Dr. Pauline Birungi is a Research Scientist at BuZARDI, where she serves as the Outreach Officer, strengthening linkages between research, farmers, and development partners. On January 17, 2025, Dr. Birungi graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Agricultural and Rural Innovation from Makerere University. Her doctoral studies were supported by the World Bank–funded Agricultural Technology and Agribusiness Advisory Services (ATAAS) Project. Dr. Birungi’s academic journey is distinguished by consistent excellence and commitment to rural transformation. She began with a National Diploma in Agriculture, progressed to a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Makerere University, and later earned a Master of Arts in Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University. This interdisciplinary training deepened her understanding of agricultural systems, rural economies, and development dynamics. Her PhD research focused on socio-behavioural factors influencing collective marketing among farmer organisations in mid-western Uganda, with a particular emphasis on rice producers.
The study assessed existing collective marketing arrangements, documented innovations adopted by farmer associations, and analysed how trust, commitment, and other socio-behavioural factors shape marketing outcomes. Key findings revealed capacity gaps at both individual farmer and organisational levels, leading to practical recommendations for strengthening farmer organisations.
Notably, the research urges farmers’ associations to invest in market-oriented innovations, such as contract farming, to enhance value creation and reduce exploitation by buyers who often dictate prices and trade terms. It also calls on development practitioners to strengthen institutional development efforts and support farmer organisations to adopt scalable market- access innovations.
Read selected publications from Her research