Analysis of Factors Affecting Livestock Production in Uganda using Cross-Sectional Data (Livestock Production Census) Compiled by MAAIF and UBOS

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting livestock production in Uganda. This study used Uganda Bureau of Statistics and Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries for the livestock census undertaken in the year 2008. The study aimed at examine the difference in livestock production by type and analyze factors that affect the level of livestock production in different regions in Uganda. Descriptive statistics such as ratios, means and multiple regression model were estimated to analyze the implications of the explanatory variables on the total livestock production in Uganda. Districts in the northern region were dominant producers of livestock followed by eastern, central and then western region. Declines in livestock were affected by persistent land conflicts in the Northern region between the Acholi and the Madi people while Eastern region was affected by the Bududa landslides that occurred between 1997 and 2004, heavy rains left 48 people dead and ten thousand displaced and landless. Although this study revealed that the single most important factor influencing livestock production was average household size, followed by number of households in a district and then district population, links with agricultural extension services need to be improved and crop/livestock information provision integrated at local level as well as links with veterinary services can be strengthened by providing production information from livestock clinics or camps.