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Expansion of Commercial Sugarcane Cultivation among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda: Implications for Household Food Security

Author

Listed:
  • Edward N. Mwavu

    (School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda)

  • Vettes K. Kalema

    (Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, P.O. Box 421, Kabale, Uganda)

  • Fred Bateganya

    (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda)

  • Patrick Byakagaba

    (School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda)

  • Daniel Waiswa

    (School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda)

  • Thomas Enuru

    (School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda)

  • Michael S. Mbogga

    (School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda)

Abstract

Understanding the impact of commercial agriculture in the face of global change is critical to support strategies that ensure food security and alleviate poverty among households. We assessed the contribution of commercial sugarcane cultivation to household-level food security among smallholder farmers in Busoga sub-region, eastern Uganda. Land use changes are motivated by quick commercial gains rather than sustained food production; a situation that influences food security. The majority of households cultivate few crop varieties, lack adequate and nutritious foods, and have inadequate income to purchase food to meet their needs. Inadequacy of food within some commercial sugarcane-cultivating households suggests that generating income does not necessarily increase food security. To cope with food insecurity, households offer labour in exchange for food, borrow food, ration food, and at times steal. This is exacerbated by increasing food crop failures, large family sizes, trade in food items, and declining availability of food and land for food production. Commercial sugarcane cultivation is the main driver of food insecurity but given its perceived economic benefits, future sugarcane plantations expansion in the region is probably inevitable. Therefore, future policy should be designed to provide triple-win strategies (i.e., food security, poverty alleviation, and climate change adaptation) that provide sustainable livelihoods.

Suggested Citation

  • Edward N. Mwavu & Vettes K. Kalema & Fred Bateganya & Patrick Byakagaba & Daniel Waiswa & Thomas Enuru & Michael S. Mbogga, 2018. "Expansion of Commercial Sugarcane Cultivation among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda: Implications for Household Food Security," Land, MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:7:y:2018:i:2:p:73-:d:151892
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Gasparatos, A. & Mudombi, S. & Balde, B.S. & von Maltitz, G.P. & Johnson, F.X. & Romeu-Dalmau, C. & Jumbe, C. & Ochieng, C. & Luhanga, D. & Nyambane, A. & Rossignoli, C. & Jarzebski, M.P. & Dam Lam, R, 2022. "Local food security impacts of biofuel crop production in southern Africa," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    3. Elizabeth Ahikiriza & Jef Meensel & Xavier Gellynck & Ludwig Lauwers, 2021. "Heterogeneity in frontier analysis: does it matter for benchmarking farms?," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 56(2), pages 69-84, December.

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