Role of Governments and Other Agents
Governments, private companies and other parties are invested in food security, in addition to more stereotypical non-governmental organizations that one might see in a TV commercial or media funding campaign. Additionally, these entities are not mutually exclusive. They can run similar programs, with identical objectives, teaching improved practices, introducing appropriate technologies and promoting coordination (Achieng et al. 1993). Non-governmental and governmental organizations can also work together toward these goals.
Price Stabilization
Governments play an important role in agriculture around the world and Uganda is no exception. Governments dictate tariffs and subsidies, oversee extension efforts and control price stabilization programs. Price stabilization programs typically involve commodity storage, with release of the commodity occurring quickly when the price is high and slowly when the price is low. Private strategies for price stabilization mechanisms are more efficient than state solutions, but they are also less able to handle market extremes (Poulton 2006). State run price stabilization schemes also have the added credibility of the state, which could legitimize the system (Poulton 2006). While this argument has worked in other situations, this may not be the case in Uganda. Widespread corruption in the government has led to an environment of low trust. A government run program may not increase faith in the system unless it proves to be effective over a long period of time.
Private Companies
There are many private companies invested in agriculture and food security. Food vendors and stores selling agricultural implements or supplements are dependent on the agricultural industry. Governments, including Uganda’s government, are present in these situations through regulation, although there is little regulation of these businesses in Uganda. Small farming units are common in Uganda. Given this, economists have recommended the government oversee, but not prop up agricultural businesses meant to support farmers (Johnston 1986, Leonard 1986).
Farmer Field Schools
Farmer field schools are aimed at teaching farmers improved and appropriate technologies. This group-based learning approach has been utilized by NGOs and governments. Farmer field schools are distinct from extension services because the trainer is “a facilitator rather than an instructor” (Davis et al. 2012). The set-up does not emulate a school; instead, it encourages active learning. In East Africa, farmer field schools have been successful in increasing production and income, especially among women, low literacy farmers and medium-sized land holders (Davis et al. 2012). The impact on women is particularly noteworthy, considering the implicit need for training women, as discussed on the page on the role of NGOs.
Case Study from Soroti District
The Soroti District is located in northeastern Uganda. A case study in this district examined the successes of attempts to alliviate poverty. A suite of factors were found to have aided in poverty alleviation, including farmer field schools, creation of farmer-governed institutions, private service providers and farmer empowerment (Friis-Hansen 2008). Twenty five companies have opened in the district to serve as advisory companies to farmers; all allow farmers to give feedback and reviews about the company’s involvement and services, creating a system of accountability (Friis-Hansen 2008). Accountability and local interests are both addressed through this framework, making it a good example. The case study concludes that field schools were the most important factor in the Soroti District, suggesting that St. Jude consider pursuing a more direct emulation of that training style.
Recommendations
Land is becoming limiting and, at the same time, population growth is increasing the demand for food in Uganda and beyond (Leonard 1986). To combat this, the government should exercise non-invasive oversight of agricultural industries. While some governmental involvement has been shown to be helpful, the government should refrain from excessive intervention. While private ventures can be allowed to fail, food security cannot be achieved if entire markets collapse. Though the Ugandan government is not always stable or free of corruption, it still should not be kept out of the agricultural sector. Governmental extension services should be used sparingly and avoided when appropriate technology is not available. The framework of farmer field schools continues to provide the best option for promoting food security in Uganda.
Price Stabilization
Governments play an important role in agriculture around the world and Uganda is no exception. Governments dictate tariffs and subsidies, oversee extension efforts and control price stabilization programs. Price stabilization programs typically involve commodity storage, with release of the commodity occurring quickly when the price is high and slowly when the price is low. Private strategies for price stabilization mechanisms are more efficient than state solutions, but they are also less able to handle market extremes (Poulton 2006). State run price stabilization schemes also have the added credibility of the state, which could legitimize the system (Poulton 2006). While this argument has worked in other situations, this may not be the case in Uganda. Widespread corruption in the government has led to an environment of low trust. A government run program may not increase faith in the system unless it proves to be effective over a long period of time.
Private Companies
There are many private companies invested in agriculture and food security. Food vendors and stores selling agricultural implements or supplements are dependent on the agricultural industry. Governments, including Uganda’s government, are present in these situations through regulation, although there is little regulation of these businesses in Uganda. Small farming units are common in Uganda. Given this, economists have recommended the government oversee, but not prop up agricultural businesses meant to support farmers (Johnston 1986, Leonard 1986).
Farmer Field Schools
Farmer field schools are aimed at teaching farmers improved and appropriate technologies. This group-based learning approach has been utilized by NGOs and governments. Farmer field schools are distinct from extension services because the trainer is “a facilitator rather than an instructor” (Davis et al. 2012). The set-up does not emulate a school; instead, it encourages active learning. In East Africa, farmer field schools have been successful in increasing production and income, especially among women, low literacy farmers and medium-sized land holders (Davis et al. 2012). The impact on women is particularly noteworthy, considering the implicit need for training women, as discussed on the page on the role of NGOs.
Case Study from Soroti District
The Soroti District is located in northeastern Uganda. A case study in this district examined the successes of attempts to alliviate poverty. A suite of factors were found to have aided in poverty alleviation, including farmer field schools, creation of farmer-governed institutions, private service providers and farmer empowerment (Friis-Hansen 2008). Twenty five companies have opened in the district to serve as advisory companies to farmers; all allow farmers to give feedback and reviews about the company’s involvement and services, creating a system of accountability (Friis-Hansen 2008). Accountability and local interests are both addressed through this framework, making it a good example. The case study concludes that field schools were the most important factor in the Soroti District, suggesting that St. Jude consider pursuing a more direct emulation of that training style.
Recommendations
Land is becoming limiting and, at the same time, population growth is increasing the demand for food in Uganda and beyond (Leonard 1986). To combat this, the government should exercise non-invasive oversight of agricultural industries. While some governmental involvement has been shown to be helpful, the government should refrain from excessive intervention. While private ventures can be allowed to fail, food security cannot be achieved if entire markets collapse. Though the Ugandan government is not always stable or free of corruption, it still should not be kept out of the agricultural sector. Governmental extension services should be used sparingly and avoided when appropriate technology is not available. The framework of farmer field schools continues to provide the best option for promoting food security in Uganda.