The Impact of Pineapple Production on Household Welfare of the People in Pallisa District Agule County

Abstract

The Ugandan government identified pineapple production as the basis for the implementation market driven agro-business oriented rural development activities. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of pineapple production on household welfare of people in Agule county Pallisa district. Specifically, to determine the impact of pineapple production on food security, to find out the impact of pineapple production on household income and to find out the challenges faced by farmers in the production process of pineapple and their possible remedies. 30 farmers completed a research questionnaire instrument. The instrument consisted of 22 questions; of which 5 were directly related to the hypothesis. The result of data analysis presented that there was a significant relationship between independent and dependent variables. 66.7% were male , 43.3% of the respondents attained secondary level of formal education, 36.7% were between the age-group of 41-50years. There is a significant relationship between the size of land acreage under production and total output; as well there is a significant relationship between pineapple output and household income. Farmers were able to buy sufficient due to the increased income from sell of pineapple suckers and fruits. They are as well able to grow more food from the extra land they have and using pineapple waste as manure to help grow more food. Pests, diseases, land disputes among others are the major challenges faced by farmers. Provision of pesticide is some of the remedies suggested by the farmers. Pineapple production still remains viable enterprise for small scale farmers in Agule county Pallisa District. The research revealed that the small scale farmers have relatively benefited compared to other crops as it constitutes 36.67% of land utilization of the households. However, there is need to address the constraints particularly in pineapple planting materials and disease management for better yield.