Abstract:

Based on the needs assessment carried out at the beginning, the NARO/DFID Client Oriented Agricultural Research and Dissemination (COARD) project decided to strengthen its market-orientation in the projects it funds and to support new and/or innovative agricultural enterprises or services To better achieve its resolve to improve the market orientation in its grants, the project commissioned a study of which this report forms one part. The study could not come at a better time, coinciding as it does, with the initiation of "trail-blazing" by Government's National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) in six districts, including Soroti in the Teso region, which is soon to be followed by similar activities in Lira in the Lango region. The NAADS program is currently endeavouring to develop a model for establishing viable farmer organisations; identifying and evaluating innovative market approaches, and establishing market linkages between farmer groups and traders. NARO and the COARD project are supporting this process through the research contained in the present study and by assessing new and innovative market opportunities for the regions.