Factors influencing contract farming among small scale sugarcane farmers in Buwaya sub-county, Mayuge district.

Abstract

Contract farming (CF) has been used extensively to integrate small scale farmers in the developed and developing countries. Participation in CF helps provide farmers with access to inputs, technical assistance, credit, and guaranteed markets, thus improving the livelihoods and welfare of smallholder. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence the participation of small-scale sugarcane farmers in contract farming in Buwaya sub-county, Mayuge district, Uganda. This study used the primary data collected from 80 small scale farmers. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine factors that influence the participation of small-scale sugarcane farmers. The study revealed that 1about twenty-eight (27.5%) of the farmers were under contract farming. Education level (primary or secondary) of the farmer, and access to a market were the factors associated with contract farming. Therefore, more efforts in education are required since majority were illiterate in this study. Access to market is an important economical factor with positive effect on contract farming and sugarcane marketing. Policy reforms that support farmers, build their capacity, improve their educational opportunities, enhance market access, and ensuring fair contract farming should be promoted. Further research could be to qualitatively understand factors affecting contract farming in sugarcane growing.