FARMER GROUPS AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN

SANGA SUB COUNTY, KIRUHURA DISTRICT

BY

NKUUHE DOUGLAS
12/BSU/HDA/012U

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

GRADUATE STUDIES AS PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS LEADING TO THE WARD OF A

MASTERS DEGREE OF BISHOP STUART

UNIVERSITY, MBARARA,

UGANDA.

APRIL, 2014

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Contents
List of acronyms.........................................................................................................................................iii
CHAPTER ONE..........................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................1
1.0 Background of the study........................................................................................................................1
1.2 The statement of the problem................................................................................................................5
1.3 Purpose of the study..............................................................................................................................6
1.4 Objectives of the study..........................................................................................................................6
1.5 Research questions................................................................................................................................6
1.6 The conceptual framework....................................................................................................................7
1.7 Scope of the study.................................................................................................................................7
1.7.1 Geographical scope.............................................................................................................................7
1.7.2 Content scope.....................................................................................................................................8
1.7.3 Time scope.........................................................................................................................................9
1.8 Significance of the study.......................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER TWO.......................................................................................................................................10
LITERATURE REVIEW..........................................................................................................................10
2.0 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................10
2.1 Different farmer groups.......................................................................................................................10
2.2 Farmer groups contribution in agricultural development.....................................................................11
2.3 Obstacles met by farmer groups during agricultural development.......................................................16
2.4 Way of overcoming challenges affecting farmer groups......................................................................18
CHAPTER THREE...................................................................................................................................19
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................................19
3.0 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................19
3.1 Research Design..................................................................................................................................19
3.2 Population............................................................................................................................................19
3.3 Sampling..............................................................................................................................................20
3.4 Data Sources........................................................................................................................................21
3.5 The Research Instrument.....................................................................................................................21
3.6 Pre-Test...............................................................................................................................................22
3.7 Questionnaire Administration and Procedure for Collecting Data for the Study.................................24

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3.8 Methods for Data Analysis..................................................................................................................25

List of acronyms
ACCORD African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes

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CASA Canadian Agricultural Safety Association

CBOs Community Based Organisations

CSA Community Supporting Agriculture

MBADIFA Mbarara District farmer’s Association

MOF Ministry of Finance

NAADS National Agricultural Advisory Services

NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations

P.M.A Plan for Modernization of Agriculture

SHG Self Help Groups

UNFFE Uganda National Farmers’ Federation

USAID United States Agency for International Development

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 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the study

Farmer groups are grassroot farmer institutions organized for a common farming interest.
A community can build strong local and national organizations and form networks that can help
in fostering agricultural development. Like the right to a share in national resource allocation and
its accountability, the right to participate in decisions that affect the farming community (e.g.
formulation of policies, design of projects and programmes and decision-making regarding
innovations and initiatives). (Trauger, M. G. et al, 1990)

The concept of farmer groups for Agricultural promotion, originally known to be Community
Supporting Agriculture (CSA), originated in the 1960s in Switzerland and Japan, where
consumers interested in safe food and farmers seeking stable markets for their crops came
together in economic partnerships. (Harper, M. 1998)

Globally, most development initiatives working through farmer groups are specifically targeting
the poorest people who have farming ambitions. For example, the World Bank funded Andhra
Pradesh District Poverty Initiatives. Project aims, amongst others, at supporting investment in
sub-projects proposed by grass-root institutions of the poor to accelerate their entry and expand
their involvement in social and economic activities. In order to reach the poor, this project used a
three- fold system of targeting: geographic targeting (selection of the poorest districts, and within
these the poorest mandals), group targeting (through formation of group-based activities for the
poor) and self-targeting (through a focus on small, technologically manageable investments that
are attractive primarily to the poor organising themselves into common interest groups). (World
Bank 2000)

Prakash and Nehru (1998) describe the initiative of the Kerala Horticulture Development
Programme that was set up in co-operation between the European Union and the Government of
Kerala in 1993. The programme builds on SHGs, which select Master Farmers who are trained
and act as facilitators. Besides horticultural crop production, the programme also assists SHGs in
processing and marketing of products. The marketing infrastructures at site level include
establishing field centres for bulking the produce from 10-15 SHGs. The concept of these centres

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envisages creating farmers' markets and benefiting from agglomeration advantages - both in
terms of sale to wholesalers and commission agents, and in terms of market information. The
programme is considered a success in bringing SHGs closer to the market.

In the 1960s, new realizations about the context of American communities (particularly the vast
social and economic underclass and the inability of the welfare bureaucracy to adequately
address the needs of the poor) influenced the orientation of community organization efforts to
deal more closely with community organizing. It was during this period that the concepts of
community organization and community organizing became more interconnected. The emphasis
on organizing, rather than organization, led to an emphasis on citizen participation and
empowerment. During the 1980s and 1990s, community organizations expanded to the point of
being referred to as movements, and the process of community organizing expanded into many
community organizations (Fisher, 2002).

The World Bank Group's Strategic Framework identifies empowering poor people to participate
in development and investing in them as one of two key pillars underpinning the World Bank's
efforts to reduce poverty. One of the major thrusts of its recent Rural Development Strategy
(World Bank, 2003) is "integrating the needs of the rural poor in national policy dialogues", a
process which must include a broad base of stakeholders, including rural producer organizations,
civil society and rural development ministries.

In Ghana, CBOs composed of rural farmers are significantly self-help voluntary action
undertaken by an individual or groups of people, who aim at the satisfaction of individual or
collective needs and aspirations (Osei, 2001). As a membership organization, farmer groups
share risks, cost and benefits among their members on equitable basis and their leadership and
managers are liable to be called to account for their stewardship. Farmer groups are generally
assumed to form part of civil society, along with NGOs, social movements and others. However,
some have the role of deciding the use of agricultural resources which belong to the community
as a whole (ACCORD evaluation, 2002). This ensures the solidarity within the group since
farmers in the community always come together to pool available resources, skills, talents and
time to support development at the local level.

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A history of policy pronouncements advocating support for farmer associations goes back to the
early years of the economic reforms. A Central Committee document Several Questions of the
Current Rural Economic Policies from January 1983 proposes that various forms of cooperative
economic organizations should be developed to meet the needs of agricultural production
(quoted in Chen, 2004, p.39). This was further elaborated in another Central Committee
document of January 1984 urging the reform of the supply and marketing cooperative system to
make them into cooperative entities owned by farmers. The document Deepening Rural Reform
issued by the Central Committee in January 1987 stated that supply and marketing cooperatives
should organize producers to establish professional production associations on the principle of
voluntary participation and set up specialized cooperatives according to the principles of
cooperative business (Chen, 2004, p.40).

In recent years, financial support has been advocated for farmer associations. In January 2003,
the Central Committee Document repeated the encouragement to actively develop farmers’
specialized cooperative organizations and in 2004 these instructions were elaborated with a call
for “finance departments at all levels to arrange special funding and support for farmers
specialized cooperative organizations”. In 2004 a State Council document was issued stating
“beginning in 2004 central and local authorities should provide financial support for Farmer
Professional Cooperative Organizations to undertake information, training, quality management
and certification and marketing services. Relevant financial bureaus should support farmer
professional cooperative organizations to establish standardized production bases, storage
facilities and processing enterprises, and to purchase transportation equipment. Finance
departments may provide reasonable low interest loans.”

In 2005, the State Council issued instructions to “Support the development of Farmer
Professional Cooperative Organizations, and to reduce or eliminate relevant fees on their
processing or transportation activities” (Zheng, 2006a). Financial support is provided by the
center. For example, in July 2006 MOF issued a “Circular on Central Financial Assistance to
Farmers’ Professional Cooperatives” in which it defines that central level financial support can
be given to larger (more than 50 household members), well-established (2 years in operation)
FPA.

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Survey results show that 84 percent of cooperatives are found in villages where local officials
had issued directives, held meetings or used both measures to promote the formation of farmer
organizations (Shen et al., 2004, p.20). The researchers suggest that two contradictory
conclusions could be drawn from their result. On the one hand, it can be taken to read that farmer
organizations are only being established as a response to government injunctions and are not
farmer-led organizations. Alternatively they suggest that the results may show that initiatives and
support from the government, or possibly some other third party are necessary to launch the
process of establishing organizations.

If the programs to be delivered are planned and designed in a top-down manner without full
consultation with the farmer, association there is a risk that the organizations will implement
programs for the sake of accessing resources rather than as a part of their own development
strategy. International experience highlights risks associated with channeling government
programs through farmer organizations, particularly the threat that it poses to their autonomy and
the risk that the organizations could become simply an arm for implementing government policy
(Münkner, 2005).

The Uganda National Farmers’ Federation (UNFFE), this is a National Farmers Organization.
Farmers who came together with different objectives but with the same common farming
problem formed it. It is an umbrella organization uniting all farmers in Uganda. It was formed to
advocate for farmers rights through making farmers to have an easy access to farming credit,
provision of extension services to grass root farmers in the country and ensuring collective
production and marketing agricultural products, poor people with the interest of farming obtain
farming subsides at no cost or cheaply. Thus, farmer groups foster agricultural development in
Uganda. (UNFFE, 2003)

According to Mbarara District farmers association (MBADIFA), most of the farmer groups are
formed on the development ground. They are based on the objectives which are pro-farmer’s
development in the area like easy bargaining power, carry out marketing research and can easily
access credit facilities. (MBADIFA, 2005)

Farmer groups were considered as a group of individual farmers, an association, co-operative or

any legal entity with a common farming interest. However, records in Sanga sub- county,

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Kiruhura districts show that there is decline in Agriculture development in the area (Sanga Sub
county NAADS report: 2007). This may be due to inappropriate and inefficient farmer groups in
the sub – county. Thus forcing the researcher need to critically assess the study problem in the
area of study.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The development of agriculture in Uganda calls for combined struggles of all participants,
including farmer groups. Though, many Ugandans have little or no knowledge about the kind of
activities that farmer groups are betrothed in besides their influence, particularly, when it comes
to agricultural development.

According to Opare (2007), despite the numerous valuable roles farmer groups and community
based organizations play in rural development, a noteworthy proportion of them are virtually
unknown in development circles. Government organizations and donors frequently assume
farmer groups exist in rural communities only. Furthermore, they have little idea of the kind of
activities farmer groups and community based organisations are betrothed in and their impact on
the livelihood of marginalized and vulnerable persons who are farmers.

In the above account, it has been shown that for Agricultural development to be achieved there is
a need for effective farmer groups and institutions. These organized groups are confident when
requesting for assistance from NGO’s and Government authorities, joint planning and experience
sharing to solve common problems and interest concerning farming and self-development. This
makes Agricultural development interesting and real.

While this is true, Agricultural Development in Sanga Sub county, Nyabushozi County in
Kiruhura district is still behind as farmers in the area still ignore farmer groups and collective
agricultural marketing strategies and these has led to low development of agriculture.

No systematic study has been done to examine role of farmer groups in Agricultural
development in this area, thus influencing the researcher to investigate the impacts of the
problem in the area of study.

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 1.3 Purpose of the study
The purpose of the study will be to investigate the role of farmer groups in Agricultural
development in Sanga Sub County, Nyabushozi in Kiruhura district.

1.4 Objectives of the study

The objectives will be;

i. To identify the farmer groups in Sanga Sub County in Nyabushozi county, Kiruhura district.
ii. To establish the farmer group contribution/roles in agricultural development in the area of
study.
iii. To analyse the challenges met by farmer groups in abid to bring about Agricultural
development in Sanga Sub county, Kiruhura district
iv. To explore ways of overcoming challenges faced by farmer groups in Sanga sub county.

1.5 Research questions

Which farmer groups that are found in Sanga Sub County that are working to bring about
agricultural development?

What are the roles of farmer groups in Agricultural development in Sanga Sub County?

What are the challenges met by farmer groups in the development of agriculture in Sanga Sub
county, Nyabushozi County in Kiruhura district?

How can the challenges faced by farmer groups in Sanga Sub County be solved?

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1.6 The conceptual framework
Provision of Inputs
 Provision of planting
seeds
 Availing agro
chemicals
 Farming equipment
Increased agri production
 High yields achieved.
 Low disease prevalence.
 Low incidences of pest
attack.
 Agricultural Value addition
 Food security
1.7 Scope of the study
1.7.1 Geographical scope
The study will be carried out in Sanga Sub County in Kiruhura district. Kiruhura district is one of
the district of Uganda that is endowed with significant natural and human resources that can be
exploited for the development of the country. The district is endowed with Agricultural, and
Economic opportunities.
FARMER GROUPS
Collective prodn &marketing Advisory services Financial services
 Access to agric marketing  Farmer-farmer  Mobilise saving.
information extension.  Access to credit
 Advocacy facilities
 Collective bargaining  Access to new
agricultural
technologies
High income gained Better methods of Increase in investment in
agricultural production agriculture
 Ease in marketing of
Increased adoption of  Farmers buy agricultural
agricultural produce
agric technologies inputs
 There is share of profits
Better mtds of farming  Infrastructural
and losses as a group. development
learnt
 Improved livelihood of
High production in terms
farmers
of yields
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
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The district is located approximately 62 kilometres (39 mi), by road, northeast of Mbarara town,
the largest city in the sub-region which also lies approximately 245 kilometres (152 mi), by road,
southwest of Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and the largest city in that country. The
coordinates of the kiruhura district are: 00 12 36S, 30 49 48E (Latitude:-0.2100; Longitude:
30.8300).

The 2002 national census estimated the population of Kiruhura District to be 212,200, with an
estimated annual growth rate of 3%. It is estimated that the population of the district in 2010
was about 268,800.

Sanga Sub County has eight parishes but five of them are always mentioned under Lake. Mburo
National park and less agriculture to take place in these parishes. Therefore, the study will
concentrate on the three parishes Namely; Nombe I, Nombe II, and Rwabarata mainly because
there are many permanent and settled farmers in those mentioned parishes unlike the parishes
under Mburo which is dominated by pastoralists who are just encroaching on the land of the
national park

The sub county has a climate that is conducive for agricultural activities. For example, the region
experiences two rainy seasons though the area always suffer with the problem of prolonged
drought in the months between may to late August. During the period of drought, the area suffers
a problem of inadequate water supply for animals and crop production.

1.7.2 Content scope

This study will be rotating on roles of farmer groups in Agricultural development. In this
phenomenon the researcher will investigate about different farmer groups in the area of study
and their contributions in Agricultural development and will to assess the challenges met by
farmer groups in trying to exercise their role and contributions.

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1.7.3 Time scope
The study will consider a period of fourteen years that is from 2000-2014 as this is the period
when very many farmer groups came into existence at grass root with the coming of National
Agricultural and Advisory Services (NAADS). This will help the researcher to get articulate
information that can easily be compared with the field data to study the variables at length.

1.8 Significance of the study

In the first instance, if this research project is successfully completed, farmers in sanga sub
county will be able clearly understand the roles played by farmer groups in agricultural
development particularly farmers who don’t belong to any group. The research will also
strengthen farmers groups whose members will be involved in this study, to clearly understand
their roles in in agricultural development.

The study will also help the district leaders (local government official) to know the significant
roles played by farmer groups in trying to develop agriculture. Again this research will assist
them in to how to use farmer group to eradicate problems affecting most farmers in Kiruhura
District
1) Agricultural stake holders, planners and policy makers will be;
i) Assisted to realize the impact of farmer groups in Agricultural development and the area of
study and suggest possible solutions to the problems.
ii) It will encourage the agricultural stake holders and policy makers in formulating of
appropriate policies, technologies and training, which will ensure full knowledge of Agriculture
development to farmers groups, these will be use full for fore casting and planning purposes.
2) NGO’s and GO’s will be;

Assisted to come up with policies, views, measures or solutions that will enable farmer groups to
contribute significantly towards the agricultural development, since it is the major contributor to
Uganda’s Economy

3) Researchers and scholars.

Future researchers who might be interested in a related topic will be assisted by providing them
with a relevant literature about the study problem.

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 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction
This chapter shows the related literature on different farmer groups, roles of farmer groups to
agricultural development, challenges met by farmer groups and solutions to challenges faced by
farmer groups which different authors published.

2.1 Different farmer groups.

According to Mukiibi (2001), the introduction of agricultural programmes likes NAADS by an
act of parliament in 2001 has led more than 600 farmer groups have benefited in this program
since inception with over 300,000 farmer house hold already benefiting by that time. Farmer
groups are considered as a group of individual farmers, an association or any legal entity with a
common farming interest. It is gathering people for a purpose.

It is a collection of individuals who are interacting to realize a specific objective leading to the
achievement of goals. These individuals collaborate with one another. They are aware
psychologically and socially through linked interests and objectives. They require status roles
and values to maintain the group to achieve goals. Groups can be categorized into;
Economic or commercial oriented groups.
Social groups.
Political groups.
This is a comprehensive view of farmer groups on which this study will be based.

However, in the field study, the researcher will try to realize whether there is record available
showing the available farmer groups in Sanga sub-county.

Therefore, the researcher will carry out this study to establish first and fore-most, the available
farmer groups in the area of study.

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association was established in 1993 in response to an

identified need for a national farm safety networking and coordinating agency to address
problems of illness, injuries and accidental death in farmers, their families and agricultural
workers. Since then, CASA has worked to improve the health and safety conditions of those who

xiv
live and work on Canadian farms. CASA is funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s
Renewal Chapter and has applied for similar support under the federal government’s Growing
Forward program for 2009–2013. In the past, CASA acted as facilitator and enabler. For
instance, in 2007-08, CASA extended $637,365 to 20 organizations for 24 farm safety projects,
directly reaching more than 376,000 producers across Canada. In the future, CASA will operate
as a national health and safety initiator and service provider. Canada’s agricultural industry is
one of the top three most hazardous industries in which to work .And yet, farmers themselves
believe their safety habits are better than fair. Farm Credit Canada recently conducted a national
survey to determine farmer’s attitudes toward safety. The final report is a self-assessment of how
farmers visualize their safety performance. They gave themselves

According to Gung- Ho (2005), the establishment of the modern China in 1949, most parts of
China practiced subsistence agriculture with little marketable surplus. The need for farmers to
organize themselves was limited (Chen, 2004, p.31). However, farmer organizations were not
unknown, albeit for security and self-defense rather than economic purposes. Thaxton (1997)
writes about farmer organizations on the north China plain during the war of resistance against
Japan, and crop watching associations in Hebei have been recorded from the early 1900's (Duara,
1988 pp.198-204).

Although overall coverage is still low, a significant number of farmer associations have already
been developed in China. It is estimated that about 3 percent of all farm households were at least
nominally members of a farmer association in 2003. A large percentage of farmer associations
have been created since the beginning of the decade, and the share of households organized in
farmer associations has increased since 2003. Nevertheless, not all farmer associations function
well and the total figures are still very small compared to almost any other country in the world.
This suggests substantial potential for the future. At the same time, significant challenges have to
be overcome when developing new forms of economic organization in China's vast rural areas.
(Achim Fock and Tim Zachernuk, 2006)

2.2 Farmer groups contribution in agricultural development.

NAADS report (2003) commissioned by the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (P.M.A)
revealed that, there was a dramatic improvement in average yields as a result of farmers adopting

xv
new technologies accessed under NAADS. The findings also indicate that the program is both
cost effective and much more efficient then previous system of providing agricultural extension.

According to Mugumya (2006), farmer groups are very essential to the present situation in
Ugandan’s Agricultural development.
He mentioned that farmer groups are important in the following ways;
Bargaining power. Individual weaknesses are overcome.
Teamwork. People come together for a common goal.
Group request is likely to be processed faster.
Pooling of resources. Individual resources which are usually smaller are pulled together to form
big pool which can support large-scale production.
Group guarantee. A big security for securing a loan from money lending institutions when in a
group.

Farmer groups, as components of civil society organizations, are well spring of social capital
which society voluntarily organizes for a common purpose. They are formed on ethnic, religious,
social, economic and gender basis and serve as potent forces for rural development. Their
strength lies in their ability to mobilize people for communal labour and educational
programmes. Farmer groups can aid in sustaining the progress of agricultural development if
those in agricultural sector avoid duplication of efforts which sometimes overshadow the
resources, both human and financial, in the communities. There is therefore the need for a
strategy to coordinate their activities and build their capacities in managerial, advocacy,
organizational, networking and technology. (Abbott J. C., 1990)

Farmer groups are significantly self-help voluntary action undertaken by an individual or groups
of people, who aim at the satisfaction of individual or collective needs and aspirations (Osei,
2001). As a membership organization, CBOs share risks, cost and benefits among their members
on equitable basis and their leadership and managers are liable to be called to account for their
stewardship. CBOs are generally assumed to form part of civil society, along with NGOs, social
movements and others. However, some have the role of deciding the use of resources which
belong to the community as a whole (ACCORD evaluation, 2002). This ensures the solidarity

xvi
within CBOs since the community residents always come together to pool available resources,
skills, talents and time to support development at the local level.

In Kabale for example, farmer groups associated with Africa 2000 Network (A2000N) appear to
be relevant and of better quality because they started by addressing issues of vegetable
production for household food security which had been a problem to housewives. By helping
farming households to establish backyard vegetable gardens as sources of green vegetables
traditionally used in the preparation of soups to accompany main meals, households found
A2000N relevant to their situations and show a lot of loyalty to the groups associated with
A2000N and its activities. Another qualitative factor associated with the popularity of A200N
groups in Kabale is the introduction of improved hygiene practices involving hanging water
containers and soap near latrines for washing hands after visiting the latrine. This practice is also
associated with using local materials like ashes to disinfect latrines to reduce smell and disease
transmission. The two practices were in some cases praised by the beneficiaries as pre-requisite
for agricultural development.

In a recent review of farmer groups supported by different organizations,

DENIVA has established the following to be among the major reasons/objectives for starting
farmer groups:
To access support from donors and NAADS.
To access training in improved husbandry practices.
To pull resources together and address their challenges.
To address food security issues.
To help one another in case of need (such as sicknesses, burial ceremonies and school fees
requirements).
To carry out collective procurement of inputs and marketing of produce.
Moral uprightness (for youth farmer groups)
To ease work for groups that carry out communal cultivation
To lend money in ‘circles’ or as the case of need may rise with members
To make monthly savings

xvii
One needs to understand the reasons/objectives for the formation of a particular group in order to
render it assistance. It also seems that the quality of farmer groups is associated with the
founding reasons for the group. Groups founded on clumsy reasons like accessing money from

NAADS or by local politicians as stepping stones for political advancement, do not get firmly
established and end up not achieving tangible results. The quality of a group highly depends on
the relevancy of the group’s objectives to its members and the ability of the group to assert itself
in the service of its members, especially through active participation in policy formulation and
demanding from government its due share of the resources for investment and development
budgets. Farmers are interested in institutions that can help them solve their current problems,
which may include poverty, poor agricultural practices, improved social capital (cohesion),
school fees and cultural ceremonies like burials.

According to, achim fock at al.2006, Farmer associations have been identified as vehicles to
push forward technical, economic or institutional changes. Farmer associations are potentially
valuable partners, particularly when they are structured around sub-sectors (vegetables, meat,
fishing, etc.). The new paradigm in agricultural services (research, extension, and agricultural
and rural advisory services) is to align them with what their “clients” want. It is therefore
important that the “clients” be able to express themselves, make them understand and hold the
agents accountable to them.

To address problems such as the shortage of capital and equipment, farmers organized together
into mutual-aid groups, agricultural cooperatives, and “advanced agricultural collectives” (RAF,
2004, p.49). In these organizations ownership of land and capital belonged to the individual
households while production and marketing were coordinated. However, these organizations
were overwhelmed by the collectivization drive of the late 1950's, and subsequently subsumed
into the people's communes. During the period of the collective economy their status as farmer-
owned and operated organizations was lost. They came to be considered simply as another
branch of government in which decision making, both as agricultural production units and
providers of social services, was highly centralized and hierarchical.

When surveyed about the benefits of farmer associations the top four priorities mentioned by
both members and non-members were technical training and adoption of new technologies;

xviii
timely market information; advisory service to members; and advice on how to use inputs (RAF
2004, tables 4-19 and 5-25). When asked about technical training received in the previous year
319 respondents reported participating in training sessions organized by farmer associations,
while only 32 reported receiving training from other sources (RAF, 2004, tables 4-49 and 4-51).

By acting collectively, farmers can capture some of the benefits available from economies of
scale, enhance their bargaining power with dragonhead enterprises and integrate themselves
more closely into supply chains. However, when enterprises themselves provide the motivating
force behind the organization of farmers, as in the “enterprise plus association plus farmer”
model, there are likely to be conflicts of interest between producers and enterprises. The primary
concern of the private companies is ensuring a consistent and regular supply of quality products.
The creation of producer organizations, which meet the demands of the market and serve the
interests of small farmers as owners, is the most challenging of the options for achieving
economies of scale. (World Bank, 2006)

Fund Mobilization. The process by which community members‟ resources (here, capital and
land) are made available for joint activities, referred to as fund mobilization. To raise and
increase resources available for development is to ensure proper resource management by
keeping track of funds via genuine accountability and record keeping. Esman and Uphoff (1984)
established that local institution capability of resource mobilization is highly correlated with their
overall performance. CBOs‟ capacity to mobilize and manage local resources is associated
directly with their ability to raise and attract foreign resources for their activities.

The need for farmer organizations varies with different types of farmer. In areas practicing self-
subsistence production the biggest requirement is for technical information and services such as
purchasing inputs and veterinary service. As the degree of commercialization, increases there
will be a greater need for market information, joint marketing services and perhaps basic
processing of agricultural products. Those parts of the country with the highest degree of
commercialization would be expected to require the most sophisticated support services,
including timely advice on market prices and the most current technical advice. The more basic
services required by subsistence farmers are, to a certain extent, provided by existing
government systems, while the ability of existing systems to satisfy the demands of the highly
commercialized farmers is much weaker. This hierarchy of needs corresponds to survey findings
xix
that the level of farmer association activity is strongly related to the proximity of markets (Shen
et al., 2004).

The most important aspect of any organization is its ability to network or collaborate with other
organizations to achieve a common goal. Networking (both internally and externally) and
collaboration are therefore more effective and efficient modes of operation among farmer groups
than competition and conflict. Esman and Uphoff (1984) postulate that if a smaller base of
effective operation is feasible, then vertical structural linkage at regional and national level is a
desirable feature. These linkages, therefore, facilitate both vertical and horizontal flow of
resource, aids and information.

2.3 Obstacles met by farmer groups during agricultural development.

Although the agricultural sector is the back borne of Uganda’s’ economy and the greatest
employer of the most of the country’s population (over 70% of population), little has been done
by the government to invest much in this sector. Funding has remained very low.

This questions the claim that PMA are key priorities to the government. This has been a great
challenge to the farmer groups in implementation of their programs

Generally, farmer groups have low revenues because individual members have been the main
source of capital and other resources (Arrossi, 1994). As rural communities tend to have low
incomes, it presupposes that farmer groups‟ revenues generated by membership dues will be
inadequate relative to the range of relevant activities they would want to engage in. In situations
where assistance is given on condition of counterpart contribution, most farmer groups are
unable to meet their commitment. This weak financial base and sustainability result in the
inability of farmer groups to implement their objectives to the fullest and this normally leads to
the collapse of organizations in a short time.

Farmer groups have weak links with external development organizations, such as NGOs, except
where the latter are engaged in development activities in the communities where these groups are
located (Rodda, 1994).
Johnston and Clark (1982) established that vertical linkages are preferable for effective provision
of certain services including agricultural extension, education and health. For effective and

xx
vertical flow of information, therefore, resources and support leading to efficient performance of
farmer groups do not exist in isolation from their higher organs and the government. Rather, they
are inextricably intertwined.

The failure by farmer groups’ leadership to be accountable can result in internal conflict,
withdrawal of loyalty, low member commitment to organizational goals, poor participation of
farmers and general suspicions that affect the development of any group, association or
organization. Conversely, those organizations where there is member and community
accountability generally score high marks on issues of legitimacy (Grady, 2005).

According to USAID in Africa Success Stories, farmer groups lack a detailed structure of these
meetings have given participants unlimited freedom to voice their opinions. But it also has
caused problems of inefficiencies. There have been records of participants getting off the topic
during meetings. Scholars have warned about the lack of structure and what it would mean in a
long run for the extension program. The allocation of the financial resources has also caused a
significant amount of problems against the development and frequent usage of the method. In the
early 2000's, the Kenyan Government has made a tremendous decrease in funds for these
approaches. Since private sectors have taken up the role of providing resources for these farmer
groups. However, since these funds come in as investments for these farmers, less profitable
areas and rural areas have not gotten the same about of attention or resources. NGOs and local
NPOs have tried to provide for these less profitable districts in Kenya but their resources are also
limited.

Farmers lack a history and culture of working together in self-managed cooperatives. Prior to the
establishment of the modern China in 1949 most parts of China practiced subsistence agriculture
with little marketable surplus. The need for farmers to organize themselves was limited (Chen,
2004). However, farmer organizations were unknown, albeit for security and self-defense rather
than economic purposes. Thaxton (1997) writes about farmer organizations on the north China
plain during the war of resistance against Japan, and crop watching associations in Hebei have
been recorded from the early 1900's (Duara, 1988 pp.198-204).

xxi
2.4 Way of overcoming challenges affecting farmer groups
Through education and training the requisite knowledge and skills needed to perform specific
function(s) are acquired. “Knowledge is critical for development because everything we do
depends on knowledge” (World Bank Report, 1998). Good leadership has long been recognized
as one of the critical elements in the effective functioning of community organizations (Kaplan,
1996: 89, 93). Their organizing capabilities and ability to propose new initiatives that eventually
are embraced by the entire community and transformed into community self-help projects are
essential elements for promoting rural infrastructural development. Narayan noted that effective
leadership could propel CBOs into initiating local action, but emphasized managerial leadership
as being critical for the transformation of CBOs into „self-managing organizations‟ (Narayan,
1998).
Leadership skills can be built up in a number of ways by external agencies. One of them is
training. Development-oriented agencies that work in rural communities must endeavour to
include group leaders in various training programmes organized for government officials and
NGO staff. Friedman and Ammasari noted that knowledge transfer is one of the key strategies
for the „strengthening of community organizations‟ (Friedman and Ammassari, 1999: 7).

Training farmer group leaders in project management, basic planning skills, gender-sensitive
planning and related subject areas would expand their appreciation of the challenges of rural
development. Practical opportunities for building leadership, such as exchange schemes and
study visits, could provide leaders with field exposure and strategies used by better performing
community organizations to improve upon their operations. Owens noted that despite the
traditionally strong and cohesive state of the Gambian village women's group, the kafos, „they
lack the skills to effectively mobilize and manage community level resources for development‟
(Owens, 1993: 241).

Accountability and transparency should be built into the management styles of CBO leaders.
Based on the experience of farmers' organizations in rural communities in Gal Oya area in Sri
Lanka, Norman Uphoff recommends the selection of community leadership by consensus and
the preparation of specific terms of reference for them as strategies for making them accountable
(Uphoff, 1994: 216).

xxii
 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction
This chapter shows the research design to be employed, study population, sampling techniques,
data sources and research instruments.

3.1 Research Design

Bryman (1992) maintains that qualitative studies are those involved with the investigation of
experiences, events, actions, norms and values from the perspective of those being studied.
In view of this, the researcher will intend to use of qualitative description within the explanatory
pattern which according to Polit and Beck (2004) makes an assumption that reality is multiple
and subjective, and mentally constructed by individuals. Descriptive research design which,
according to Gay (2009), involves collecting data in order to answer research questions
concerning the current status of the subject of the study will be appropriate because the
researcher will make use of the data collected to answer the questions raised in this study.
The research will make widespread use of literature review on the role of Farmer groups in
agricultural development. Furthermore, questionnaires and interviews will also be used as the
major exploratory tools in gathering the opinions on the concerns raised in this study.

The study will employ triangulation of data gathering which Polit and Beck (2004) refer to as the
use of a diversity of selection approaches or numerous data sources. Data will be gathered from
Local council leaders, members of the farmer groups and agricultural extension service providers
as key informants through semi- structured and closed ended questionnaire. Focused group
discussions were also used to solicit information from members of the selected CBOs as a means
of cross-validating the data obtained via the use of the questionnaire. These tools will be used
because of the constraint of time and other financial resources.

3.2 Population
According to (Gupta, Shashi, & Rangi, Praneet, 2010) study population is a study of a group of
individuals taken from the general population who share a common characteristic. Farmers in
indulgence of agricultural development will be targeted for the study. These will include farmers

xxiii
who belong farmer groups and farmers who don’t belong to any group. This will be done
because farmers in groups will provide the researcher with factual information about their groups
and how they are bringing about agricultural development. Farmers who don’t belong to any
group will be considered because; they will enlighten the researcher about the some of the
reasons why they don’t join farmer groups and their challenges in trying to foster agricultural
development.

3.3 Sampling
Polit et al (2001) propose that sample size in qualitative studies tends to be small because the
strategies as well as methods for data collection and analysis are very time consuming, and the
amount of data collection can be considerable. Minerva (1994) also argues that to ensure the
representativeness of a homogeneous population in a research, a sample size of 50% is desirous.

The sample size for the study will be 160 respondents. This will include the leaders of local
councils and agricultural extension staff members (6 local council leader and 4 agricultural
extension staff members) who will be purposively as agricultural development as stakeholders to
enlighten the research about the contributions of farmer groups towards agricultural
development. Then 150 respondents who are farmers will also be selected for the study because
they are the people who are actively involved in agriculture. The researcher will go ahead and
breakdown 150 respondents who are farmers by choosing 50 respondents from each of the three
parishes of Sanga sub county.

Respondent Number percentage Method to be Sampling method

Category selected used To be used
Farmers 150 93.75% Questionnaire Random sampling
Extension workers 4 2.5% Interview guide Purposive
sampling
Local council leaders 6 3.75% Interview guide Purposive
sampling
Total 160 100

xxiv
3.4 Data Sources
Data for the study will be obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Under primary
source, emphasis will be put on the collection of data directly from field surveys via the
administration of questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions.

3.4.1 Primary data.

Doel & Chris (2002) defined primary sources of data as sources of original information that has never
existed before. The primary data will be collected from farmers and local council leaders of Sanga sub
county and extension works. The primary data will provide reliable and accurate first-hand
information relevant to the study about the roles of farmer groups in relation to agricultural
development.

3.4.2 Secondary data

Doel & Chris (2002) defined secondary sources of data as those ones from the published and
documented sources that may aid in providing answers to the research problem and they will include
documents comprising research works, textbooks, magazines, journals, newspapers, office
records/statistics and the internet. The aim of the collection of secondary data will be to gather
essential information to guide the conduct of the study in order to confirm or reject the primary
data.

3.5 Data collection methods

The researcher will use questionnaire, key informants interview guide as well as focused group
discussion for data collection.

3.5.1 Questionnaires
Questionnaire on the hand, according to Saunders (2007), is used for explanatory research which
will enable the study to examine and explain relationships between variables in particular cause-
and-effect relationships. The use of questionnaire will be therefore perceived to be effective for
the literate proportion of the sample, and time saving too. Questionnaires will be researcher
administered to farmers who have the capacity of interpreting the questions during the survey.
Questionnaires will be composed of structured and semi-structured in nature with both open and
close-ended questions. The questionnaires will be delivered at the respondents’ place of work
and will be collected at appointed time by the researcher. Before the actual handing in of the

xxv
questionnaires, the researcher will get into contact with his respondents and inform them about
the day the researcher will bring the questionnaires and when to collect them.

3.5.2 Direct Observation method

Mikeal (2002) defines the observation method as a method of data collection in which the
situation of interest is watched and the relevant facts, actions and behaviors are recorded. The
researcher will be used an observation checklist that consisted of several aspects that the
researcher would wish to observe. Direct observation will be used to acquire nonverbal
information that will be important in justifying the controversial circumstances. This method will
be used to verify whether that data provided in the questionnaires and interviews will be correct
and valid. Some of the possible data that will be observed include the physical activities that
farmer groups have done in Sanga Sub County.

3.5.3 Interview method

According to (Kothari, C.R. 2009) Interview is the verbal conversation between two people with
the objective of collecting relevant information for the purpose of research. The interviewer in
one-to-one conversation collects detailed personal information from individuals using oral
questions. The interview will be used widely to supplement and extend our knowledge about
individual (s) thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Interviewing will be done with the help of an
interview guide. This will be when the researcher will physically communicate with the respondents
with a purpose of obtaining information for this survey. This will be used to capture data from the
local council leaders and extension workers. Because much detailed information will be needed
from this category of respondents. While interviewing probing will be used in cases where
respondents will give inadequate answers or where confused meanings will be given to the
question.

The use of these instruments will be necessitated by sampling procedures that will be employed.
For instance, Polite et al (2001) established that interviews, especially face-to-face one, appear to
have much strength in collecting data since the response rate normally tends to be high.
Again, May and Pope (1996) postulate that many people, for example the blind and the elderly,
find it difficult to fill out a questionnaire. Interview, therefore, will be the best instrument
because it will provide opportunities for probing, for explaining complex statements and for the

xxvi
clarification of questions and responses, especially during the focused group discussion since the
literacy level of the members of the farmer groups is anticipated to be relatively low.

3.6 Data Quality control

Key indicators of the quality of a measuring instrument are the reliability and validity of the
measures. The process of developing and validating an instrument will in large part be focused
on reducing error in the measurement process. Reliability estimates evaluate the stability of
measures, internal consistency of measurement instruments, and interpreter reliability of
instrument scores. Validity is the extent to which the interpretations of the results of a test will be
warranted, which depends on the particular use the test is intended to serve. Several issues may
affect the accuracy of data collected, such as those related to self-report and secondary data
sources.
3.6.1 Validity of instruments
Validity refers to the extent to which a method of data collection presents what it is supposed to do, or
the extent to which a method of data collection measures what it is supposed to measure (Amin, 2005,
Bell, 1997). This preliminary study will be done such that the researcher to make all the necessary
corrections to the errors and distortions identified in the questionnaire. Thus, the suitability
ensuring valid tools in the survey.

3.6.2 Reliability of instruments

Reliability is the extent to which a test or procedure of data collection yields similar results under
constant conditions on all occasions (Bell, 1997). According to Bell there are several devices for
checking reliability in scales and tests such as pre- test, alternative forms methods or the split half
method. As she recommends, reliability of this study’s instruments will be ascertained by pre-testing
and re-testing the questionnaires and interview guide in the field. The researcher will establish the
reliability of the questionnaire by using pre-testing. The researcher will give questionnaire to the same
groups of respondents for re-testing.

3.6.2.1 Pre-Test
According to Sarantakos (1998), Pre-test gives the researcher an opportunity to rehearsal
research in real situation and familiarize themselves with the research instrument prior to the
main study. To ensure the reliability and validity of the research instrument and methods
employed for the work, a pre-test study will be carried out.

xxvii
This preliminary study will enable the researcher to make all the necessary corrections to the
errors identified in the questionnaire. Therefore, the appropriateness of the questionnaire and
methods adopted for the study will be revealed at this stage, ensuring reliability.

3.7 Data collection procedures

3.7.1 Questionnaire Administration and Procedure for Collecting Data for the Study
The researcher will be availed with an introductory letter from Bishop Stuart University, Department of
agriculture to be presented to local authorities, who, in turn, will introduce the researcher to the relevant
people who will assist the researcher to get access to the staff list from which the sampling frame will be
drawn, community members and local leaders.
In the administration of the questionnaire and interview schedules, the researcher will create an
understanding with the respondents, guarantee them of concealment and clarify to them the
purpose of the study. This approach will enable the researcher to get the extreme collaboration of
his respondents.
The questionnaires and interviews will be administered by the researcher at the places of the
various respondents. During the survey, the researcher will carefully read and explain the content
of the interview guide to the respondents and record answers on a separate sheet of paper.

3.7.2 Ethical issues

Considering their willingness to take part in the study, respondents will be informed about the purpose of
the research and any other information that is required by them before being interviewed. This will also
be stated clearly on the front page of the questionnaire.

3.7.3 Confidentiality
The researcher will inform the respondents that the information given is entirely for academic purposes
only and not for any other purpose and will be kept confidential.

3.7.4 Data management

Data collected will be edited and coded. It will be edited to ensure the flow of questions and coded to
assign members forward so as to drive statistical meaning of data. In this case the data will be presented
in the tables showing the frequencies and percentages.

xxviii
3.8 Methods for Data Analysis
According to (Mays and Pope, 1996) analysis of data is a process of inspecting, cleaning,
transforming, and modeling data with the goal of highlighting useful information, suggesting
conclusions, and supporting decision making. Data analysis has multiple facets and approaches,
encompassing diverse techniques under a variety of names, in different business, science, and
social science domains. Therefore, data from the study will be analyzed in order to present the
findings as information. This will be done using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Qualitatively, findings from the field will be coded together to generate tallies and frequencies.
Therefore, related findings will help the researcher to form themes and sub-themes. Thereafter,
the statistics acquired from tallies and frequencies will be used to analyze data, Statistical
packages for Social scientists (SPSS) will help in editing the study findings and presenting it in
form of tables and percentages to quantify the corresponding statistics.

xxix
OBSERVATION CHECKLIST.
OBSERVER’S NAME

Date of observation

Location

Tasks to be observed during the survey YES/NO COMMENT

i. Existence of farmer groups

ii. Roles played by farmer groups in

agricultural development

iii. Challenges met by farmer groups

iv. Remedies for challenges

Observer’s signature

WORK PLAN
No. ACTIVITY TIME

xxx
1 Submission of the Proposal May- 2014

2 Field work – data collection June- 2014

3 Report work – data analysis, editing and July- 2014

compiling

4 Submission of final report Aug - 2014

5 Viva Aug – 2014

xxxi
PROPOSED BUDGET
Particulars Items Cost Total Amounts in UGX
1.Lunch for 3 enumerators 5 times 4000 20,000
Accommodation for 4 3 nights 20000*3=6000 180000
people 0

2. Pens Half dozen 2,400 2,400

3.Ruled/ Duplicating Paper 4 reams 8000 32000

Sub- Total 234,400

Transport
Transport to various field. 4days 50000* 4days 200,000
For enumerators and the
research)

Sub Total 200,000

Photo copying & Binding

Printing of 200 500 @ page 300,000

questionnaires
Printing copies for marking 15000 @copy 60,000
Printing final copies 4 copies for final 20,000 80,000
research
Binding 4 copies for report 80,000
Sub-Total 520,000

Data Support Services

1 laptop 1,200,000 1,200,000

3enumerators/research 60,000*3days*3peopl 540,000

assistant’s for 3days e
Sub total 1,060,000

Grand Total 3,214,400

REFERENCES

xxxii
Abbott J. C., (1990): Agricultural Economics and Marketing in the Tropics, Longman Scientific
and Technical Group, U.K.

African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes evaluation (ACCORD): 2002, vol 1.

Arrossi S. (1994): Funding Community Initiatives, Earthscan Publications, London, UK.

Bryman, A. (1992): Quatity and Quality in Social Research, London, Rout Ledge.

Gay, I. R. (2009): Educational Research, Competences for Analysis and Applications.

Grady H. (2005): Opportunities for the UN and civil society to collaborate more effectively.
Development in Practice
Gupta, Shashi., & Rangi, Praneet. (2010). Social science Research Methods. New Delhi: Kalyani
Publishers.

Harper, M. (1998) why are commercial banks not entering the micro-finance market? Paper
produced as consultant to SDC, October 1998.
http://www.alternativefinance.org.uk/cgi-bin/summary.pl?id=32&language=E

MAAIF (2000), plan for modernization of agriculture, Fountain publishers, Kampala.

Mays, N. and Pope, C. (1996): Qualitative Research in Healthcare. London, BMJ publication.

Minerva, C.C. (1994): Popularizing Research; A Manual for Facilitating Participatory Action
Research in the Community. Centre for Community Services (CCS), Ateneo de Minerva
University, Philippine.

Mukiibi J (2001), Agriculture in Uganda, Volume one, Fountain publishers, NARO Kampala
Uganda.

xxxiii
Opare, S. (2007): Strengthening community-based organizations for the challenges of rural
development. Community Development Journal 2007.

Osei, Edward (2001): The Role of CBOs in District Development: A Case of Kwabre District,
Ghana, unpublished MSc Thesis, Department of Planning, KNUST, Kumasi.

Polit, D.F. and Beck, C.T. (2004): Nursing Research; Methods, Appraisal and Utilization
Principle (6th Ed), Philadelphia, Lipincott.

Polit, D.F., Beck, C.T. and Hungler, B.P. (2001): Nursing Research; Methods, Appraisal and
Utilization Principle (5th Ed), Philadelphia, Lipincott.
Kothari, C.R. (2009). Research methodology. New Delhi: New Age International.

Rodda A. (1994): Women and Environment. Zed Books Ltd, London, UK and New Jersey, N.Y.

Sarantakos, S. (1998): Social Research – 2nd Edition, London, Macmillan Press Ltd.

Saunders, M. (2007): Research Methods for Business Students – 7 th Edition, Pearsan Education
Ltd.

Todaro, M.P. (1982): Economic for a Developing World, Longman Group, UK Ltd.

Trauger, M. G. and McFadden, S.S.H. (1990): Farms of Tomorrow. Community supported

farms, Farm Supported Communities. Kimberton, PA: Bio-Dynamic Farming and gardening
association.

Uphoff, N.T (1986): Local Institutional Development: An Analytical Source Book with Cases,
Kumarian Press, Connecticut.

World Bank Report, (1998): Agriculture and the Environment: Perspectives on Sustainable Rural
Development, Washington DC.

Mikeal (2002), El Otro Sendero. Sudamericana. ISBN 950-07-0441-2. Retrieved 2006-12-18.

xxxiv
 BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR FARMERS
TOPIC: The Role of farmer group in Agricultural Development in Sanga Sub County.
This research is part of a Master’s degree research project conducted in the Department of
graduate studies of Bishop Stuart University Mbarara- Uganda. The study is based on a selected
sample in Sanga Sub County, so your participation is of a great importance. The outcome of this
study will enhance knowledge on the role of farmer groups in agricultural development
Your participation in this study is voluntary, and all who participate will remain anonymous.
All information collected from you will be treated with much confidentiality, and the results will
be presented in such a way that no individuals may be recognized.
NOTE: Please provide the correct information by ticking (v) in the appropriate box and
also fill in the blank where necessary.
SECTION 1: PERSONAL DATA FOR RESPONDENTS
1. Sex: Male Female

2. Age: Below 30
a. 31- 40
b. 41- 50
c. 51- 60
d. 61 and above
3. Level of education:
a. Never went school
b. Primary level
c. Secondary level
d. Diploma
e. Degree
f. Others, specify…………………….
4. Marital status
a. Single
b. Married
c. Divorced
d. Widowed

xxxv
5. Occupation apart from farming
a. No any other occupation
b. Teacher
c. Medical worker
d. Business person
e. Any other, specify………………………
6. Hold any community responsibility?
Yes No
7. If yes, which responsibility do you hold in the community?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
8. If there is any responsibility held, for how long have you held this position?
a. 1-5
b. 6- 10
c. 11+
SECTION B: Existence of Farmer Groups in Sanga Sub County
9. Are you aware of any farmer group participating in agriculture in the area?
a) Yes
b) No
10. If yes, do you belong to any farmers’ group in your area?
a. Yes
b. No
11. Which farmer group do you belong to?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
12. If you don’t belong to any farmers’ group, what may be the reasons for you not joining the?
1. Don’t agree 2. Not sure3. Agree 4. Strongly agree
Role played by farmer groups 4 3 2 1
Low awareness about farmers’ groups
Poor attitude towards working in a group
Discrimination based on gender

xxxvi
Discrimination based on religion
Discrimination based on political parties
Discrimination based on age
Discrimination based on levels of income
Unsuccessful farmer groups
Internal conflict within farmer groups

13. How many Farmer Organisations or Groups operate in agriculture activities in this Sub
County that you know?
a. 2 – 10
b. 11 – 20
c. 21 – 30
d. 31 and above

14. What is the gender composition of your organization?

a. More males than females
b. More females than males
c. Equal number of males and females

15. Have they all been registered?

Yes No
16. If no, why? ………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
17. If yes, identify the year in which any of the farmer group that you know was registered
a. 2001-2003
b. 2004-2007
c. 2008-2011
d. 2012 and recent

xxxvii
18. If no, why do you think is the reason?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………
19. Which of the subsequent organizations introduced the formation of your farmer group?
a. The government under NAADS
b. A non-governmental organization
c. A Group of farmers within the sub county
d. Other (specify) ……………………………………………………………………………

SECTION C: Roles played by farmer groups in developing agriculture in Sanga S/county

20. Do farmer groups greatly participate in the development of agriculture particularly in Sanga
Sub County?
Yes No
21. If no in the above, what may be the reasons?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
22. If yes, state some of the roles that these farmer groups play in the sub county?
1. Don’t agree 2. Not sure 3. Agree 4. Strongly agree
Role played by farmer groups 4 3 2 1
Provide farmers with farming inputs
Help farmers to access marketing information
Collective bargaining
Provide advocacy
Provide extension services to farmers
Help poor farmers to access new agricultural technologies
Help poor farmers to access credit and saving services
Networking and Collaboration
Research and self-help initiative
Fund/resource Mobilization
Put resources together for agricultural development

xxxviii
23. If no, what roles do you expect from these farmer groups to ensure agriculture development?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
24. What kind of impression do you have about the level of performance of farmer groups in
your area?
Positive Negative
25. State your reason(s)………………………………………………………………..………
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
SECTION B: Challenges that Farmer Groups faced by farmer groups in a way of
developing agriculture in Sanga Sub County
26. Do you think that farmer groups in have got some challenges in a way of trying to develop
agriculture in Sanga Sub County.
Yes No

xxxix
27. If yes, what are some of the challenges faced by farmer groups in your sub county?
1. Don’t agree 2. Not sure 3. Agree 4. Strongly agree
Challenges faced by farmer groups 4 3 2 1
Poor participation of the farmers
Inadequate funds
Inadequate land
Inadequate modern equipment
High interest rates on loans
High illiteracy levels among farmers
Inadequate extension services
Poor government policies
Embezzlement and corruption among the group members
Conflicts and disagreements between members
Discrimination of individuals
Gender inequalities created by some of the group members
Poor infrastructures
Poor group leadership

Section D: Suggested solutions to the challenges faced by farmer groups

28. Suggest the solutions to some of the challenges affecting farmer groups in a way of
developing agriculture in Sanga Sub County?
Suggested solutions to the challenges faced by farmer groups 4 3 2 1
Government should provide incentives
Infrastructural development
Encouraging transparency among group members
Farmers should access credit facilities
There should be favourable government policies on groups
Provision of enough extension services
Democratic decision making on all levels of group development
Ensuring gender equality
Effective leadership

xl
Access to information
Effective Communication between members
29. Do you have any other thing(s) to share with me that we have not talked about it?
Yes No
30. If yes, state them. …………………………………………………………………………..

Thanks very much my dear respondent

INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR LEADERS AND EXTENSION STAFF MEMBERS

TOPIC: The Role of farmer group in Agricultural Development in Sanga Sub County.
This research is part of a Master’s degree research project conducted in the Department of
graduate studies of Bishop Stuart University Mbarara- Uganda. The study is based on a selected
sample in Sanga Sub County, so your participation is of a great importance. The outcome of this
study will enhance knowledge on the role of farmer groups in agricultural development
Your participation in this study is voluntary, and all who participate will remain anonymous.
All information collected from you will be treated with much confidentiality, and the results will
be presented in such a way that no individuals may be recognized.
Introduction
1. Name of the respondent (optional)…………………………………………..
2. Responsibility held in the community
…………………………………………………………..

xli
Section 1: Existence of Farmer Groups in Sanga Sub County
3. Are there farmer groups in Sanga Sub County?
4. Mention some of the farmer groups that you in your area of service
5. Mention organisations that foster farmer group formation in your area
6. Mention the number of members that each group may be having
7. What is the main gender composition of most of the groups that you have in Sanga Sub
County
8. Do you have farmer groups which are registered and licensed?
9. Why do you think that some of the farmers fail to join farmer groups in their areas?
Assessment of the farmer groups role in agriculture development
10. Do farmers groups participated in agricultural development
11. State the roles that farmer groups perform towards agricultural development in Sanga Sub
County.
12. If there are not there, what do you expect from farmer groups in order to develop agriculture
in the sub county?
13. What are some of the challenges faced by farmer groups in your sub county?

The Challenges of Farmer Groups in trying to execute their Operations

14. Do you think that farmer groups face certain challenges in a way of trying to execute their
duties?
15. What are some of the challenges faced by farmer groups in your sub county?
16. How can such challenges or problems can be solved to make farmer groups effective for
agricultural development

xlii
xliii