The role of variety attributes in the uptake of new hybrid bananas among smallholder rural farmers in central Uganda

Abstract

Background While advances in agricultural research and development have led to generation of improved new cooking hybrid banana varieties (HBVs) with enhanced yield potential to restore production levels, these have been received with mixed feelings on production and consumption attributes among the farming communities in Uganda. Some farmers prefer HBVs that are comparable to their local varieties in terms of consumption attributes such as soft food, color when cooked, flavor and taste while others prefer high-yielding HBVs to produce surplus output for sale. Methods Using cross-sectional survey data from 242 randomly selected smallholder banana farmers in Nakaseke and Luwero districts in Central Uganda, the study applied a Tobit regression model to analyze the influence of socio-economic factors and variety attributes on the adoption of new hybrid bananas. Results The results on the perception of farmers on banana variety attributes showed that the new HBVs had desirable production-related attributes, while local cultivars were rated superior to hybrids on consumption-related attributes. Evidence further showed that production-related and consumption-related attributes influenced farmers’ decisions in the adoption of HBVs. Further, an assessment of the socio-economic factors that influence the adoption of HBVs showed that education of the farmer, household size, interaction with different banana actors, experience (number of years growing HBVs), and source of planting materials had a significant influence on farmers’ adoption of the new HBVs. Conclusion The study findings provide insights into the need for agricultural research and development initiatives to target the development of banana varieties with multi-traits that meet end-users’ preferences and needs. Facilitating the establishment of multi-actor platforms that bring together the different actors to share information and learn might be useful in increasing the intensity of HBVs adoption.

End‐user preferences for plantain food products in Nigeria and implications for genetic improvement

“…Sanya et al . (2020) also documented that better consumption attributes such as taste, texture and colour could increase the likelihood of adoption of improved banana hybrids by farmers in Uganda.…”

“…The genetic variability for colour and biochemical parameters which can contribute to colour and texture changes during processing can be used for breeding and new hybrids should be evaluated for their processing quality. Sanya et al (2020) also documented that better consumption attributes such as taste, texture and colour could increase the likelihood of adoption of improved banana hybrids by farmers in Uganda.…”

Consumer Preferences and Socioeconomic Factors Decided on Plantain and Plantain-Based Products in the Central Region of Cameroon and Oyo State, Nigeria

“…This result agreed with Kikulwe et al [46], who reported that taste and price are the most important factors for purchasing cooking banana in Uganda. Sanya et al [47] also documented that better consumption attributes such as taste, texture, and color could increase the likelihood of adopting improved banana hybrids by farmers in Uganda. Apart from taste, Ayinde et al [38] observed that size and number of fingers were considered the most important factors when purchasing plantain, while appearance, color, and shelf-life were the least.…”

Seed Security Factors Driving Farmer Decisions on Uptake of Tissue Culture Banana Seed in Central Uganda

“…A possible explanation for women's interest in TC banana planting material could be attributed to the distinct role that women play in ensuring food security for their families. Food security in central Uganda is culturally viewed as a women's role, and women must ensure that their homesteads are food secure (Sanya et al [64]). The study finding is in line with Sanya et al [64], who found female farmers to be 12.4% more likely to adopt hybrid banana varieties compared to male farmers.…”

“…Food security in central Uganda is culturally viewed as a women's role, and women must ensure that their homesteads are food secure (Sanya et al [64]). The study finding is in line with Sanya et al [64], who found female farmers to be 12.4% more likely to adopt hybrid banana varieties compared to male farmers. Nevertheless, with recent developments by the government being skewed to banana-based processing enterprises, it is likely that men will increasingly grow bananas to boost their sources of income.…”