Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness

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Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P.O Box 166, Gulu, Uganda

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Applying the food technology neophobia scale in a developing country context.
(Elsevier Ltd, 2015-10-07) De Steur, Hans; Odongo, Walter; Gellynck, Xavier
The success of new food technologies largely depends on consumers' behavioral responses to the innovation. In Eastern Africa, and Uganda in particular, a technology to process matooke into flour has been introduced with limited success. We measure and apply the Food technology Neophobia Scale (FTNS) to this specific case. This technique has been increasingly used in consumer research to determine consumers' fear for foods produced by novel technologies. Although it has been successful in developed countries, the low number and limited scope of past studies underlines the need for testing its applicability in a developing country context. Data was collected from 209 matooke consumers from Central Uganda. In general, respondents are relatively neophobic towards the new technology, with an average FTNS score of 58.7%, which hampers the success of processed matooke flour. Besides socio-demographic indicators, ‘risk perception’, ‘healthiness’ and the ‘necessity of technologies’ were key factors that influenced consumer's preference of processed matooke flour. Benchmarking the findings against previous FTNS surveys allows to evaluate factor solutions, compare standardized FTNS scores and further lends support for the multidimensionality of the FTNS. Being the first application in a developing country context, this study provides a case for examining food technology neophobia for processed staple crops in various regions and cultures. Nevertheless, research is needed to replicate this method and evaluate the external validity of our findings.
Financial performance and technical efficiency differentials for apicultural technologies in Nakaseke district, Uganda
(College of Business, Tennessee State University, 2014-01) Kalule, Stephen W.; Ssebbale, Edrisa
Despite apiculture being potentially a large income earner, the financial performance of various apicultural technologies at farm-level is still poor yet very few studies have delved in this sub sector. Using a representative sample of 69 respondents from Nakaseke District, the Ordered Probit analysis revealed that farming experience, apiary plot size, shortness of distance of water source and hive colonization levels were the major positive determinants of apicultural financial performance. A Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) suggested that 62% and 76% of the total variation in honey output in traditional and improved technologies was due to technical inefficiency. The high efficiency levels in traditional technology seemed to suggest that more honey output would only be realized through introduction of improved technologies rather than focusing on technical skills while the low efficiency in improved technology would be improved using technical training. The study recommended policy incentives ranging from specific commodity-targeting extension messages, provision of low interest rate credit products and baiting materials to enhence efficiency.
Local knowledge and practices on use and management of edible insects in lake Victoria basin, E. Africa
(Wagengeningen Academic Publisher, 2017-06-16) Okia, C.A; Odongo, W.; Nzabamwita, P.; Ndimubandi, J; Nalika, N.; Nyeko, P.
Edible insects (EIs) provide an important food source in Africa, but their potential to improve livelihoods and environmental conservation is yet to be fully exploited. This study contributes towards enhancing the use of EIs in the Lake Victoria basin (LVB), with particular attention to local perspectives of the catalogue, ecology, management, collection, processing and consumption. The study was conducted along the LVB in Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda between 2012 and 2013 using a household survey and focus group discussions. Results revealed that up to 20 insect species were eaten in Uganda, 13 in Burundi, and six in Rwanda. In Uganda, the most consumed insects were a katydid grasshopper (Ruspolia differens), palm weevil (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) larvae and termites (Macrotermes), while in Rwanda and Burundi, Macrotermes species were the most consumed. The most common source of EIs in households was their own collection from the wild, although a number of insects were also bought from markets. Local communities reported various ways of collecting, processing and storing insects. Overall, most of these activities require technological interventions. Despite the high consumption of EIs, no deliberate efforts were reported on conservation and rearing of any of the insects consumed in the three countries. This raises serious questions pertaining to the sustainable consumption of EIs, especially in the face of climate change in this region.
Non-attitudinal and non-knowledge based factors constrain households from translating good nutritional knowledge and attitude to achieve the WHO recommended minimum intake level for fruits and vegetables in a developing country setting: evidence from Gulu district, Uganda
(BMC Nutrition, 2021) Kenyi, Benjamin; Bendere, Lomira; Nassanga, Prossy; Okello, Daniel Micheal; Ongeng, Duncan
Urban and rural inhabitants met up to 72.0 and 62.4% of the RMDIL, respectively, with absolute intake being higher among urban than rural households by 37.54 g. NK and NA were good but the intensity of NK was higher among urban respondents by 11%. RDMIL was positively correlated with NA while socio-demographic predictors of RDMIL varied with household location. FGD revealed that primary agricultural production constraints, market limitations, postharvest management limitations, health concerns, social discomfort and environmental policy restrictions were the major NANK factors that hindered achievement of the RDMIL. Conclusions: These results indicate that NANK factors constrain households from translating good NA and NK to achieve the RMDIL.
Performance perceptions among food supply chain members
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2016-03-03) Odongo, W.,; Dora, M.,; Molnar, A.,; Ongeng, D.,; Gellynck, X.
Purpose – A good supply chain relationship quality (RQ) is a crucial precursor for any stable exchange relationship which ensures relationship continuity. Although empirical research suggests that strengthening RQ improves supply chain performance (SCP), most studies have focused on dyadic business relationships. To fully understand the relational behaviour of a firm embedded in a supply chain, we need to look beyond the dyad into triads. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how SCP is influenced by RQ in a triadic agribusiness supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – Evidence is drawn from a quantitative survey of 150 agribusiness firms in the maize supply chain in Uganda. Data were collected in triadic context from 50 direct supply chains each composing of a supplier, focal firm and customer. Multi-group structural
The relationship between market information and entrepreneurial orientation:
(Agricultural and Food Economics, 2023-03-23) Amuko, Walter; Kalule, Stephen W.; Odongo, Walter
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of market information on entrepreneurial orientations of smallholder honey producers. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study design with sample of 250 honey producers was used. Structural equations modeling was used to analyze thehypothesized relationships. Findings: Results show that product quality, trader preferences and consumer preferences are the main market information needs that infuence entrepreneurial orientation of honey producers. Further, the attributes of market information quality, i.e.,information credibility, timeliness, accuracy and usability positively infuence entrepreneurial orientation.Practical implications: Results of this study calls for prioritization of better access to regular, reliable and usable market information for honey producers in development programs and policies so as to enhance farmer entrepreneurial orientations and product development. Social implications: Smallholder honey producers are more likely to efficiently deliver innovative products if development interventions across the public and non-public sector divide become responsive to their marketing information needs as well the quality of market information provided Originality/value: The study uses original data from honey producers to demonstrate the role that marketing information needs as well as market information quality play incatalyzing smallholder farmer entrepreneurial orientation.
The relationship between market information and entrepreneurial orientation: the case of smallholder honey producers in Northern Uganda
(Springer, 2023) Amuko, Walter; Kalule, Stephen W.; Odongo, Walter
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of market information on entrepreneurial orientations of smallholder honey producers. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study design with sample of 250 honey producers was used. Structural equations modeling was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships. Findings: Results show that product quality, trader preferences and consumer preferences are the main market information needs that influence entrepreneurial orientation of honey producers. Further, the attributes of market information quality, i.e., information credibility, timeliness, accuracy and usability positively influence entrepreneurial orientation. Practical implications: Results of this study calls for prioritization of better access to regular, reliable and usable market information for honey producers in development programs and policies so as to enhance farmer entrepreneurial orientations and product development. Social implications: Smallholder honey producers are more likely to efficiently deliver innovative products if development interventions across the public and non-public sector divide become responsive to their marketing information needs as well the quality of market information provided. Originality/value: The study uses original data from honey producers to demonstrate the role that marketing information needs as well as market information quality play in catalyzing smallholder farmer entrepreneurial orientation.
Responsiveness of agricultural training curricula in African universities to labour market needs: the case of Gulu University in Uganda
(African Journal of Rural Development, 2016-11-10) Odongo, W; Kalule, S.W; Ndyomugyenyi, E.K; Omara, P.; & Ongeng, D.
Agricultural universities in Africa have a core responsibility to develop and implement relevant curricula to produce well trained human resource to guide stakeholders in production, value addition and marketing to meet the expected quantity and quality requirements of modern agri-food supply chain systems. This paper presents innovations in agricultural training curricula at Gulu University in Uganda designed to produce the breed of graduates, blending in character, the attitudes, hands-on practical skills and knowledge to exploit and succeed in the commonly perceived “non- attractive” labour market of the agricultural sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Key ingredient in curricula orientation, as a critical input in modelling that type of graduate, is the integration of community engagement and agri-enterprise development in student training. Making use of the Bachelor of Agriculture (BAG) degree programme, the pioneer programme that kick-started the new training orientation, we conducted a tracer study to document employment characteristics, transition to employment and the level of satisfaction with training approach among the first five graduate cohorts (2009-2013) in 2014. Results showed that 84 % of the graduates were employed within the first six months after graduation. The employment rate surpassed 90 % after one year. About 80% of the graduates were employed in rural and semi-urban localities. Employment was in diverse sectors including government extension advisory services, financial institutions, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, agricultural research and graduate-own agro-based enterprise. Only 1.7 % of the graduates had established businesses. Most graduates were satisfied with job placement while over 90 % of the employers were contented with competencies exhibited by the graduates. This paper illustrates that integrating community engagement and enterprise development in student training contributes greatly to building competencies of agricultural graduates for the labour market.
The role of development interventions in enhancing technical efficiency of sunflower producers
(Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2023-07-10) Zozimo, Toma Mamgbi; Kawube, Geoffrey; Kalule, Stephen W.
A key policy concern in African agriculture is low productivity even when new technologies are generated, disseminated and adopted among farmers. This study used a cross-sectional dataset from a sample of 202 sunflower farmers drawn from northern Uganda to determine technical efficiency and assess the influence of farmer management capabilities, development intervention and socio-economic factors on technical efficiency. Results reveal that technical inefficiency among sunflower farmers account for 81% of farm-level output. Further, farmer management capabilities (p<0.01), participation in development interventions (p<0.01) and reliance on certified seeds (p<0.01) significantly reduce farmer inefficiency and thus, improve technical efficiency. The study highlights that focusing on farmer management capabilities to improve farm efficiency is more cost-saving for realizing economic gains in sunflower production rather than introducing new technologies. We recommend a policy focus on using approaches such as farmer field schools that ensures farmer advisory services at all critical stages of crop growth.
Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Agronomic Iodine Biofortiﬁcation: A SWOT-AHP Analysis in Northern Uganda
(MDPI journal of Nutrients, 2018-03-24) Olum, S.; Gellynck, X.; Okello, C.; Webale, D.; Odongo, W.
Agronomic biofortiﬁcation (i.e., the application of fertilizer to elevate micronutrient concentrations in staple crops) is a recent strategy recommended for controlling Iodine Deﬁciency Disorders (IDDs). However, its success inevitably depends on stakeholders’ appreciation and acceptance of it. By taking Northern Uganda as a case, this study aimed to capture and compare the perceptions of seven key stakeholder groups with respect to agronomic iodine biofortiﬁcation. Therefore, we employed a SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) analysis in combination with an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Findings show that stakeholders (n = 56) are generally positive about agronomic iodine biofortiﬁcation in Uganda, as its strengths and opportunities outweighed weaknesses and threats. Cultural acceptance and effectiveness are considered the most important strengths while the high IDD prevalence rate and the availability of iodine deﬁcient soils are key opportunities for further developing agronomic iodine biofortiﬁcation. Environmental concerns about synthetic fertilizers as well as the time needed to supply iodine were consideredcrucialweaknesses. ThelimiteduseoffertilizerinUgandawasthemainthreat. Whilethis study provides insight into important issues and priorities for iodine biofortiﬁcation technology in Uganda, including differences in stakeholder views, the application of the SWOT-AHP method will guide future researchers and health planners conducting stakeholder analysis in similar domains.
Value chain and marketing margins of cassava: an assessment of cassava marketing in northern Uganda
(African journal of Food, Agriculture,Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), 2018-04) Odongo, W; Etany, S
Cassava is one of the emerging market oriented agricultural commodities with potential to contribute to improved livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Uganda. Besides being a food crop, cassava is attracting more attention as a commercial commodity. The rise in the commercial orientation of cassava is due to the fact that cassava products have important industrial applications for plywood, textile, bakery, pharmaceutical, paper, alcohol, and food industries. However, this commercial potential of cassava has not been fully realized in Uganda, with cassava being largely produced and consumed domestically. There is need to understand the factors hindering the commercialization of cassava and its products if it’s full potential are to be realized. This paper assessed the market potentials of cassava and its products in northern Uganda with the aim of improving its commercialization. Data was collected through a quantitative survey of 110 cassava producers and traders in Lira District between 2012 and 2013. Analysis was done using SPSS and Excel. Results show that fresh tubers dominated the marketed products by both producers and retailers (50 %). Among the three cassava marketing channels, the producer – retailer channel had the highest gross margins; sold as a bag at the farm gate price of $ 12, the retailer realizes a markup price of $ 8 per bag. Selling cassava as a “heap” on the street was even more valuable as the price is pegged at an average 50% above the farm gate price. Processing of cassava increased the gross margins by at least 40% compared to fresh tubers. Producers realized gross margins that were 112% above those for fresh tubers, suggesting that producers can benefit from processing cassava into chips. Wholesalers had advantage only when they marketed cassava flour (US$ 0.32) second to retailers at US$0.56. These findings suggest that cassava has good market potential to improve the incomes and livelihoods of households in northern Uganda. This, however, can only be realized if cassava can be processed into value added products such as starch and high quality cassava flour which have high commercial values.
Where is the market?: Assessing the role of dryer performance and marketability of solar-dried products in acceptance of solar dryers amongst smallholder farmers
(science Direct, 2023-07-27) Korsuk Kumi, Peter G.; Elolu c, Samuel; Odongo, Walter; Okello, Collins; Kalule, Stephen W.
Agricultural technological development is a crucial strategy for agricultural commercialization and socio-economic transformation in Africa. However, a key challenge to technology use in agriculture remains the limited farmer acceptance of unfamiliar technologies. This paper uses a sample of 245 okra farmers drawn from northern Uganda to assess the drivers of the farmer acceptance of solar drying technology. On the basis of drying performance, farmers perceive the solar dryer to perform better than the open sun-drying method. Structural equation modelling results show that the drying rate and perceived product quality are the main determinants of farmer perceptions on product marketability. Further, product marketability drives acceptance of solar dryers among farmers. We conclude that acceptance of solar dryers is dependent on: i) the drying rate, ii) favorable perceptions towards product quality, and iii) perceived marketability of the solar-dried product. We call for policy action on intensification of efforts that promote solar drying technology, including supporting local artisans to fabricate dryers, to enable increased value addition and consumption of nutritious foods.

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