High Value Crops and Their Role in Financing the Needs of Smallholder Farming Households in Central Uganda

Main Article Content

Stephen Lwasa
Timothy Mugenyi
Johnny Mugisha
Dick Sserunkuuma

Abstrakt
In Central Uganda, farmers are investing in high value crops, such as hot pepper (Capsicum annum), French beans (Phaseolus spp.), and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) to meet household needs. Based on data from 273 adopters, this study identified priority household needs, assessed profitability of the crops, and evaluated the extent to which the crops address household objectives. School fees emerged as the foremost priority, followed by, among others, trade investment, liquidity, land acquisition, and healthcare. A gross margin analysis confirmed profitability, with French beans yielding the highest, (US$ 1,003 ha⁻¹), followed by hot pepper (US$ 816 ha⁻¹) and okra (US$ 783 ha⁻¹). Despite contributing about one-third of household income, production of these crops remains constrained by small land parcels (0.03–0.10 ha), high input costs, and limited advisory services, meaning only school fees were fully met. The findings highlight the need for interventions that strengthen market access, stabilise prices, and enhance productivity through irrigation, fertilisers, mechanisation, and improved varieties. Linking agricultural income to education financing is critical, while extension services, climate-smart practices, crop insurance, and public–private partnerships can reduce risks and improve access to inputs. Scaling up production and diversifying activities will enable households to meet a broader range of needs.

Article Details

Jak cytować
Lwasa, S., Mugenyi, T., Mugisha, J., & Sserunkuuma, D. (2026). High Value Crops and Their Role in Financing the Needs of Smallholder Farming Households in Central Uganda. Zeszyty Naukowe SGGW W Warszawie - Problemy Rolnictwa Światowego, 26(1), 18–34. https://doi.org/10.22630/PRS.2026.26.1.2
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