School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Collection
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ItemAssessment of the management of pests and diseases of vines and fruits among grape growers in Mbarara(Makerere University, 2025)This report assesses the management of pests and diseases affecting grapevines (Vitis vinifera) among small-scale growers in Mbarara District, Western Uganda. The study focused on the growers affiliated with the Mbarara Grape Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited. Amid Uganda’s reliance on grape imports and the region’s potential for viticulture as a poverty-reduction strategy, the study addresses knowledge gaps in pest and disease identification and management practices. Objectives were evaluating growers’ proficiency in identifying key threats and aligning their methods with established viticulture standards. Using a survey of 70 growers, using questionnaires, high-resolution images for identification testing, and field observations in a tropical climate zone, the research identifies prevalent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), alongside pests including birds, grape berry moth and mealybugs. Results reveal strong recognition of common mildews (over 90% accuracy) but lower proficiency for fruit-specific diseases like botrytis, management relies predominantly on chemical controls and informal knowledge from peers, with variable adherence to integrated pest management (IPM) standards. In conclusion, highlight environmental factors driving fungal prevalence and recommend academic interventions for localized regional standards for viticulture production, enhanced extension services for safe pesticide use, and further research to improve sustainability and productivity in grape production in Uganda.
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ItemThe contribution of onions to the incomes of onion wholesalers in the major markets in Kampala(Makerere University, 2025)Onions are a vital horticultural crop in Uganda’s urban markets, providing both a staple food item for households and a key source of income for traders. In Kampala, onion wholesaling has become a major livelihood activity, yet the extent of its contribution to household incomes remains underexplored. This study examined the role of onions in sustaining wholesaler livelihoods in four major wholesale markets: Nakasero, Owino, Nakawa, and Kalerwe. Using a cross sectional research design, data were collected from 80 wholesalers through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods. The study compared revenue from onions with other commodities, assessed household income levels, and identified challenges faced in onion trading. Findings showed that onions were the most profitable commodity, with average profits significantly higher than those of other products handled by wholesalers. Onions accounted for more than half of total household income, demonstrating their central role in trader livelihoods. However, wholesalers faced several constraints including low demand, limited access to capital, perishability, unstable prices, and irregular supply. The study highlights the need for improved postharvest storage, access to affordable credit, collective marketing through cooperatives, and measures to stabilize market conditions. Addressing these challenges would enhance the profitability and resilience of onion wholesalers, thereby strengthening their contribution to urban food systems and household welfare.
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ItemFactors influencing the adoption of improved cassava varieties among small holder farmers in Alikua sub county.(Makerere University, 2026-02-12)This study assessed the adoption of improved cassava varieties, specifically the NASE a nd NAROCASS series, among smallholder farmers in Alikua Sub-County, Maracha Distric t. The research study aimed to characterize the cassava production system, determine a doption levels, and identify factors influencing adoption. A cross-sectional survey was c onducted with 75 farmers selected through purposive and random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statisti cs summarized farmer demographics, farm characteristics, and adoption pattems, while Chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to examin e relationships between adoption and socio-economic factors. The findings revealed that 64.8% of farmers had adopted improved cassava varieties. Ad opters were generally younger, more educated, and engaged in diversified income activiti es compared to non-adopters. On average, adopters cultivated more land (2.65 acres vs 2.14 acres), allocated more land to cassava (1.55 acres vs 1.03 acres), and achieved hig her yields (395.87 kg vs 198.97 kg) with shorter maturity periods (11 months vs 12.1 mo nths). Adoption was significantly associated with household size, landholding, cooperati ve membership, and access to extension services, while age had a marginal negative eff ect. Sex, marital status, education level, and farming experience were not significant dete rminants. Farmers faced major challenges including pests and diseases, limited access to quality planting materials, land shortages, and poor agronomic knowledge, with additional cons trains such as limited extension services, high input costs, and inadequate storage facilities ties. The study concluded that household size, landholding, and access to institutional support strongly influenced adoption. It recommended strengthening cooperatives, improving access to quality planting materials, promoting labor management strategies, and addressing land and economic constraints to enhance adoption and productivity.
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ItemGender Differences in Fish Marketing Margins: A Case of Katosi Fish Landing Site in Mukono District. Uganda.(Makerere University, 2025-09-28)While women constitute a significant portion of the workforce in Uganda's fisheries, gender- based constraints often limit their profitability. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 118 fish traders at Katosi Fish Landing Site in Mukono District, Uganda. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, an independent samples t-test, and multiple linear regressions. The findings reveal a significant gender disparity in marketing margins. Male traders earned an average annual margin of UGX 23,374,233, significantly higher (p<0.01) than the UGX 7,862,239 earned by female traders. Regression analysis (R² = 0.529) identified key factors influencing these margins. The volume of fish traded, the species handled (with Tilapia and Nile perch yielding higher margins than silver fish), the selling price, and the trader's age and experience were all positive and significant predictors of marketing margins. Notably, gender itself was a significant factor, with male traders achieving higher returns even after controlling for other variables. The study concludes that fish marketing margins at Katosi are shaped by a combination of market dynamics and trader characteristics, with significant underlying gender inequalities. Men benefit from larger trading volumes and better access to high-value species and markets. To promote equitable participation, the study recommends implementing gender-inclusive policies that improve women's access to capital and high-value market channels, as well as investments in preservation technology to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance trader competitiveness. Keywords: Gender Disparities, Fish Marketing Margins, Katosi Landing Site, Uganda, Value Chain.
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ItemThe effect of access to storage facilities on the profitability of fruit and vegetable vendors in urban food markets in Kampala.(Makerere university, 2025)This study investigates the factors influencing access to storage facilities among fruit and vegetable vendors in four major markets in Kampala, Uganda (Kalerwe, Nakawa, Nakasero and Owino), and examines their effect on profitability and spoilage. Despite their critical role in urban food supply chains, vendors face significant postharvest losses due to inadequate storage, which undermines profitability. Primary data were collected from 60 vendors using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Tobit regression, one-sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, profitability ratio analysis, and descriptive statistics. The findings show that all vendors (100%) reported some form of storage, but the type and quality varied. Low-cost options such as open-air spaces, vending shelves, and market shades were the most common, while refrigerated storage was rarely used due to high costs and unreliable electricity. Vendors in Kalerwe and Nakawa, who mainly relied on open-air storage, recorded higher profit margins (28% and 27.5%) but suffered significant spoilage losses, with Kalerwe losing up to UGX 50,871 weekly. In contrast, Nakasero and Owino vendors, who invested in refrigeration, achieved lower profit margins (24.9% and 20.7%) because of high operational costs, despite charging premium prices. Hybrid storage strategies, combining refrigeration for perishables and open-air storage for hardy produce, appeared more sustainable. Tobit regression results showed that gender significantly influenced storage access with coefficient of –0.033,( p = 0.007), with female vendors disadvantaged compared to males. Education ( p = 0.031), cost (β = 0.052, p < 0.001), and market infrastructure (e.g., shade storage, β = 0.049, p = 0.004) enhanced access. The study concludes that while storage type affects profitability, affordable and accessible facilities are critical. It recommends targeted support for women, subsidized storage options, and improved market infrastructure to reduce losses and enhance vendor profitability.