Perennial crop farming and food security in Kigezi: a case study of Kigezi highland tea
This study critically examines the contribution of tea growing in Kigezi region and how it affects the growth of other crops that are meant for food consumption. It underscores the performance of tea as a cash crop and as a means of generating foreign exchange for the country as well as a sour...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal (KURJ)
2023
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12493/1106 |
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| Summary: | This study critically examines the contribution of tea growing in Kigezi region and how it
affects the growth of other crops that are meant for food consumption. It underscores
the performance of tea as a cash crop and as a means of generating foreign exchange for
the country as well as a source of employment. This study establishes that the tea sector
has not in any way affected food security in the region of Kigezi and has instead improved
household incomes, been a source of employment and boosted revenue for households. The
sector has however registered some challenges like limited faith among the out growers who
prefer their own traditional crops. There have also been challenges of lack of coordination
from stake-holders like NEMA, the district local governments and government ministries,
departments and agencies. The study recommends to government that policy makers
design a comprehensive tea policy that streamlines conflicting agencies and also learn best
practices from neighboring countries like Kenya where the sector has performed immensely
well. Farmers also need constant sensitization on the benefits of the cash crop. |
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