Assessment Of The Impact Of The Diversification' And Intensification Programme In Kyaggwe District

Abstract

In view of increasing Robusta Coffee Marketing Limitations and persistent failure to make any Substantial rise in cotton production

a diversification and intensification programme was deemed necessary to make a breakthrough in l the slow pace of agricultural development. .

This study was designed to assess the impact of diversification and intensification progrwwnes in the cocoa growing areas of Kyaggwe district. The following were specifically investigated:-

First the extent to which land use is a constraint in the programme. Secondly the extent of fragmentation and its impact on land use. Third~y the position of food supply. Forthly the degree of farmers' adoption of reco~T1ended farm practices. Fifthly the effectiveness of the Goverrunentpolicy of avoiding over-production of coffee. Sixthly and finally the performance of selected enterprises in the diversification programrne..

The hypothesis adopted was that in light of the socio-economic aspects prevailing, the diver­ sification and intensification programme is inco­ mpatible with self-sufficiency in food crops.

The case study was based on a survey basically designed to examine the farming system in the district. For the case study the method­ ology involved a random selection of 20 farms which were measured and mapped. An inventory of farm equipment and implements, crops, buildings~ livestock and poultry was taken. The data colle­ cted covered daily farm operations~ monthly activities, farm production and farm inputs. Gross margins, income and expenditure and balance sheet information were computed.

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Essential characteristics of a successful farmer and determinants of net income were obtained by applying 'Regression Analysis'. A revised simplex ali,.9orithmethod of a linear programme was applied to determine optimal farm plans and finally arrived at a representative model farm. .

From the regression analysis results and Linear Programme solutions the following conclu­ sions were drawn:-

First that land is a great constraint in the diversification programme. Secondly that fractio­ nalisation and scattered holdings owned by one farmer are more rapidly growing than fragmentation itself. Thirdly that the decline in banana produ­ ctivity is alarming. Forthly that the increasing agricultural needs cannot be coped with without applying intensive type of farming.• Fifthly that the restriction of coffee over-production ~as not been very successful. Sixthly that cocoa, coffee and cotton are not paying. Seventhly that hired labour is the outstanding farm expenditure.

In view of those conclusions enumarated above the following policy recommendations are propcsed:-

First that it is high time all policies, laws and regulations in respect of rural land use be enforced and implemented basing them on economic efficiency. econdly that farms must be consoli­ dated to achieve the implications of intensive method of farming. Third that the land planning Unit should be involved in the programme. Forth that the - Extension staff should be streng­ thened in number and competence. Fifth that coffee must be given special attention by creating a coffee authority unit, .,: at the extension level. Sixth that the cocoa development scheme should be re-orgmlised. And finally that the use of chemical on weed control'should be encouraged to eliminate labour bottlenecks.