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Determinants of smallholder farmer labour allocation decisions in Uganda

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  • Bagamba, Fredrick
  • Burger, Kees
  • Kuyvenhoven, Arie

Abstract

There is growing evidence of the increasing role of nonfarm activities in the rural livelihoods. However, empirical evidence on the factors that influence smallholder farmers to diversify into nonfarm activities is still scanty. The study analyses the factors that influence household labour allocation decisions and demand for hired farm labour. It was carried out in central, Masaka and southwest regions of the country, which have divergent production constraints and opportunities. The study shows that household members respond positively to increases in shadow wages and negatively to increases in shadow incomes, which implies that they respond to economic incentives. Increase in wage rates negatively affects use of hired labour. Household size has no effect on the use of hired labour, implying that economic rationing of hiring labour has more to do with the market wage than family size and composition. Education and road access have a positive effect on time allocated to off-farm activities. Access to off-farm opportunities, however, takes away the most productive labour from farm production. Investment in road infrastructure, education and financial institutions suited to smallholder production needs could help to alleviate the bottlenecks in the labour, food and financial markets, and improve resource allocation between the farm and nonfarm sectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Bagamba, Fredrick & Burger, Kees & Kuyvenhoven, Arie, 2007. "Determinants of smallholder farmer labour allocation decisions in Uganda," 106th Seminar, October 25-27, 2007, Montpellier, France 7920, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:eaa106:7920
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.7920
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    2. Nalunga, Asha & Mugisha, Johnny & Walekhwa, Peter & Smith, Jo, 2019. "The dynamics of Household labor allocation to biogas production, farm and non-farm activities in central Uganda," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 461-467.
    3. Amsalu Bedemo & Kindie Getnet & Belay Kassa, 2013. "Determinants of Household Demand for and Supply of Farm Labour in Rural Ethiopia," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 16(3), pages 351-367.
    4. Sulser, T. B., 2009. "Green and blue water accounting in the Limpopo and Nile basins: implications for food and agricultural policy," IWMI Working Papers H042476, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Lincoln Addison & Matthew Schnurr, 2016. "Growing burdens? Disease-resistant genetically modified bananas and the potential gendered implications for labor in Uganda," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 33(4), pages 967-978, December.
    6. Abdul-Hakim, Roslan & Hadijah Che-Mat, Siti, 2011. "Determinants of Farmer’s Participation in Off-Farm Employment: A Case Study in Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia," Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, Asian Economic and Social Society (AESS), vol. 1(04), pages 1-12, December.

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