Factors affecting adoption of improved sorghum varieties in eastern Uganda and their implication for policy intervention

Research in Uganda has developed several improved sorghum varieties that have been adopted in several countries, or provided genetic material for sorghum improvement. This study examines the extent of adoption and factors influencing adoption of two sorghum varieties, Sekedo and Epuripur, released by Serere Agricultural Research Institute in Uganda in the mid 1990’s. The study uses secondary and primary data from key informants working in organisations involved in the development and dissemination of sorghum technology as well as from 180 farmers. Knowledge exposure was the main determinant of adoption, being more important than access to free seeds. Education level was also important. Initially, Sekedo was more adopted, for food consumption, but with commercialisation for the brewery industry, Epuripur is now more widely adopted. Results presented in this paper and elsewhere show that the adoption of the improved sorghum varieties has had a positive effect on the farmers’ welfare in Eastern Uganda in terms of increased food self-sufficiency and incomes. The study offers recommendations and policies for promoting effective research and technology dissemination investment in Uganda and elsewhere.