Smallholder farmers access to improved groundnut production and value addition technologies in Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Groundnuts are a key crop in Uganda, both as a source of nutrition and income. However, lack of knowledge and information on progressive practices along the groundnut value chain is a key contributor to the poor performance of the sub-sector. This study envisages establishing baseline knowledge on key aspects of groundnut production, processing and marketing with a view to identifying areas and gaps for capacity building interventions. A total of 155 farmers were randomly selected and primary data collected in early 2013 from three districts in Eastern Uganda namely; Bukedea, Mbale and Tororo. Results indicate that farmers were aware of most recommended pre and post harvest technologies/ practices including knowledge on improved groundnut varieties, superior agronomic practices, proper drying and cleaning, long-life storage, grading, sorting and packaging. However, even though most farmers had knowledge of the progressive technologies; quite a substantial number of them did not use these technologies in groundnut production and value addition. This finding points to presence of constraining factors that may hinder access and application of known technologies. Therefore, capacity building efforts to increase both access and utilization of value-enhancing groundnut technologies will eliminate the gap between awareness and use of these technologies for improved livelihoods.