Effects of Improved Cassava Varieties on Farmers’ Income in Northern Agro-ecological Zone, Uganda

This paper examines the extent to which improved cassava varieties contribute improvement in income of smallholder farmers Northern agro-ecological zone Uganda. In order achieve objective, data was collected from PRELNOR supported farmers’ fields, other fields and baseline fields. Consequently, descriptive statistics, gross margin stochastic frontier analysis were adopted during analysis. Results revealed that higher yields per hectare registered within yield NAROCAS1 surpassed all (37.3 tons hectare). Location specific results Gulu had better (34.5 hectare) while Kitgum lowest average (24.1 Gross indicated every Shilling invested variety earned profit 1.3 1.8 times above local each shillings generated 5.6 The parameter estimate for function planting material, production related costs, NAROCAS1, NASE14 NASE19 positively correlated with but labour field negative correlations. Conversely, efficiency grew by 40% under against varieties. study suggests difference between locations caused biophysical characteristic; disease tolerant can tremendously improve profitability income; meanwhile gaps partly attributed inefficiency. recommends fast tracking adoption pest integrated research development approach throughout value chain.