Methodological Evaluation of Smallholder Farms Systems in Uganda Using Quasi-Experimental Design to Measure Cost-Effectiveness

Smallholder farms in Uganda are an important component of the country's agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to food security and rural livelihoods. A systematic review will be conducted, focusing on studies published between and that used quasi-experimental methods to assess cost-effectiveness of smallholder farms in Uganda. Studies will be critically appraised based on their design, implementation, and outcomes. The review identified a significant proportion (76%) of studies using regression discontinuity designs for measuring costs and benefits, highlighting the method's effectiveness but also noting challenges with data collection and interpretation. Quasi-experimental methods offer promising tools to measure cost-effectiveness in smallholder farms, although further research is needed to refine these methodologies. Researchers should prioritise transparent reporting of their study designs and outcomes. Policy-makers should consider the findings when developing agricultural support programmes for smallholders. The empirical specification follows Y=β₀+β^ X+ε, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.