Collective marketing and improved market access

The aim of this study was to understand the linkages between collective marketing and improved market access among smallholder maize farmers in the district of Masindi, using Masindi Seed and Grain Growers Limited (MSGGL) as a case study. A stratified cross-section survey of 133 maize farmers that were marketing maize collectively through MSGGL and 120 farmers that were not marketing maize collectively was conducted using a structured questionnaire and the gathered data was analyzed using STATA. According to the study it is recommended that more emphasis be given to the extension system in Uganda to train farmers on better methods of maize production and marketing to achieve quantity and quality requirements for better market access. There is also need for establishment of more collection centres in places that are more accessible to farmers and improved road networks for more efficient transportation of the produce. And it is also necessary to improve quality regulation and ensure different prices for the different quality specifications of maize so as to act as an incentive for quality assurance and sustainable participation in bulking of maize by smallholder farmers.