Project Briefs

Smallholder livelihood risks and barriers to adoption of drought tolerant maize varieties in Uganda

Introduction

Improving agricultural production and productivity is vital given that agriculture is the main source of income for most of Ugandans. Productivity advancements in agriculture require the use of improved innovative technologies, including DTM varieties are those varieties that are bred to withstand dry spells during the cropping seasons.

Currently, several improved drought tolerant maize varieties have been released by breeders, yet adoption remains low (Mastenbroek et al., 2021). In Uganda, approximately 13% of farmers are using certified seed accessed through agro-dealers, seed companies and through NGO/Government handouts (ISSD, 2014).

This brief shares findings from the study done on the reluctance of farmers to adopt improved maize varieties.