Small-scale farming in the Lake Victoria region of Uganda is less than 2.5 acres, and in some cases, less than 1.25 acres.
For many small farmers in countries such as Uganda, increasing productivity and transitioning to more sustainable methods is a challenge due to limited resources. Access to improved seeds and fertilizers, as well as knowledge of agricultural best practices, can be restricted, hindering their ability to increase yields and improve their income.
According to research led by the University of East Anglia and Imperial College London, the answer may lie in agricultural policies.
The study conducted by researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Imperial College London, focused on smallholder farmers in the Lake Victoria region of Uganda. The team examined the impact of several policies aimed at promoting small-scale farming, such as subsidies, land consolidation, and access to credit.
While some of these policies had positive impacts, others had unintended negative consequences. For example, subsidies for fertilizers led to increased use of chemical fertilizers, but also contributed to environmental degradation and water pollution. Land consolidation led to some farmers losing access to land and a decrease in overall agricultural productivity.
“Many policies are implemented with good intentions, but they can have unintended consequences,” says lead researcher Professor Andrew Mude from UEA’s School of International Development. “Small-scale farmers are particularly vulnerable to these impacts, as they often lack the resources to adapt.”
The study found that policies that focus on improving access to resources and knowledge, such as extension services and training programs, are more effective. Such policies enable small-scale farmers to adopt more sustainable practices and increase their productivity, ultimately contributing to food security.
