KAMPALA: A recent policy note from the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) sheds light on the food security situation among cane-growing households in Uganda, revealing a complex relationship between cash crop production and food security. The note, titled “Sugarcane – Food Security Paradox: Evidence from Uganda’s Cane Growing Sub-regions,” highlights that on average, cane grower households were more food secure than their non-cane-growing counterparts in 2021.
The study, authored by Madina M. Guloba, Swaibu Mbowa, Florence Nakazi, David Mather, and Elizabeth Bryan, found that cane grower households enjoyed an average of 10.3 months of adequate food supply, compared to 9.1 months for non-cane growers. Additionally, the mean Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), which measures the number of different food groups consumed, was higher among cane grower households (6.6) than non-cane growers (5.97).
Despite the generally higher food security among cane growers, the research acknowledges that food insecurity remains a significant concern in cane-growing subregions. For instance, while cane growers in the Buganda subregion were found to be more food secure compared to those in Busoga and Bunyoro, discussions in community barazas, such as one held in Masindi, revealed widespread food insecurity due to land being heavily dedicated to cane production, leaving little for food crops.
One cane grower noted, “We have an issue with food security since most of the land is used for cane growing. I started with one hectare and educated my children, but Kinyara has taken long to harvest my cane, and some is drying in the field.” The study suggests that effective coordination between growers and millers is crucial for ensuring timely sales and income, which are critical for food security.
The research also highlights that the lack of miller-farmer institutional arrangements can exacerbate food insecurity among cane growers. Households without prior arrangements with mills were found to be more food insecure, experiencing about three months of food inadequacy and a less diverse diet. In contrast, households with clear market arrangements were more likely to be food secure.
The Buganda subregion had the highest proportion of food-secure cane growers at a sub-regional level, while the Busoga and Bunyoro subregions lagged. In Bunyoro, 73.5% of households were moderately or severely food insecure, with non-cane growers particularly affected. The study notes that land size and utilization play a significant role in determining food security, with smaller landholdings being more prone to severe food insecurity.
The findings underscore the need for better land utilization strategies and coordinated efforts between growers and mills to enhance food security in Uganda’s cane-growing regions. While cane growing has provided economic benefits to many households, the research cautions that without proper planning and coordination, food insecurity will remain a persistent challenge.