Factors Affecting Bean Production and Marketing in Nyakitunda Sub-county, Isingiro District

Abstract

Bean production plays a critical role in enhancing household food security and income. Despite the role of the crop, farmers of Nyakitunda Sub-county still encounter different constraints during production and marketing of the crop. The study was to investigate the factors affecting bean production and marketing in Nyakitunda Sub-county, Isingiro district. It was specifically conducted to; (i) to identify the production constraints of beans, (ii) identify the marketing constraints of beans, and (iii) identify the challenges faced by specific gender categories in accessing and utilization of resources in bean production. A cross sectional research design applying both qualitative and quantitative techniques was used to collect data from 190 farmers using questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussions. Data was analyzed using SPSS software to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out significant bean production constrains in Nyakitunda Sub-county as; poor quality seeds (p = .000), lack of access to production assets (p = .001), pests and diseases (p = .004), access to extension (p = .004), shortage of production land (p = .003) and having access to other off-farm income generating activities (p = .000). The study also found out the significant bean marketing constraints in Nyakitunda Sub-county as: poor roads (p = .001), high transport costs (p = .004), low bean prices (p = .000), lack of market information (p = .014), poor storage facilities (p = .002) and long distance to the market (p = .003). The study further established that there are gender specific challenges experienced in access and utilization of bean production resources including: labour shortage, inadequate access to credit services, limited land for production, limited access to information, lack of technical production knowledge, lack of capital discrimination, sexual harassment, strict cultural values and beliefs. The study concluded that there are factors affecting bean production and marketing in Nyakitunda Sub-county and recommended the need for sensitizing farmers on the benefits of adopting soil enhancing technologies to restore soil fertility since poor soils were cited among the challenging factors of production in the area. The study further recommended MAAIF and NARO interventions in providing more extension services and training about correct input application as well as supply farmers with improved pests and disease bean seed varieties and high yielding traits