Effect of the local seed business model on access to quality cassava planting materials In Adjumani and Koboko Districts, West Nile, Uganda

Abstract

Access to quality seed is a cornerstone for agricultural productivity and food security globally, yet smallholder farmers in Uganda continue to rely heavily on uncertified cassava planting materials. This study examined the effects of the Local Seed Business (LSB) model in improving farmers’ accessibility to quality cassava cuttings in Adjumani and Koboko Districts of Uganda, focusing on two LSBs: AMIFA and KFA. The specific objectives were: (i) to analyse the implementation process of the LSB model in enhancing seed access; (ii) to assess farmers’ perceptions of LSBs as a pathway to obtaining quality cassava planting materials; and (iii) to determine factors influencing farmers’ access to cassava seed through LSBs. A mixed-method sequential design was employed, combining qualitative approaches (focus group discussions and key informant interviews) with quantitative surveys administered to 143 respondents. The study found that although LSBs had improved local supply by offering cassava planting materials closer to farmers, their broader impact on consistent and sustainable access to quality cassava planting materials was undermined by weak governance, irregular inspections, poor business orientation, and limited strategic linkages. Only 12.5% of farmers reported regular participation in LSB meetings, while many expressed dissatisfaction with timeliness cassava planting material delivery, communication of seed availability and quality, and supply volumes of cassava cuttings. Farmers’ perceptions on the effectiveness of LSBs in enhancing access to quality cassava planting materials, particularly among buyers (both LSB members and non-member buyers), reflected both benefits such as timely and proximate supply, and challenges, such as limited volumes, poor communication, and irregular availability. The logistic regression analysis revealed that access to market information (β = 7.989, p ≤ 0.001), availability of credit services (β = 1.927, p ≤ 0.01), proximity to LSBs (β = 1.741, p ≤ 0.05), and willingness to replace seed (β = 1.522, p ≤ 0.05) as significant predictors of farmers’ access to quality cassava cuttings through the LSBs. The study concludes that while LSBs play a vital role in bridging the gap between informal and formal cassava seed systems, their current operational and organizational limitations restrict their effectiveness. It recommends strengthening governance structures for LSBs, enhancing their planning and business management capacity, improving market linkages through partnerships with agro-input dealers and extension services, and expanding access to credit and timely information for farmers. Addressing these gaps will enable LSBs to scale up their effectiveness in ensuring the availability, affordability, suitability, and timeliness of cassava seed supply for smallholder farmers, thereby contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural transformation in West Nile, Uganda.