Reducing On-Farm Food Losses
In the OIC Member Countries
76
3.6. Case Study 6: Bananas and Plantains in Uganda
Plantains are the primary food crop in Uganda, and bananas are considered a major crop in
Uganda. Bananas are produced in many OIC countries, where they are an important fruit crop
for domestic use and exports. Bananas and plantains are very similar with respect to on-farm
handling.
3.6.1. Status and Importance
Uganda produces 575,000 tonnes of bananas and 9 million tonnes of plantains annually.
Plantains and cooking bananas, are Uganda’s top produced food crop (FAOSTAT). Banana crops
are an important economic resource for rural farmers in Uganda, and in particular rank high
among enterprises that support livelihoods of smallholder poor rural farming communities.
About 75% of Ugandan farmers grow the crops on 1.5 million hectares of land, an estimated
38% of the arable land under cultivation. Domestic per capita consumption of bananas in
Uganda is estimated between 220-460 kg, the highest in the world (National Agricultural
Research Organization, Uganda).
Farming communities in Uganda have consistently ranked the banana crop as their most
important crop because the plant produces all year-round. Banana has a multiplicity of uses
including food, beverages, snacks, feed, industrial spirits, crafts and medicinal uses.
3.6.2. Assessment of On-Farm Losses and Economic Burden
On-farm assessments at six banana and plantain farms in Western Uganda provided the
following data. Mbarara district is in western Uganda, requiring approximately 12 hours by road
(350 km) to reach Kampala wholesale markets:
Table 3.14: On Farm Assessments at Six Banana/Plantain Farms in Western Uganda
Farm Farm Details Quality Sort
by Consultant
(% with
Extreme
Defects or
Decay)
Quality Sort
by Consultant
(% with
Moderate
Defects or
Decay)
Sold by the Bunch
Large = 20kg or more
Medium = 18 kg
Small = 15 kg or less
Market Value
1
Plantains
10 acres
Bananas, coffee,
beans, cassava,
cabbage, maize
10% 15% 20% large = $2.80, 40%
medium= $ 2.40,
40% small =$ 1.40
2
Plantains
4.5 acres
Bananas, beans,
tomatoes, cabbages,
coffee
0% 20% 40% large = $3.40, 40%
medium= $ 2.30,
20% small =$ 1.40