Analysing the value chain for maize in Kitgum district, (case study of Kitgum Municipality, Amida, and Kitgum Matidi Sub-county)

Abstract

Maize is an important crop for food security particularly in Kitgum district since it is highly consumed and produced staple crop in most areas of the district, it is central crop to most of the household and national income earning. Background: The study was conducted in Kitgum district in Northern Uganda to analyze the maize value chain for producer, retailers, wholesalers, in put dealers and processors. Method: Respondents were randomly selected and structured questionnaires were administered. The data obtained was analyzed using Microsoft excel and used to calculate the gross margin for every one hundred kilogram (100 KGs) for the various actors in the maize value chain Secondary data were also obtained through focus group discussion and informant interviews Findings: The study showed that most producers of maize highly depend on family labors, uses rudimentary tools and ending up producing an average of two hectares of land per producing household Despite the fact that farmers (producers) are the highest margin earners but they remain at the disadvantage side because, a farmer earns the quoted margin per season, i.e. twice a year while the other actors can earn such margins daily, weekly, monthly depending on their turnover. In the end, the other actors reap huge profits at the expense of the farmers. Secondly, not many farmers are constantly involved in maize production because of the changing prices of maize. It was also found out that many farmers grow different crops each season / year depending on the prices and demand each crop fetch yearly Conclusion: The researcher found out that there is constant need for interventions that aim at higher farm yields and lowering the post harvest losses to get the highest return. Farmers should go for other option than relying on rain-fed system, increased on their climate variability and target better technology to manage new pests and diseases that affects their crops