Understanding disadoption of nerica rice varieties in Uganda: a case for Kamwenge and Luwero Districts

The study investigates the problem of disadoption of NERICA rice in the Central and Western regions of Uganda. It examines factors influencing disadoption of NERICA rice among the SG-2000 supported farmers. A probit model is used to analyse the socio-economic factors influencing disadoption of NERICA among the SG-2000 supported farmers in the districts of Luwero and Kamwenge. The study is based on a survey of 210 SG-2000 NERICA rice supported farmers from the major rice producing regions of Central and Western Uganda, specifically Luwero and Kamwenge districts. The results show that value of livestock, gender of the household head, age, lack of access to credit, membership to farmer groups, and location of district were significant at one percent level and the most important determinants of NERICA disadoption. On the other hand, household, size of land owned in acres were significant at five percent level. However, membership to farmer groups, and size of land owned in acres have a negative effect on disadoption. The study results have important implications for sustainable agricultural technology development and transfer in Uganda. They suggest a need to encourage exploitation of synergies between livestock (cattle) and crops like NERICA so that they can harness each other and promote sustainable use of the introduced technologies. Promotion of targeted extension services and farmer organizations in which information and knowledge is shared; and the learning of better techniques from farmers with more experience and expertise is needed to foster growth at the household level. NERICA rice dissemination programs should be promoted in areas with sufficient and reliable rainfall to enable farmers exploit its high production potential without exposing them to high production risks.