707 Fifth RUFORUM Biennial Regional Conference 17 - 21 October 2016, Cape Town, South Africa RUFORUM Working Document Series (ISSN 1607-9345) No. 14 (1): 707-717. Available from http://repository.ruforum.org Research Application Summary Hostages of subsistence cultivation: Can they be bailed? Egeru, A. 1 & Majaliwa, M.G.J. 2 1 Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, P. O. Box 16811, Wandegeya, Kampala, Uganda 2 Makerere University, Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic Sciences, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda Corresponding author: a.egeru@ruforum.org Abstract This study examined why rural small holders have remained hostages to subsistence cultivation in Serere District, Eastern Uganda. Four hundred and ninety (490) subsistence holders were selected and individual interviews conducted to identify the diversity of livelihood sources and other socio-economic dynamics of subsistence livelihood. Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted in three villages to discuss the opportunities for livelihood improvement. Individual interview responses were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists while FGD responses were analysed based on emerging themes. Findings indicated that 94% of the subsistence holders depended on subsistence cultivation for both food and income and subsistence cultivation generated over 58% of household income. On average the portion of crops sold generated UGX.255, 878 (USD 127.9) per season. Crop wise, cassava showed a relative importance of 90% as a food crop compared to finger millet (46.9%) whereas cotton was considered lowly (3%) by the respondents. Climate change (variability) was identified as a key emerging challenge in the community. Despite availability of new varieties in the market and at the National Agriculture Semi-Arid Research Institute (NASARI), accessibility and utilisation was limited owing to prices and adherences to traditional varieties and practices. Subsistence holders observed that Government initiatives such as the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) benefited to political ‘heavy weights’ and the ‘well to do’ who have influence in the area. However, opportunities do exist in the community’s resilience and desirousness to move out of poverty through fruit (citrus and mangoes) growing. Therefore, there is need to mobilize the communities without putting political considerations for meaningful production and ensured availability of markets for fruits. Further, Integrated Soil and Fertility Management (ISFM) need be strengthened through community action utilizing the Parish Development Committees (PDCs) and innovative platforms for sustainable livelihoods. Key words: Livelihood, opportunities, Serere, subsistence cultivation, Uganda