Abstract:
Kayonza growers’ tea factory is a remote tea factory in south western Uganda which
consists of two core estates and 4072 smallholder tea farmers currently producing tea
over a total area of 1604 hectares. There is a perception that yields of smallholder tea
vary significantly throughout the year and between years. The data confirms this, with
yields in the lowest producing months of February, July and August as little as 6% of
annual yield production. Soil type also has an influence on yield with evidence
suggesting that sandy loam soils suffer from more drought days than clay loam soils and
generally have more uneven yields.
The conceptual framework for analysis included a water balance model and a
sustainable livelihoods framework. Methods of analysis included yield modelling,
climate analysis and construction of a soil water balance model. Semi-structured in
depth interviews with stakeholders formed the basis of sociological data collection. Soil
water deficit modelling showed seasonal water deficits and a prolonged water deficit in
1999. Total available water was calculated to be 84 mm for clay loam soils and 42 mm
for sandy loam soils. Yield analysis showed average yields of made tea to be 1250 kg
ha-1 in 2005. However, yield prediction estimated possible yields of 2378 kg ha-1 of
made tea. Yield patterns followed soil water deficits and correlated with rainfall
patterns. Yield evenness may be affected by soil type differences in the Kayonza
Growers Tea Factory area. Interviews with stakeholders supported observations on
seasonal water stress and highlighted problems smallholders face accessing information
and adequate inputs for tea production. Although tea provides a regular and reliable
income source, smallholders may prefer to irrigate other high value cash crops and
crops for home consumption. Individual water systems are likely to be used for
domestic as well as agricultural use. Options for soil water conservation and small scale
irrigation were explored in light of research findings. Soil water conservation measures,
rainwater harvesting and treadle pump water management solutions are recommended
for further investigation and piloting. Further analysis of yield and climate data would
enable a finer grained understanding of geographical differences in tea yields.
Investigation of factors affecting tea production such as labour time and shamba size
may help to elucidate how smallholders manage tea production.
