Factors affecting pineapple small scale farmers in Kayunga district - the case of Kangulumira sub-county

Abstract

Pineapples are one of the most important horticultural crops in Uganda and it contributes to the country’s GDP. The characteristics of pineapple farmers are not known. Challenges that farmers who engage in pineapple growing face are not understood. In addition, the number of other crops that exist in the farmers’ production space is not known. The purpose of this study was to assess the drivers of pineapple production by small scale farmers in Kayunga district Kangulumira sub-county. The study was based on three objectives - to characterize pineapple farmers, to determine the most limiting factors of pineapple growing, and to establish the enterprise mix of pineapple farmers. Snowball sampling method was used to identify respondents. Questionnaires were used to obtain information from 50 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS, through descriptive statistics. Results indicate that pineapple farmers were about 35 years on average. The modal education level was secondary. Seventy eight percent of the farmers experience large harvests in January to March. Seventy percent of the pineapple farmers showed that limited capital was the most limiting factor in starting up pineapple farming. Twenty four percent of the pineapple farmers grow pure pineapple stands and 20% mixed beans with pineapples. Most farmers grow smooth cayenne variety and over 40% export their pineapples. Other limiting factors included limited market and limited land, labour shortage, lock down. Government should enable creation of marketing opportunities through which farmers can market their pineapples. In addition, avenues to grow the capital stock of farmers should be created as this will encourage more farmers to get into the business of pineapple growing.