Does coffee production reduce poverty? Evidence from Uganda
Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies
ISSN: 2044-0839
Article publication date: 13 November 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of coffee production on poverty among smallholder farmers.
Design/methodology/approach
National Household Survey data for Uganda were triangulated with qualitative field data. A mix of propensity score matching (PSM) and quantile treatment effect techniques was employed.
Findings
The results reveal a significant effect of coffee production on poverty reduction, through incremental household consumption expenditure. Households engaged in coffee production are associated with a lower incidence of poverty. The interesting evidence suggests that coffee production is a pro-poor intervention. These findings are confirmed by qualitative assessment that reveals farmers’ welfare improved to greater extent to satisfactory levels from coffee income.
Research limitations/implications
Econometrically robust strategies were employed to ensure minimal estimation bias; however, the authors are mindful of PSM limitation of selection on observables.
Originality/value
This paper is part of a limited body of literature that combines quantitative and qualitative assessment, a growing issue in contemporary research. In addition to employing one of the conventional impact evaluation techniques, the paper accounts for heterogeneity in the effects of coffee production.
Keywords
Citation
Mbowa, S., Odokonyero, T., Muhumuza, T. and Munyambonera, E. (2017), "Does coffee production reduce poverty? Evidence from Uganda", Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 260-274. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-01-2016-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited