Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Analysis of Tamarindus (Tamarindus Indica L.) Value Chain in Uganda: Identification of Opportunities and Constraints to Its Commercialization and Domestication
Lakor, J.; Elepu, G.; Buyinza, M. J.; Nyeko, P.

Abstract
This study analyzed the value chain of T. indica in Uganda with the motive of identifying opportunities and constraints to its commercialization and domestication. The study traced the movement of T. indica products from producing to non producing districts in the year 2009. Marketing margins for producers and traders along the value chain were computed and their determinants identified using multiple OLS regression technique. Women were the dominant players in the T. indica value chain. Major constraints to T. indica production and marketing were seasonality in supply, low demand, high transportation costs, and lack of proper storage facilities. Average marketing margins for producers were significantly lower than that of traders with traders in non producing districts outperforming their counterparts. Marketing margins of producers were significantly influenced by sales volume, amount of land holding, distance to market, variety sold and district. Whereas marketing margins obtained by traders depended on their sales volumes, trading experience, and district. Overall, a small but growing market for T. indica products exists in Uganda and opportunities for expansion lie in smoothening supply through proper postharvest handling and value addition. Thus, T. indica producers and traders need to be trained on postharvest handling and value addition.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v5n1a11