5. Vision and Strategy for Improved Competitiveness and Growth 5.1 Vision Draft policy statement. To achieve national self-sufficiency in edible oils with an exportable surplus that results in increased rural incomes and an improvement in the trade balance of payments through the reduction in the importation of edible oils. 5.2 Strategic Issues Synthesis Critical Issues Affecting the Sunflower Chain There is a seemingly endless list of issues, and issues within issues, mitigating against oilseeds production but the more important ones have been identified for consideration below. At Farmer level Issue: Very low yields of seed production leading to shortage of supply to processors. Recommendation: Use of improved seed would have the biggest single effect on yield with or without fertiliser. This requires demonstration and assistance from processors in providing seed. Registered farmer groups to be encouraged to produce QDS under District supervision. Issue: Low bargaining power of farmers. Recommendation: In order to take advantages of economies of scale smallholder farmers need to integrate horizontally into registered producer groups to enhance their bargaining power which as individuals is very weak. This would also enable them to enter into contract farming arrangements with processors to their mutual benefit. The IFAD funded MUVI project is supporting the formation of producer groups in the Southern Highlands but successful models are also emerging in the Central Corridor supported by SNV and RLDC with CEZOSPA. Further development of these groups into Limited Companies would lay the foundation for the commercialisation of agriculture. Low level of farming practices and technology. Provision of improved extension services. This could be provided by some of Recommendation: the bigger processors as well as provision of contracts for Pay for service Providers specialising in sunflower as part of the farming system. Land degradation and reduced fertility levels. Issue: Recommendation: Adoption of Conservation Agriculture across all farming systems and crops will enhance soil fertility as well as reducing the need for cultivations and fertiliser application resulting in a reduction in costs and increases in yields. Consideration should be given to the introduction of soya production into the farming system as a complementary cash crop to sunflower. Being leguminous soya would enhance soil fertility and at the same time increase the availability of edible oil. This to be integral to any extension provision. Issue: Limited opportunities for alternative income generation. Recommendation: Introduce apiculture as part of the sunflower recommendations. This will improve pollination and yields as well as providing additional income.
5. Vision and Strategy for Improved Competitiveness and Growth 5.1 Vision Draft policy statement. To achieve national self-sufficiency in edible oils with an exportable surplus that results in increased rural incomes and an improvement in the trade balance of payments through the reduction in the importation of edible oils. 5.2 Strategic Issues Synthesis Critical Issues Affecting the Sunflower Chain There is a seemingly endless list of issues, and issues within issues, mitigating against oilseeds production but the more important ones have been identified for consideration below. At Farmer level Issue: Very low yields of seed production leading to shortage of supply to processors. Recommendation: Use of improved seed would have the biggest single effect on yield with or without fertiliser. This requires demonstration and assistance from processors in providing seed. Registered farmer groups to be encouraged to produce QDS under District supervision. Issue: Low bargaining power of farmers. Recommendation: In order to take advantages of economies of scale smallholder farmers need to integrate horizontally into registered producer groups to enhance their bargaining power which as individuals is very weak. This would also enable them to enter into contract farming arrangements with processors to their mutual benefit. The IFAD funded MUVI project is supporting the formation of producer groups in the Southern Highlands but successful models are also emerging in the Central Corridor supported by SNV and RLDC with CEZOSPA. Further development of these groups into Limited Companies would lay the foundation for the commercialisation of agriculture. Low level of farming practices and technology. Recommendation: Provision of improved extension services. This could be provided by some of the bigger processors as well as provision of contracts for Pay for service Providers specialising in sunflower as part of the farming system. Issue: Land degradation and reduced fertility levels. Recommendation: Adoption of Conservation Agriculture across all farming systems and crops will enhance soil fertility as well as reducing the need for cultivations and fertiliser application resulting in a reduction in costs and increases in yields. Consideration should be given to the introduction of soya production into the farming system as a complementary cash crop to sunflower. Being leguminous soya would enhance soil fertility and at the same time increase the availability of edible oil. This to be integral to any extension provision. Issue: Limited opportunities for alternative income generation. Recommendation: Introduce apiculture as part of the sunflower recommendations. This will improve pollination and yields as well as providing additional income.
1._Edible_Oils___Strategy.docx