Abstract:

Targeting Development and Research for smallholder dairy systems of the Lake Crescent Region of Uganda Abstract An interdisciplinary team of five international scientists and one resource person from the host institute conducted a three months field study in the Lake Crescent Region of Uganda focusing mainly in Jinja and Mpigi districts. The study was conducted in a systems approach to identify different farm types, their development options and constraints. The main purpose of the typology is to target technologies for each farm type. Data analysed included secondary and that gathered from farmer interviews and meetings. The team also carried out interviews and held workshops with clients and other stakeholders. Data was analysed using a matrix of criteria for developing farm typologies and formulation of research issues derived from development options per farm type. Further analysis was done on milk marketing channels, information flows and on linkages between stakeholders. The results showed that there are different farm types in the Lake Crescent Region of Uganda (LCRU). Three farm types were selected and described in detail. The descriptions included the systems model, resource flow models, labor calendar, gender and cost-benefit analyses. The existing smallholder dairy research proposals under the LSRP were screened against farmers’ development options. It was also revealed that there is a need for coordination between various stakeholders in LCRU to avoid duplication of work. Data analysis of stakeholder participation in urban, peri-urban and rural areas raised concern with regards to the impact of the government’s privatization policy in the peri-urban and rural sectors because of less participation of the private organisations in these areas. Conclusions and recommendations were focused on how LSRP research proposals could be modified to accommodate research options not covered in the proposals. Furthermore, the findings of this study suggests that there is a need to target technologies per farm type.