Incentives promoting scaling of improved seed varieties in Uganda

This paper aims to explore the current incentives driving the scaling out of improved cassava seed varieties in Uganda. This highlights a critical gap in the limited use of incentives in scaling out transformational technologies for vegetatively propagated crops such as cassava. The farmers involved in such technologies often realise economic benefits only after a significant period, typically through the sale of cuttings. These benefits are neither immediate nor visible, making them less effective in motivating adoption to scale. The aim of this study was to examine the types of incentives that promote the scaling out of research innovations within the cassava seed system in three selected districts of, Kiryandongo, Kamuli, and Serere in Uganda. Data were collected via a mixed-methods approach that included survey interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. A total of 170 respondents participated. The data were analysed using STATA18, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique was used. The results revealed that nonfinancial incentives such as field tours and training provided by research institutions were significant and contributed to the scaling of improved cassava seed varieties. These incentives were statistically significant at the p < 0.01 and p < 0.1 levels, respectively, in both the intervention and the non-intervention areas. Knowledge-based incentives are limited to less educated and rural communities, potentially limiting the effectiveness of such incentives. There is need to establish and invest in robust financial-incentive frameworks that support and sustain scaling pathways for research innovations within the cassava seed system.