Diversifying production for living income: a myth or reality for smallholder coffee farmers in Ankole, southwestern Uganda? - A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v2i9.108Keywords:
production practices, diversification, living income, smallholder coffee farmers, Uganda, resilienceAbstract
Background
Uganda’s coffee sector is dominated by smallholder farmers who contribute more than 90% of national output but remain unable to attain a living income due to low productivity, limited resources, and climate risks. Diversification of production has been promoted as a pathway to enhance incomes and resilience, yet its effectiveness remains underexplored. This study examined the effect of production practices on the living income of smallholder coffee farmers within the Uganda Coffee Carbon Project (UCCP) in Ankole, Southwestern Uganda.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was employed, targeting 133 households affiliated with the Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union. A sample of 113 respondents was surveyed using structured questionnaires, complemented by key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models to test the relationship between production practices and household living income.
Results
The findings revealed that adoption of diversified production practices such as intercropping, agroforestry, and access to quality inputs significantly improved household income and resilience. Regression analysis confirmed a positive and statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the adoption of multiple production practices and the attainment of living income indicators, including food security, healthcare access, and children’s education. However, structural barriers such as limited credit, inadequate extension services, and low financial literacy constrained widespread adoption.
Conclusions
Diversification of production practices is a critical but insufficient pathway to bridging the living income gap for Ugandan coffee smallholders. While improved practices enhance yields and household welfare, systemic challenges in finance, markets, and extension restrict their full impact.
Recommendation
The study recommends strengthening extension services, scaling access to affordable quality inputs, and mainstreaming climate-smart practices. Targeted policy interventions such as farmer credit schemes, cooperative-led training, and integration of carbon finance incentives should complement production practices with post-harvest and market diversification strategies to sustainably close the living income gap.
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