Determinants of demand for quality declared rice seeds in nwoya and gulu districts, northern Uganda
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Gulu University
Abstract
Most (over 89%) smallholder rice farmers in northern Uganda obtain rice seeds from informal sources which are uncertified and unregistered and this affects the yields and seeds quality in the rice farming business. This study investigated the determinants of smallholder farmers’ demand for quality-declared rice seeds in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were collected from 196 selected smallholder rice farmers from Nwoya and Gulu districts using simple random sampling method. All data obtained were entered, cleaned and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Exploratory factor analysis and descriptive statistics was used to examine attitudes and quality declared rice seed distribution channels used by smallholder farmers respectively. Binary logistics regression model, chi-square tests and t-tests were generated to compare means at 10%, 5% and 1% significant level. Significance (p≤0.01, p≤0.05 and p≤0.1) were observed in the use of communal labour**, participation in rice seeds demonstration/trials*, access to extension services**, attitude on ease of getting quality declared rice seed** respectively. The study also revealed that farmers possess a positive attitude towards quality declared rice seeds, much as they face challenges in accessing and affording such seeds. Formal, informal and semi-formal distribution channels for quality declared rice seeds were identified. Formal channels involved seeds sourced from the national research organization that produce foundation seeds and supply them to private business-oriented seed companies, which then produce quality-declared rice seeds on a commercial scale. Informal sources comprised of farmer-saved seeds or seeds obtained from traders within the community who stock them for sale to smallholder farmers in subsequent seasons. Semi-formal channels involved quality declared seeds produced by NARO supplied to local seed business who then sell to local smallholder farmers. Based on the findings, the study proposes that government should provide incentives to smallholder rice farmers to facilitate their purchase of quality-declared seeds, thereby boosting their production. Government or commercial organizations should establish quality-declared rice seed outlets across the region to enhance accessibility. Lastly, policymakers in collaboration with private companies could enact policies aimed at reducing the cost of quality-declared rice seeds, making them more affordable to smallholder farmers.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Rice seed, declared quality, demand, smallholder farmers