Government Agricultural Support Programs and Livelihood of Smallholder Vegetable Farmers in Kampala, District Uganda

Abstract

This article explores government agricultural support programs and livelihood of smallholder vegetable farmers in Kampala district Uganda. Climate variability is a reality and poses severe effects on societal economy. The agriculture sector in developing countries will be hard hit because it is mostly rain-fed. The poor in such countries will face the brunt of climate variability because they are poor and less able to cope with its effects. Government agricultural programs may help smallholder farmers cope with climate variability and thus protect livelihood. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and complimented by face- to- face interviews. In this paper, multiple linear regression was used to analyze the effect of government agricultural support programs and livelihood of smallholder vegetable farmers. The results showed that out of 201 farmers only 16 (8.0%) received government support and was received in form of subsidized credit, agricultural inputs, agriculture training, extension services and market support. Correlation analysis using Pearson Correlation Coefficient showed a significant positive and weak correlation (r =0.423, p=0.000) between government support programs and livelihood of farmers. Whereas multiple linear regression results revealed that government agricultural support programs (β2= -0.037 and p>0.05) did not have a significant effect on livelihood of smallholder vegetable farmers. Consequently, the paper recommends increasing accessibility and affordability of government programs. Secondly, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries and NAADS should provide provide agricultural support as a full package to farmers.