Determinants of maize price among smallholder farmers in Akura sub county Alebtong district

Abstract

Following its rapid global spread, maize has emerged as the leading staple cereal crop worldwide. However, comprehensive data on price determinants in Uganda remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the key factors influencing maize prices among smallholder farmers in Akura Sub County, Alebtong District. The specific objectives were based on describing the socio-economic characteristics. Analysing factors influencing maize price and identifying constraints associated with maize marketing. The study was conducted using randomly and convenience sampling technique to select 137 respondents selected from the study area. To accomplish the study's objectives, descriptive statistical methods were employed. The analytical tools used to achieve the stated objectives were Descriptive statistics and Multiple Linear regression model using IBM SPSS version 20. The descriptive study revealed that the majority were males, the majority had no access to credit facilities, the majority had no extension training, the majority had primary education and the majority were youth. The result of the regression analysis for the factors influencing of maize price showed that; household income, market distance and storage practices were statistically significant, implying that they have effect on the price. While marketing experience was not significant. However, on the constraints associated with the maize marketing; price fluctuation was ranked first and was the major constraint, followed by poor infrastructure like road and high cost of transport. It is therefore recommended that the government put more effort to support agriculture to increase productivity of maize.