Agro-Financing and Commercialisation of Small-Scale Farmers in Kyotera District.
| dc.contributor.author | Mukasa Sonia | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-07-14T08:35:49Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-07-14T08:35:49Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-11-19 | |
| dc.description | This is a master's thesis. | |
| dc.description.abstract | Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s rural economy, yet the commercialization of small-scale farmers continues to be constrained by limited access to agro-financing. This study examined the relationship between agro-financing mechanisms and the commercialization of small-scale farmers in Kyotera District. Specifically, the research assessed the influence of agricultural credit facilities, cooperative-based financing, and input financing programs on the transition of farmers from subsistence to market-oriented production. A cross-sectional research design was employed, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 352 respondents was selected from a target population of 830, including small-scale farmers, cooperative leaders, financial institution officers, and government officials. Stratified, purposive, and simple random sampling techniques were used to ensure representation across key stakeholder groups. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and document review. Instrument validity was ensured through expert review, while reliability was confirmed through a pre-test and Cronbach’s alpha analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression modeling. Findings revealed a significant relationship between agro-financing and the level of commercialization among small-scale farmers. Agricultural credit facilities were found to positively influence production scale and market participation. Cooperative-based financing enhanced farmers’ collective bargaining power, while input financing programs improved access to fertilizers, improved seed, and other productivity-enhancing inputs. However, constraints such as high collateral requirements, limited financial literacy, and bureaucratic loan procedures hindered effective utilization of financing opportunities. The study concludes that expanding access to affordable and flexible agro-financing options is essential for enhancing commercialization and improving rural livelihoods. It recommends strengthening cooperative lending systems, increasing financial education, and tailoring credit products to the needs and capacity of resource-constrained farmers. The findings have implications for policymakers, development practitioners, and financial institutions committed to promoting agricultural transformation in Uganda. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Dr. Isaac Newton Kayongo (Makerere University Business School) & Mr. Okumu Moses (Makerere University Business School) | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Mukasa, S. (2025). Agro-Financing and Commercialisation of Small-Scale Farmers in Kyotera District. (Unpublished master's dissertation). Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12282/5850 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Makerere University Business School | |
| dc.rights | Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States | en |
| dc.rights.uri | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/ | |
| dc.title | Agro-Financing and Commercialisation of Small-Scale Farmers in Kyotera District. | |
| dc.type | Thesis |