The effect of market access in maize production among small-holder farmers: A case study of Kamwenge District, Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of market access on maize production by smallholder farmers, focusing on maize farmers in Kamwenge district, Uganda. The objectives of the study were to characterize the maize farmers in Kamwenge district, to determine the effect of market access and other socio-economic factors on quantities of maize produced and to determine the constraints faced in market access by maize farmers. Primary data collected through a cross-sectional survey was used for the study. The data was collected from a sample of sixty (60) randomly selected households using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a linear regression. Results indicated that the majority of the households were headed by males (75%) and the average age of the household heads was 45 years. The average years of education of the household head was 7 years. Majority of the farmers had an average of 17 years’ experience in maize production. The regression results indicate that education of the household head in years, available transport means and membership to any farmers’ organizations had a statistically significant effect on maize production by the household. The study further revealed that poor roads, cheating by local traders, price fluctuation and low prices, lack of market information and substandard weighing scales were major constraints faced in markets by smallholder farmers. The study recommends improvement of road networks connecting households to markets. In order to increase maize production, the government through its programs such as NAADS, Parish Development Model (PDM) should encourage formation and facilitation of farmers groups that encourage collective marketing and improve bargaining power.