Abstract:
Small-scale farming is the backbone of the agricultural sector in East Africa, contributing to food security, rural livelihoods, and poverty reduction. This study aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities facing small-scale farming in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania and provide practical recommendations to enhance farm productivity. The study employed a qualitative secondary data analysis approach, incorporating a comprehensive literature review of existing studies related to farming systems in the three countries, data from national Ministries of Agriculture databases, and virtual interviews with field agricultural extension officers in Uganda and Kenya. The findings revealed that small-scale farmers face numerous challenges that negatively affect farm productivity, including the use of unsustainable farming practices, inadequate access to markets, limited access to credit, and climate change. Additionally, the study found that ecological and geographical borders, as well as farmer literacy levels, influenced farming systems such as land use, crop choices, and livestock management. To enhance productivity, the study recommends promoting sustainable farming practices, improving access to credit, investing in infrastructure, and promoting youth involvement in agriculture to bridge the generational gap and allow knowledge exchange. Moreover, promoting literacy among small-scale farmers can help them access information on modern and advanced agricultural practices and technologies. It further recommends policies that optimize sustainable farming systems and improve market linkages to improve food access. The study concludes by highlighting the critical role of sustainable and innovative farming systems coupled with targeted interventions that address specific challenges facing small-scale farmers in enhancing farm productivity and promoting food security in East Africa.
