Journal of Agriculture and Horticulture Research(JAHR)
ISSN: 2643-671X | DOI: 10.33140/JAHR
Impact Factor: 1.12
Research Article - (2025) Volume 8, Issue 2
Socio-Economic-Factors Affecting Fresh Tomato Marketing in Kitgum Main Market, Uganda
Received Date: Sep 12, 2025 / Accepted Date: Oct 09, 2025 / Published Date: Oct 22, 2025
Copyright: ©©2025 Denish Ocira, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation: Ocira, D., Ssemakula, E. (2025). Socio-Economic-Factors Affecting Fresh Tomato Marketing in Kitgum Main Market, Uganda. J Agri Horti Res, 8(2), 01-03.
Abstract
This study examined factors affecting fresh tomato marketing in Kitgum Main Market, Uganda, focusing on vendor charac- teristics, socio-economic and business environment factors, and key marketing challenges. Data were collected from 40 fresh tomato vendors (5 wholesalers, 35 retailers) using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and cross-tabulations were employed. Results showed that vendors were predominantly married women with primary-level education, aged 31–52 years, and managing households of 5–10 members. Socio-economic charac- teristics (age, education, marital status, household size) and business environment factors (credit access, business development services) significantly influenced sales. Major challenges included substandard stalls, lack of cold storage, poor transport, and produce theft. The study recommends improved market infrastructure, better access to credit, and training services to strength- en vendor resilience.
Keywords
Tomato, Marketing, Vendors, Kitgum, Uganda
Introduction
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is among the most wide- ly grown vegetables in Uganda, valued both as a food crop and a source of household income [2,5]. Despite its importance, market- ing challenges such as poor infrastructure [3,7], perishability, and low bargaining power hinder its potential. This paper examines factors affecting fresh tomato marketing in Kitgum Main Market.
Problem Statement
Tomato farmers and vendors in Uganda, particularly in Kitgum Main Market, face persistent challenges including inadequate stor- age, high postharvest losses, unreliable transportation, and limited access to credit. These challenges reduce profitability and sustain- ability, yet little empirical research has been conducted to quantify the key factors influencing fresh tomato marketing [1,6] in this context.
Objectives
The overall objective of the study was to analyze the factors affecting fresh tomato marketing in Kitgum Main Market. Specifically, the study sought to:
1. Characterize fresh tomato vendors in Kitgum Main Market.
2. Assess the socio-economic and business environment factors influencing fresh tomato sales.
3. Identify key challenges affecting fresh tomato marketing.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey design was applied, integrating both qual- itative and quantitative methods. The study sample consisted of 40 fresh tomato vendors (5 wholesalers and 35 retailers) selected through simple random sampling. Primary data were gathered us- ing semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (version 16.0) for descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and cross-tabulations, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed.
Results
|
Variable |
Category |
Frequency |
Percent |
Total |
|
Gender |
Female |
40 |
100% |
40 |
|
Marital Status |
Married |
23 |
57.5% |
40 |
|
Marital Status |
Single/Other |
17 |
42.5% |
40 |
|
Education |
Primary |
20 |
50% |
40 |
|
Education |
Other |
20 |
50% |
40 |
|
Age range |
31–52 years |
28 |
70% |
40 |
|
Household size |
5–10 members |
30 |
75% |
40 |
Table 1: Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Fresh Tomato Vendors
Findings showed all fresh tomato vendors were female, mostly married, with primary-level education. The majority were middle-aged (31–52 years) and managed large households [8].
|
Factor |
Statistical significance |
Effect on sales |
|
Age |
Significant (p<0.05) |
Older vendors recorded lower sales |
|
Education level |
Significant (p<0.05) |
Higher education increased sales |
|
Marital status |
Significant (p<0.05) |
Married vendors recorded higher sales |
|
Household size |
Significant (p<0.05) |
Larger households correlated with high- er sales |
|
Credit access |
Significant (p<0.05) |
Vendors with credit access had more stock and higher sales |
|
Business services |
Significant (p<0.05) |
Access to training increased efficiency |
|
Vendor association membership |
Not significant |
No statistical influence on sales |
Table 2: Key Factors Influencing Fresh Tomato Sales
Socio-economic and business environment factors strongly influenced sales, especially education and credit access, while vendor asso- ciation membership showed no significant effect.
|
Challenge |
Frequency (%) |
Impact |
|
Substandard market stalls |
30.5% |
Inadequate shelter and sanitation |
|
Lack of cold storage facilities |
27.4% |
High postharvest losses |
|
Poor/unreliable transportation |
11.6% |
Delays and reduced quality |
|
Theft of produce |
14.7% |
Loss of income |
Table 3: Major Challenges in Fresh Tomato Marketing
Discussion
The study demonstrates that fresh tomato marketing in Kitgum Main Market is heavily influenced by vendors’ socio-economic characteristics and the prevailing business environment. Consis- tent with earlier studies education and access to credit were critical for improving business performance [4,9]. The challenges iden- tified—particularly inadequate storage and infrastructure—mirror those faced by vegetable markets in other developing countries [1,7 and 10].
Conclusions and Recommendations
Fresh tomato marketing in Kitgum is hindered by socio-economic constraints and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these issues could improve vendor livelihoods and reduce postharvest losses.
Recommendations
• Strengthen vendor access to affordable credit facilities.
• Provide regular training and business development services.
• Improve market infrastructure, especially cold storage facilities.
• Enhance security and stall quality in the market.
Acknowledgement
The author appreciates Bishop Stuart University for academic guidance and support. Special thanks to all fresh tomato vendors in Kitgum Main Market who participated in the study.
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