Market analysis of field peas in Uganda

The study analyses the field pea market chain in Uganda using data collected from 72 producers in Kabale district, South-western Uganda, 72 traders from Kabale, Mbarara and Kampala markets who were randomly selected. The study also involved 36 randomly selected consumers from the three districts. The data were partly analysed using descriptive statistics. Marketing margins were used to determine market performance of field peas at each level of the market chain. The multiple regression models were used to analyse factors determining market performance of field peas at each level of the market chain with marketing margins as the dependent variable. Results revealed that traders received higher percentage of marketing margins (54%) compared to producers who received 46%. The regression model results indicated that factors that significantly increased producers‟ marketing margins were education of the farmer (p<0.1), experience in field pea production (p<0.05), and membership to any farmers‟ group (p<0.01). Factors that reduced producers‟ marketing margins were location of farmer (p<0.01), consumption rate (p<0.01) and distance to the market (p<0.05). Results for traders indicated that education (p<0.05), value addition before sale (p<0.05), membership to traders‟ group (p<01) and access to credit (p<0.05) positively affected traders‟ marketing margins. Location of traders (p<0.1) and distance to the source of field peas (p<0.05) negatively affected traders‟ marketing. Field peas were ranked first and third as a source of income and food respectively. It was found that 53 percent of the total harvest was sold and field peas were reported to be the major source of income by the traders under the study. There was no effort made to add value to the field pea in form of flour, frozen and canned products; and samosas.