Small and Medium Agribusiness Competitiveness in Least Developed Markets

Abstract

Agribusiness markets undergoing rapid changes and modernization. However, they also undergo but uneven modernization. In developing countries in particular, some agribusinesses are recording high rate of success, increased revenue, expansion and growth; some are struggling to stamp their marks in the ever-competitive markets worldwide. The Northern Ugandan small and medium agribusinesses suffer competitiveness problems. It has been observed that agribusinesses are weak in their structure and they operate in a weak economy and represent only 4.5% of Uganda's exports despite their proximity to regional markets. Most agribusinesses in the region are small, informal and insular, lack growth ambitions, do not export and are dependent on internal funds. This research used cross-sectional survey research design; which was analytical and descriptive in nature to understand the level of competitiveness of agribusinesses in northern Uganda. At least 205 respondents were drawn from 79 small and medium agribusinesses in Lira, which is an agribusiness hub for Northern Uganda.  The research used market shares, profitability and business ethical considerations as constructs for measuring agribusiness competitiveness.