2022

ESTABLISHMENT OF MINT CULTIVATION ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE LIVELIHOODS
OF RURAL WOMEN

FEASIBILITY STUDY TO CULTIVATE MINT THROUGH WOMEN OUT-

GROWER SCHEMES IN MUBENDE AND RAKAI DISTRICTS.

RELIEF PARTNERS UGANDA (RPU)

 FEASIBILITY STUDY TO CULTIVATE MINT THROUGH WOMEN OUT-GROWER SCHEMES IN MUBENDE AND RAKAI
DISTRICTS.

ESTABLISHMENT OF MINT BASED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO IMPROVE

THE LIVELIHOODS OF RURAL WOMEN.

FEASIBILITY STUDY TO CULTIVATE MINT THROUGH WOMEN OUT-GROWER SCHEMES

IN MUBENDE AND RAKAI DISTRICTS.

SUBMITTED TO:
MUSIMEMTA DEOGRACEOUS

PROGRAM TEAM:
Kabogere Joseph
PREPARED BY Team leader-Relief Partners Uganda
Kabogere joseph Ssaazi Andrew
Executive director
M&E Officer-Relief Partners Uganda
Relief Partners Uganda
Akandwanaho Andrew
Tel: +256 752 666 043
jkabogere@reliefpartnersug.org Programs Director-Relief Partners Uganda
jozejozedvs@gmail.com Kirabo Jane
Liaison Officer-Relief Partners Uganda

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 FEASIBILITY STUDY TO CULTIVATE MINT THROUGH WOMEN OUT-GROWER SCHEMES IN MUBENDE AND RAKAI
DISTRICTS.

Executive Summary
Mint cultivation in Uganda is comprised of an assortment of actors including smallholder
farmers, agro-input dealers, researchers, individual herb dealers, and processors. There
is strong Government and international willingness to support and organize the mint
value chain which is presently in its infancy. The mint sector is characterized by urban
and rural farmers, with small plots committed to herbs. Mint is cultivated and managed
at the household level by both male and female farmers, with substantial evidence of
cooperation regarding decisions on production, marketing, and utilization of mint
products.
Besides supplying inputs like seeds, seedlings, rhizomes and fertilizers, some agro-input
dealers are also involved in purchasing mint and other herbs from the farmers, hence
are key agents in the promotion of the herbs industry in Uganda. Downstream the mint
value chains are several companies and personalities, in the trade of mint and promotion
of products. The main sources of seedlings are mint dealers like PROF BIORESEARCH in
Kampala, seed companies, and other inputs supplied by agro-input dealers. The on-farm
productivity of mint is generally low which is far below the attainable yields in African
countries like Kenya and Zambia. However, if farmers follow the recommended
agronomic practices, they have the potential of obtaining mint revenue worth USD 876m
worth of annual exports.
About 95% of the harvested mint is sold, 5% is for consumption. The utilization of mint
as spice or condiment is very minimal in Uganda. The crop can be processed into various
mint-based products such as mint oil, mint powder, mint dry leaves, and mint extract.
Smallholder mint production is inadequate to meet the demand for raw materials by
companies both local and international. Hence, processors have to source raw materials
from farmers within Uganda but also import 90% of required mint from neighboring
countries, especially Kenya or import ready mint oil from India and Pakistan. The
potential of the mint sector is based on the fact that both mint productivity and
processing capacity are low, yet the import bill for mint and other herb products is high.
Increased investment to create a strong base for the mint value chain is thus necessary
to:
I. Create new employment opportunities for the rural women of Uganda.
II. Increase the productivity of smallholder mint farmers
III. Reduce the amount of money spent on herbs imports, by encouraging local
production and supporting local processors
IV. Recruit more farmers to meet the supply deficit experienced by the processing
companies and reduce imported products.
V. Improve the nutrition of the Ugandan population by increasing the per capita
consumption of mint and other healthy herbs.

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Investing in mint cultivation will be a profitable venture for rural women in Mubende and
Rakai districts. This is reflected by the positive Net Present Value (NPV) and Return on
investment (ROI) that is greater than one. A high (35%) Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is
capable of sufficiently buffering the investment from negative effects of interest rate
variability. In addition, benefits accrue after a relatively short time (about 01 months
from planting yet mint is a perennial plant) hence impact of the project will be quick.
Further, the project is well cushioned from the exchange rate volatility, thus remaining
viable.
Other social benefits that make the project relevant include
I. High research standards in Uganda compared to that of its neighboring countries.
II. High number of businesses that spring up valued at USD 1,196,950.
III. Human capacity development valued at USD 506,250.
IV. Employment for 115,400 farmers, 25,000 casual laborers in the area.
V. High synergies that result from intercropping and the extra effort in extension
services associated with the agriculture projects.
Therefore, critical areas that require attention to improve the mint value chain in Uganda
are;
I. Poor input access and use of fertilizers, rhizobia, and pesticides. Government
should support farmers to increase input use
II. Supply of disease-resistant, early maturing, and high yielding varieties
III. Investment in human resources specific for herbs development
IV. Invest and lay a plan for the long-term herbs breeding program in the country.
V. Support herbs extension program, especially in ensuring timely supply of seed,
early planting, and general advice on best agronomic practices
VI. Support the recruitment of new farmers to increase the supplies in the country.
VII. Support the initiation and development of herbs resource centers for value chain
development
VIII. Fund the promotion of the local consumption of mint products, especially mint
teas.

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 FEASIBILITY STUDY TO CULTIVATE MINT THROUGH WOMEN OUT-GROWER SCHEMES IN MUBENDE AND RAKAI
DISTRICTS.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The agricultural sector remains at the center of Uganda’s development programs and is
recognized as the engine of growth that will drive poverty reduction in Uganda and
improve living standards for her people. The sector accounts for about 85% of
employment and 80% of foreign earnings. It contributes around 38 % to the National
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it stands out as one of the most strategic sectors to
Uganda’s development (USAID. 2009).

1.1.1 Mint

The Cambridge dictionary shines a bright light on mint, according to it, Mint means
an “extremely large amount of money.” Your Dictionary, defines Mint as an abundant
amount, especially of money. The profitability margins in the mint business is solely the
reason the popular plant is much related to money.

However, nature presents Mint as an herbal plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family,
which contains around 15 to 20 plant species, including peppermint and spearmint. It is
a popular herb that people can use fresh or dried in many dishes and infusions.
Manufacturers of toothpaste, gum, candy, and beauty products often use mint oil. Using
fresh mint and other herbs as spices in cooking can help a person add flavor while
reducing their sodium and sugar intake. Mint is used in Teas, Beverages, Jellies and
perfumes, Candies, Ice creams, Medicines, Syrups, Toothpaste. It has a wide variety of
Nutritional benefits, a 2-tablespoon serving or 3.2 grams (g) of fresh peppermint
provides 2.24 calories, 0.12 g of protein, 0.48 g of carbohydrates, 0.03 g of fat, 0.26 g
of fiber. Mint also contains trace amounts of Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium,
Phosphorus, Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin A. The medicinal importances of mint are many but
not known for example,

 Mint leaves are good for digestion  Regular use of mint is beneficial to
 Mint is a good remedy for nausea asthma patients
and head ache  Mint oil helps breast feeding women

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 Mint aroma helps in reducing  Mint helps in weight loss

depression and stress  Mint prevents allergies and hay fever
 Mint juice is useful for skin care and  Mint helps inn treating and managing
eradication of pimples cancer
 Mint reduces memory loss
Mint occupies a premier position as a world spice/medicinal herb because of its high and
virtually unrivaled, nutritional content and also is a rich source of high-quality multi-
purpose oil. It is one crop that can considerably boost the economic and nutritional
status of individuals and or communities involved in its production and utilization. Mint
produces the highest amount of oil and protein per unit area as compared to other
herbs. Mint can be harvested monthly i.e. four times in a traditional season, Mint is
rarely attacked by pests since it’s a natural pest repellant, Local and international market
overwhelms demand for mint products, it grows up to 4 to 5 inches only, Mint is a
perennial crop, it can last for 05 years. More so, mint can be used in different forms i.e.
mint leaves, mint powder, mint oil, mint extracts. The leaves of mint plants produce
several essential oils, the key component of which is menthol. These essential oils are
used in a range of applications, from food flavorings to cosmetics and personal care
products such as toothpaste and shower gel. Pineapple mint species also contain
nepetalactone, which is a potent natural insect repellent. The market for mint oil-based
products has a value of around $800m a year. The above aspects make mint an ideal
crop for the eradication of ultra-poverty in rural Uganda.

In Kenya, the adoption of mint has had a clear positive impact on household the socio-
economic status of rural communities by enhancing the income of both men and
women. Introduced by Community based organisations, the rural populace can now
bank 200,000ksh equivalent to 6,000,000ugx monthly. It is a competitive raw material
for a wide range of foods and feeds in the mushrooming processing industries in East
Africa. Currently, the main constraints to mint production in Uganda include poor
germplasm leading to lack of improved varieties suitable for the country, poor soil
fertility, climatic variability, pests and diseases, poor farmers’ accessibility to quality
seedlings, negative attitude of farmers towards mint growing and limited skills of best
agronomic practices. Investment into the mint value chain can transform and enhance
the profitability and incomes of smallholders due to the existing competitive and
insatiable local as well as regional market demand for mint products.

1.1.2 Mint enterprise in Uganda

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There is a limited number of studies done on mint in Uganda, the most important being
studies by prof. Bioresearch (equatorial mall building). Scanty literature is also obtained
from several mint grower farmers and herb dealers. The studies that have been
reviewed and found to support the findings of this feasibility study are indicated both in
the text and in the reference sections of this document. Mint is mostly grown for home
consumption and income. However, production objectives differ depending on the
farmer and location. For example, in Kayunga district some farmers grow mint for
commercial purposes, in Kampala and Wakiso, mint is mainly grown at home for
domestic consumption.

Currently, the government of Uganda is undertaking some interventions in the mint sub-
sector, and in 2019, In conjunction with Ugandan partners, Cardiff University
researchers combined scientific research with engagement, training, and
commercialization activities, to support local Ugandan communities to grow mint crops,
to develop new mint-oil products for local commercial benefit. “Given the large
commercial value of mint oil extracts, we are confident that wide-scale cultivation of mint crops
in Uganda could prove a viable resource for globally competitive production of mint essential
oils,” explained the project lead, Dr. Simon Scofield, from Cardiff University School of
Biosciences. He added, “With the help of a grant from BBSRC, and in partnership with
Makerere University (Uganda), we are looking to develop new mint varieties that can be
cultivated in rural Uganda to produce high yields of essential oils containing menthol or
nepetalactone. These oils can then be used to develop locally-made products for the benefit of the
rural Ugandans.”

However, this collaborative study which will run until 2023 identified several constraints
to the mint production in rural Uganda as follows:

I. Lack of financial means to purchase inputs (for resource-poor farmers)

II. Scarcity of inputs such as chemical fertilizers and certified seeds in the localities
(for resource-rich farmers)
III. Climatic changes
IV. Poor farmers attitude
V. Lack of knowledge on mint

1.2 Rationale for this study

This study is a response to the efforts by Relief Partners Uganda to encourage mint
production for the following reasons.
I. To provide rural women with a continuous monthly income

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II. To ensure that there is enough raw material to support the herb and food
industry, and thus reduce the reliance on importation of both raw herbs and
herb products, especially mint.
III. To support the medicinal processing industries in the country, which in turn
provide revenue to the country and create employment for the people
IV. To export mint to other countries thus earning revenue

Since very limited studies have been done on mint production in Uganda. There is thus a
knowledge gap as regards production, marketing, and utilization of mint, including
investment in research in fields of agronomy, breeding, and related disciplines. The need
to fill this knowledge gap and development of the herbs sector in Uganda is the reason
this feasibility study was done. This study provides evidence on the current status of
mint in Uganda, projects the contribution of herbs production to the National herbs
exports, and increases mint production and productivity for the sustainable market in
terms of financial, human resource, infrastructural and organizational requirements.

2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Selection of respondents

The actors in the mint cultivation were traced from the major herb-growing regions of
the country. Five enumerators were hired and trained to collect data, two supervisors,
and one agriculture official enabled enumerators to obtain data from the eligible
respondents, while one supervisor checked and ensured that the data collected was
complete and consistent. The discussions below detail the methodology followed to
sample each category of respondents. Mint farmers were purposively sampled from
villages, districts, and sectors that are major herb producers. Three sub-counties;
Kasambya sub-county, Kagamba sub-county, and Kasambya town council were therefore
sampled. At each level of purposive sampling, the relevant Government agriculture
officials aided the sampling exercise.

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Enumerator with household-head and spouse in their farm in Kigishu LC 1 Enumerator with female farmer in her vegetable field in Butuuti LC
1

The number of farmers sampled in each of the administrative units depended on the
number of herb cultivators (Probability proportional to size sampling). This sampling was
used because of the difficulty in establishing how many farmers were willing to grow
mint. Following this sampling procedure, 19 farmers were sampled from the Kasambya
sub-county while 42 farmers and 35 farmers were sampled from Kigando sub-county
and Kasambya town council, respectively. 3 sub counties Frequency: Butuuti LC 1 19
Nshengwe LC 1 17, Kibale LC 1 20, kigishu LC1 14, kirangira LC 1 22, Ikula LC 1 19
Kituntu 16 totaling to 127.

Table 1: Sub-counties and villages where women-farmers were sampled

S/no Sub-county Village Frequency
1 Kasambya Butuuti 19
2 Kigando Ikula 19
3 Kasambya town council kigishu 14
4 Kakyera kirangira 22
5 Kagamba subcounty Kituntu 16
6 Kiyuni Nshengwe 17
7 Kibale Kibale 20
Total 127

2.2 Focus group discussions

Women farmers were engaged in Focus group discussions. Focus groups discussions
were held to strengthen the evidence of the responses from the individual farmer
interviews and to find a wide range of responses into the production and utilization
aspects at the community
level. The focus group
discussions involved the
smallholder farmers who
had not participated in
answering the
structured questionnaires.
The focus group
discussions involved small
groups, comprising of 8-
15 farmers, to have a

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more controlled, all-inclusive, and efficient discussion. The group was as much as a
possible balance between both male and female farmers.

Focused Group meeting at Nalusomba LC 1 in Kasambya sub county. Women were happy with mint and
more are willing to adopt mint cultivation.

The discussions had one moderator while another enumerator took notes of the
discussions. The moderator ensured that every person participated. In total, four focus
group discussions were held in the different sub-counties, which involved 40 farmers in
total.

Herb exporters, sellers, and agro-dealers Snowball sampling technique (one respondent
providing names of the next respondent) was used to sample agro-input dealers and
other herb traders. This was used because the population of these traders/ agro-dealers
buyers could not be established before the actual study. Snowball sampling was
important because the traders linked the research team to other traders in the chain.
Traders were also sampled, the traders were also obtained through the contacts
provided by the processing companies, mint farmers in other districts, and consumers. A
structured questionnaire was used to interview the agro-dealers and traders.

We had a zoom consultative meeting with a popular herb dealer in Uganda-Nyanzi Julius
popularly known as PROF BIORESEARCH (Omukenkufu Nyanzi Julius). He explained the
nitty-gritties of the mint herb, its varieties, planting, profitability and its worth in
improving the socio-economic status of people involved in mint production, he further
referred us to other stake holders in the mint sub sector.

The information obtained included the day-to-day running of their activities, availability
of inputs, supply and demand of their products, and the Strength, Weakness,
Opportunity, and Threats (SWOT) the actors face. Government officials and agriculture
officers, Key informant interviews were used to collecting information from agriculture
officials, district officials. In total, 5 Key informant interviews were held. The research
team also attended mint stakeholder workshops organised by PROF BIORESEARCH. In
these stakeholder workshops, general information about the sector was obtained. The
team also interacted with the key stakeholders whose contribution and experience have

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been incorporated in this report. The results of this report were presented in a herbs
stakeholders workshop to validate the findings.

The data collected was entered in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). It was
analyzed using STATA. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data to discover
important themes in the discussions. Microsoft Excel was used to run the balance sheets
which informed the possible extent of the returns from an investment of the project.
Descriptive statistics were used to generate means, frequencies, and proportions on
various indicators. Where necessary, a comparative analysis was done to compare
among the variables. This analysis was important in providing evidence in the main
areas that the feasibility study focused on, i.e. the value chain description, demand and
supply of mint, the financial feasibility of the project.

3.0 Market feasibility

3.1 Demand Analysis
3.1.1 Fresh Mint demand by the processing companies
This study established that there was a high demand for mint products in Uganda. Not
only is the demand in Uganda big, but in the surrounding countries as well, which opens
opportunities for the export market. The international demand for mint is also
overwhelming. Other indicators of high demand of mint and mint products, according to
the study findings is reflected in information provided by PROF BIORESEARCH, one of
the leading processing company in Uganda, that the company meets only 25% of the
local demand for raw mint.

This study established that the consumers perceive the mint oil produced by the Uganda
companies to be of better quality. As a result, the price of mint oil produced in Uganda is
approximately 20% higher than the oil from Kenya. In one of the interviews with the
mint oil consumer, the respondent had this to say “I prefer the mint oil from PROF
BIORESEARCH, it is really very good. Another one preferred mint dry leaves from local
down town herb dealers over mint from herb importers like carrefour. The problem is that
imported mint supplied by carrefour is expensive. Only the rich can afford it”. Despite the
effort to promote the mint production among farmers in Uganda, neighboring countries
were willing to offer mint at 20% lower prices than that within Uganda. This discouraged
the companies from investing in the locally produced mint, when Uganda and
Democratic Republic of Congo can supply the mint at low prices.

The companies accepted and bulked the several varieties from different sources during
processing. Whereas the processing industries were aware that the different varieties

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compromise quality aspects and brand identity because of the differences in protein, and
oil content of the different varieties. This study established that it was not possible to
obtain enough quantities and quality of a single variety to support the industries.

3.2 Target market

The international market in Europe, Asia, America and Arab countries claims a large
share of the target market due to increased consumption of mint products. This on a
scale of 100, it claims 65% because herbal use in foods, refreshments and beverages is
a custom. Local processors claim 25% of the market, local supermarkets have the
capacity to sell 10% of the produce while domestic consumers share 5% of the target
market.

3.3 Market competition

There is a possibility of facing competition from Kenyan mint importers. However, their
products are quite expensive considering the importation fees, this loophole is an avenue
for local fresh mint to dominate local market. The same applies to imported mint oil and
dry leaves from India, these mint products however, are common in supermarkets like
Shoprite and capital shoppers traded by carrefour which does not exhaust the great
demand for mint products since a greater population does not shop from supermarkets.
We are looking at availing mint products to the local drug shops, hospitals and shops to
break competition.

3.4 Distribution channel

Agro-input dealers also double as farm output buyers, hence are very critical in the value
chain. Farmers may produce mint individually or may be organized in groups. Agro-input
dealers purchase mint from farmers and sell 60% of it to processing companies, but
local traders and farmer groups can also sell directly to these companies. After value
addition, processing companies distribute their products through supermarkets or retail
shops. Institutional support in the production and marketing functions of mint value
chain will be largely work of Relief Partners Uganda.

Input supply Production Trade and value addition Utilization

Relief Partners Individual farmers Relief Partners

Uganda Uganda
Farmer groups Retail shops

Supermarkets consumers
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Export markets
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Mint processors

4.0 Financial feasibility

4.1 Startup cost

We have planned to start with two hectares. The land is readily available, farm
equipment like hoes, spades, sprayers, protective gadgets, among others are availed by
the organisation, cash at hand necessitates 20,000USD, inclusive of fixed and variable
costs

4.2 Source of funds

We have and are still applying for grants; we are looking for investors as well and we
are thinking of applying for agricultural loans.

4.3 Revenue and profitability

Per square meter of mint weighs 1.5kgs to 2kgs, one acre of land has 4,047 square
meters. If we consider 1.5 kgs per square meter, 4047 square meters *1.5kgs
=6071kgs. The global price of mint leaves is 2 dollars (7,400UGX) per kg indicating that
6 tons *2 dollars =6,563.24 USD which is 24,284,000 UGX per harvest per acre.
Therefore, 10 acres can make 65,632.04USD which is 242, 840,000UGX monthly
holding other factors constant.

5. Operational feasibility
5.1 Labor requirements
To cultivate two hectares, a total of 40 women are required. Good enough, they are
readily available, we train them because we have trainers ready, there is not much
technical knowledge required to run facilities because all the tools to be used are local.

5.1 Inputs
A total of 20,000 seedlings are required, 40 hoes, 40 spades, 05 pangas, 40 knives 16

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sprayers and pescides.

6. SWOT Analysis
The analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of mint
cultivation in Mubende and Rakai was done, to identify aspects in the value chain that
need to be

i) Upheld (Strengthened),
ii) Exploited (Opportunities),
iii) Improved (Weaknesses), and
iv) Avoided (threats)

Strength and weaknesses are internal while opportunities and threats are external.
Nevertheless, several factors act in a combination to influence the cultivation of mint.

Strength

Government commitment to improve
productivity and market for mint.
 Willingness of the rural women farmers to
cultivate mint over traditional crops
 Established network of agro-dealers, who
in addition of supplying inputs provide the
agricultural information
 Strong agricultural extension system in
place
 Well-developed road network
 Trained and committed project team
 Increased support from stakeholders like
Cardiff University School of Biosciences
Opportunities
 Huge market for mint and mint products
locally and internationally.
 Private sector investment in mint in
Uganda and in the region.
 Increasing value of mint for both home
industrial use
Weaknesses
 Mint research and development program
is critically understaffed
 Poor yields due to lack of knowledge, Internal a
improved seeds and agronomic practices
 Very weak mint breeding program
 Lack of synergy between the actors,
especially the processing farms and the
farmers
 Inadequate supply of improved seeds to
farmers
 Inadequate raw mint for processing firms
 Low consumption of mint in Uganda
Threats
External a
 Availability and supply of mint from the
neighboring countries at a price relatively
cheaper
 Mint diseases
 Rainfall variations

Positive Negative

7. Observations

Growing mint, for commercial purposes is feasible and more profitable. Cultivation of
this medicinal crop is possible at the household level for part time farmers. Higher
quantities of essential oil could be extracted from mint plants.

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Direct employment will be created through:

(a) Recruiting non-farmers into farming;

(b) Self -employment, through starting of own mint businesses

(c) Employing others to support the businesses started

It is envisaged that employment opportunities will arise from; the businesses that will
emerge and the extra number of workers that the program and other processors will
add to the current low work force. Cumulatively, in 05 years, about 2000 jobs will be
created.

7.1 Social value

Social benefits include: improvement in social welfare of mint farmers and the
trickledown effect associated with efficiency gains from the mint industry and reduction
of imports of mint products.

8. Conclusions

From the analysis of the mint value chain in Uganda, the following conclusions were
drawn;

Mint is grown in a few districts in the Central region districts. Yet, even in those districts,
mint is not well adopted but is rather limited to a few homes within a district. This
implies that more effort is needed to expand production in other areas.

Mint is predominantly grown by smallholder farmers. The study did not find large
commercial mint farmers. These farmers make decisions to distribute the limited land to
mint and other crops, particularly maize and beans. Therefore, location-specific rotations
that allow alternating the crops in the limited land are appropriate for increasing mint
production. This finding also implies that acreages under mint can be expanded by
rather attracting new farmers.

The value chain is controlled by the Government, through support to both farmers and
agro-dealers. This is done to jumpstart the sector and nurture best practices.

Weather changes, poor attitude, and ignorance stand out as the most important mint
production constraints, which can be addressed by establishing resistance breeding
programs, which have proved successful in other countries like, Kenya, India and
Pakistan. Rainfall shortages can also be addressed through use of solar irrigation
mechanisms.

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9. Acknowledgements

We thank PROF BIORESEARCH for his deep insights into this study, we as well thank
his technical Staff. I would be very unrealistic if I don’t recognize the YouTube channel
of Kilimo na biashara for the useful information. Makerere Department of Food Sciences
was crucial in compilation of this analysis, we thank the district and sub-county
agriculture officers, Ministry of agriculture, the communities from which we obtained
people’s perception among many more.

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