Using farmer groups to empower smallholder rural farmers in Hoima district, mid-western Uganda

Abstract

Farmer groups are a widespread feature in Sub-Saharan African countries, and have become particularly important in Hoima district, mid-western Uganda. Recent surveys have revealed the importance of SmallHolder Farmer Groups in Uganda as a method for generating food, income, and employment. Government and Non-Governmental Organisations have encouraged rural farmers to join SHFGs so that extension services and agricultural inputs can be easily provided. Little information currently exists about the functioning of these groups, and whether their effectiveness can be improved. Research on FGs usually concentrates on the allegation that membership to the groups empowers farmers. This study investigates empowerment and Small-Holder Farmer Groups in Hoima district so as to find out whether SHFG membership is a basis of empowerment to small-holder farmers. The findings reveal that membership in itself has a fractional contribution to empowerment, whereas access to agricultural information and markets are major sources of empowerment. Nonetheless, the contribution of membership to the SmallHolder Farmer Group is necessary seeing that it can facilitate members to obtain essential information on a number of agricultural inputs and available markets. This paper draws on recent field-based research in which the experiences of members in fifteen SHFGs were investigated. Results reveal that through decisionmaking, inter-personal action and group action, Small-Holder Farmer Groups can be a possible channel for empowerment in Hoima district. However, information remains paramount and should be taken note of.