Adoption and effect of tractor hire service on cassava productivity among e-voucher beneficiaries in West Nile

Abstract

Cassava is the third-largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize. (Afedraru, 2019). Cassava is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for over half a billion people. (FAO, 2015) It is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on marginal soils. Nigeria is the world's largest producer of cassava, while Thailand is the largest exporter of cassava starch. Although cassava is an established commercial crop in many tropical countries and hundreds of varieties are in existence, little is generally known of the nomenclature and identification of varieties. Various varieties are usually differentiated from one another by their morphological characteristics such as color of stems, petioles, leaves and tubers. Moreover, in many instances the same variety is known in various places by a number of names. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 61.1% of the world’s cassava production (FAOCAST, 2020). Although it is a perennial plant, cassava is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates.(GRIN, 2014). Cassava is predominantly consumed in boiled form, but substantial quantities are used to extract cassava starch, called tapioca, which is used for food, animal feed, and industrial purposes. Cassava is an important rural food for communities in Uganda. It has tolerance to poor soils and resistance to drought, a cheap and reliable source of food that fits well into the food security strategy of smallholders (Nweke, Spencer, and Lynam 2004; FAO 2003). Cassava has, therefore, served many times as food of last resort to ameliorate the effect of food deficits which occur from erratic weather conditions and reduce the yields of cereals. Tractors can be hired for primary tillage and subsequent planting, and weeding can also be done with a combination of power sources and technologies. Application of these alternative power sources can relieve pressure on human labour at critical times of heavy demand (Sims, B. G., & Kienzle, J.,2006).