Networks of Rural Producer Organizations in Uganda: What Can be Done to Make Them Work Better?

Rural producer organizations (RPOs) are currently seen as mechanisms of reducing transaction costs and improving market access of smallholder farmers. Yet little is known about the determinants of RPO effectiveness, especially in Sub-Saharan African countries. In this article we assess functioning of Ugandan RPO using a combination of participatory research and survey methods. We recommend areas for development interventions that would enhance the positive impact of RPO on livelihoods of their members. The proposed interventions refer to monetary transactions between RPO and their members, information channels within RPO, access to inputs and finance, member knowledge capacity and motivation of leaders.