure, high input prices and input access costs for farmers, lack of market information, lack of organized marketing systems for the farmers, policy conflict between formation of cooperatives and privatization policy and low farm based value addition activity. Farmers tend to succumb to these challenges and in some cases replanted crops especially when destroyed by drought, pests and diseases. The fluctuating market prices mostly drove farmers to abandon one commodity for another but generally without a clear understanding of the market forces of demand and supply, they often helped in lowering commodity prices. Many farmers are not aware of the challenges at the macro level especially lack of access to credit facilities, high input prices, lack of access to market information, bad road network, low farm based value addition and poor post harvest handling as well as knew farming methods and inputs that could help expand agricultural production and productivity. 38 P a g e

46 RECOMMENDATIONS CHAPTER FIVE 5.0 Introduction The following actions are recommended to promote commercialization of agricultural production and productivity in Lango east sub region. 5.1 Support farmer s transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. With already 15% of the respondents engaged in commercial agriculture, a number of targeted interventions should help accelerate the process of transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Key among these is: District commercial officers need to support communities to establish an organized and trustworthy market system for farmers. Although there is ready market for virtually all agricultural products of farmers, the benefits that trickle to them are not enough to encourage expansion over time and this is mainly due to the poor marketing system or the lack of it. An organised marketing system should give farmers a collective bargaining power and prevent exploitation by unscrupulous middle men. Sub county and district level associations built around various commodities should be promoted and eventually culminate into more general farmer associations. There is need to develop the wider infrastructure necessary for commercial production especially the feeder road networks to reach remote locations throughout the year. This will not only enhance extension service delivery but also access to better markets for inputs and products. Extend financial services to progressive farmers. The farmers - through their savings and loans associations - are already lending agricultural loans at a small scale for farming. There is need to strengthen these organisations and support farmers with agricultural loans as they develop capacity to link with commercial banks for financial services. Key private sector partnerships should be sought to deliver modern farming technology nearer to the farmers especially farming inputs like improved seeds and tractor technology for hire on flexible arrangements that benefit both the investors and the farmers. Farm level value addition knowledge should be disseminated to farmers as well as post harvest handling techniques promoted as universal knowledge by development partners in the agriculture sector. Expansion of extension services to all villages. Agricultural extension personnel in sub counties should reach all villages and be more closely supervised by relevant authorities to ensure quality service delivery. There is also need to fill personnel 39 P a g e

47 40 P a g e gaps and better fund and equip extension service providers at sub county and district level. Market information, information on new technologies, weather and climate information should be regularly disseminated to farmers to guide their farming decisions. 4.2 Increase farmer s access to modern agricultural technology We recommend the following actions for increasing the level of technology used by farmers in Lango east sub region: Ox-plough technology is the major form of mechanization already in use by 19.2% of farmers in Lango east for land opening. This practice should be expanded by supporting progressive farmers with demonstrated potential and will for commercial agriculture with oxen and ox-plough for enhancing their farming activities. The local governments should craft strategic partnerships with private sector firms and motivate them to provide tractor technology at least in every sub county so as to enhance mechanisation and help increase farmers access to better farming technology capable of promoting rapid commercialised production. Partners should deliberately promote access to tractor technology and accessories in the sub counties. Farmers should be sensitised on developments in farming technology especially improved seeds, irrigation, chemical weed control and value addition technology and the availability of such services in urban centres while luring private firms to take advantage of opportunities in the community especially by the political class. 4.3 Expound farmers knowledge and skills in commercial agriculture Although a large number of respondents (98.55%) were engaged in agricultural production, only 13.7% were using technical modern farming knowledge in their farming activities. The rest were engaged in farming using traditional farming knowledge passed over the generations, a knowledge primarily aligned for production for home consumption. Addressing the knowledge and skills gap in commercial agriculture will improve agricultural production and productivity as well as enhance farmers access to commercial agriculture services. The following actions from various stakeholders are therefore recommended: Conscientisation of farmers for attitude change: It should be noted that negative past experience of farmers is usually responsible for negative attitude of farmers towards new innovations and participation in commercial agriculture. Without reawakening the interest to try again, most farmers will squander any form of support instantly other than seizing the opportunity it

48 41 P a g e brings. This is a psychological dimension of the commercial production problem that should be dealt with before any scientific interventions. Community development officers should be equipped for this or external expert support sought for necessary dialogue to mobilize society to participate in commercial agriculture as a means of poverty eradication. Establish demonstration farms for disseminating new techniques including soils fertility improvement techniques, soil water conservation and management techniques and modern crop husbandry practices. Demonstrations should as well be used to disseminate benefits of new technology like improved seeds, use of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. Expand training and capacity building programs that can enhance farmer s capability in commercial agriculture. The trainings should target to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers in farming as a business, as well as the application of the knowledge and skills in commercial farming. An on firm delivery methodology like the farmer field schools should be adopted to enable the project achieve both expansion and application of knowledge obtained by commercial farmers. Auxiliary information relevant for commercial agriculture should be regularly disseminated to farmers by relevant authorities and personnel. This includes weather and climate information, market information and other research relevant to commercial agriculture conducted. More time spent between farmers and the field staff of various projects should give ample time for farmers to clarify issues on their minds. Development workers need to recognise that the traditional farming knowledge possessed by farmers is both an opportunity and a stumbling block for commercialization of agriculture since it both supposes existence of basic farming knowledge among the farmers but also a knowledge cultured for subsistence production. Interventions should therefore be tailored to build on the existing knowledge after demonstrating the maximum potential of the traditional farming methods and its limitations before introducing new farming knowledge. Most farmers are semi literate and will need demonstrations as an appropriate methodology for knowledge and skills delivery. We recommend a comprehensive and practical training program targeting to promote commercial production of specific crops. Benefits to farmers will encourage them to venture into other crops and animal types eventually. A concerted effort of all stakeholders is needed to realize the recommended actions.

49 5.4 Promote usage of marketing stores managed by the sub counties and private sector The vitality of the marketing stores as assets for commercial agriculture production and productivity, in spite of the poor management and low usage, should not be underestimated. The stores can help in minimizing post harvest losses and increasing farmer s bargaining power once they grasp the opportunities that come with it. The following actions are recommended to promote their utilization by farmers over time: The management committees of the stores (farmer field schools and their networks) are still too weak in terms of their management capacity, resource mobilisation, finance management, operations and networking capacity to manage the stores. Development partners should continue to strengthen the field schools and their networks in these critical aspects. A production pattern based on specific commodities that yield best in the particular community where a store is located should be promoted and farmers organised around the production of the commodity. The stores should then be introduced at the marketing level with the management composing of participating farmers. District commercial officers should help streamline and strengthen a collective marketing system with farmers. In the medium and long term, we recommend a systematic process of developing farmer institutions and networks at sub county and district level to take over the management of the stores instead of the private firms not only to cater for the interest of the farmers directly but because it is more sustainable. Functioning stores need to be equipped with necessary facilities and tools especially pallets, hydrometers and weighing scales. The floor, roofs, doors and shutters need to be well maintained as well as sanitary facilities provided at store sites so as to ensure uncompromised quality of produce stored in them. The sub county authorities should maintain a supervisory role in the maintenance of the stores and ensuring its management committees maintain the facilities in good condition. In case they are privatised, the sub county authorities will still need to ensure that the minimum standards and equipments are in place and being utilized in the stores. 4.5 Promote Primary and secondary value addition To promote value addition at both primary and secondary level, we recommend the following actions: 42 P a g e

50 CESVI and partners should through training expand rural farmers knowledge in farming as a business; explicitly emphasizing the benefits that would accrue to farmers when value addition is adopted as a necessary component of farming so that farmers stop looking at a crop as complete at harvest. More contact time with farmers through extension staff would give time to address this dilemma. The information provided to could as well expound to the common value addition technologies available in the private sector and how farmers can access them. The government needs to extend necessary infrastructure to support secondary value addition especially access to stable power supply to Alebtong and Otuke Districts that can attract manufacturing industries to these districts. The project should strengthen the farmer field schools and producer groups to control not only the production process but also marketing of agricultural produce on behalf of its members. This should significantly cut down the number of middle men farmers have to negotiate prices with and increase bargaining power of farmers as a collective marketing group. The closer the farmers are to the final consumer, the more they benefit from value addition. 4.6 Support interventions to improve income derived from the sale of crops, livestock and their products With 71.3% of the respondents earning a living entirely from agriculture and based on the fact that those employed in agriculture are more likely to move into and out of poverty (according to UBOS) than those in the services or manufacturing sector, there is need to support interventions to increase income derived from sale of crops, livestock and their products.. We recognize that the entire project is adequately designed to improve incomes of farmers through targeting increased knowledge and skills, increasing access to better farming technology, promotion of farming as a business and in terms of its target to increase the amount of fertile arable land under cultivation. We recommend that the required resources (financial, human, material and time) be adequately deployed for success of the project. We recommend that the project team targets increasing the monthly income of beneficiaries to at least 86,953 shillings. This on average is the monthly income 43 P a g e

51 every poor individual residing in the Northern region would require to move above the poverty line according to UBOS. The project should promote fruit growing so as to increase the proportion of income from sale of fruits as the soils support most fruits and most fruits are readily marketable both locally and in export markets. Lastly, the project should target expansion of access to better livestock markets for livestock keepers especially in Alebtong and Otuke districts where prices of livestock are relatively low. Radio based and public market information boards to be managed by FFS/PGs are particularly recommended. 5.7 Mitigate challenges to commercial farming The following actions are recommended to support communities in managing challenges to commercial agriculture in Lango sub region east. Continuous expansion and maintenance of feeder roads to aid extension service delivery, access to inputs and access to product markets should be prioritised by government and development partners working to increase agricultural production and productivity. Otuke and Alebtong districts being the most affected. Robust and proactive strategies for crop pest and disease management should be established in collaboration with the communities for identification, reporting, management and evaluation of various pests and diseases destroying farmer s crops. Farmers should be equipped with necessary knowledge and tools for managing pests and diseases. Training and capacity building for farmers in modern crop husbandry including planning, agricultural economics and basic value addition is needed. Farmers should be enlightened on the global climate change and its impact on rainfall patterns so as to appropriately prepare for eventualities. The meteorology department can reinforce this with up-to-date weather information dissemination. Lango sub region is blessed with a number of non seasonal swamps and water bodies. Simple irrigation technology should be introduced to usher a radical shift from dependence on rainfall for production. The problem of poor yields can be solved by supporting farmers with better yielding varieties of seeds through subsidy arrangements. However, farmers need to be educated on both the advantages and disadvantages of improved seed 44 P a g e

52 varieties, especially the aspect of declining yields over time as most farmers still practice storage of seeds for a new season. The problem of unreliable market prices should be countered with strengthening of farmer organisations and encouraging warehousing. Ox traction technology is currently the most viable form of mechanisation in the sub region and should be promoted among progressive farmers either through grant arrangements, subsidized purchase or loan arrangements. Access to better farming equipment especially tractor technology with flexible modalities of utilisation should be enhanced to promote commercial agriculture in the sub region in partnership with private companies. Conclusively, the general impoverished nature of the community persists as the major obstacle to commercialization of agriculture in Lango east sub region: farmers are preoccupied in struggle for daily survival at the expense of a broader perspective necessary for commercial agriculture to thrive. Improvement in delivery of social services in health and education will ease the burden on farmers and hence release them for engagement in commercial agriculture. 45 P a g e

53 REFERENCES 1. John B. Male-Mukasa (2011) Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Kampala, Uganda 2. NAADS Secretariat (2010) NAADS Implementation Guidelines: Farmer Selection and Support for Progression from Subsistence to Commercialization. Mukasa House Kampala, Uganda. 3. Richard W. Riley (1999) Best Practices for Data Collectors and Data Providers, 555 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC Uganda Bureau of Statistics (2012) Statistical Abstracts. Statistics House, Plot 9, Colville Street, Kampala UBOS (April 2013) Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA). Uganda 46 P a g e

54 Overall Objectives Specific Objective Expected Results Appendix I: Overview of indicator status Intervention Logic Objectively verifiable indicators of achievement At least 85% of households in Lango are food secure by the end of the project The war affected population of Lango engage in productive and profitable agricultural and agribusiness activities to ensure food security and increase household income. Increased agricultural production and productivity ER1: The labour productivity and access to productive land of targeted beneficiaries is increased through assisted provision of primary and secondary farms implements ER2: The capacity of targeted progressive farmers in Average indexed household income of target communities, disaggregated by gender and district, increased by 100% by July 2014 At least 70 % of the FFS/producer group members applying improved agricultural practices, disaggregated per district, and gender headed HHs, increase their crop production by 30% by July 2014 as compared to 2013 Targeted communities in Eastern Lango increase their income from commercial crop enterprises by 100% by July % of targeted communities in Lango dedicate at least 50% of their farm activities to market oriented production by July 2014 Productive arable land for 2,700 targeted progressive farmers is averagely increased by at least 50% by September 2013 (from 2/3 acres to 4/5 acres) 70% (1,890) of targeted farmers are practicing improved primary and secondary tillage by July2014 At least 70% (1,890) of project beneficiaries are knowledgeable and are Status by September % according to UBOS Sex Lira Alebtong Otuke Male 673, , ,930 Female 485, ,710 73,650 District Sex Average harvest ( kgs) Lira Alebtong Otuke Male Female Male Female Male Female Average income from commercial crop production was Ugx 251, % dedicate at least 50% of their farm activities to market oriented production Average productive arable land for farmers is 7.27 acres per household % of farmers practicing improved primary and secondary tillage is 9.3% 15% of respondents are knowledgeable and practicing farming as a business 47 P a g e

55 commercial agriculture planning, value addition and marketing is improved ER3: Agricultural techniques and technologies practiced by targeted progressive farmers are improved practicing Farming as a Business, specific to their commercial interests by July 2014 At least 80% of benefiting farmers practise primary value addition by July 2014 At least 30% of benefiting farmers practise secondary value addition by September At least 60% (1,620) of specific producer group members are able to meet quality and quantity benchmarks by July % of targeted agricultural produce is marketed by sub county networks on behalf of crop specific producer groups by July 2014 At least 70% (1,890) of the total beneficiaries are applying improved agronomic practices in their fields and increase their crop production by 30% by July 2014; 60% of beneficiary farmers have access to improved (foundation) seeds at the local level through multiplication activities by May % practiced primary value addition 9.54% practiced secondary value addition 21% met quality benchmarks 19.7% met quantity benchmarks 53.6% are applying improved agronomic practices have average crop production of kg per year 14% have access to improved seeds 48 P a g e

56 Appendix II: Members of Research Team 49 P a g e Overall Team Leader Maandebo Moses Baakole Database Design Acidri Daniel Data Collection Otuke District Team s/n Names Contact Position 1 Asianzu Mercy Grace Team leader 2 Amoki Ivan Okuku Research assistant 3 Elem Emmanuel Obot Research assistant 4 Okello Robson Research assistant 5 Okello Ambrose Research assistant Alebtong District Team S/N Names Contact Position 1 Maandebo Moses / Team leader 2 Okao Bernard Research assistant 3 Aluk Innocent Research assistant 4 Ogoro Bosco Research assistant 5 Teke Joseph Research assistant Lira District Team

57 S/N Names Adubango Martina Akao Jackie Omara Brian Atei Caroline Obua Janan Contact Position Team leader Research assistant Research assistant Research assistant Research assistant Data Analysis Acidri Daniel Ouga Jude Maandebo Moses Baakole Report Writing Maandebo Moses Baakole Appendix III: Sketch Map of Lango Sub Region East showing districts/sub-counties of survey Areas covered under the survey Note: Not to scale 50 P a g e

58 51 P a g e

59 Appendix IV: Household Survey Questionnaire NORTHERN UGANDA AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOODS RECOVERY PROGRAMME A Government of Uganda PRDP Programme Funded by the European Union QUESTIONNAIRE A BASELINE STUDY OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY IN LANGO SUBREGION EAST Introduction My name is and I work for Leleo Uganda Investment and Development Consultants. In partnership with ALREP and CESVI Uganda, we are conducting a household survey of farmers in Lira, Alebtong and Otuke Districts of Lango to better understand agricultural production, services and challenges faced by farmers to promote commercial agriculture in your area. You are selected to participate in the survey because you are a farmer in an area where CESVI implements ALREP activities. Your participation is voluntary and you can choose not to answer any or all of the questions if you want. However, we hope that you will participate since your views are important. Your decision to participate in this interview, or not, will in no way affect your access to services from ALREP and CESVI. The survey takes about 25 minutes. Are you willing to participate in the survey? Details of Respondents Date of Interview Village Parish Sub county 52 P a g e Name of respondent Age Sex Marital Status

60 District Enumerator Sign Signature of Supervisor 53 P a g e Level of Education Enumerator Name Household head Member of a PG/FFS 1. Yes 2. No 1. Yes 2. No

61 A. Commercial production services availability and usage Qn Are these services being provided in your sub county? Yes No I do not know If yes, who provides this service NGOs Government Business people Farmer Group/VSLA Has your household benefited from this service in the past 12 months? 1. Yes 2. No How do you rate the ease of access to the service? Easy Moderate Difficult Technical services and advice to farmers Agricultural inputs on credit Cash loans for agriculture Cash loans for non agriculture uses Subsidized or free agricultural inputs Bulking agricultural produce Transportation of agricultural products Storage facilities for agricultural produce Cleaning services for produce Drying services for produce Chemical treatment against insects Crop Insurance Agricultural equipment for rent e.g Tractors hire Weather / Climate information Improved seeds from seed multiplication activities Market Information Agro input sales (seeds, tools, 18. How many acres of productive arable land does your household own (acres)?... (acres)? How much of it did you cultivate in last season 20. What technology do you use for the following agricultural activities? a) First land opening b) Second land preparation c) Planting d) Weeding Local/Traditional tools (e.g Hand Hoe, Harrow, Panga, Axe e.t.c) Ox traction based technology and accessories Tractor technology and accessories Others:.. e) Harvesting f) Transportation Manual Labour Bicycle Oxen and cart Tractor Motorcycle Motor vehicle g) Storage Traditional granary Polythene bags Sacks Sub county store Others:.

62 B. Crop farming knowledge and practices What 2 major crops did you cultivate in the past 12 months? How large was the garde n? In Acres. Ho w did you till the lan d? How much retain ed seeds did you use? How muc h seed s did you buy? What variety of seed s did you plant? Did you broa d cast or plant in line? Did you inte rcr op it? If yes with wha t? Did you use any pesti cides? a b C d e f g h i j Codes: a & i: 1. Cassava 2. Fruits 3. Vegetables 4. Maize 5. Beans 6. Potatoes 7. G-nuts 8. Soybeans 9. Peas others (Specify) Did you use any herbi cides? Did you hire any labor? How much did you pay for labor per Katala? Did you use fertiliz ers? How much did you harve st? In Kgs. How much did you sell? in kgs How much did you earn from what you sold? Who did you sell to? Who decid ed how much to sell? Was there any difficul ty selling? How much land have you opene d this season? (acres) k l m n o p q r s t c. 1. Hand hoe, 2. Ox plough Tractor f. 1. Local Seeds 2. Improved seeds Hybrid seeds g. r. 1. Broad cast 1. Me 2. Family as a whole h,j,k,m&s: 1. Yes u. Which value addition activities do you practice? a) Primary Value addition C. b) Secondary Value Addition 2. In lines 2. No q. 1. Government 2. Mobile Traders 3. Local Market 4. Produce buyers c) None Constraints and Coping Mechanisms Constraint to crop production Lack of technical services and advise to farmers Limited knowledge of farmers 55 P a g e Rank of severity in order of mention (1-5) Most affected Crop How do you cope with this? What can be done or support required?

63 Drought and changing weather patterns Poor seed varieties Lack of access to improved seeds Rudimentary tools like hand hoes used Pests and diseases Lack of market Poor storage facilities Unpredictable prices and Low price for produce Lack of market for produce Theft Others (specify): D. Food and Income security How many meals does your househ old have in a day? How long do you expect your current food reserve s to last? a b Codes: Qn. A 1. Once 2. Twice 3. Trice and More How much income did you earn from crops primarily produce d for sale last season? c What did you earn from animals kept primarily for sale in the past 12 months? How much income did you get from sale of fruits in the past season? How much income did you generall y earn in the past year? Apart from farming what other major IGA did you engage in last 12 months? Do you consid er farmin g as a viable busine ss to engag e in? How much land do you aspire to open next season? Was your produce quality the best quality you could ever produce? d e f g h i j Qns. b 1. One month and Less months months 4. More than 6 months Qns. c,d,e,f a) 1 day day b) 2 days Access to, ownership and control of productive resources: Do you have access to control and ownership over land and other productive resources? (complete the table with a tick) Skills and Knowledge in crop husbandry Do you apply any improved agricultural practices in your farming activities? 56 P a g e Did you market your produce through the sub county network in past 6 months? Do you know where to get improved tree seedling in your sub county? Do you know where to get improve d seeds in your sub county? What is your primary reason for producti on? l m n o p Qn. p 1. Yes No 2. products for sale? F. Are you a mem ber of any VSLA grou p Qns. h,j,k,l,m,n,o r. How many days in a week do you use on production of agricultural E. Would you say you supplie d enoug h produc e for your buyers? k 1) 2) Yes No c) 3 days d) 4 days Productive resource Access Yes Land Livestock Crops e) 5 days f) 6 days Owns No Yes Home consumpt ion Sale to earn income g) 0 Controls No Yes No

64 Category Practices Crop husbandry practices Pest & disease control Proper spacing Early weeding Timely planting Compost manure making Animal manure Mulching Double digging Trenches Furrow Irrigation Grass bands/ fodder rows Soil fertility improvement Soil and water conservation Others, Specify 57 P a g e If yes, which one Remarks or questions if any Thank you

65 Appendix V: Key Informant Guide NORTHERN UGANDA AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOODS RECOVERY PROGRAMME A Government of Uganda PRDP Programme funded by the European Union BASELINE STUDY OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY IN LANGO SUBREGION EAST INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR TECHNOCRATS Name of interviewee:. Designation: Contact:.... District: Sub-county: Interview date: 1. How would you describe the state of commercial crop/animal production in your District? (Proportion of farmers engaged in commercial farming) 2. What crops/animals are ideal for commercial production in your District? 3. What qualities define a farmer as a progressive farmer or commercial farmer in your district? 58 P a g e