Agricultural value chain analysis in Northern Uganda: Maize, Rice, Groundnut, Siunflower and Sesame

Abstract

All value chains were similar particularly at the upstream stages of the chain, right after harvest. Once farmers harvested their crops, they either sold production directly at the farm gate level or stored and bulked. Selling at farm gate level was not preferred by farmers but was often done out of necessity (e.g. immediate need for cash) or simply due to very limited access to markets (e.g. no means of transportation). Farmer bargaining power was diminished and the selling prices of their crops were often very low. Another marketing strategy was often to bulk up the crop commodity either in the granary on the farm or in local stores in order to seek better prices (sold at the right time and in larger quantities).