Factors Influencing the Performance of Farmer Groups in Eastern Uganda: A Study on the Agricultural Extension Approach and Advisory Services

Abstract

The success of the farmer-led Agricultural Extension approach in Uganda relies heavily on the performance of farmer groups. This research investigates the factors that impact the performance of farmer groups in Eastern Uganda when accessing agricultural extension and advisory services from the National Agricultural Advisory Services. The study involved gathering data from 200 members belonging to 19 farmer groups in the region. The dependent variable in this study was the performance of the farmer groups, which was believed to be influenced by several factors, including individual members' objectives, participation culture, power distance, task structure, perceived equity, reward allocation, and engagement in group activities. The results of the study revealed that power distance and perceived equity had a statistically significant positive correlation with farmer group performance. On the other hand, group participation culture and task structure exhibited a statistically negative relationship with group performance. Additionally, the members of the farmer groups tended to attribute group losses to factors beyond the seasonality of group activities, the quality of farm inputs, and inadequate training provided by advisory service providers. To enhance support and collective participation within the community farmer groups, both the advisory service providers and farmer group members should leverage the political and social capital possessed by local leadership, groups, and community members. Recognizing that farmer groups are a subset of the larger community, this empirical study sheds light on the role of community culture in influencing the performance of farmer groups in smallholder farming communities.