Increasing proliferation of pests has continued to threaten food security in Uganda. In Uganda, crop losses due to pests and diseases are estimated at 10-20% (pre-harvest) with an annual loss in monetary terms amounting to US$ 35-200 million (bananas), US$60-80 million (cassava), US$10 million (cotton), and US$8 million (coffee). This has constrained food access among poor households and the susceptibility to pests and diseases in most of the food insecure regions is a major obstacle to staple food availability, limits food access and leads to food security. Therefore, adoption of pesticides can prevent large crop losses, raising agricultural output and farm income.
However, little attention is given to empirical research exploring the connections between pesticide use and crop productivity as a critical pathway for ensuring food security. This study findings reveal that pesticide prices, gender dynamics, mechanization levels, the adoption of improved seedlings, and the incorporation of both organic and inorganic fertilizers are the factors influencing pesticide use in Uganda. The analysis also shows that the adoption of pesticides demonstrates a positive influence on crop productivity. Results further show that through indicators such as Food Consumption Score (FCS), Minimum Acceptable Household Food Consumption (MAHFP), and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) at the pre-harvest stage, there is no statistical correlation between pesticide use and food security outcomes. Consequently, beyond enhanced crop productivity and the pre-harvest activities focused on in the study, it is imperative to consider the post-harvest application of pesticides to complete the explanation of pesticide effect on food security in Uganda.
The findings indicate that the households that use pesticides exhibit a higher likelihood of experiencing increased crop productivity. However, majority of households are exposed to counterfeit pesticides due to inadequate regulations to monitor the sale of pesticides. The report recommends Government to reform the regulatory framework to promote a licensing system which mandates private local market dealers to attain certification prior to the sale of pesticides.
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