Abstract:
Millets represent a collective term referring to a number of small-seeded annual grasses that are cultivated as grain crops, primarily on marginal lands in dry areas of temperate, subtropical and tropical regions. They are regarded as a subsistence product and generally looked upon as a famine crop for the poor. However, value addition ensures that the usage of millet is diversified and its fiscal value enhanced. This study sought to establish a framework for diversified millet value chain framework in Soroti district in order to improve its competitiveness and enhance market access of millet for the benefit of the farming. Communities in ASALs of Uganda, with Soroti district being the case study. Specifically, this study analyzed the existing millet market value chain, identified traders key marketing constraints and established the roles of different actors within the value chain in the three markets of Arapai, Lalle and Aminit. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect information from 129 market actors using a semi structured questionnaire and analysis done using descriptive statistics. Result showed that majority of the actors had a mean age between 21-50 years. Most producers (66.4%) were males while females (98%) concentrated in millet marketing activities. Empirical findings showed that, producers share of the final consumer price was 23.3% with processors having a higher margin compared to traders and producers despite their limited functions. Transport cost, police bribes, border taxes, rent and commission charges formed major components of marketing costs.
A framework for a diversified millet value chain structure. was eventually successfully developed, with a close interaction, coordination and information feedback noted to play vital roles in the millet value chain and the benefits of value adding millet noted to diversify the usage and subsequently the nutritional benefits of millets.
However, a compact framework for diversified value addition of cereals related to millet wag recommended to be studied and established, including a study to estimate and establish cost margins associated with millet value added products.
