(Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, 2024) Nkuuhe Douglas; Christopher Gor; Kalibwani Rebecca
In Mbarara District, smallholder farmers face challenges in
accessing affordable protein sources for broiler chicken production.
Housefly maggots are a cheap sustainable source of protein in broiler
chicken production that smallholder farmers can employ to improve food
security. This study evaluated farmers' awareness, access, and adoption of
maggots as a protein source. A mixed-methods approach surveyed 130
broiler producers. Results show 71.5% of farmers are aware of maggot-
based feeds, but only 6.1% use them, indicating a knowledge-application
gap. Wealthier farmers were more likely to adopt this approach. To address
this gap, the study recommends targeted media campaigns, educational
initiatives, and demonstration projects showcasing economic benefits.
Establishing local maggot production facilities, farmer cooperatives, and
knowledge-sharing platforms could further support adoption.
