FARMER GROUPS AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN

SANGA SUB COUNTY, KIRUHURA DISTRICT

BY

NKUUHE DOUGLAS

12/BSU/HDA/012U

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GRADUATE

STUDIES AS PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS LEADING

TO THE WARD OF A

MASTERS DEGREE OF BISHOP STUART

UNIVERSITY, MBARARA,

UGANDA.

i

APRIL, 2014

ContentsList of acronyms...................................................iii

CHAPTER ONE..........................................................1INTRODUCTION.........................................................1

1.0 Background of the study..........................................11.2 The statement of the problem.....................................5

1.3 Purpose of the study.............................................61.4 Objectives of the study..........................................6

1.5 Research questions...............................................61.6 The conceptual framework.........................................7

1.7 Scope of the study...............................................71.7.1 Geographical scope.............................................7

1.7.2 Content scope..................................................81.7.3 Time scope.....................................................9

1.8 Significance of the study........................................9CHAPTER TWO.........................................................10

LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................102.0 Introduction....................................................10

2.1 Different farmer groups.........................................102.2 Farmer groups contribution in agricultural development..........11

2.3 Obstacles met by farmer groups during agricultural development.. 162.4 Way of overcoming challenges affecting farmer groups............18

CHAPTER THREE.......................................................19

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY................................................193.0 Introduction....................................................19

3.1 Research Design.................................................193.2 Population......................................................19

3.3 Sampling........................................................203.4 Data Sources....................................................21

3.5 The Research Instrument.........................................213.6 Pre-Test........................................................22

3.7 Questionnaire Administration and Procedure for Collecting Data forthe Study...........................................................24

3.8 Methods for Data Analysis.......................................25

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List of acronyms

ACCORD African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes

CASA Canadian Agricultural Safety Association

CBOs Community Based Organisations

CSA Community Supporting Agriculture

MBADIFA Mbarara District farmer’s Association

MOF Ministry of Finance

NAADS National Agricultural Advisory Services

NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations

P.M.A Plan for Modernization of Agriculture

SHG Self Help Groups

UNFFE Uganda National Farmers’ Federation

USAID United States Agency for International Development

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CHAPTER ONEINTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the studyFarmer groups are grassroot farmer institutions organized for a

common farming interest.

A community can build strong local and national organizations and

form networks that can help in fostering agricultural

development. Like the right to a share in national resource

allocation and its accountability, the right to participate in

decisions that affect the farming community (e.g. formulation of

policies, design of projects and programmes and decision-making

regarding innovations and initiatives). (Trauger, M. G. et al,

1990)

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The concept of farmer groups for Agricultural promotion,

originally known to be Community Supporting Agriculture (CSA),

originated in the 1960s in Switzerland and Japan, where consumers

interested in safe food and farmers seeking stable markets for

their crops came together in economic partnerships. (Harper, M.

1998)

Globally, most development initiatives working through farmer

groups are specifically targeting the poorest people who have

farming ambitions. For example, the World Bank funded Andhra

Pradesh District Poverty Initiatives. Project aims, amongst

others, at supporting investment in sub-projects proposed by

grass-root institutions of the poor to accelerate their entry and

expand their involvement in social and economic activities. In

order to reach the poor, this project used a three- fold system

of targeting: geographic targeting (selection of the poorest

districts, and within these the poorest mandals), group targeting

(through formation of group-based activities for the poor) and

self-targeting (through a focus on small, technologically

manageable investments that are attractive primarily to the poor

organising themselves into common interest groups). (World Bank

2000)

Prakash and Nehru (1998) describe the initiative of the Kerala

Horticulture Development Programme that was set up in co-

operation between the European Union and the Government of Kerala

in 1993. The programme builds on SHGs, which select Master

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Farmers who are trained and act as facilitators. Besides

horticultural crop production, the programme also assists SHGs in

processing and marketing of products. The marketing

infrastructures at site level include establishing field centres

for bulking the produce from 10-15 SHGs. The concept of these

centres envisages creating farmers' markets and benefiting from

agglomeration advantages - both in terms of sale to wholesalers

and commission agents, and in terms of market information. The

programme is considered a success in bringing SHGs closer to the

market.

In the 1960s, new realizations about the context of American

communities (particularly the vast social and economic underclass

and the inability of the welfare bureaucracy to adequately

address the needs of the poor) influenced the orientation of

community organization efforts to deal more closely with

community organizing. It was during this period that the concepts

of community organization and community organizing became more

interconnected. The emphasis on organizing, rather than

organization, led to an emphasis on citizen participation and

empowerment. During the 1980s and 1990s, community organizations

expanded to the point of being referred to as movements, and the

process of community organizing expanded into many community

organizations (Fisher, 2002).

The World Bank Group's Strategic Framework identifies empowering

poor people to participate in development and investing in them

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as one of two key pillars underpinning the World Bank's efforts

to reduce poverty. One of the major thrusts of its recent Rural

Development Strategy (World Bank, 2003) is "integrating the needs

of the rural poor in national policy dialogues", a process which

must include a broad base of stakeholders, including rural

producer organizations, civil society and rural development

ministries.

In Ghana, CBOs composed of rural farmers are significantly self-

help voluntary action undertaken by an individual or groups of

people, who aim at the satisfaction of individual or collective

needs and aspirations (Osei, 2001). As a membership organization,

farmer groups share risks, cost and benefits among their members

on equitable basis and their leadership and managers are liable

to be called to account for their stewardship. Farmer groups are

generally assumed to form part of civil society, along with NGOs,

social movements and others. However, some have the role of

deciding the use of agricultural resources which belong to the

community as a whole (ACCORD evaluation, 2002). This ensures the

solidarity within the group since farmers in the community always

come together to pool available resources, skills, talents and

time to support development at the local level.

A history of policy pronouncements advocating support for farmer

associations goes back to the early years of the economic

reforms. A Central Committee document Several Questions of the Current

Rural Economic Policies from January 1983 proposes that various forms

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of cooperative economic organizations should be developed to meet

the needs of agricultural production (quoted in Chen, 2004,

p.39). This was further elaborated in another Central Committee

document of January 1984 urging the reform of the supply and

marketing cooperative system to make them into cooperative

entities owned by farmers. The document Deepening Rural Reform issued

by the Central Committee in January 1987 stated that supply and

marketing cooperatives should organize producers to establish

professional production associations on the principle of

voluntary participation and set up specialized cooperatives

according to the principles of cooperative business (Chen, 2004,

p.40).

In recent years, financial support has been advocated for farmer

associations. In January 2003, the Central Committee Document

repeated the encouragement to actively develop farmers’

specialized cooperative organizations and in 2004 these

instructions were elaborated with a call for “finance departments

at all levels to arrange special funding and support for farmers

specialized cooperative organizations”. In 2004 a State Council

document was issued stating “beginning in 2004 central and local

authorities should provide financial support for Farmer

Professional Cooperative Organizations to undertake information,

training, quality management and certification and marketing

services. Relevant financial bureaus should support farmer

professional cooperative organizations to establish standardized

production bases, storage facilities and processing enterprises,

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and to purchase transportation equipment. Finance departments may

provide reasonable low interest loans.”

In 2005, the State Council issued instructions to “Support the

development of Farmer Professional Cooperative Organizations, and

to reduce or eliminate relevant fees on their processing or

transportation activities” (Zheng, 2006a). Financial support is

provided by the center. For example, in July 2006 MOF issued a

“Circular on Central Financial Assistance to Farmers’

Professional Cooperatives” in which it defines that central level

financial support can be given to larger (more than 50 household

members), well-established (2 years in operation) FPA.

Survey results show that 84 percent of cooperatives are found in

villages where local officials had issued directives, held

meetings or used both measures to promote the formation of farmer

organizations (Shen et al., 2004, p.20). The researchers suggest

that two contradictory conclusions could be drawn from their

result. On the one hand, it can be taken to read that farmer

organizations are only being established as a response to

government injunctions and are not farmer-led organizations.

Alternatively they suggest that the results may show that

initiatives and support from the government, or possibly some

other third party are necessary to launch the process of

establishing organizations.

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If the programs to be delivered are planned and designed in a

top-down manner without full consultation with the farmer,

association there is a risk that the organizations will implement

programs for the sake of accessing resources rather than as a

part of their own development strategy. International experience

highlights risks associated with channeling government programs

through farmer organizations, particularly the threat that it

poses to their autonomy and the risk that the organizations could

become simply an arm for implementing government policy (Münkner,

2005).

The Uganda National Farmers’ Federation (UNFFE), this is a

National Farmers Organization. Farmers who came together with

different objectives but with the same common farming problem

formed it. It is an umbrella organization uniting all farmers in

Uganda. It was formed to advocate for farmers rights through

making farmers to have an easy access to farming credit,

provision of extension services to grass root farmers in the

country and ensuring collective production and marketing

agricultural products, poor people with the interest of farming

obtain farming subsides at no cost or cheaply. Thus, farmer

groups foster agricultural development in Uganda. (UNFFE, 2003)

According to Mbarara District farmers association (MBADIFA), most

of the farmer groups are formed on the development ground. They

are based on the objectives which are pro-farmer’s development in

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the area like easy bargaining power, carry out marketing research

and can easily access credit facilities. (MBADIFA, 2005)

Farmer groups were considered as a group of individual farmers,

an association, co-operative or any legal entity with a common

farming interest. However, records in Sanga sub- county, Kiruhura

districts show that there is decline in Agriculture development

in the area (Sanga Sub county NAADS report: 2007). This may be

due to inappropriate and inefficient farmer groups in the sub –

county. Thus forcing the researcher need to critically assess the

study problem in the area of study.

1.2 Statement of the problem The development of agriculture in Uganda calls for combined

struggles of all participants, including farmer groups. Though,

many Ugandans have little or no knowledge about the kind of

activities that farmer groups are betrothed in besides their

influence, particularly, when it comes to agricultural

development.

According to Opare (2007), despite the numerous valuable roles

farmer groups and community based organizations play in rural

development, a noteworthy proportion of them are virtually

unknown in development circles. Government organizations and

donors frequently assume farmer groups exist in rural communities

only. Furthermore, they have little idea of the kind of

activities farmer groups and community based organisations are

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betrothed in and their impact on the livelihood of marginalized

and vulnerable persons who are farmers.

In the above account, it has been shown that for Agricultural

development to be achieved there is a need for effective farmer

groups and institutions. These organized groups are confident

when requesting for assistance from NGO’s and Government

authorities, joint planning and experience sharing to solve

common problems and interest concerning farming and self-

development. This makes Agricultural development interesting and

real.

While this is true, Agricultural Development in Sanga Sub county,

Nyabushozi County in Kiruhura district is still behind as farmers

in the area still ignore farmer groups and collective

agricultural marketing strategies and these has led to low

development of agriculture.

No systematic study has been done to examine role of farmer

groups in Agricultural development in this area, thus influencing

the researcher to investigate the impacts of the problem in the

area of study.

1.3 Purpose of the studyThe purpose of the study will be to investigate the role of

farmer groups in Agricultural development in Sanga Sub County,

Nyabushozi in Kiruhura district.

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1.4 Objectives of the studyThe objectives will be;

i. To identify the farmer groups in Sanga Sub County in Nyabushozi

county, Kiruhura district.

ii. To establish the farmer group contribution/roles in

agricultural development in the area of study.

iii. To analyse the challenges met by farmer groups in abid to bring

about Agricultural development in Sanga Sub county, Kiruhura

district

iv. To explore ways of overcoming challenges faced by farmer

groups in Sanga sub county.

1.5 Research questionsWhich farmer groups that are found in Sanga Sub County that are

working to bring about agricultural development?

What are the roles of farmer groups in Agricultural development

in Sanga Sub County?

What are the challenges met by farmer groups in the development

of agriculture in Sanga Sub county, Nyabushozi County in Kiruhura

district?

How can the challenges faced by farmer groups in Sanga Sub County

be solved?

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1.6 The conceptual framework

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FARMER GROUPS

Provision of Inputs Provision of planting seeds

Availing agro chemicals

Farming

Collective prodn &marketingAccess to agric marketing information

Collective bargaining

Financial services Mobilise saving.

Access to credit facilities

Advisory services Farmer-farmer extension.

Advocacy Access to new agricultural technologies

Increased agri production High yields achieved.

Low disease prevalence.

Low incidences of pest attack.

Agricultural Value

Increase in investment in a griculture Farmers buy agricultural inputs

Infrastructural development

Improved

Better methods of agricultural production

Increased adoption of agric technologies

Better mtds of

High income gained Ease in marketing of agricultural produce

There is share of profits and

AGRICULTURALDEVELOPMENT

1.7 Scope of the study

1.7.1 Geographical scope The study will be carried out in Sanga Sub County in Kiruhura

district. Kiruhura district is one of the district of Uganda that

is endowed with significant natural and human resources that can

be exploited for the development of the country. The district is

endowed with Agricultural, and Economic opportunities.

The district is located approximately 62 kilometres (39 mi), by

road, northeast of Mbarara town, the largest city in the sub-

region which also lies approximately 245 kilometres (152 mi), by

road, southwest of Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and the

largest city in that country. The coordinates of the kiruhura

district are: 00 12 36S, 30 49 48E (Latitude:-0.2100; Longitude:

30.8300).

The 2002 national census estimated the population of Kiruhura

District to be 212,200, with an estimated annual growth rate of

3%. It is estimated that the population of the district in 2010

was about 268,800.

Sanga Sub County has eight parishes but five of them are always

mentioned under Lake. Mburo National park and less agriculture to

take place in these parishes. Therefore, the study will

concentrate on the three parishes Namely; Nombe I, Nombe II, and

Rwabarata mainly because there are many permanent and settledxvi

farmers in those mentioned parishes unlike the parishes under

Mburo which is dominated by pastoralists who are just encroaching

on the land of the national park

The sub county has a climate that is conducive for agricultural

activities. For example, the region experiences two rainy seasons

though the area always suffer with the problem of prolonged

drought in the months between may to late August. During the

period of drought, the area suffers a problem of inadequate water

supply for animals and crop production.

1.7.2 Content scopeThis study will be rotating on roles of farmer groups in

Agricultural development. In this phenomenon the researcher will

investigate about different farmer groups in the area of study

and their contributions in Agricultural development and will to

assess the challenges met by farmer groups in trying to exercise

their role and contributions.

1.7.3 Time scopeThe study will consider a period of fourteen years that is from

2000-2014 as this is the period when very many farmer groups came

into existence at grass root with the coming of National

Agricultural and Advisory Services (NAADS). This will help the

xvii

researcher to get articulate information that can easily be

compared with the field data to study the variables at length.

1.8 Significance of the studyIn the first instance, if this research project is successfully

completed, farmers in sanga sub county will be able clearly

understand the roles played by farmer groups in agricultural

development particularly farmers who don’t belong to any group.

The research will also strengthen farmers groups whose members

will be involved in this study, to clearly understand their roles

in in agricultural development.

The study will also help the district leaders (local government

official) to know the significant roles played by farmer groups

in trying to develop agriculture. Again this research will assist

them in to how to use farmer group to eradicate problems

affecting most farmers in Kiruhura District

1) Agricultural stake holders, planners and policy makers will

be;

i) Assisted to realize the impact of farmer groups in

Agricultural development and the area of study and suggest

possible solutions to the problems.

ii) It will encourage the agricultural stake holders and policy

makers in formulating of appropriate policies, technologies and

training, which will ensure full knowledge of Agriculture

development to farmers groups, these will be use full for fore

casting and planning purposes.

2) NGO’s and GO’s will be;xviii

Assisted to come up with policies, views, measures or solutions

that will enable farmer groups to contribute significantly

towards the agricultural development, since it is the major

contributor to Uganda’s Economy

3) Researchers and scholars.

Future researchers who might be interested in a related topic

will be assisted by providing them with a relevant literature

about the study problem.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 IntroductionThis chapter shows the related literature on different farmer

groups, roles of farmer groups to agricultural development,

challenges met by farmer groups and solutions to challenges faced

by farmer groups which different authors published.

2.1 Different farmer groups.According to Mukiibi (2001), the introduction of agricultural

programmes likes NAADS by an act of parliament in 2001 has led

more than 600 farmer groups have benefited in this program since

inception with over 300,000 farmer house hold already benefiting

by that time. Farmer groups are considered as a group of

individual farmers, an association or any legal entity with a

common farming interest. It is gathering people for a purpose.

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It is a collection of individuals who are interacting to realize

a specific objective leading to the achievement of goals. These

individuals collaborate with one another. They are aware

psychologically and socially through linked interests and

objectives. They require status roles and values to maintain the

group to achieve goals. Groups can be categorized into;

Economic or commercial oriented groups.

Social groups.

Political groups.

This is a comprehensive view of farmer groups on which this study

will be based.

However, in the field study, the researcher will try to realize

whether there is record available showing the available farmer

groups in Sanga sub-county.

Therefore, the researcher will carry out this study to establish

first and fore-most, the available farmer groups in the area of

study.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association was established in

1993 in response to an identified need for a national farm safety

networking and coordinating agency to address problems of

illness, injuries and accidental death in farmers, their families

and agricultural workers. Since then, CASA has worked to improve

the health and safety conditions of those who live and work on

Canadian farms. CASA is funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food

Canada’s Renewal Chapter and has applied for similar support

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under the federal government’s Growing Forward program for 2009–

2013. In the past, CASA acted as facilitator and enabler. For

instance, in 2007-08, CASA extended $637,365 to 20 organizations

for 24 farm safety projects, directly reaching more than 376,000

producers across Canada. In the future, CASA will operate as a

national health and safety initiator and service provider.

Canada’s agricultural industry is one of the top three most

hazardous industries in which to work .And yet, farmers

themselves believe their safety habits are better than fair. Farm

Credit Canada recently conducted a national survey to determine

farmer’s attitudes toward safety. The final report is a self-

assessment of how farmers visualize their safety performance.

They gave themselves

According to Gung- Ho (2005), the establishment of the modern

China in 1949, most parts of China practiced subsistence

agriculture with little marketable surplus. The need for farmers

to organize themselves was limited (Chen, 2004, p.31). However,

farmer organizations were not unknown, albeit for security and

self-defense rather than economic purposes. Thaxton (1997) writes

about farmer organizations on the north China plain during the

war of resistance against Japan, and crop watching associations

in Hebei have been recorded from the early 1900's (Duara, 1988

pp.198-204).

Although overall coverage is still low, a significant number of

farmer associations have already been developed in China. It is

xxi

estimated that about 3 percent of all farm households were at

least nominally members of a farmer association in 2003. A large

percentage of farmer associations have been created since the

beginning of the decade, and the share of households organized in

farmer associations has increased since 2003. Nevertheless, not

all farmer associations function well and the total figures are

still very small compared to almost any other country in the

world. This suggests substantial potential for the future. At the

same time, significant challenges have to be overcome when

developing new forms of economic organization in China's vast

rural areas. (Achim Fock and Tim Zachernuk, 2006)

2.2 Farmer groups contribution in agricultural development.NAADS report (2003) commissioned by the Plan for Modernization of

Agriculture (P.M.A) revealed that, there was a dramatic

improvement in average yields as a result of farmers adopting new

technologies accessed under NAADS. The findings also indicate

that the program is both cost effective and much more efficient

then previous system of providing agricultural extension.

According to Mugumya (2006), farmer groups are very essential to

the present situation in Ugandan’s Agricultural development.

He mentioned that farmer groups are important in the following

ways;

Bargaining power. Individual weaknesses are overcome.

Teamwork. People come together for a common goal.

Group request is likely to be processed faster.

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Pooling of resources. Individual resources which are usually

smaller are pulled together to form big pool which can support

large-scale production.

Group guarantee. A big security for securing a loan from money

lending institutions when in a group.

Farmer groups, as components of civil society organizations, are

well spring of social capital which society voluntarily organizes

for a common purpose. They are formed on ethnic, religious,

social, economic and gender basis and serve as potent forces for

rural development. Their strength lies in their ability to

mobilize people for communal labour and educational programmes.

Farmer groups can aid in sustaining the progress of agricultural

development if those in agricultural sector avoid duplication of

efforts which sometimes overshadow the resources, both human and

financial, in the communities. There is therefore the need for a

strategy to coordinate their activities and build their

capacities in managerial, advocacy, organizational, networking

and technology. (Abbott J. C., 1990)

Farmer groups are significantly self-help voluntary action

undertaken by an individual or groups of people, who aim at the

satisfaction of individual or collective needs and aspirations

(Osei, 2001). As a membership organization, CBOs share risks,

cost and benefits among their members on equitable basis and

their leadership and managers are liable to be called to account

xxiii

for their stewardship. CBOs are generally assumed to form part of

civil society, along with NGOs, social movements and others.

However, some have the role of deciding the use of resources

which belong to the community as a whole (ACCORD evaluation,

2002). This ensures the solidarity within CBOs since the

community residents always come together to pool available

resources, skills, talents and time to support development at the

local level.

In Kabale for example, farmer groups associated with Africa 2000

Network (A2000N) appear to be relevant and of better quality

because they started by addressing issues of vegetable production

for household food security which had been a problem to

housewives. By helping farming households to establish backyard

vegetable gardens as sources of green vegetables traditionally

used in the preparation of soups to accompany main meals,

households found A2000N relevant to their situations and show a

lot of loyalty to the groups associated with A2000N and its

activities. Another qualitative factor associated with the

popularity of A200N groups in Kabale is the introduction of

improved hygiene practices involving hanging water containers and

soap near latrines for washing hands after visiting the latrine.

This practice is also associated with using local materials like

ashes to disinfect latrines to reduce smell and disease

transmission. The two practices were in some cases praised by the

beneficiaries as pre-requisite for agricultural development.

xxiv

In a recent review of farmer groups supported by different

organizations,

DENIVA has established the following to be among the major

reasons/objectives for starting farmer groups:

To access support from donors and NAADS.

To access training in improved husbandry practices.

To pull resources together and address their challenges.

To address food security issues.

To help one another in case of need (such as sicknesses, burial

ceremonies and school fees requirements).

To carry out collective procurement of inputs and marketing of

produce.

Moral uprightness (for youth farmer groups)

To ease work for groups that carry out communal cultivation

To lend money in ‘circles’ or as the case of need may rise with

members

To make monthly savings

One needs to understand the reasons/objectives for the formation

of a particular group in order to render it assistance. It also

seems that the quality of farmer groups is associated with the

founding reasons for the group. Groups founded on clumsy reasons

like accessing money from

NAADS or by local politicians as stepping stones for political

advancement, do not get firmly established and end up not

achieving tangible results. The quality of a group highly depends

on the relevancy of the group’s objectives to its members and the

xxv

ability of the group to assert itself in the service of its

members, especially through active participation in policy

formulation and demanding from government its due share of the

resources for investment and development budgets. Farmers are

interested in institutions that can help them solve their current

problems, which may include poverty, poor agricultural practices,

improved social capital (cohesion), school fees and cultural

ceremonies like burials.

According to, achim fock at al.2006, Farmer associations have

been identified as vehicles to push forward technical, economic

or institutional changes. Farmer associations are potentially

valuable partners, particularly when they are structured around

sub-sectors (vegetables, meat, fishing, etc.). The new paradigm

in agricultural services (research, extension, and agricultural

and rural advisory services) is to align them with what their

“clients” want. It is therefore important that the “clients” be

able to express themselves, make them understand and hold the

agents accountable to them.

To address problems such as the shortage of capital and

equipment, farmers organized together into mutual-aid groups,

agricultural cooperatives, and “advanced agricultural

collectives” (RAF, 2004, p.49). In these organizations ownership

of land and capital belonged to the individual households while

production and marketing were coordinated. However, these

organizations were overwhelmed by the collectivization drive of

xxvi

the late 1950's, and subsequently subsumed into the people's

communes. During the period of the collective economy their

status as farmer-owned and operated organizations was lost. They

came to be considered simply as another branch of government in

which decision making, both as agricultural production units and

providers of social services, was highly centralized and

hierarchical.

When surveyed about the benefits of farmer associations the top

four priorities mentioned by both members and non-members were

technical training and adoption of new technologies; timely

market information; advisory service to members; and advice on

how to use inputs (RAF 2004, tables 4-19 and 5-25). When asked

about technical training received in the previous year 319

respondents reported participating in training sessions organized

by farmer associations, while only 32 reported receiving training

from other sources (RAF, 2004, tables 4-49 and 4-51).

By acting collectively, farmers can capture some of the benefits

available from economies of scale, enhance their bargaining power

with dragonhead enterprises and integrate themselves more closely

into supply chains. However, when enterprises themselves provide

the motivating force behind the organization of farmers, as in

the “enterprise plus association plus farmer” model, there are

likely to be conflicts of interest between producers and

enterprises. The primary concern of the private companies is

ensuring a consistent and regular supply of quality products. The

xxvii

creation of producer organizations, which meet the demands of the

market and serve the interests of small farmers as owners, is the

most challenging of the options for achieving economies of scale.

(World Bank, 2006)

Fund Mobilization. The process by which community members‟

resources (here, capital and land) are made available for joint

activities, referred to as fund mobilization. To raise and

increase resources available for development is to ensure proper

resource management by keeping track of funds via genuine

accountability and record keeping. Esman and Uphoff (1984)

established that local institution capability of resource

mobilization is highly correlated with their overall performance.

CBOs‟ capacity to mobilize and manage local resources is

associated directly with their ability to raise and attract

foreign resources for their activities.

The need for farmer organizations varies with different types of

farmer. In areas practicing self-subsistence production the

biggest requirement is for technical information and services

such as purchasing inputs and veterinary service. As the degree

of commercialization, increases there will be a greater need for

market information, joint marketing services and perhaps basic

processing of agricultural products. Those parts of the country

with the highest degree of commercialization would be expected to

require the most sophisticated support services, including timely

advice on market prices and the most current technical advice.

xxviii

The more basic services required by subsistence farmers are, to a

certain extent, provided by existing government systems, while

the ability of existing systems to satisfy the demands of the

highly commercialized farmers is much weaker. This hierarchy of

needs corresponds to survey findings that the level of farmer

association activity is strongly related to the proximity of

markets (Shen et al., 2004).

The most important aspect of any organization is its ability to

network or collaborate with other organizations to achieve a

common goal. Networking (both internally and externally) and

collaboration are therefore more effective and efficient modes of

operation among farmer groups than competition and conflict.

Esman and Uphoff (1984) postulate that if a smaller base of

effective operation is feasible, then vertical structural linkage

at regional and national level is a desirable feature. These

linkages, therefore, facilitate both vertical and horizontal flow

of resource, aids and information.

2.3 Obstacles met by farmer groups during agricultural development.Although the agricultural sector is the back borne of Uganda’s’

economy and the greatest employer of the most of the country’s

population (over 70% of population), little has been done by the

government to invest much in this sector. Funding has remained

very low.

xxix

This questions the claim that PMA are key priorities to the

government. This has been a great challenge to the farmer groups

in implementation of their programs

Generally, farmer groups have low revenues because individual

members have been the main source of capital and other resources

(Arrossi, 1994). As rural communities tend to have low incomes,

it presupposes that farmer groups‟ revenues generated by

membership dues will be inadequate relative to the range of

relevant activities they would want to engage in. In situations

where assistance is given on condition of counterpart

contribution, most farmer groups are unable to meet their

commitment. This weak financial base and sustainability result in

the inability of farmer groups to implement their objectives to

the fullest and this normally leads to the collapse of

organizations in a short time.

Farmer groups have weak links with external development

organizations, such as NGOs, except where the latter are engaged

in development activities in the communities where these groups

are located (Rodda, 1994).

Johnston and Clark (1982) established that vertical linkages are

preferable for effective provision of certain services including

agricultural extension, education and health. For effective and

vertical flow of information, therefore, resources and support

leading to efficient performance of farmer groups do not exist in

xxx

isolation from their higher organs and the government. Rather,

they are inextricably intertwined.

The failure by farmer groups’ leadership to be accountable can

result in internal conflict, withdrawal of loyalty, low member

commitment to organizational goals, poor participation of farmers

and general suspicions that affect the development of any group,

association or organization. Conversely, those organizations

where there is member and community accountability generally

score high marks on issues of legitimacy (Grady, 2005).

According to USAID in Africa Success Stories, farmer groups lack

a detailed structure of these meetings have given participants

unlimited freedom to voice their opinions. But it also has caused

problems of inefficiencies. There have been records of

participants getting off the topic during meetings. Scholars have

warned about the lack of structure and what it would mean in a

long run for the extension program. The allocation of the

financial resources has also caused a significant amount of

problems against the development and frequent usage of the

method. In the early 2000's, the Kenyan Government has made a

tremendous decrease in funds for these approaches. Since private

sectors have taken up the role of providing resources for these

farmer groups. However, since these funds come in as investments

for these farmers, less profitable areas and rural areas have not

gotten the same about of attention or resources. NGOs and local

xxxi

NPOs have tried to provide for these less profitable districts in

Kenya but their resources are also limited.

Farmers lack a history and culture of working together in self-

managed cooperatives. Prior to the establishment of the modern

China in 1949 most parts of China practiced subsistence

agriculture with little marketable surplus. The need for farmers

to organize themselves was limited (Chen, 2004). However, farmer

organizations were unknown, albeit for security and self-defense

rather than economic purposes. Thaxton (1997) writes about farmer

organizations on the north China plain during the war of

resistance against Japan, and crop watching associations in Hebei

have been recorded from the early 1900's (Duara, 1988 pp.198-

204).

2.4 Way of overcoming challenges affecting farmer groupsThrough education and training the requisite knowledge and skills

needed to perform specific function(s) are acquired. “Knowledge

is critical for development because everything we do depends on

knowledge” (World Bank Report, 1998). Good leadership has long

been recognized as one of the critical elements in the effective

functioning of community organizations (Kaplan, 1996: 89, 93).

Their organizing capabilities and ability to propose new

initiatives that eventually are embraced by the entire community

and transformed into community self-help projects are essential

elements for promoting rural infrastructural development. Narayan

noted that effective leadership could propel CBOs into initiating

local action, but emphasized managerial leadership as beingxxxii

critical for the transformation of CBOs into „self-managing

organizations‟ (Narayan, 1998).

Leadership skills can be built up in a number of ways by external

agencies. One of them is training. Development-oriented agencies

that work in rural communities must endeavour to include group

leaders in various training programmes organized for government

officials and NGO staff. Friedman and Ammasari noted that

knowledge transfer is one of the key strategies for the

„strengthening of community organizations‟ (Friedman and

Ammassari, 1999: 7).

Training farmer group leaders in project management, basic

planning skills, gender-sensitive planning and related subject

areas would expand their appreciation of the challenges of rural

development. Practical opportunities for building leadership,

such as exchange schemes and study visits, could provide leaders

with field exposure and strategies used by better performing

community organizations to improve upon their operations. Owens

noted that despite the traditionally strong and cohesive state of

the Gambian village women's group, the kafos, „they lack the skills

to effectively mobilize and manage community level resources for

development‟ (Owens, 1993: 241).

Accountability and transparency should be built into the

management styles of CBO leaders. Based on the experience of

farmers' organizations in rural communities in Gal Oya area in

xxxiii

Sri Lanka, Norman Uphoff recommends the selection of community

leadership by consensus and the preparation of specific terms of

reference for them as strategies for making them accountable

(Uphoff, 1994: 216).

CHAPTER THREERESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 IntroductionThis chapter shows the research design to be employed, study

population, sampling techniques, data sources and research

instruments.

3.1 Research Design Bryman (1992) maintains that qualitative studies are those

involved with the investigation of experiences, events, actions,

norms and values from the perspective of those being studied.

In view of this, the researcher will intend to use of qualitative

description within the explanatory pattern which according to

Polit and Beck (2004) makes an assumption that reality is

multiple and subjective, and mentally constructed by individuals.

Descriptive research design which, according to Gay (2009),

involves collecting data in order to answer research questions

concerning the current status of the subject of the study will be

appropriate because the researcher will make use of the data

collected to answer the questions raised in this study.

The research will make widespread use of literature review on the

role of Farmer groups in agricultural development. Furthermore,

questionnaires and interviews will also be used as the major

xxxiv

exploratory tools in gathering the opinions on the concerns

raised in this study.

The study will employ triangulation of data gathering which Polit

and Beck (2004) refer to as the use of a diversity of selection

approaches or numerous data sources. Data will be gathered from

Local council leaders, members of the farmer groups and

agricultural extension service providers as key informants

through semi- structured and closed ended questionnaire. Focused

group discussions were also used to solicit information from

members of the selected CBOs as a means of cross-validating the

data obtained via the use of the questionnaire. These tools will

be used because of the constraint of time and other financial

resources.

3.2 PopulationAccording to (Gupta, Shashi, & Rangi, Praneet, 2010) study

population is a study of a group of individuals taken from the

general population who share a common characteristic. Farmers in

indulgence of agricultural development will be targeted for the

study. These will include farmers who belong farmer groups and

farmers who don’t belong to any group. This will be done because

farmers in groups will provide the researcher with factual

information about their groups and how they are bringing about

agricultural development. Farmers who don’t belong to any group

will be considered because; they will enlighten the researcher

xxxv

about the some of the reasons why they don’t join farmer groups

and their challenges in trying to foster agricultural

development.

3.3 Sampling Polit et al (2001) propose that sample size in qualitative

studies tends to be small because the strategies as well as

methods for data collection and analysis are very time consuming,

and the amount of data collection can be considerable. Minerva

(1994) also argues that to ensure the representativeness of a

homogeneous population in a research, a sample size of 50% is

desirous.

The sample size for the study will be 160 respondents. This will

include the leaders of local councils and agricultural extension

staff members (6 local council leader and 4 agricultural

extension staff members) who will be purposively as agricultural

development as stakeholders to enlighten the research about the

contributions of farmer groups towards agricultural development.

Then 150 respondents who are farmers will also be selected for

the study because they are the people who are actively involved

in agriculture. The researcher will go ahead and breakdown 150

respondents who are farmers by choosing 50 respondents from each

of the three parishes of Sanga sub county.

Respondent

Category

Number

select

ed

percentag

e

Method to be

used

Sampling

method

To be used

xxxvi

Farmers 150 93.75% Questionnair

e

Random

samplingExtension

workers

4 2.5% Interview

guide

Purposive

samplingLocal council

leaders

6 3.75% Interview

guide

Purposive

samplingTotal 160 100

3.4 Data SourcesData for the study will be obtained from both primary and

secondary sources. Under primary source, emphasis will be put on

the collection of data directly from field surveys via the

administration of questionnaire, interviews and focus group

discussions.

3.4.1 Primary data.Doel & Chris (2002) defined primary sources of data as sources of

original information that has never existed before. The primary data

will be collected from farmers and local council leaders of Sanga sub

county and extension works. The primary data will provide reliable

and accurate first-hand information relevant to the study about

the roles of farmer groups in relation to agricultural

development.

3.4.2 Secondary dataDoel & Chris (2002) defined secondary sources of data as those ones

from the published and documented sources that may aid in providing

xxxvii

answers to the research problem and they will include documents

comprising research works, textbooks, magazines, journals,

newspapers, office records/statistics and the internet. The aim

of the collection of secondary data will be to gather essential

information to guide the conduct of the study in order to confirm

or reject the primary data.

3.5 Data collection methodsThe researcher will use questionnaire, key informants interview guide as well as focused group discussion for data collection.

3.5.1 Questionnaires

Questionnaire on the hand, according to Saunders (2007), is used

for explanatory research which will enable the study to examine

and explain relationships between variables in particular cause-

and-effect relationships. The use of questionnaire will be

therefore perceived to be effective for the literate proportion

of the sample, and time saving too. Questionnaires will be

researcher administered to farmers who have the capacity of

interpreting the questions during the survey. Questionnaires will

be composed of structured and semi-structured in nature with both

open and close-ended questions. The questionnaires will be

delivered at the respondents’ place of work and will be collected

at appointed time by the researcher. Before the actual handing

in of the questionnaires, the researcher will get into contact

with his respondents and inform them about the day the researcher

will bring the questionnaires and when to collect them.

3.5.2 Direct Observation method

xxxviii

Mikeal (2002) defines the observation method as a method of data

collection in which the situation of interest is watched and the

relevant facts, actions and behaviors are recorded. The

researcher will be used an observation checklist that consisted

of several aspects that the researcher would wish to observe.

Direct observation will be used to acquire nonverbal information

that will be important in justifying the controversial

circumstances. This method will be used to verify whether that

data provided in the questionnaires and interviews will be

correct and valid. Some of the possible data that will be

observed include the physical activities that farmer groups have

done in Sanga Sub County.

3.5.3 Interview method

According to (Kothari, C.R. 2009) Interview is the verbal

conversation between two people with the objective of collecting

relevant information for the purpose of research. The interviewer

in one-to-one conversation collects detailed personal information

from individuals using oral questions. The interview will be used

widely to supplement and extend our knowledge about individual

(s) thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Interviewing will be done

with the help of an interview guide. This will be when the

researcher will physically communicate with the respondents with a

purpose of obtaining information for this survey. This will be used

to capture data from the local council leaders and extension

workers. Because much detailed information will be needed from

xxxix

this category of respondents. While interviewing probing will be

used in cases where respondents will give inadequate answers or

where confused meanings will be given to the question.

The use of these instruments will be necessitated by sampling

procedures that will be employed. For instance, Polite et al

(2001) established that interviews, especially face-to-face one,

appear to have much strength in collecting data since the

response rate normally tends to be high.

Again, May and Pope (1996) postulate that many people, for

example the blind and the elderly, find it difficult to fill out

a questionnaire. Interview, therefore, will be the best

instrument because it will provide opportunities for probing, for

explaining complex statements and for the clarification of

questions and responses, especially during the focused group

discussion since the literacy level of the members of the farmer

groups is anticipated to be relatively low.

3.6 Data Quality controlKey indicators of the quality of a measuring instrument are the

reliability and validity of the measures. The process of

developing and validating an instrument will in large part be

focused on reducing error in the measurement process. Reliability

estimates evaluate the stability of measures, internal

consistency of measurement instruments, and interpreter

reliability of instrument scores. Validity is the extent to which

the interpretations of the results of a test will be warranted,

which depends on the particular use the test is intended toxl

serve. Several issues may affect the accuracy of data collected,

such as those related to self-report and secondary data sources. 3.6.1 Validity of instrumentsValidity refers to the extent to which a method of data collection

presents what it is supposed to do, or the extent to which a method

of data collection measures what it is supposed to measure (Amin,

2005, Bell, 1997). This preliminary study will be done such that

the researcher to make all the necessary corrections to the errors

and distortions identified in the questionnaire. Thus, the

suitability ensuring valid tools in the survey.

3.6.2 Reliability of instrumentsReliability is the extent to which a test or procedure of data

collection yields similar results under constant conditions on all

occasions (Bell, 1997). According to Bell there are several devices

for checking reliability in scales and tests such as pre- test,

alternative forms methods or the split half method. As she

recommends, reliability of this study’s instruments will be

ascertained by pre-testing and re-testing the questionnaires and

interview guide in the field. The researcher will establish the

reliability of the questionnaire by using pre-testing. The

researcher will give questionnaire to the same groups of respondents

for re-testing.

3.6.2.1 Pre-Test According to Sarantakos (1998), Pre-test gives the researcher an

opportunity to rehearsal research in real situation and

familiarize themselves with the research instrument prior to the

main study. To ensure the reliability and validity of the

xli

research instrument and methods employed for the work, a pre-test

study will be carried out.

This preliminary study will enable the researcher to make all the

necessary corrections to the errors identified in the

questionnaire. Therefore, the appropriateness of the

questionnaire and methods adopted for the study will be revealed

at this stage, ensuring reliability.

3.7 Data collection procedures

3.7.1 Questionnaire Administration and Procedure for Collecting Data for the Study The researcher will be availed with an introductory letter from Bishop

Stuart University, Department of agriculture to be presented to local

authorities, who, in turn, will introduce the researcher to the

relevant people who will assist the researcher to get access to the

staff list from which the sampling frame will be drawn, community

members and local leaders.

In the administration of the questionnaire and interview

schedules, the researcher will create an understanding with the

respondents, guarantee them of concealment and clarify to them

the purpose of the study. This approach will enable the

researcher to get the extreme collaboration of his respondents.

The questionnaires and interviews will be administered by the

researcher at the places of the various respondents. During the

survey, the researcher will carefully read and explain the

content of the interview guide to the respondents and record

answers on a separate sheet of paper.

xlii

3.7.2 Ethical issues

Considering their willingness to take part in the study, respondents

will be informed about the purpose of the research and any other

information that is required by them before being interviewed. This

will also be stated clearly on the front page of the questionnaire.

3.7.3 Confidentiality

The researcher will inform the respondents that the information given

is entirely for academic purposes only and not for any other purpose

and will be kept confidential.

3.7.4 Data management

Data collected will be edited and coded. It will be edited to ensure

the flow of questions and coded to assign members forward so as to

drive statistical meaning of data. In this case the data will be

presented in the tables showing the frequencies and percentages.

3.8 Methods for Data AnalysisAccording to (Mays and Pope, 1996) analysis of data is a process

of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling data with the

goal of highlighting useful information, suggesting conclusions,

and supporting decision making. Data analysis has multiple facets

and approaches, encompassing diverse techniques under a variety

of names, in different business, science, and social science

domains. Therefore, data from the study will be analyzed in order

to present the findings as information. This will be done using

both qualitative and quantitative methods.

xliii

Qualitatively, findings from the field will be coded together to

generate tallies and frequencies. Therefore, related findings

will help the researcher to form themes and sub-themes.

Thereafter, the statistics acquired from tallies and frequencies

will be used to analyze data, Statistical packages for Social

scientists (SPSS) will help in editing the study findings and

presenting it in form of tables and percentages to quantify the

corresponding statistics.

xliv

OBSERVATION CHECKLIST.

OBSERVER’S NAME

Date of observation

Location

Tasks to be observed during the

survey

i. Existence of farmer groups

ii. Roles played by farmer groups

in agricultural development

iii. Challenges met by farmer

groups

iv. Remedies for challenges

YES/NO COMMENT

Observer’s signature

xlv

WORK PLAN

No. ACTIVITY TIME

1 Submission of the Proposal May- 2014

2 Field work – data collection June- 2014

3 Report work – data analysis,

editing and compiling

July- 2014

4 Submission of final report Aug - 2014

5 Viva Aug – 2014

xlvi

PROPOSED BUDGET

Particulars Items Cost Total Amounts inUGX

1.Lunch for 3enumeratorsAccommodation for 4people

5 times3 nights

400020000*3=60000

20,000180000

2. Pens Half dozen 2,400 2,400

3.Ruled/Duplicating Paper

4 reams 8000 32000

Sub- Total 234,400

TransportTransport tovarious field.For enumerators andthe research)

4days 50000*4days

200,000

Sub Total 200,000

Photo copying & Binding

Printing of 200questionnaires

500 @ page 300,000

Printing copies formarking

15000@copy

60,000

Printing finalcopies

4 copies forfinal research

20,000 80,000

xlvii

Binding 4 copies forreport

80,000

Sub-Total 520,000

Data SupportServices1 laptop 1,200,000 1,200,000

3enumerators/researchassistant’s for3days

60,000*3days*3people

540,000

Sub total 1,060,000

Grand Total 3,214,400

REFERENCES

Abbott J. C., (1990): Agricultural Economics and Marketing in the

Tropics, Longman Scientific and Technical Group, U.K.

African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes

evaluation (ACCORD): 2002, vol 1.

Arrossi S. (1994): Funding Community Initiatives, Earthscan

Publications, London, UK.

Bryman, A. (1992): Quatity and Quality in Social Research,

London, Rout Ledge.

Gay, I. R. (2009): Educational Research, Competences for Analysis

and Applications.

xlviii

Grady H. (2005): Opportunities for the UN and civil society to

collaborate more effectively. Development in Practice

Gupta, Shashi., & Rangi, Praneet. (2010). Social science Research

Methods. New Delhi: Kalyani Publishers.

Harper, M. (1998) why are commercial banks not entering the

micro-finance market? Paper produced as consultant to SDC,

October 1998.

http://www.alternativefinance.org.uk/cgi-bin/summary.pl?

id=32&language=E

MAAIF (2000), plan for modernization of agriculture, Fountain

publishers, Kampala.

Mays, N. and Pope, C. (1996): Qualitative Research in Healthcare.

London, BMJ publication.

Minerva, C.C. (1994): Popularizing Research; A Manual for

Facilitating Participatory Action Research in the Community.

Centre for Community Services (CCS), Ateneo de Minerva

University, Philippine.

Mukiibi J (2001), Agriculture in Uganda, Volume one, Fountain

publishers, NARO Kampala Uganda.

xlix

Opare, S. (2007): Strengthening community-based organizations for

the challenges of rural development. Community Development

Journal 2007.

Osei, Edward (2001): The Role of CBOs in District Development: A

Case of Kwabre District, Ghana, unpublished MSc Thesis,

Department of Planning, KNUST, Kumasi.

Polit, D.F. and Beck, C.T. (2004): Nursing Research; Methods,

Appraisal and Utilization Principle (6th Ed), Philadelphia,

Lipincott.

Polit, D.F., Beck, C.T. and Hungler, B.P. (2001): Nursing

Research; Methods, Appraisal and Utilization Principle (5th Ed),

Philadelphia, Lipincott.

Kothari, C.R. (2009). Research methodology. New Delhi: New Age

International.

Rodda A. (1994): Women and Environment. Zed Books Ltd, London, UK

and New Jersey, N.Y.

Sarantakos, S. (1998): Social Research – 2nd Edition, London,

Macmillan Press Ltd.

Saunders, M. (2007): Research Methods for Business Students – 7th

Edition, Pearsan Education Ltd.

l

Todaro, M.P. (1982): Economic for a Developing World, Longman

Group, UK Ltd.

Trauger, M. G. and McFadden, S.S.H. (1990): Farms of Tomorrow.

Community supported farms, Farm Supported Communities. Kimberton,

PA: Bio-Dynamic Farming and gardening association.

Uphoff, N.T (1986): Local Institutional Development: An

Analytical Source Book with Cases, Kumarian Press, Connecticut.

World Bank Report, (1998): Agriculture and the Environment:

Perspectives on Sustainable Rural Development, Washington DC.

Mikeal (2002), El Otro Sendero. Sudamericana. ISBN 950-07-0441-2.

Retrieved 2006-12-18.

BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR FARMERS TOPIC: The Role of farmer group in Agricultural Development in

Sanga Sub County.

This research is part of a Master’s degree research project

conducted in the Department of graduate studies of Bishop Stuart

University Mbarara- Uganda. The study is based on a selected

sample in Sanga Sub County, so your participation is of a great

importance. The outcome of this study will enhance knowledge on

the role of farmer groups in agricultural development

Your participation in this study is voluntary, and all who

participate will remain anonymous. li

All information collected from you will be treated with much

confidentiality, and the results will be presented in such a way

that no individuals may be recognized.

NOTE: Please provide the correct information by ticking (v) in

the appropriate box and also fill in the blank where necessary.

SECTION 1: PERSONAL DATA FOR RESPONDENTS

1. Sex: Male Female

2. Age: Below 30

a. 31- 40

b. 41- 50

c. 51- 60

d. 61 and above

3. Level of education:

a. Never went school

b. Primary level

c. Secondary level

d. Diploma

e. Degree

f. Others, specify…………………….

4. Marital status

a. Single

b. Married

c. Divorced

d. Widowed

5. Occupation apart from farming

a. No any other occupation

lii

b. Teacher

c. Medical worker

d. Business person

e. Any other, specify………………………

6. Hold any community responsibility?

Yes No

7. If yes, which responsibility do you hold in the community?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………

8. If there is any responsibility held, for how long have you

held this position?

a. 1-5

b. 6- 10

c. 11+

SECTION B: Existence of Farmer Groups in Sanga Sub

County

9. Are you aware of any farmer group participating in agriculture

in the area?

a) Yes

b) No

10. If yes, do you belong to any farmers’ group in your area?

a. Yes

b. No

11. Which farmer group do you belong to?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………..

liii

12. If you don’t belong to any farmers’ group, what may be the

reasons for you not joining the?

1. Don’t agree 2. Not sure3. Agree 4. Strongly agree

Role played by farmer groups 4 3 2 1Low awareness about farmers’ groupsPoor attitude towards working in a group

Discrimination based on genderDiscrimination based on religionDiscrimination based on political partiesDiscrimination based on ageDiscrimination based on levels of income

Unsuccessful farmer groupsInternal conflict within farmer groups

13. How many Farmer Organisations or Groups operate in

agriculture activities in this Sub County that you know?

a. 2 – 10

b. 11 – 20

c. 21 – 30

d. 31 and above

14. What is the gender composition of your organization?

a. More males than females

b. More females than males

c. Equal number of males and females

15. Have they all been registered?

Yes No

liv

16. If no, why? ………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………

17. If yes, identify the year in which any of the farmer group

that you know was registered

a. 2001-2003

b. 2004-2007

c. 2008-2011

d. 2012 and recent

18. If no, why do you think is the reason?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

19. Which of the subsequent organizations introduced the

formation of your farmer group?

a. The government under NAADS

b. A non-governmental organization

c. A Group of farmers within the sub county

d. Other (specify) ……………………………………………………………………………

SECTION C: Roles played by farmer groups in developing

agriculture in Sanga S/county

20. Do farmer groups greatly participate in the development of

agriculture particularly in Sanga Sub County?

Yes No

lv

21. If no in the above, what may be the reasons?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………

22. If yes, state some of the roles that these farmer groups play

in the sub county?

1. Don’t agree 2. Not sure 3. Agree 4. Strongly agree

Role played by farmer groups 4 3 2 1Provide farmers with farming inputsHelp farmers to access marketing

informationCollective bargainingProvide advocacyProvide extension services to farmersHelp poor farmers to access new

agricultural technologiesHelp poor farmers to access credit and

saving servicesNetworking and CollaborationResearch and self-help initiative

Fund/resource MobilizationPut resources together for agricultural

development

23. If no, what roles do you expect from these farmer groups to

ensure agriculture development?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

lvi

24. What kind of impression do you have about the level of

performance of farmer groups in your area?

Positive Negative

25. State your reason(s)………………………………………………………………..………

…………………………………………………………………………………………….

SECTION B: Challenges that Farmer Groups faced by farmer groups

in a way of developing agriculture in Sanga Sub County

26. Do you think that farmer groups in have got some challenges

in a way of trying to develop agriculture in Sanga Sub County.

Yes No

27. If yes, what are some of the challenges faced by farmer

groups in your sub county?

1. Don’t agree 2. Not sure 3. Agree 4. Strongly agree

Challenges faced by farmer groups 4 3 2 1Poor participation of the farmersInadequate fundsInadequate landInadequate modern equipmentHigh interest rates on loansHigh illiteracy levels among farmersInadequate extension servicesPoor government policiesEmbezzlement and corruption among thegroup membersConflicts and disagreements betweenmembersDiscrimination of individualsGender inequalities created by some ofthe group members

lvii

Poor infrastructuresPoor group leadership

Section D: Suggested solutions to the challenges faced by farmer

groups

28. Suggest the solutions to some of the challenges affecting

farmer groups in a way of developing agriculture in Sanga Sub

County?

Suggested solutions to the challenges faced

by farmer groups

4 3 2 1

Government should provide incentivesInfrastructural developmentEncouraging transparency among group

membersFarmers should access credit facilitiesThere should be favourable government

policies on groupsProvision of enough extension servicesDemocratic decision making on all levels of

group developmentEnsuring gender equalityEffective leadershipAccess to informationEffective Communication between members

lviii

29. Do you have any other thing(s) to share with me that we have

not talked about it?

Yes No

30. If yes, state them. …………………………………………………………………………..

Thanks very much my dear respondent

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR LEADERS AND EXTENSION STAFF MEMBERSTOPIC: The Role of farmer group in Agricultural Development in

Sanga Sub County.

This research is part of a Master’s degree research project

conducted in the Department of graduate studies of Bishop Stuart

University Mbarara- Uganda. The study is based on a selected

sample in Sanga Sub County, so your participation is of a great

importance. The outcome of this study will enhance knowledge on

the role of farmer groups in agricultural development

lix

Your participation in this study is voluntary, and all who

participate will remain anonymous.

All information collected from you will be treated with much

confidentiality, and the results will be presented in such a way

that no individuals may be recognized.

Introduction

1. Name of the respondent (optional)…………………………………………..

2. Responsibility held in the community

…………………………………………………………..

Section 1: Existence of Farmer Groups in Sanga Sub County

3. Are there farmer groups in Sanga Sub County?

4. Mention some of the farmer groups that you in your area of

service

5. Mention organisations that foster farmer group formation in

your area

6. Mention the number of members that each group may be having

7. What is the main gender composition of most of the groups that

you have in Sanga Sub County

8. Do you have farmer groups which are registered and licensed?

9. Why do you think that some of the farmers fail to join farmer

groups in their areas?

Assessment of the farmer groups role in agriculture development

10. Do farmers groups participated in agricultural development

11. State the roles that farmer groups perform towards

agricultural development in Sanga Sub County.

lx

12. If there are not there, what do you expect from farmer

groups in order to develop agriculture in the sub county?

13. What are some of the challenges faced by farmer groups in

your sub county?

The Challenges of Farmer Groups in trying to execute their

Operations

14. Do you think that farmer groups face certain challenges in a

way of trying to execute their duties?

15. What are some of the challenges faced by farmer groups in

your sub county?

16. How can such challenges or problems can be solved to make

farmer groups effective for agricultural development

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