School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS)

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    Acceptance of Biodegradable Stoverpack among Retailers, Wholesalers, Processors and Consumers of Agricultural Products in Kampala and Wakiso Districts
    (Makerere University, 2022-05-11) Nakato, Caroline Bikirwa
    The biodegradable stover packs caters for reduced post harvest losses, improved shelf life for food products and prevent food spoilage as well as increased incomes for consumers, processors and traders. The study focused on how much more consumers, processors and traders of agricultural products are willing to pay for the new biodegradable packaging materials for the agricultural products in Kampala and Wakiso district in Uganda. The objectives of the study were to contribute to the promotion of the biodegradable stover packs among processors, consumers and traders, to assess the different types of packaging materials used, to find out the willingness of consumers, processors and traders in purchase of the new stover packs and to determine how much more traders, processors and consumers are willing to pay for the stover packs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 84 consumers, 42 processors and 90 traders. Well-designed questionnaires were used to collect mainly quantitative data from the respondents. The data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientists) version 16.0 statistical package. The study revealed that consumers, processors and traders mostly used polythene bags however they are willing to purchase the new stover bags. The study also revealed that most of the respondents were willing to pay more for the biodegradable packaging materials as they were more eco-friendly compared to the non-biodegradable packaging materials such as the polythene bags, plastic bags, polypropylene bags, sisal bags among others. The results of the study further revealed that factors such as age of the respodent, sex of the respondent, education based on years spent in school, estimated annual income (shs.), most preferred packaging materials to use, most accessible packaging materials, quantity of produce (kgs) traded in a week, amount of produce (kgs) being transported to the market that gets damaged during transportation and the most environmentally friendly packaging materials significantly influenced the willingness of consumers, traders and processors for agricultural produce to pay more for the new biodegradable stover packs Therefore creating more awareness about the presence of the biodegradable packaging materials so as to reduce on environmental pollution and provision of cheap raw materials that are needed in the processing and manufacturing of the biodegradable packaging materials so as to make them easily accessible are necessary in promotion of the new biodegradable stover packs among processors, traders and consumers.
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    The access of credit by rice farmers in Doho Rice Scheme, Butaleja district
    (Makerere University, 2019) Ankwatsa, Irene Erinah
    Generally, in Uganda lack of finances is one of the critical problems hindering growth, production, productivity and generation of farm income. The extent to which agricultural credit has been of benefit to rice farmers as well as influences its access, have been of interest though not much study has been carried out on them. The study examined the access of agricultural credit. The study was conducted in Doho Rice Scheme, Butaleja district using a survey design. A systematic sampling technique was adopted in selecting 60 rice farmers who were examined. Structured questionnaires and document analysis were used to collect quantitative data from the sampled households. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. The study examined 52 rice farmers who have ever received agricultural credit and 8 who did not access credit. Results imply that agricultural credit access by the female farmers is still very limited. Generally, farmers’ association, collateral security especially land and land ownership were highly important in influencing access to agricultural credit. There is need for stakeholders to promote flexible credit facilities and increase awareness among farmers with less experience in agriculture so as to increase their access. In case of collateral security, farmers should be encouraged to form cooperative groups or farmer investment groups to enable them access credit from financial institutions.
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    Access to improved social services by vanilla farmers in Ntenjeru subcounty, Mukono district.
    (Makerere University, 2023-08) Namujju, Josephine
    Vanilla is one of the recently adopted nontraditional cash crops in Uganda however, it faces a poverty of research and extension so as to address the pros and cons associated with it. Vanilla has exhibited a spontaneous trend in earning juicy incomes to vanilla farmers of late, never the less, there are still few participants in vanilla growing across Uganda. The specific objectives of the study included; to determine socio-economic characteristics of vanilla farmers, to assess vanilla farmers’ access to better health services, to assess vanilla farmers’ access to improved education services for their children, to assess vanilla farmers’ access to other social amenities such as transport means, type of housing, meals observed a day and access to financial institutions and lastly to assess the status of vanilla farmers in vanilla farming line. A total of 30 vanilla farmers were obtained usingtheSlovin’s formula, who were studied from four parishes of Ntenjeru Sub County Mukono district.Respondents were purposively selected and systematic sampling method was used. A questionnaire was used as a primary data capturing tool implemented through oral interviews and observation. The data was cleaned and entered into SPSS 21.0 and then analyzed using descriptive statistics.Majorityof the vanilla farmers had completed primary level of education with average of eight years in school and most of the respondents were farmers by main occupation.About 70% of vanilla farmers access private hospitals most. The results also showed that most of the vanilla farmers educate their children from Private sponsored schools which are proven to deliver better quality education services as compared to Government Funded schools.Majority of the vanilla farmers reported high access to better other social services such as safe water, type of housing, sources of energy for lighting and cooking, transport means, communication means and financial institutions’ access. Majority of the farmers were willing to continue in vanilla farming given the juicy vanilla incomes realized from vanilla. However, the major challenge reported in vanilla farming was the rampant vanilla theft when vanilla beans are still in the field.Thus, more research and extension is needed to be incorporated in vanilla production to attract more participants in vanilla growing from an informed point of view.
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    Adaptability assessment of cactus species (Opuntia Ficus Indica and Opuntia Stricta) to local environmental conditions in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2020-11-27) Namuddu, Rhona
    Cactus plants are gaining increasing interest globally, in particular cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica), because of its resilience to harsh climatic conditions while at the same time provide nutrients to man and animals. In some other countries e.g. Brazil, Mozambique and Italy, some elite varieties have been evaluated for their potential to produce fodder. Despite the importance of cactus, little has been done to compare the adaptability of different cactus species to the local growing conditions in Uganda hence limiting evaluation of their production and utilization potential. This study evaluated the adaptability and production potential of cactus under Ugandan conditions. The objectives of this study were a) to determine the growth rates of two cactus species Opuntia stricta and Ficus indica under screen house conditions, and b) to assess the growth rates of Opuntia stricta and Ficus indica and their biomass accumulation under the field conditions. The experiment was set up at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) to assess the growth rate of two cactus species under screen house and field conditions. In the screen house experiment, three sizes (small, medium and large) of the varieties were used. In the screen house data was collected on growth rate and biomass accumulation in terms of fresh weight. Plants from each variety were selected and planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Each variety was represented by three rows (ridges) consisting of the sizes small, medium and large, respectively, with each row having double lines of 19 plants. In the screen house, significant variation (p<0.001) was observed for different sizes (small, medium and large), species and weeks of data collection. In O. stricta, highest increase in growth rate was observed with small sized plantlets whereas highest growth rate in F. indica occurred where large plantlets were used. Biomass accumulation in terms of fresh weight was highest in F. indica as compared to O. stricta. Growth rates for the two species under field conditions varied significantly (p<0.001). F. indica had the highest (53.67 cm) growth rate compared to O. stricta (46.56 cm). The fresh weight of the two cactus species differed significantly (p = 0.035) whereas dry weight did not differ significantly (p = 0.274). O. stricta had the highest biomass accumulation for both fresh and dry weight showing more adaptability to natural environment. A few pests (caterpillars) where observed to attack the two cactus species on station. More studies need to be carried out in semi-arid areas on adaptability of cactus species.
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    Adaptation of climate smart technologies and impact on vanilla productivity among farmers in Wakiso district.
    (Makerere University, 2020-03) Nandera, Esther Theresa
    The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of adopting selected climate smart technologies on vanilla farmers’ productivity and income in Wakiso district and the specific objectives were ; 1) to assess the level and intensity of climate smart technology adoption among vanilla farmers in Wakiso district, 2) to assess the effect of climate smart technology adoption on productivity of vanilla farmers in Wakiso district, 3) to identify the constraints and opportunities faced by vanilla farmers with regards to widening the adoption of climate smart technologies. The study collected data from a sample size of 50 vanilla farmers. Probit, Tobit model and Ordinary least squares regression (OLS) were used to analyze the data. Results from the Probit analysis indicated that gender, education level (primary and graduate), land size (more than 10 acres) and the monthly earnings of farmers were significantly associated with the level of climate smart technology adoption among vanilla farmers in Wakiso district whereas age and household size were not significant. The results from the Tobit analysis also indicated that; gender, education level, land size and monthly earnings of farmers were significantly associated with the intensity of climate smart technology adoption among vanilla farmers in Wakiso district. The incomes of vanilla famers are higher than those of non-vanilla farmers. The Effect of climate smart technology adoption on productivity of vanilla farmers in Wakiso district results indicated that the adoption of climate smart technologies has affected vanilla productivity to a larger extent 60%. The results continued and indicated that climate smart technologies have significantly increased household income, improved farmers welfare, changed farmers lifestyle and have created employment for farm laborers. At the ANOVA level, the P=0.028 meaning that climate smart technologies have significantly impacted on the productivity of and income of vanilla farmers in Wakiso district. The Constraints and opportunities faced by vanilla farmers are; constraints include, Limited investment capital, Limited skills for adoption, Tools for implementation not available, Climate variability, Poor markets, Pests and diseases, Lack of access to credit and Low seed quality and access; opportunities were; availability of climate smart mechanization using robotics , availability of Drones for climate smart vanilla farming system. The study recommended that; the government through the ministry of agriculture should advise farmers for not only vanilla to adopt climate smart technologies as the technologies have been found to have a significant impact on farmers productivity
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    Adaptations to climate change and variability of smallholder farmers in Kisaikye village -Namasagali Subcounty, Kamuli district.
    (Makerere University, 2021-01) MASABA, EMMA
    The agricultural sector is the major source of livelihood to rural communities in Uganda but is currently faced by climate change as a major challenge. This study investigated; (i) the effects of drought and flooding on the farmers, (ii) present agricultural practices being used by local farmers to adapt against drought and flooding, (iii) factors that influence small holder farmers’ adaptation decisions in Kisaikye village Namasagali sub county, Kamuli district. Data was collected through focus group discussions and a household survey using structured questionnaire. In order to achieve this, data was analyzed from 44 randomly selected households in Kisaikye Village. Regression model was used to find out factors affecting farmers’ adaptation decisions. The results show that 72% of farmers experienced crop reductions due to drought and 82% of the farmers experienced crop reductions by too much rain. Planting fast maturing crops is done by most farmers to adapt to flooding and soil water conservation technologies are being used to adapt to drought. The regression model indicated that age, gender, marital status, and support programs such as access to information from local leaders, indigenous knowledge, training by extension workers and local institutions the key factors determining farmers’ choice of adaptation practice. In Kisaikye village-Kamuli district, climate change is a pressing problem, which is beyond the capacity of smallholders to respond to autonomously. Farmers’ capacity to choose effective adaptation options is influenced by household demography, as well access to information from local leaders, use of indigenous knowledge, access to markets, training by extension workers, education programs on radios and information from local institutions. This implies the need to support the indigenous adaptation strategies of the smallholder farmers with a wide range of institutional, policy, and technology support; some of it targeted on smaller, poorer or female-headed households. Moreover, creating opportunities for non-farm income sources is important as this helps farmers to engage in those activities that are less sensitive to climate change.
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    Addressing Multiple Challenges of Low Soil Moisture Content,yields and High Labour requirement Using Conservation Agriculture
    (Makerere University, 2019-05-21) MUNGUJAKISA, Philip
    As a requirement leading to an award of Bachelor of Agricultural and Rural Innovation, Supervised Experiential learning Projects were conducted between June and August, 2012. The main educational programme was guided by one main objectives: Action Research to address a specific Farming Need/ challenge(s) identified during problem identification and ranking. Supervised Experiential Learning Projects were aimed at offering me opportunities to “learn-by-doing” so as to;- I. Acquire practical field experiences in Agriculture and agro-related programmes, II. Develop personal characteristics such as self-confidence, creativity, adaptability and good interpersonal relations among others, III. Apply knowledge and skills acquired at the university through practicing field activities,and IV. Identify and appreciate factors that influence the effectiveness of agricultural programs. I was hosted during my second field attachment by Caritas, Nebbi. The organization was implementing the School garden project–a component of the Community Empowerment Programme as a Local Capacity Builder of the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV). The experience gained has shaped my perception and implementation of agriculture and agriculture related projects and programmes. Agriculture is a dynamic industry and must undergo a significant transformation to meet multiple challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty, climate change/ variability and environmental degradation . It is therefore prudent that there should be deliberate actions to undertaken regular training needs assessment and field-based research to address these challenges.
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    Adoption and effect of tractor hire service on cassava productivity among e-voucher beneficiaries in West Nile
    (Makerere University, 2023) Shimo, Mpelwa Henry
    Cassava is the third-largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize. (Afedraru, 2019). Cassava is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for over half a billion people. (FAO, 2015) It is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on marginal soils. Nigeria is the world's largest producer of cassava, while Thailand is the largest exporter of cassava starch. Although cassava is an established commercial crop in many tropical countries and hundreds of varieties are in existence, little is generally known of the nomenclature and identification of varieties. Various varieties are usually differentiated from one another by their morphological characteristics such as color of stems, petioles, leaves and tubers. Moreover, in many instances the same variety is known in various places by a number of names. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 61.1% of the world’s cassava production (FAOCAST, 2020). Although it is a perennial plant, cassava is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates.(GRIN, 2014). Cassava is predominantly consumed in boiled form, but substantial quantities are used to extract cassava starch, called tapioca, which is used for food, animal feed, and industrial purposes. Cassava is an important rural food for communities in Uganda. It has tolerance to poor soils and resistance to drought, a cheap and reliable source of food that fits well into the food security strategy of smallholders (Nweke, Spencer, and Lynam 2004; FAO 2003). Cassava has, therefore, served many times as food of last resort to ameliorate the effect of food deficits which occur from erratic weather conditions and reduce the yields of cereals. Tractors can be hired for primary tillage and subsequent planting, and weeding can also be done with a combination of power sources and technologies. Application of these alternative power sources can relieve pressure on human labour at critical times of heavy demand (Sims, B. G., & Kienzle, J.,2006).
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    Adoption and effects of improved tomato varieties on tomato profitability among youth farmers in Rukungiri district
    (Makerere University, 2019-11-06) Bainomugisha, Mike
    Due to the fact that Uganda’s population is dominated by the youth in the average age group of 18-35 years and are highly faced by the challenge of unemployment, the study was conducted in Kebison and Buyanja sub counties of Rukungiri District, South Western Uganda to assess the adoption and effects of improved tomato varieties on tomato profitability among youth farmers. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey method. The method involved the use of a SelfAdministered Questionnaire (SAQ). The adoption status of improved tomato variety was found very low. Considering all the improved varieties that are cultivated in the study area, money maker was the most adopted, followed by marglobe, and boney best. Among the factors that highly influence the adoption are type of tomato variety grown, number of years spent in school, and sex of the youth farmers. Youth farmers’ consciousness about improved tomato cultivation was found increasing. Major reasons in favor of improved tomato cultivation were higher yields, thick fruit skin, large size, long durability and high price due to attractive color and size. The farmers of improved tomato adopters facing several problems like non-availability of quality seed, unfavorable weather, good quality fertilizer and insecticide for tomato cultivation. High price of inputs was recorded as one of the major problem to the tomato farmers
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    Adoption of agricultural tractors by farmers in Nyimbo, Wobulenzi and Bamunanika Sub Counties in Luwero District, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2023) Tumukunde, Alex
    Tractor adoption is a crucial consideration in Uganda, a country that highly prioritizes mechanization and believes it will be a way to commercializing agriculture and elevating agriculture production. The country basically produces more of crop products than animal products thus, tractor use is key for mechanizing agriculture. The study looked at evaluating the discrepancy between expected tractor adoption by the many tractors unleashed by the government to farmers’ localities and the reality that, there still remains low tractor adoption. Why there exists the gap, and what needs to be done to address that? The research anchored on different objectives which included; characterizing farmers who used tractors and those who didn’t; evaluating factors that affected the level of adoption and; perception of farmers towards tractor use. There were several surprising outcomes which expounded that tractors are not limited by availability of tractors but more and more factors. The research indicated policy interventions and implications to address other factors that included; land fragmentation, feeder road construction and maintenance, monitoring of tractors released to subcounty and providing maintenance services, stability of agricultural prices and agricultural value addition, strengthening agricultural advisory and extension services and more as indicated in the report. Improvement in tractor adoption will range from addressing the following; tractor availability, tractor accessibility, tractor use and utilization and tractor maintenance.
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    Adoption of Biosecurity control measures and their effects on pig farming in Mukono District.
    (Makerere University, 2023-08) Basiime, Watson
    The study examined the adoption of biosecurity control measures and their effects on pig farming in Mukono district. A total of 107 pig farmers were selected using snowball. t-test method, logistic and linear regression model were used to analyze data. The study objectives were to characterize farmers by adoption of biosecurity measures, determine factors that influence adoption of biosecurity measures and to determine the effects of adoption of biosecurity measures in pig production. The T- test results revealed that most pig farmers that adopted to biosecurity control measures had high levels of education, used hired labor, reared exotic, local or crossbreed pig types, reared their pigs using intensive or tethering and salary employed, received farmer trainings and received biosecurity information. Logistic results revealed that the factors that significantly influenced biosecurity measures adoption were male, degree, intensive and pig types (local & exotic). The Tobit regression results revealed that use of hired labor, footbath, fencing and local breed had significant effects on adoption. The study concludes by recommending that; government should encourage the formation of farmer groups / association, mass sensitization on biosecurity practices or control measures so as to prevent the outbreak of African swine fever at the same time it should also encourage gender equality in pig farming so as to increase participation of female gender in pig production.
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    Adoption of fertilizer use and effect on agricultural productivity: A case of bean farmers in Central Region of Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2023) Namutosi, Natala Daphine Rebecca
    The study analyzed the bean farmers in central Uganda on the likelihood to use inorganic and organic fertilizers, and the level of productivity between those that adopt and non-adopters. The study analyzed three specific objectives, including (i) to characterize bean farmers in central region of Uganda based on the use of fertilizers, (ii) to examine factors influencing the adoption (decision to adopt and intensity of adoption) of fertilizers by bean farmers in central Uganda, and (iii) to assess the effect of fertilizer adoption on agricultural productivity among bean farmers in central region of Uganda. Three statistical models were used during the analysis and these included; (i) probit analysis model, (ii) tobit analysis model and the Heckman’s selection model, for in-depth understanding of the variables; age, gender, education level, farm size, membership of household head to farmer groups and accessibility to credit and extension services; in relation to fertilizer adoption with anticipated crop productivity. Econometric results and Descriptive statistics revealed that majority (55%) of the households were male headed households, and counterparts (45%) were female-headed households. Most Household heads had acquired education at least of primary six, and equivalently there were few people who were accessing extension services and credit facilities. Farm size of most households with access to extension services generally were larger compared to the households that didn’t access extension services. According to the tobit model results, its revealed that Age of HH Head (years), HH Size (numbers) and Education Level as the major variables that significantly influences the intensity of inorganic fertilizer use, whereas the Probit model results, revealed that Age of HH Head (years), HH Size (numbers) influence significantly on the likelihood to adopt the use of fertilizers. Heckman selection model results revealed Education Level and Farm size were the major factors that influenced significantly on the level of productivity for those adopted the use of fertilizers Based on the results from this study, it should be recommended that farmers receive enough of good education to at least senior four level and more so they should engage in more extension service training and become members to farmers groups in case the adoption rate of fertilizer use (both organic and inorganic) is to increase in central region.
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    Adoption of improved maize seeds by small holder farmers in eastern division Ntungamo Municipality, western Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2019-11-01) Arinda, Apollo
    The purpose of the study was to determine adoption of improved maize seeds by smallholder farmers in Ntungamo district and the specific objectives were to assess smallholder farmers’ awareness and knowledge on improved maize seeds, to assess smallholder farmers’ attitude towards improved maize seed and to estimate the household percentage adoption rate of improved maize seeds. The study used a survey research design and data was collected from 60 farmers in Ntungamo district who were selected using simple random sampling technique. The findings of the study revealed that farmers are aware and they have knowledge about improved maize seeds as they confessed that they have ever heard of improved maize seeds and they reported that they know improved maize seeds and plant improved maize seeds. It was also found out that many farmers are still planting non improved maize seeds and the adoption rate of improved maize seeds is increasing though majority of the respondents revealed that they do not get assistance about maize production especially for improved maize seeds. The findings of the study revealed that farmers have a positive attitude towards improved maize seeds basing from an average index of 3.31 that gives the acceptance rate of 66%. It was also revealed that improved maize seeds need a lot attention during growth, improved maize seeds are not resistant to pests and diseases and that improved maize seeds can be grown in any type of soil. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed that most of the farmers are still growing non improved maize seeds though the percentage rate of adopting improved maize seeds has increased to 63%. The study recommended that farmers should be given special assistance in form of extension services and trainings about improved maize seeds from skilled personnel, more emphasis should be put on producing improved maize seeds that are resistant to pests and diseases and that can be grown on any kind of soil and that the government should sensitize the public more about the advantages of improved maize seeds to increase the adoption rate to the fullest extent.
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    Adoption of improved pre-harvest agricultural technology by small-holder maize farmers in Palaro sub-county, Gulu district
    (Makerere University, 2019-11-11) Ocen, Ambrose Oloya
    The purpose of this study was to examine adoption of improved pre-harvest agricultural technology by small-holder maize farmers in Palaro sub county, Gulu district. The following study objectives guided the study: to identify the agricultural techniques used by small-holder maize farmers; to explore improved agricultural techniques that small-holder maize farmers can adopt to increase productivity; to examine the level of adoption of improved pre-harvest agricultural technologies in Palaro sub county, Gulu district. Conceptual framework guided the study by illustrating how the various variables were interrelated. The study adopted an exploratory research design. The target population consisted of 50 small-holder maize farmers and 5 key respondents from the district local government. Simple random sampling techniques was used to select the 50 small holder farmers while purposive sampling techniques were used to select 5 key respondents from the district local government. The questionnaires and interviews schedules were used to collect data. Data was analysed by use of both descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in frequency tables and measures of central tendency. Under the multivariate analysis, logistic regression was used because the dependent variable in question is categorical in nature and divided only into two parts.. Qualitative data from the in-depth interviews was also analyzed and presented appropriately. Results of the study were: the major agricultural techniques used by small-holder maize farmers in Gulu district are the hand hoe (46%). Other agricultural techniques that commonly used by small-holder maize farmers in Gulu district include; pesticide application (26%), fertilizer application (16.0%) and plough technology (12%); In regard the improved agricultural techniques that small-holder maize farmers in Gulu district can adopt to increase productivity, tractor plough is most referred (60%) and the use of irrigation is another (40%).
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    The adoption of mushroom farming as a livelihood option in Bwaise Kampala City
    (Makerere University, 2025) Namigadde, Mwamini
    This study examined the factors affecting the adoption of mushroom farming in Bwaise Kampala City. The specific objectives were: To examine respondents’ knowledge on mushroom farming as an alternative livelihood; To assess the factors affecting willingness of urban farmers to do mushroom farming as an alternative livelihood; To assess the perceived constraints of mushroom cultivation. The study used a cross-sectional design adopting mainly quantitative approach. A sample size of 73 respondents was used. The study found out that respondents generally have limited knowledge on mushroom. The study also revealed that level of education, employment status and training in mushroom cultivation are significant factors affecting willingness to adopt mushroom growing. Furthermore, findings show that mushroom cultivation is greatly affected by barriers including limited technical knowledge on mushroom farming, limited access to quality spawns, lack of suitable space for mushroom growing, limited access to better markets and inadequate equipment/technology and materials. Basing on the findings of the study, it was concluded that (i) Enhancing respondents’ knowledge on mushroom farming enhances its adoption; (ii) Improving education level, employment, and training programs enhances willingness to adopt mushroom cultivation; (iii) Escalation of constraints of mushroom cultivation worsens its adoption. This study therefore recommends that in order to enhance adoption of mushroom in urban areas in Uganda, strategic interventions ought to be focused on facilitating mushroom farming information dissemination, increasing access to better markets, quality inputs, technology, suitable humid spaces
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    Adoption of organic fertilizers and effects on maize production in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2022) Kaahwa, Nickson
    The study explored the roles and contribution of organic fertilizers on maize production in Uganda. The specific objectives of the study were: to characterize the socio-economic characteristics of maize producers; assess the maize production by maize crop framers and evaluate the effect of use of organic fertilizer on maize yields by maize farmers in Uganda. The study adopted primary data that was collected by Uganda Bureau of Statistics in 2019/2020 agriculture survey. The extracted data was from 14 sub regions of Uganda. The used data is quantitative in nature which will facilitate analysis about research objectives. Descriptive analysis method was used to analyze the social-economic characteristics of household farms. Also, logitic model is used to analyze the determinants of organic fertilizer use among the maize farmers in Uganda. Besides, ordinary least square method was used to evaluate the effect of the use of organic fertilizer on the level of maize production in Uganda. The study results indicated that there is positive significant relationship between the use of organic manure and maize productivity in Uganda. This implied that when the application of organic fertilizer increased amongst the farm households, maize production drastically increased and therefore farmers should be trained on the how to use organic fertilizers and the associated impacts on its use. The study findings also indicated that males were 844 (68.6%) and female were 387 (31.4%). However, out of 844 males, only 354 used organic manure and 490 did not use organic manure. This implied that men were more than women and more than those who use organic manure and therefore women should be encouraged to join farming and also promote the use of organic fertilizers to enhance maize production in Uganda. The results also indicated that the use of organic manure is significantly associated with the education level (p=0.025), accessed extension services (p=0.018), use of improved maize seed (p=0.006), enough household labor (p=0.045), farming experience (p=0.000). This implied that education level accessed, extension services, use of improved maize seed, enough household labor, and farming experience in years influence the use of organic fertilizer in maize production in Uganda and therefore the government should provide the service as mentioned above so as to increase o maize productivity in Uganda.
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    Adoption of post-harvest handling and management technologies among maize farmers in Iganga district
    (Makerere University, 2019) Nabirye, Winfred
    This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of post -harvest handling and management technologies in Iganga district. A sample of 80 respondents was randomly selected from the study area. A questionnaire was administered to collect the primary data. Specific objectives of the study were; (i) To determine the major causes of post- harvest losses among maize farmers, (ii)to estimate the loss in incomes of farmers as a result of post -harvest losses in maize and (iii)to determine factors influencing farmer adoption of improved post -harvest technologies. Data generated during the study was analyzed usingdescriptive statistics that included percentages, frequencies and means.The probit regression model was used to determine factors that influence adoption of improved post-harvest technologies. The findings of this study indicated that out of the 80 randomly selected respondents, 71% were male farmers, while 29% were female.Farmers were moving an average distance of 1.232 kilometers to access the main road,1.775 kilometers to the market and 1.241 kilometers to access extension services. The study findings show the causes of post-harvest losses; Insects (42%) and rodents (28%) leading to diseased maize, moulding (26%)due to poor storage, andthieves (4%). Considering the estimation of post-harvest losses, results indicated that the mean amount of maize harvested was236.512kg. The mean amount of maize utilized by farmers through sales and home use was 132.537 kg. The mean amount of maize lost by farmers was 47.062 kg. On average farmers lose 31,099.3706 shillings as an economic post-harvest loss with a mean price of 660.81 shillings. Major factor constraining the adoption of post-harvest technologies was capital 60% followed by awareness 16% and risks 16%.78.8% had adopted use of tarpaulins during drying,3.8% had adopted modern cribs for storage and 2.5% had adopted the use of hand shellers. The research revealed that education level of the respondents, years of experience in farming, access to extension services and availability of information on improved post-harvest technologies had a significant effect on the adoption of improved post-harvest technologies of the respondents whereas the other variables were insignificant for the study and had no significant effect on adoption of improved postharvest technologies. The government and agricultural NGOs should invest more in farmer trainings through extension workers to equip the farmers with skills and knowledge on improved post-harvest technologies and agriculture in general so that the economy can benefit from the stimuli arising from informed farmers’ greater use of improved post-harvest technologies
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    Adoption rates and effects of insect rearing by trained farmers on their farms’ productivity.
    (Makerere University., 2019-09) Namwano, Fiona
    A survey was conducted to determine adoption rate of insect rearing by farmers that were trained, the challenges they faced, and the effect of use of the technology on their enterprise performance as well as their ability to access basic needs for their households. Data was collected using a questionnaire that was administered to 56 purposely selected respondents that participated in the training. The questionnaire was administered to respondents in several sub-counties including Najeera, Matugga, Kigoogwa, Ndejje, Nakwero, Kira, Kirinya, Kiwologoma, Kajjansi, Gayaza, Kisubi, and Entebbe of Wakiso district. More respondents were from Maganjo, Kyanja, and Kasubi areas of Kampala district, while others were from Kabembe and Kisowera sub-counties of Mukono district.A summary of the questions asked were:location of the respondent, socio-demographic characteristics, enterprises owned, major enterprise, why the respondent attended training, whether or not they practiced rearing insects, what reasons they had for failure to practice, whether they practiced continually, challenges met during practice and solutions suggested or attempted if any, effects of rearing insects and how these effects have affected their ability to access basic household needs.There were more female respondents [55.4%] than males [44.6%], most respondents [66.1%] were of age bracket 21-40years, 30.4% were within 41-60 years, and the least were of age bracket 61-80 years.Most respondents had attained tertiary level [37.5%] as highest education level, followed by secondary school [30.4%], university [21.4%], and primary school [10.7%]. The highest number of respondents [91.1%] belonged to small household sizes of 1-10 people, while the least [8.9%] were from those of 11-20 members. Most respondents [89.3%] also came from male headed households, while the least respondents [10.7%] came from female headed households.Among the respondents, 23.2% practiced the technology, 12.5% of these adopted the technology, while 10.7% did not adopt, and 76.8% did not attempt to practice. In various parameters respondents experienced changes in enterprise performance [16.1%], while a few others [5.4%] did not experience any changes yet. Also ability to access basic needs was better for more farmers [12.5%] that adopted than a few others [5.4%]. xiii As a result of the findings from the study, conclusions were drawn, one being that those that practiced the technology faced similar challenges but while some dealt with them and were able to adopt and also continue rearing insects with ease, others failed to overcome the challenges. This was thought to be due to lack of sharing information by farmers amongst themselves, otherwise more respondents would have moved on from practicing to adopting the technology.Secondly, those that adopted the technology are practicing it on small scale so they do not harvest sufficient larvae daily. As a result, these farmers do not feed their livestock on insect larvae daily yet the animals are also only given insect larvae as a supplement to their diet. This could be the reason why these respondents have not registered improvement in performance of their farming enterprises.
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    Agronomic performance of F6 bacterial wilt resistant tomato lines
    (Makerere University, 2024) Kasozi, John
    Tomato bacterial wilt disease can cause up to 100% crop loss, but resistant cultivars have shown promise. However, these cultivars often exhibit poor agronomic traits, including low yield, poor fruit quality, and short shelf life. This study aimed to assess the agronomic performance of F6 bacterial wilt resistant tomato lines. Forty-three tomato lines were evaluated in a randomized complete block design at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The results showed that crossing resistant parents improved yield while maintaining high bacterial wilt resistance. Notably, the cross between Anja and MT56 excelled in both bacterial wilt resistance and yield, outperforming all other combinations. This research highlights the potential to breed resistant tomato cultivars with desirable traits, offering a solution to the long-standing challenge of balancing disease resistance with agronomic performance.
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    Agronomic traits and yield components of elite soybean varieties from MAKCSID and SEEDCO
    (Makerere University, 2021-02) Mugarra, Johnson
    Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is among the most valuable crops worldwide due to its numerous uses in human food and animal feed. The agronomic traits and yield components of soybean could facilitate on the expansion of knowledge important in improvement of seed yield. However, little information has been studied on the agronomic and yield components of Makerere University Center for Soybean Improvement and Development (MAKCSID) and SEEDCO soybean varieties. The objectives of the study were to; (i) assess the agronomic traits and yield component, (ii) determine the relations between the agronomic traits and yield components for the twelve soybean varieties. Twelve soybean varieties (Sc saxon, Sc squire, Sc signal, Sc sequel, Sc sentinel, Sc status, Sc saga, Maksoy 1N, Maksoy 2N, Maksoy 3N, Maksoy 4N and Maksoy 5N.) were planted on 7th October 2019, in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The Analysis of variance revealed significant differences within the genotypes for most of the traits. Seed yield (KgHa-1) was the focus of the Correlation coefficient analysis for both agronomic traits and the yield components. 100 seed weight, number of internodes per plant and number of pods per plant had exceptionally strong correlation coefficients with seed yield (KgHa-1) as opposed to all the agronomic traits. The path coefficient analysis revealed the direct, indirect and total effect individual parameters correlate with each other and also with yield components. Number of pods per plant and number of internodes per plant showed exceptional standardized total effect towards seed yield (KgHa-1). Therefore, during variety development for improved seed yield special focus should target ways of improving number of pods per plant and number of internodes per plant.