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Abstract
In this study we investigate the profitability of potato and pineapple enterprises and the technical
efficiency and drivers of efficiency among potato farmers, chosen purposively within IAR4D project
sites in southwestern Uganda. For enterprise profitability, a non-parametric net crop revenue
analysis was used, while a stochastic frontier parametric approach was used to analyse technical
efficiency. Both potato and pineapple enterprises were found to be profitable, although returns
from pineapples were lower. Seasonality impacted on the gross returns of both enterprises.
Pineapple prices were lower than for potatoes during the peak seasons, but off-peak prices rose
350% above the peak price, resulting in substantial increases in gross incomes. All potato farms
were inefficient. However, female farmers were relatively more efficient than male farmers.
Education was positively and significantly associated with efficiency, indicating that public
investments in education have complementary and synergistic effects on IAR4D development
outcomes in Uganda.