Market access and agricultural production: The case of banana production in Uganda

摘要: Keywords: Smallholder poor farmers, market access, bananas, productivity, efficiency, labour demand, supply, Uganda . This study investigates the effects of factor and commodity markets on development banana sub-sector in central southwestern The analyses smallholder household response to production constraints (crop pests diseases, soil constraints) product off-farm employment opportunities. was carried out region, Masaka southwest, which have divergent Various analytical tools were employed this study. Cost benefit analysis used assess competitiveness versus other crop enterprises. stochastic frontier analyze technical productive efficiency farmers. Production functions estimated for important crops allocative farmers each region. Finally, supply demand determine factors that influence allocation decisions farmers' changes economic conditions. A multinomial logit model fitted identify between farm work. Results cost show is most profitable all grown, terms gross margin. However, imperfections food cause region allocate more land less annual (sweet potatoes, maize cassava) but are satisfying requirements. High prices limitations access induce rely own their needs. from technically inefficient, output can be increased by 30 southwest 58% Improved roads, formal education credit some improve efficiency. Agricultural extension visits significantly increases productivity southwest. confirm pest (banana weevil) disease (Sigatoka) infestation contribute low Farm size positively related productivity. efficient smaller plots (decreasing returns scale). small farms puts question sustainability agriculture, given limited purchased inputs. Analysis marginal products shows allocatively inefficient consumption nonseparable. Findings respond shadow wage rates negatively income. implies responsive incentives. Access opportunities takes away production. Thus improved road high associated with lower supply. Education a positive effect time allocated activities while work hours activities. reveals policies promote income diversification into sustained rural sector. In particular, reduce transaction costs likely both sector Investment infrastructure, financial institutions suited needs could help alleviating bottlenecks labour, markets, resource nonfarm sectors.