How do modern varieties and seed systems affect the challenges faced by Ugandan smallholders?

Heaton, Matthew (2024) How do modern varieties and seed systems affect the challenges faced by Ugandan smallholders? Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

Preview

PDF Download (11MB) | Preview

Abstract

Institutions across Africa encourage the introduction of new farming technologies. These varieties, inputs and practices are posed to bring greater yields and improved resilience to deliver food security and economic growth, despite climate change and rising demand. Such technologies aim to not only change productivity, but also the nature of agriculture across the continent. The Uganda 2040 vision states this vision as an aim to “transform the agricultural sector from subsistence farmer to commercial agriculture” (Uganda Vision 2040, 2013, article 102, pp 61). Yet a challenge to these agendas is that the majority of Ugandan smallholders are not choosing new varieties from commercial seed channels. Instead, they are choosing local seed from informal farmer networks.

This research examines the dynamics of seed systems and modern crop varieties in Eastern Uganda, and how these factors affect smallholder decision-making. The thesis combines natural sciences approaches with technographic insights and behavioural choice models to explore formal and informal seed systems and how farmers navigate these systems. It finds that while formal channels and modern varieties promise higher yields and resilience, they also bring inconsistent seed quality, financial barriers and limited agency. Conversely, informal systems offer flexibility, cultural relevance, and a wider variety of crops. Informal systems are also found to be an underappreciated source of modern varieties for smallholders.

The result of this research shows farmer perspectives on modern variety deployment and adoption in Eastern Uganda. It demonstrates the importance of building plurality in seed systems, to leverage the strengths of both formal and informal channels for smallholder’ needs. The thesis provides insights into how farmer preferences are shaped by social and environmental affordances, as well as economic utility. These elements explain Ugandan smallholders’ adoption of new technologies and highlight gaps and opportunities within seed systems to supply farmers with useful varieties. The findings offer recommendations for policymakers to support more inclusive, resilient, and context-sensitive agricultural policies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Global Development (formerly School of International Development)
Depositing User:	Kitty Laine
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2024 15:17
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2024 15:27
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97659
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item