This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID’s 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project titles: R8274: Improvement of maize marketing through adoption of improved post-harvest technologies and farmer group storage: a case study of Kiboga and Apac districts and R8498: Analysis of promotion and uptake pathways for CPH research.
Smallholders can find a way out of poverty by increasing the competitiveness of their produce and strengthening public–private sector partnerships. In Uganda, although liberalisation of grain marketing systems empowered maize farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices, they were not prepared to reap the benefits of this reform. Their heavy reliance on traditional practices of handling and storage meant that their produce was poor in quality and their output was low. Today, farmers have improved market access by using appropriate post-harvest technologies and they are producing large volumes and sustainable supplies of high-quality produce. The public sector has helped to catalyse linkages between the private sector, smallholders, agricultural advisors and NGOs to create strategic coalition partnerships. Furthermore, in the 63 pilot districts where the strategy was tested with maize, farmers have been able to apply it to many other crops.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (7 pp.) taken from the CD.