Characterization of local seed business farmers marketing common bean seed in Western Uganda

Abstract

Local Seed Business (LSB) farmers play a crucial role in improving access to affordable quality declared seed (QDS) and strengthening farmer seed sovereignty in Uganda. However, their effectiveness in common bean seed production and marketing varies across regions, and the socio-economic and geographical factors influencing this variation are not well understood. This study assessed the socio-economic characteristics of common bean LSB farmers and evaluated their influence on effectiveness in seed production and marketing in Western Uganda. A cross sectional research design using mixed method was used. Data was collected from 386 common bean seed farmers selected from 14 LSB groups. Data were gathered using questionnaires, focus group discussions and in-depth interview guides. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and ordered probit regression model were used for analysis. Results showed that more men (51.8%) than women (48.1%) participated in bean seed marketing, and majority were from rural areas. Significant geographical disparities in effectiveness were observed, with Kisoro District recording the highest proportion of high effective farmers (32%) and Kamwenge dominate in the low effective category (44%). The ordered probit model revealed that women, years of active membership in LSB, and land allocated to beans increased the likelihood of being in the high effectiveness seed category. However, total land owned, and distance to district headquarters had a negative association to effectiveness. There is need to promote strategies that encourage allocation of more land to bean production and to rely on experienced farmers for effective seed production and marketing. Key words: Effectiveness; groups, infrastructure, land ownership, mobility, socioeconomic parameters