Industrial symbiosis and scalability of smallholder farming in Uganda

Abstract

This study explored smallholder farmers’ perceptions of scalability, the industrial symbiotic practices they undertake, and the contribution of industrial symbiosis to farm scalability in Uganda. A multiple case study design was adopted, involving a purposive sample of 35 smallholder farmers from registered farmer groups in Luwero District, with data saturation reached at the 29th interview. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in the local language to ensure depth and clarity. It was then analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify key patterns and themes. The findings indicate that smallholder farmers perceive scalability as a multidimensional, practice-based process characterized by increased production, market expansion, efficient resource utilization, and enhanced operational capacity. Scalability is viewed as a dynamic process embedded in everyday farming activities. Industrial symbiosis is practiced through waste reuse, crop-livestock integration, alternative feed production, resource sharing, and knowledge exchange. These practices improve productivity, efficiency, and income, making industrial symbiosis a practical strategy for achieving farm scalability in resource-constrained settings. The study contributes to knowledge by providing a contextually grounded understanding of smallholder farm scalability, moving beyond linear interpretations. It offers empirical evidence on farm-level industrial symbiosis and demonstrates how these practices enhance productivity, efficiency, and adaptive capacity, providing novel insights into how resource-constrained farmers in Uganda achieve scalability.