Contribution of sugarcane growing to the livelihood of the out growers in Busoga Region :

Abstract

This study was about the contribution of sugarcane growing to the livelihood of the out growers in Busoga Region. The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between sugarcane growing and livelihood of the, out growers. The objectives of the study were to explore the various benefits out growers attain from Sugar cane growing establish the proportion of land out- growers allocate to sugarcane growing, identify the commodity that Can be- grown together with sugarcanes there by yielding maximum output, and suggest recommendations that will enhance crop production and sugar cane growing to maximize output. The study used descriptive research designs, qualitative and quantitative were used to gather data in order to establish the relationship between the variables under study. Data were collected from a sample of 65 out growers. We used self-administered questionnaires with open and dosed ended questions were the main instruments for data collection, Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software to generate frequencies, percentages in order to establish the relationship between sugarcane growing and the livelihoods of the out-growers in the study area. Findings indicate through sugarcane growing, the Kakira sugar company provides various benefits to 59% of out growers through the different- projects. 56% of the out growers allocate less than five acres of their land for sugarcane growing and they were growing crops alongside sugarcane growing. The study recommends special attention he directed towards the dynamics of sugar production, marketing and sales. This calls for urgent attention to issues such as access to farm inputs, crop husbandry, harvesting and transporting techniques. Fair sale of farmers’ produce is important and efforts must be made to, rectify unfair practices such as faulty weighing systems losses during off loading, loss of tonnage while awaiting cutting and processing all of which contribute to losses of benefits on the side of farmers. For instance-on farm weighing of sugarcane and seed quality control can reduce losses to the farmers and ensure that other losses such as spillage during transportation by the cane haulers lire incurred by the, companies.