Uganda’s barley value chain: Opportunities, challenges, and strategic solutions

Abstract

Thirty-five years after barley's introduction to Uganda, its largely brewery-based value chain continues to face several challenges. An underdeveloped seed system, poor agronomic and post-harvest handling practices, and infrastructure and mechanization gaps are among the key challenges hindering local barley production, resulting in Uganda's brewing industry being heavily reliant on imported barley grain to meet its raw material needs. Enhanced national budget allocations to agricultural research and extension, accelerated infrastructure development, subsidized mechanization financing, and the promotion of farmer cooperatives could help the value chain realize its full potential. Implementing these solutions could lead to higher incomes for local barley farmers, increased employment opportunities in the value chain, reduced brewery production costs, and a broader tax base for Uganda.