Barriers to collective action and implications for promoting innovation among poultry farmer groups in sub counties of Wakiso district in Uganda

Abstract

TThe study investigated barriers to collective action in unsuccessful Poultry Farmer Groups (PFGs) in six sub counties of Wakiso district in central Uganda. Innovation promoters believe that if farmers collectively adopt innovative technologies they can increase production and achieve high returns. Despite promotion of this belief, farmer groups (FGs) continue to fail. Although studies have been done, little is known about the mechanisms of barriers to collective action in FGs, under different conditions. Six cases of unsuccessful PFGs from 143 National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) registered groups were studied using focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Apart from inadequate resources and non-adherence to regulations, results showed that PFG formation was unsystematic, nepotistic and hastily done. Farmers lacked commitment and intention to invest own resources. Government should use established FGs or if they use new ones members selection should be based on interest to participate in proposed activities.

Key words: Barriers, farmer groups, innovation, poultry enterprise, Uganda, Wakiso district