Impact of households’ membership of farmer groups on the adoption of agricultural technologies in Uganda: Evidence from the Uganda Census of Agriculture 2008/09

ABSTRACT

This study examines the impact of the adoption of agricultural technologies by households that are members of farmers’ groups using the Uganda Census of Agriculture (UCA) of 2008/09. It employs the two-step control function approach to impact evaluation. Results show plausible evidence of the positive impact of households’ membership of farmers’ groups on the adoption of improved technologies, particularly in the adoption of techniques such as making use of improved seeds, organic fertilizer and improved livestock breeds. However, for farmers to start making use of inorganic fertilizer, the impact is insignificant unless the farmer decides to use both organic and inorganic fertilizers simultaneously. Farmer group participation and household retention in groups in Uganda should thus be encouraged and should be used as an avenue for the dissemination of agricultural technologies in Uganda.

Keywords:

• farmer groups
• household membership
• technology adoption
• Uganda

Jel classification:

• Q01
• Q16