Effect of sorghum price fluctuations on the livelihood of smallholder farmers in olio sub-county, Serere district.

Abstract

This research study was about the Effects of Sorghum price fluctuations on the livelihood of smallholder farmers in Olio Sub-County, Serere District. Small scale farmers in this district have been cultivating sorghum over years for both household consumption and sale. Sorghum (sorghum bicolor) is a cereal of Poaceae grass family native to Northeastern Africa and was first cultivated from 3700 to 4000 years ago. Sorghum had high yields in recent years within the study area but prices for sorghum were fluctuating so much that the farmers were unable to achieve their investment decisions. Farmers in Olio sub-county Serere district, who grow sorghum are faced with a similar challenge of price fluctuation which has a negative effect on their incomes and livelihoods. Sorghum is regarded as a food security crop given its ability to withstand dry weather conditions. The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of Sorghum price fluctuations on the livelihood of smallholder farmers in Olio Sub-County, Serere District. It was aimed at generating recommendations to boost sorghum prices among smallholder farmers. The specific objectives were as follows; to determine the economic importance of sorghum in Olio Sub-County; To investigate the causes of sorghum price fluctuations in Olio Sub-County; To find out the influence of sorghum price fluctuations on farmers’ investment decisions in Olio Sub-County, Serere District. A qualitative cross-sectional survey was used to gather data from 80 respondents. A random sampling technique was used where 80 respondents were selected to participate in the study within five parishes in Olio Sub County, Serere District. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social scientists and results presented in tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents with 32.5% approved that high supply of sorghum in the market is the main perceived cause of prices fluctuation. In addition, table 7 shows that 34.9% of the respondents got average income of between 105,000-150,000Shs per acre, per season after sale of sorghum. Basing on the findings, the study recommends that small household farmers should be educated on value addition of their produce so as to get additional income.