The institutional reforms in Agricultural Input distribution services in Uganda: A case of involvement of soldiers in input distribution in Uganda

Abstract

This paper analyses different institutional reforms in the agricultural inputs’ delivery services and how the reforms contributed to the evolution of the current Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) program in Uganda. A community-based research approach was used. The study interviewed 43 key policy actors in agricultural inputs distribution services. Findings indicate that many reforms were implemented but alternated between two major approaches; i) when inputs and advisory services were fused up and delivered as a package, and ii) when inputs and advisory services were delivered separately by the extension agents. The different phases are categorised as; Regulatory (1922-1956) and Educative (1957-1971) phases, where inputs and advisory services were fused; Advisory (1992-2013) and Single Spine (2014-to date) phases, where inputs and advisory services delivery got separated. In all the approaches, the services lacked proper coordination, and in some cases no institutional frameworks to guide the extension services leading to ineffectiveness. Furthermore, some of the strategies used e.g coerciveness as a tool for advisory services under Regulatory phase and separating inputs from advisory services in the later Advisory phase set a favourable ground for involvement of the soldiers to specifically handle input delivery under OWC program. It is practically impossible to separate input delivery from advisory services if effective agricultural transformation is to be achieved at farmers’ households. The findings are important in unveiling the inherent challenges in input delivery in Uganda and guiding policy decisions on appropriate reforms in the agricultural input delivery to poor farmers.