ActiveAWinERA Africa Ltd

Leveraging Contract Farming to Improve Refugee Resilience in Uganda

Overview

The study examines whether reducing constraints – including lack of land ownership, insufficient liquidity to rent land or purchase inputs, and intergroup tensions with host communities – through a contract farming model can help refugees overcome barriers to engaging constructively in agricultural production and become more resilient.

Research Objectives

Assess whether participation in contract farming arrangements improves household income and resilience among refugee and host community farmers
Examine the role of contract farming in improving access to inputs, credit, and guaranteed markets
Analyse gender-differentiated outcomes and barriers to contract farming participation for women refugees
Provide evidence-based recommendations for scaling contract farming models in refugee-hosting districts

Methodology

A mixed-methods approach was used combining household surveys with refugee and host community farmers, in-depth interviews with contract farming firms, and focus group discussions disaggregated by gender and refugee status. Difference-in-differences analysis compared outcomes between contract farming participants and a matched comparison group of non-participants.

Key Findings

Contract farming participation was associated with significantly higher household incomes and improved food security scores among both refugee and host community farmers. Women participants reported increased control over income and improved household bargaining power. The model showed strong potential for scale, particularly when combined with financial literacy training and digital payment systems.

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