School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) Collection
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ItemAnalysing the effect of post harvest losses on profitability of cabbage to traders in Gulu city(Makerere University, 2026)The study investigates the profitability of cabbage traders in Gulu City, focusing specifically on the effects of post-harvest losses (PHL) on their financial outcomes. The primary objective is to analyze the profitability margins of traders while elucidating the socio-demographic characteristics, operational variables, and economic factors that significantly influence their profitability. Employing a robust linear regression model, the research identifies a noteworthy mean profitability margin of 90%, indicative of effective cost management and revenue generation strategies among traders. However, the findings underscore critical challenges faced by these traders, particularly losses incurred during transportation and inadequacies in post-harvest management practices. These issues not only diminish potential profits but also impede the overall sustainability of trading operations. To address these challenges, the study proposes actionable recommendations, including the implementation of enhanced post-harvest management protocols, the adoption of efficient transportation methods, and the development of robust information channels to improve market intelligence. Furthermore, increasing access to financial resources is emphasized as a vital step for traders to invest in necessary infrastructure and operational improvements. Through a comprehensive analysis, this research contributes to the understanding of the intricate dynamics affecting cabbage traders in Gulu City. The insights derived from the findings provide a foundational basis for future interventions aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector's resilience and growth, ultimately fostering economic stability within the community. By addressing the factors influencing post-harvest losses, this study aims to empower traders to optimize their operations, enhance their profitability, and contribute positively to the local economy.
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ItemEffects of different organic fertilizer formulations on common bean production( 2024)Common beans are the most commonly grown pulse in East Africa and specifically Uganda second to maize, the production of common beans suffers production constraints such as low fertility of the soils. Tropical soils are low in organic matter due to high mineralization rates and affects crop productivity since it is a main source of nutrients (Adhiaba, M. S, 2017) and application of organic inputs could potentially increase crop productivity (Aulakh, et al. 2022). There are commercially available organic based inputs (fertilizer) that could be widely used to increase crop productivity. However, there is need to evaluate the potential of these fertilizer formulations for better recommendations and this study was designed to cover this gap. The field experiment was conducted in MUARIK in Wakiso District to investigate the yield response of common beans to rates of organic fertilizer formulations. There were eight treatments which included; Evergrow organic fertilizer 1th-1, Evergrow Organic fertilizer 2 th-1, Evergrow organic fertilizer 4 th-1, Unifert Milanogroso organic inorganic fertilizer 1th-1, Unifert Milanogroso organic inorganic fertilizer 2 th-1, Unifert Milanogroso organic inorganic fertilizer 4 th-1, Inorganic fertilizer NPK 17:17:17 at 50kgN/ha and control. The experiment was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) composed of three replications. Data on plant height, plant biomass and bean grain yield were taken and recorded and data analysis was done using GenStat 14th edition to determine the level of significance of the yields using ANOVA. The results showed that there was a significant difference in bean grain yield among the treatments and there was no significant difference in the plant height and biomass accumulation (growth rate) among the different treatments. The application rate of 1 th-1 of Evergrow Organic Fertilizer Resulted in the highest yield while the control gave the lowest yield. Based on the results, I recommend Evergrow organic fertilizer at the rate of 1th-1 to be used. Further research is suggested to evaluate fertilizer effectiveness in different agro-ecological zones
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ItemThe choice of transportation means in marketing cassava among small holder farmers in Soroti District(Makerere University, 2025)This study examined the choice of transportation means in marketing cassava among smallholder farmers in Ocokican Sub-County, Soroti District, Uganda. Despite cassava's potential to improve rural livelihoods, post-harvest losses and limited market access due to transport challenges remain significant constraints. The study aimed to categorize farmers by their transport choices, assess their perceptions of available transport modes, and identify the key determinants influencing these choices. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 200 randomly selected cassava farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and a multinomial logistic regression model. The findings revealed that boda-bodas (40.5%) are the most frequently used transport mode, followed by hired trucks (20.5%), bicycles (19.5%), and ox-carts (19.5%). While farmers using hired trucks earned the highest net profits, transport choice was primarily driven by perceptions of cost, convenience, and reliability, rather than direct profitability. The regression analysis identified road quality and gender as significant determinants of transport choice, while factors like education and market distance were not significant when controlling for other variables. The study concludes that transport decisions are complex trade-offs shaped by infrastructure, accessibility, and socio-perceptual factors. Key recommendations include prioritizing the upgrade of rural feeder roads, supporting cooperative transport schemes to improve access to affordable motorized options, and implementing gender-inclusive transport policies to address mobility disparities.
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ItemDeterminants of farmers’ access to market for milk in Uganda(Makerere University, 2022)Market access and participation of smallholder farming has gained priority in the policy agenda of many developing countries as an engine for economic growth. In Uganda, smallholder dairy farming has been adopted as a strategy for the country’s economic transformation through commercialization but efforts to improve dairy market sales have not been successful. Without appropriate interventions, Uganda may fail to take advantage of the anticipated increase in demand for livestock products. A study to analyse determinants of dairy farmers’ market participation was therefore undertaken in Uganda’s three main milk producing regions. Purposive sampling procedures were used to select a study sample of 175 representative dairy farming households, with at least one milking cow based on data derived from the UNPS 2019. Data was analysed by descriptive statistics and Probit econometric model. Results show that milk market entry decision was significantly influenced by improved lactating cows (P≤0.01), number of lactating cows (P≤0.01), milk yield (P≤0.01), access to veterinary services (P≤0.05) and children less than 6 years (P≤0.1). Percentage of milk sales was influenced by number of lactating cows (P≤0.05), improved milking breeds (P≤0.05) and quantity of milk consumed. Two variables critical to policy intervention in enhancing smallholder dairy farmer participation and intensification are number of lactating cows and number of improved lactating cows. Quantity of milk consumed suggests supplementation of milk with other protein foods among dairy farmers in Uganda.
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ItemAssessing the effect of varying levels of poultry manure and fermentation periods on chemical composition, digestibility and rumen fermentation of kinetics of coffee husks(Makerere University, 2025)This study evaluated the effect of poultry manure inclusion and fermentation periods on the chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and rumen fermentation kinetics of coffee husks for the development of ruminant feed. Coffee husks, though abundant in Uganda, are underutilized due to their high fiber content and anti-nutritional compounds such as tannins, caffeine, and polyphenols, which limit digestibility and nutrient absorption. While microbial fermentation has been shown to improve feed quality, access to commercial inoculants remains limited in rural areas where livestock are produced. Poultry manure offers a low-cost, locally available source of fermentative microbes, yet its optimal inclusion levels in coffee husk silage remain undefined. A 4×2 factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design at Makerere University’s Animal Science Laboratory. Coffee husks and poultry manure were mixed at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 25% PM (Poultry Manure) inclusion levels and fermented for 28 and 38 days. Post-fermentation, samples were dried, ground, and analyzed for dry matter, ash, crude protein, fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, ADL), calcium, and phosphorus using standard AOAC and Van Soest procedures. In vitro gas production was assessed using rumen liquor from freshly slaughtered cattle, and fermentation kinetics were modelled using Groot’s equation. Organic matter digestibility and short-chain fatty acid production were estimated from gas volumes and chemical composition. Results showed that crude protein and phosphorus content increased significantly with poultry manure inclusion, while ash content declined. Fiber fractions varied, with ADL increasing at higher PM levels. Gas production kinetics revealed enhanced microbial fermentation at moderate PM inclusion, with significant increases in asymptotic gas volume and gas at the point of inflection. However, in vitro digestibility and SCFA production declined at higher PM levels, indicating a trade-off between nutrient enrichment and fermentability. The findings suggest that moderate inclusion of poultry manure (5–10%) in coffee husk improves nutritional value and fermentation efficiency, offering a sustainable feed alternative for ruminant production in Uganda.