Assessing the contribution of market information on agricultural development

Abstract

This study was an assessment of the contribution of market information to Agricultural development in Namasagali Sub County in Kamuli District. The objectives of the study were; to identify the role of market information in agriculture development, to examine the extent of market information needs of farmers and to determine the challenges faced by farmers in accessing market information and suggested solutions to the challenges. A case study research design was used; both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were adopted. A questionnaire guide and interview schedules were used to collect data from a total of 100 respondents who were local women and men (45 males and 45females engaged in agriculture as well as 10 keyinformants including 1 District NAADS coordinator, 1 Sub county NAADS Coordinator, 1 Agricultural extension officer, 4 LC I chairmen, District Agricultural Officer, District production officer and chairman farmers forum. These were selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data was edited, coded, classified and tabulated with the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) to generate tables. Microsoft word 2003 version was also used to generate figures for the data. Qualitative data from the interviews was dealt with using thematic content analysis and field notes were categorized according to the study themes and subthemes. Findings of the study revealed that Government through the NAADS program has tried to avail market information to farmers and this has contributed to Agricultural development, However, the information has not been tailored and translated into farmers information need requirements; for example; most of the information is not in local language and there is late submission of the information to farmers. The study therefore recommended that the NAADS secretariat hire a specialist in Agribusiness and as well directly fund the market information strategy to enable farmer’s access to timely market information.