Assessing profitability in maize production with fertilizer application versus no fertilizer application in Kikyusa Sub-county Luwero District

Abstract

Maize is main cereal crop grown in Uganda majorly for food for households in the country. However, fertilizer use in the production of maize remains a pressing need among local farmers whereby some apply fertilizers to increase their productivity while others rely solely on traditional farming practices to cultivate maize. This study aimed at assessing profitability in maize production with fertilizer application verses no fertilizer application in Kikyusa sub-county in Luwero District. The general objective of the study was to assess the profitability in maize production with fertilizer application versus no fertilizer application in Kikyusa sub- county ,Luwero district. The specific objectives were to; find out the socio-economic characteristics of maize farmers, To assess the returns on investment in maize production between maize farmers that apply fertilizers and they that do not in Kikyusa sub- county ,Luwero district and To determine the constraints faced by both fertilizer users and non-users in maize production in Kikyusa sub- county ,Luwero district. Data was collected from 80 respondents identified through random sampling and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data collected were entered, coded and analyzed using SPSS. The results from the analysis showed that majority of the maize farmers that applied fertilizers were males, belonging to the age range of 20 to 40years, educated and had access to informal loans to obtain capital for their business. Both fertilizer users and non-users used similar inputs excluding fertilizers and incurred similar production costs. The results also showed that fertilizer users had high yields and revenues compared to non-users. Gross margin per variable cost incurred was lower for fertilizer users compared to non-users but with no significance between the two groups (p>0.05). Maize farmers from the sample area majorly face challenges of drought as most rely on rain fed farming, high input costs, low selling prices, limited capital and difficulty in accessing credit services. The study recommended that the government should subsidize fertilizer prices and other key inputs to boost maize productivity.