Productive public investment in agriculture for economic recovery with rural well-being: an analysis of prospective scenarios for Uganda

Productive public investment in agriculture for economic recovery with rural well-being: an analysis of prospective scenarios for Uganda
Author: Sánchez, M.V., Cicowiez, M., Pereira Fontes, F.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 70
Release: 2022-02-21
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9251358044

This study highlights how, through a series of scenarios, public investments promoting agricultural productivity in Uganda could drive growth in agrifood production, with favourable impacts on the economy, on well-being and on poverty, especially in rural areas. Using a modelling tool to represent the Ugandan economy, with its multiple sectors and current fiscal constraints, the study ranked the subsectors of Uganda’s agriculture that, through the productivity impact of public investments representing 0.25 percent of GDP (on average, about 373 billion 2017 Uganda shillings) during the years 2023–2025, will generate the greatest socio-economic benefits, maximizing the cost-effectiveness of the public investments. Generally, economic growth and the welfare of households, as measured by their consumption, will be positively impacted, but the impacts will ultimately depend on the sector that receives the investment, which is shown in a ranking. The agricultural sectors targeted for government investment will increase their output (and food prices will thus fall), and this will stimulate growth in non-agricultural sectors, both by increasing final demand for non-agricultural products and by lowering input prices and fostering upstream processing. Lower food prices will have a significant impact since food represents a relatively large proportion of the consumption basket of poorest households. Furthermore, labour income for rural households will increase with productivity growth, and this will reduce rural poverty. The findings of this study provide important information about the priorities of Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP) III and vision for agriculture, as well as new priorities to be considered for enabling economic recovery with increased well-being post-COVID-19.

Identifying commodity-specific priority investments in selected districts of Uganda

Identifying commodity-specific priority investments in selected districts of Uganda
Author: Shinyekwa, I.M.B., Bulime, E.W.N., Luwedde, J., Birabwa Aliro, E., Kajumba, M.M., Nattabi, A.K.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 68
Release: 2023-03-17
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9251377332

Building on the previous work by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supporting the identification of priority agricultural sectors and possible locations with high agricultural transformation potential in Uganda, this technical study provides more granular information from Ugandan farmers and district agriculture officers on which investments are needed the most to increase productivity. It identifies and ranks the areas for investments in terms of seeds/breeds, fertilizers/veterinary drugs, mechanization, irrigation, extension, research and development (R&D), roads and electrification for five commodity-district pairs (millet in Soroti, maize in Serere, cassava in Lira, goats in Kibaale and coffee in Masaka). The study found that improved seeds/breeds, extension and fertilizers were identified as critical investments across the board. Specifically, a lack of access to improved seeds/breeds, inadequate extension services and suboptimal use of fertilizer (owing to costs, lack of information, or fertilizer quality) were perceived as major constraints. Other important findings highlight a low level of mechanization throughout the value chains, poor R&D and extension linkages, and the high cost of irrigation. On other hand, access to roads and electrification were not considered as major areas needing investment. The study concludes with nine key recommendations for improving commodity-specific investments in selected locations.

Refugee-host proximity and market creation in Uganda

Refugee-host proximity and market creation in Uganda
Author: d’Errico, M., Mariani, R.D., Pietrelli, R., Rosati, F.C.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2021-02-19
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9251339821

Uganda currently hosts more than 1.4 million refugees and the relationship with the host population is complex. In this paper, we investigate the effect of the interactions between refugee and host-communities by using a unique dataset and by exploring a broad range of economic outcomes – such as employment opportunities, sources of income, agriculture production, and enterprises. We use the distance between refugee and host communities to measure the degree of interaction. To deal with potential endogeneity issues, we adopt an instrumental variable approach and carry out several robustness tests. We find positive effects on individual participation in paid employment and on household wage income. Discarding the role of assistance, we suggest that these positive effects can be driven by refugees’ economic activities. However, the market creation is localized.

Strategic Priorities for Agricultural Development in Eastern and Central Africa

Strategic Priorities for Agricultural Development in Eastern and Central Africa
Author: Omamo, Steven Were
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
Total Pages: 154
Release: 2006
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0896291588

If agriculture in Eastern and Central Africa remains in its current state, not a single nation in the region will achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty by 2015. In the hopes of averting such a dismal outcome, this report analyzes agricultural development priorities and investment patterns in the region and their impact on growth and poverty rates, seeking an improved agricultural strategy. Using the Dynamic Research Evaluation for Management (DREAM) model and other tools to evaluate opportunities for increasing both agricultural and overall economic growth, the authors offer alternatives to the status quo. They propose approaches such as tailoring agricultural production to demand within Eastern and Central Africa, encouraging a wide variety of agricultural production to match the diversity of national demands and capacities, and promoting regional cooperation in agricultural development. Their analysis and conclusions should interest specialists in agricultural policy and investments, particularly those concerned with the impact of both on poverty reduction.

An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia?

An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia?
Author: Diao, Xinshen, ed.
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
Total Pages: 548
Release: 2020-12-07
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0896293807

Agricultural mechanization in Africa south of the Sahara — especially for small farms and businesses — requires a new paradigm to meet the needs of the continent’s evolving farming systems. Can Asia, with its recent success in adopting mechanization, offer a model for Africa? An Evolving Paradigm of Agricultural Mechanization Development analyzes the experiences of eight Asian and five African countries. The authors explore crucial government roles in boosting and supporting mechanization, from import policies to promotion policies to public good policies. Potential approaches presented to facilitating mechanization in Africa include prioritizing market-led hiring services, eliminating distortions, and developing appropriate technologies for the African context. The role of agricultural mechanization within overall agricultural and rural transformation strategies in Africa is also discussed. The book’s recommendations and insights should be useful to national policymakers and the development community, who can adapt this knowledge to local contexts and use it as a foundation for further research.