Determinants of smallholder membership in farmers’ groups in the pigeon pea-based farming system in Uganda

Abstract Background Membership in farmers’ group (FGs) is an important social aspect of agricultural development. Little is known about the relative importance and benefits from participation in FGs in Uganda, specifically for pigeon pea smallholders in northern Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 257 smallholders to examine the factors that motivate farmer’s group membership and its influence on pigeon pea yield and technical efficiency (TE) in northern Uganda. We applied the Stochastic Production Frontier (SPF) model and complementary models to assess membership impact on pigeon pea yield and TE determinants, respectively. TE is defined as the degree to which smallholders use the minimum feasible farm inputs to produce a given level of pigeon pea grain. Results Results show that FG members were generally older and more experienced, and had better access to extension services (76%) and credit (43%) compared to non-members. Smallholders’ age, access to agricultural training, extension services, and the distance travelled to market centres were statistically significant ( p < 0.05), thus limiting the likelihood of FG membership. TE for both groups was low and quite similar, at 63% and 59% for members and non-members, respectively, implying that both groups did not use the available farm resources to maximize pigeon pea yield. Conclusion Our results confirm that FG membership enhances smallholder’s access to extension, agricultural training services and credit. For northern Uganda, the study provides recommendations for increased government investment in the human, financial and physical capacity of extension agents as a strategy for rural development and improved livelihoods. In addition, policy incentives can encourage farmers to seek membership in farmers’ groups and related associations.