Some uplands having sandy loam or lateritic soils have poor native fertility.
They are characterized by low organic matter and nitrogen status, poor availability of phosphorus and iron, and poor retention capacity for both moisture and nutrients. Rain-fed uplands are located in zones of both low and high rainfall. They may be subject to periodical drought, due to untimely and irregular distribution of rain, during the crop season. Socio-economic factors vary. As a result, upland cropping, particularly rain-fed farming, shows wide diversification within the country.