Bean Marketing in Uganda - Uganda Strategy Support Program Notes

informal seed sector that has not yet been integrated in the breeding and extension
programs in Uganda. The lack of support and integration of the informal sector in the
seed production establishment has led to limited availability of improved seeds to farmers
operating in marginal areas and those planting seeds that are not marketed by private and
public firms.
The Government of Uganda privatized the input trade, although it periodically distributes
subsidized/free inputs, which has frustrated private traders (MAAIF, NARO and FAO,
1999 IFDC, 1999). This has led to low participation of private traders in the seed input
marketing sector (Agricultural Secretariat, 1992). Input marketing in Uganda is also thin
due to the low demand for agricultural inputs. This has forced input traders to deal with
small stocks of inputs that do not utilize the economies of scale, as well as diversifying
business by trading other non-input products.
The broad objective of this study is to identify and analyze the input marketing and
opportunities in Uganda. The study uses bean marketing as a case study.
Methodology of the Study
Four regions of the country were sampled, namely central, east, north and west. The
survey involved 148 input traders located in 17 districts. Input traders were put into three
major categories: Importers, wholesalers and retailers. All importers were located in
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