Challenges in the Era of Globalization - iaabd

Challenges in the Era of Globalization
Edited by Emmanuel Obuah
results showed that rice farmers growing irrigated rice were not reaching their potential mainly due to
limited access to extension services. For NERICA farmers, the main factors affecting their yields were
water availability and limited experience in rice growing (Kijima et al., 2006). Assuming that these
problems are addressed could rice farmers increase production to meet demand.
Part of the solution lies in analyzing the production and import trends of the crop. Figure1 depicts the
trend of rice production and imports in Uganda spanning over the period of 40years (1961-2009). As the
figure shows, between 1961 and 1970, Uganda experienced a decline in production. As a result, the
imports increased by 15% over the period. In the following decade (1971-1980), production increased
leading to a decline in imports. However, in the next decade (1981-1990), production of the commodity
declined, meanwhile imports short up by 58%. This trend can be explained by the liberation war of
National Resistance Movement Government which was there in 1980-1986 and thereafter. During this
period, farmers may have been too scared to be in the gardens, especially in Eastern Uganda, a major
producing region, which was destabilized by rebel activities even after the end of the war. A period of
2001-2009 experienced a steep decline in imports, a sign of increased domestic supply. This period
coincided with the promotion of NERICA rice in the country.
Figure1: Trends in Rice Production and Imports in Uganda (1961-2009).
G
r
o
w
t
h
R
a
t
e
70.00
60.00
50.00
40.00
30.00
20.00
10.00
0.00
-10.00
15.21
Source: FAO Start, USDA
Trends in Rice Production and Imports
Growth rate Production
Growth Rate Imports
15.481
4.50
15.30
58
6.66 6.50
1961-1970 1971-1980 1981-1990 1991-2000 2001-2009
-5.27
-3.99
Nevertheless, given this trend described above and taking into consideration population growth rate, the
National Rice Development Strategy (2010) projects total production to more than double by 2018 and
therefore translating into decreased rice imports (table 1).
-0.27
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