Determinants for scaling out improved cassava seed varieties in Uganda

In spite of the growing demand for cassava (Manihot esculenta L.) for food and as raw material for industrial purposes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), productivity remains constrained mainly by limited access to improved seed varieties. In Uganda, several cassava seed varieties have been released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), yet many smallholder farmers continue to rely on unimproved seed varieties characterised by low-yields, and disease-prone seed. The objective of the study was to assess the current scaling out of certified improved cassava seed varieties in selected areas in Uganda. A study was conducted in the districts of Kiryandongo, Serere and Kamuli in Uganda, which were selected due to their prior involvement in a pilot cassava formal seed system and established networks of cassava seed entrepreneurs (CSEs). Data were collected through household and key informant interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study revealed that the determinants of scaling out were (i) training in cassava seed multiplication, (ii) education level attained and household size; in addition to completion of primary education tended to reduce likelihood of scaling NAROCASS1 by 17.8%; NASE14 by 23.3%, and (ii) receiving training in cassava seed multiplication associated with a 16.2% higher likelihood of scaling out NASE14. Training in cassava seed multiplication significantly boosted the likelihood of scaling out improved varieties, practical training approaches that align with farmers’ education levels to effectively promote scaling out of improved variety seed.