Project
Unique Case Study shows adoption good horticulture practice in Uganda
While Uganda generally has a reputation for being a country where everything grows, the northern part of the country is not renowned for its horticulture. In fact, until 2018 this region had never seen horticulture extension programs, nor trustworthy seed companies, investing in farmer skills.
For that very reason in 2018 East-West Seed - Knowledge Transfer and the ISSD Plus program of Wageningen University & Research teamed up to introduce high quality vegetable seed and good, basic horticultural skills to northern Uganda. A unique case study and video have been developed to show what has been done and what it could lead to if this initiative keeps its momentum.
Results of the case study in Uganda
Some important results are:
- Within 18 months 400 farmer training sites have been set up
- Nearly 7000 farmers trained, over half of whom are women
- Over 30% of farmers adopt some kind of new practice
- Farmers earning 5-6 their investment in the dry season
The case study takes a particular look at how and why adoption takes place. At the heart is the familiar need to convince farmers through 'seeing is believing'. A diverse menu of activities reinforce key messages and help farmers take new steps, with all the risks and uncertainties they entail.
At the heart is the familiar need to convince farmers through 'seeing is believing'
Current work is still young but already change is noticeable. Farmers in this region are, most for the first time in their lives, properly learning how to productively and profitably grow vegetables. The hope they express that, this could help bring deep change to their lives is widespread.
Case Study Guide
The Uganda case study has been developed following the unique Case Study approach that Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation introduced this summer. The Case Study Guide specifically aims at learning more effectively from experiences with inclusive agribusiness initiatives. The Case Study approach enables researchers to compare projects. Also, it combines robust analysis with attractive audiovisual design.