Business & Management
Commercialization of Agriculture Still Low in Uganda
A study conducted by researchers from the School of Economics, College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) has revealed that commercialization of Maize and Cassava is still low in the country. The findings are an outcome of a year-long study on commercialization of Agriculture in Uganda. The research was conducted by Dr. Susan Kavuma and Mr. Emmanuel Keith Kisaame, with funding from 50×2030 Initiative and International Fund for Agricultural Development.
The Northern region has been found to be the biggest commercial supplier of Cassava in the country, while maize is the biggest export crop in the country.
The study established that the level of commercialization among maize and cassava farmers is very low, estimated at 14 percent and 11 percent, respectively. Figures show that most Ugandans are still practicing subsistence farming of maize at 79.9% while 5.7% Ugandans are practicing semi-commercialized farming and only 14.4 % are engaged in commercial farming of Maize, the research reveals. When it comes to cassava, only 10.9% of the population is engaged in commercial farming while the bulk of the farmers 80.8% are subsistence farmers. Only 8.2% are semi-commercial farmers.
“The Current National Development Plan III emphases agro-industrialization which can only be achieved with increased agricultural production and productivity,” Dr. Kavuma noted.
The central region has a higher level of commercialization because of factors including farm size, land productivity, land tenure among others. Dr. Kavuma said more farmers holding freehold titles were seen to participate more in commercialization as opposed to those holding customary and lease hold ones. The report notes that there are fewer women in commercialization of agriculture.
Speaking during the dissemination of the report at the College of Business and Management Sciences on January 19, 2022, the Principal, Prof. Eria Hisali thanked the researchers for their contribution to the field of knowledge and also thanked the International Fund for Agricultural Development for sponsoring the research.
The discussion, he said was timely because the country is grappling with challenges in the economy which include transforming the lives of Ugandans from a low income base to a high income economy. “Our target over the NDPIII period is grow the income of each house hold to Shs20 million a year including agricultural households,” he said. The Principal said this cannot be achieved without undertaking research in this sector.
“Commercialization of agriculture will ensure we get the needed agro mass input for industrialization. Commercialization will help us create jobs at the household levels,” Prof. Hisali added.
Prof. Hisali advised the research team draft a policy paper which will feed into the ongoing discussions of how best to commercialize agriculture at the national level
He also asked the team to ensure they publish in an internationally recognized journal, which will enable the researchers reach a wider audience.
“We shall be happy to also see some of these findings informing the curriculum,” he concluded.
Commercialization of Agriculture remains low despite the fact that it is the backbone of many developing economies because of its role on employment, food security and linkages to other sectors such as industry.
Although agriculture continues to be the dominant employer (68%), major source of export earnings (54%) and providing raw materials to the manufacturing sector (40%), it remains mainly subsistence estimated at 52% (UBOS, 2021).
So the team set out to probe the factors affecting commercialization of agriculture and the low usage of agricultural date.
The research also showed that commercialization of maize production is influenced by the gender of the household head, regional location of the household, level of land productivity, type of soil and marital status.
Commercialization of cassava production on the other hand is influenced by the household size, land productivity and value of assets.
Staff members from the Department of Population Studies, within the School of Statistics and Planning at Makerere University, have successfully completed a comprehensive three-day training on Doctoral Supervision. The training, held from June 28 to June 30, 2024, was meticulously conducted by esteemed faculty from the College of Education and External Studies, alongside experts from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the supervisory skills of doctoral advisors, underscores Makerere University‘s commitment to academic excellence and robust research mentorship. The Deputy Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. James Wokadala, officiated the closing ceremony, commending the participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the training sessions.
“We are committed to fostering a supportive and rigorous research environment for our doctoral candidates. This training is a testament to our dedication to academic excellence and effective mentorship,” remarked Prof. Wokadala in his closing address.
He said the college has got plans to improve PhD graduation levels, some of which include appointing two PhD coordinators per school. He asked the staff to exhibit high ethical standards while supervising the students.
The training program was generously funded by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, secured by Dr. Patricia Ndugga. The grant facilitated a series of interactive workshops, case studies, and collaborative discussions, designed to equip the faculty with advanced supervisory techniques and strategies to support doctoral students effectively.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “This training is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of doctoral supervision at Makerere University. We are grateful to the Carnegie Corporation for their continued support in our quest to improve research training and mentorship.”
The participants, who included both seasoned and emerging academic staff, have expressed their enthusiasm for applying the new skills and knowledge gained to their supervisory roles, thereby enriching the academic journey of their doctoral students.
Makerere University remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-tier education and research training, continuously seeking avenues to enhance the capabilities of its faculty and the academic experience of its students.
In a key gathering at College of Business and Management Sciences’ School of Economics, stakeholders from diverse sectors convened yesterday (June 20, 24) to envision the future of economic education in Uganda. The occasion centered around the unveiling of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Development Economics, a program poised to reshape how economic challenges are addressed and opportunities harnessed in the country.
Among the esteemed speakers were Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the college, and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, whose shared enthusiasm for the new program underscored its potential impact. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Development Goal Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan III (NDPIII),” Prof. Bbaale remarked. “Our aim is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development across the nation.”
“Our aim is not only to contribute to the development of Uganda but also to impact the wider African region and beyond,” Prof. Bbaale said.
Development Economics, as emphasized by Prof. Okumu, represents a fusion of economic theory and practical application aimed at fostering inclusive growth and poverty reduction. “This program,” he explained, “is not just about classroom learning; it’s about preparing future economists to engage directly with real-world challenges and policy-making processes.”
With an emphasis on research-led teaching and innovative approaches to economic analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to position graduates as thought leaders capable of driving sustainable economic growth and development.
The workshop provided a dynamic forum for stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as well as representatives from KCCA, CHUSS, CONAS, URA, and the private sector, to offer valuable insights. Discussions centered on curriculum design, industry relevance, and collaborative opportunities, reflecting a shared commitment to equipping graduates with the skills demanded by today’s economy.
“The Ministry of Finance recognizes the pivotal role of this program in advancing Uganda’s economic agenda,” noted a representative during the workshop. “By focusing on development economics, we are fostering a cadre of professionals capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth.”
From the private sector, there was a clear call for graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. “We look forward to collaborating with the School of Economics to ensure that students gain hands-on skills that are directly applicable to our evolving business landscape,” remarked a representative from a leading industry player.
Looking forward, the School of Economics aims to integrate stakeholder feedback into finalizing the program’s curriculum and securing necessary accreditation. With an emphasis on research and policy analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to prepare graduates to become catalysts for change, equipped to navigate Uganda’s economic complexities.
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