Factors influencing the marketing of maize in Nambieso Subcounty, Apac District

Abstract

Agricultural marketing is the main driving force for economic development in Uganda and has a guiding and stimulating impact on production and distribution of agricultural produce. Maize is one of the major crops grown in Uganda mainly for consumption and the surplus is sold. Maize has become an important source of income to farmers in Apac district, however there are many factors influencing marketing which discourage farmers. The main objective of this study was to find out the factors influencing marketing of maize in Nambieso sub-county. Other objectives were; to map the marketing channels used by maize farmers in Nambieso sub-county, to identify the critical problems faced by farmers during the marketing of maize and to determine the factors affecting supply of maize grain to the market. That study was carried out in two parishes, that is; Anwangi parish and Acaba parish from which two villages were selected from each parish that is; Ayat A and Oriye B from Anwangi parish and Bar atego and Opokopyen from Acaba parish. Questionnaires and direct observations were used for data collection and 80 respondents were interviewed. The study looked at sex, marital status, educational level, family size, level of experience as the socio-economic characteristics. The major factors affecting supply of maize to the market were inadequate capital, market distance, price of maize and price of substitutes. The study identified various constraints to maize marketing as fluctuating prices, pest and diseases, weather changes, high production cost, transport, limited capital, storage problems among others. The study also found out that most farmers grew their maize and sold to wholesalers in the market, the business was dominated by males, most respondents used personal savings, and the minimum level of education was primary. The study recommends use of resistant varieties, extension services on marketing, formation of trader associations, price control and infrastructure development among others. The study suggests more research on markets and development of fast maturing and resistant varieties.