The effect of watermelon production on smallholder farmers’ welfare in Pakanyi sub-county Masindi district

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of watermelon production on the welfare of the smallholder farmers in Pakanyi Subcounty in Masisndi District. The specific objectives of the study were, To determine household characteristics of watermelon famers, To determine factors that influence watermelon production, To examine the effects of watermelon production on household incomes in Pakanyi sub county Masindi District. The data collected from the sampled watermelon famers were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies and percentages were presented by tables and graphs to answer the objectives of the study. Data was coded for completeness and processed using computer software called the statistical package for social scientists SPSS. This was used to analyze quantitative data .This is because it is able to compute all statistical quantities that are required f or the interpretation of data that was collected from the field by the researcher. Well-designed questionnaires were used to collect data from 60 farmers. These data were coded and entered into SPSS (20) computer software for analysis. Descriptive stastitics were used to characterize the farmers characteristics. A simple linear regression was used to determine the effects of watermelon production on household incomes .There was a positive significant relationship between land area under production and the income level at 5% significance. The results further showed that the relationship between level of agro inputs and level of income at 5% level of significance.