Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environment Collections

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Effect of Plant Spacing and Seed Size on the Growth, Development and Yield of Potatoes
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, 2026) Arinaitwe Innocent
Potato is one of the most valuable food crops and a mainstay in the diets of people in many parts of the world. It is one of the crops that play key roles as a source of food, income, and a raw material for factories in Uganda. This study mainly focused on understanding the effect of plant spacing and seed size on the growth, development and yield of potatoes. Nakapot 1variety of potatoes was used in this study. The experiment consisted of two factors. Plant density and seed size, the first factor involved three seed sizes; greater than 46mm, (S3) 35-45mm (S2) 20-34mm (S1) in diameter. Spacing was 75 by 40cm (P1) 75 by 30cm (P2) 75 by 25cm (P3). These were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in each row that had three plots. Thus, there were 9 plots for each treatment. The growth factors considered were; tuber emergence, Leaf Area Index, while yield parameters were; the number of tubers per plant, weight of tubers per plant. The results showed that spacing and seed size did not have a significant effect on tuber emergence and did not influence maturity of the potato plants. However, a wide spacing of 75 by 40 cm together with bigger seed sizes greater than 46mm in diameter produced many tubers in number and which are of a bigger size compared to the spacing of 75 by 30 Cm while 75 by 25cm spacing together with 20-34mm seed size produced the least number of tubers and with very small sizes. The study concluded that a spacing of 75 by 40cm planted with seeds of 46mm produces many tubers and of a bigger size than the rest therefore farmers are advised to take it up for better results.
Effect of Plant Spacing and Seed Size on The Growth, Development and Yield of Potatoes
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, 2026) Arinaitwe Innocent; Prof. David Osiru
Potato is one of the most valuable food crops and a mainstay in the diets of people in many parts of the world. It is one of the crops that play key roles as a source of food, income, and a raw material for factories in Uganda. This article mainly focuses on the effect of plant spacing and seed size on the number of tubers produced on the potato plant. Nakapot 1 variety of potatoes was used in this study. The experiment consisted of two factors. Plant density and seed size, the first factor involved three seed sizes; greater than 46mm, (S3) 35-45mm (S2) 20-34mm (S1) in diameter. Spacing was 75 by 40cm (P1) 75 by 30cm (P2) 75 by 25cm (P3). These were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in each row that had three plots. Thus, there were 9 plots for each treatment. The study concluded that a spacing of 75 by 40cm planted with seeds of 46mm produces more tubers in number than other seed sizes planted at the given spacing above.
Institutional Factors and Technology Adoption amongst Small holder Coffee Farmers in Kanungu District South-Western Uganda
(https://www.preprints.org/, 2022-04-15) Edgar Nabaasa; Rebecca M. Kalibwani; Edward Ssemakula; Boaz Mujuni
The use of improved agricultural technologies has been reported as the major strategy to increase agricultural production, increased household incomes and addressing poverty. However, adoption of such improved technologies by smallholder coffee farmers has been slow and this has contributed to the low coffee productivity in the country and the poor performance of the coffee sub sector. The study was meant to examine the effect of institutional factors including extension ser vices, access to market and access to credit on technology adoption among smallholder coffee farm ers in Kanungu District, Uganda. The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data from 289 smallholder coffee farmers and 8 key informants respectively in major coffee growing sub coun ties in Kanungu district. The study revealed that access to extension services and access to market have a positive significant influence on agricultural technology adoption while access to market has no significant influence on agricultural technology adoption. The study concluded that there is a positive significant relationship between institutional factors and technology adoption among smallholder coffee farmers in Kanungu district.
Effect of Potassium Nitrate Spray on the Flowering and Fruiting of Mango Varieties Grown in Uganda
(International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2022-01-26) Annet Katwesige
Aims: To evaluate the effect of potassium nitrate (KNO3) on flowering and fruiting of mangoes in Uganda. Study Design: Randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement. Place and Duration of Study: National Crops Resources Research Institute Namulonge, National Semi–Arid Resources Research Institute in Serere and Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Hoima in 2015 and 2016. Methodology: The study was superimposed on eight-year-old mango orchards which were simultaneously planted at the three sites. Main plot treatments comprised three mango varieties (Bire, Tommy Atkins, Zillate), while sub-plot treatments comprised four concentrations of KNO3 (zero as control, 1, 2 and 4%). Data was collected on number of terminal buds induced after applying KNO3, percentage flowering, number of fruits set per 20 panicles and fruit yield per tree. Results: Trees sprayed with KNO3 produced higher (P < .05) numbers of terminal buds than the control. Across sites, Bire produced higher numbers of buds (64.8) than Tommy Atkins (46.3) and Zillate (17.8). Flowering response was higher in Bire (28.6%) than in Tommy Atkins (20.8%) and Zillate (17.8%). Flowering response of trees sprayed with 2% KNO3 (31.4%) was higher than that of trees sprayed with 1% KNO3 (24.7%). Mean number of fruits induced per 20 panicles in trees sprayed with 4% KNO3 (8.24) was higher than that of trees sprayed with 1% KNO3 (4.8). Fruit yield of Tommy Atkins (23.01 kg/tree) was higher than that of Bire (10.97 kg/tree). Mean fruit yield of trees sprayed with 2% KNO3 (27.36 kg/tree) was higher than that of trees sprayed with 1% KNO3 (15.93 kg/tree). Conclusion: For better fruit yields, farmers at Bulindi should grow Tommy Atkins and apply 2% KNO3. Farmers at Namulonge can grow any of the three mango varieties and apply 2 or 4% KNO3, while those at Serere can grow Tommy Atkins and Zillate, and should apply 4% KNO3.
From perception to action: attitudes and climate change adaptation practices among smallholder farmers in Nakivale refugee settlement
(Frontier in Earth Science, 2026-07-20) Abdullahi Abdulkadir Mohamed; Doreen Atwongyeire; Goretty Nagawa
Introduction: Smallholder farmers in refugee settlements constitute one of the most climate-vulnerable populations globally, yet their attitudes and practices toward climate change management remain poorly understood. This study assessed the attitudes and practices of smallholder crop farmers toward climate change management in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda and examined the association between attitudes and adoption of CSA practices. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 384 smallholder farmers using structured questionnaires; qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews and field observations. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used for analysis. Results: A majority of farmers (65%) held mixed attitudes while 32% demonstrated positive attitudes and 3% negative attitudes. Most farmers expressed willingness to adopt CSA practices and accepted personal responsibility. Seventy-nine percent had adopted at least one CSA practice, with crop diversification and agroforestry being most prevalent. Key barriers to adoption included lack of financial resources, inadequate inputs, limited access to training and land tenure insecurity. While attitude was significantly associated with CSA adoption in chi-square analysis (p < 0.001), logistic regression controlling for socio-demographic factors showed that positive attitude was not consistently associated with adoption, underscoring the importance of structural barriers. Discussion: Farmers in Nakivale have mixed to positive attitudes toward climate change adaptation and have begun adopting diverse resilience practices, yet structural and resource barriers limit the translation of willing attitudes into sustained action. Targeted financial support, improved extension services and land tenure security are critical for deepening CSA adoption in this vulnerable refugee farming community.
Extent, levels and suitability of ICT usage for agricultural information dissemination in Uganda: A case of Rubanda, Mayuge districts, and Mbarara city
(International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development, 2023-07-27) Byamukama Willbroad; Businge Phelix Mbabazi; Kalibwani Rebecca
The main source of livelihood in Uganda is smallholder farming. It is the most common type of agriculture practice supporting more than 70% of the population, thus a dire need to devise means to sustain and improve it towards poverty reduction and socio-economic development resulting from the agricultural sector. This study investigates the Level and Suitability of ICT Usage for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Rubanda, Mayuge Districts, and Mbarara City of Uganda. The study adopted the survey design of the cross sectional and used structured questionnaires. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. The study recommended that agricultural information dissemination should always be disseminated and reiterated using newer and more complex ICT devices and platforms but the priority and emphasis must be placed on mobile phones and radio being the leading types of ICT used for agricultural information dissemination in Rubanda district, Mayuge district, and Mbarara city.
Determinants of Irish Potato Production and Value Chain Performance among Smallholder Farmers in Rubanda District
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2025-09-13) Margret Tumuramye; Edward Ssemakula; Rebecca Kalibwani
Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plays a crucial role in food security and income generation for smallholder farmers in southwestern Uganda. However, its production and overall value chain performance are influenced by a complex interplay of environmental, socioeconomic, and institutional factors. This study examines the key determinants affecting Irish potato farming among smallholder farmers in Rubanda District, using primary data collected through structured surveys and supported by literature review. Findings reveal that limited access to quality seed, fertilizers, credit, and agricultural extension services significantly constrain productivity. Poor infrastructure including roads, storage, and electricity further limits market access and increases post-harvest losses. Market-related challenges such as price fluctuations, limited bargaining power, and inadequate information systems undermine income stability. Climate variability, including erratic rainfall and rising pest and disease incidence, also impacts yields and resource availability. Despite these challenges, farmers demonstrate resilience through cooperative marketing, crop diversification, and adoption of improved techniques. The study underscores the need for integrated interventions targeting input access, infrastructure development, capacity building, and climate-smart practices to enhance the sustainability and profitability of Irish potato value chains. These insights offer guidance for policymakers, development practitioners, and agricultural stakeholders aiming to strengthen rural livelihoods in Uganda.
Pre-Harvesting and Harvesting Management Practices Affecting Coffee Quality in Kasaana Sub-County, Sheema District
(Science PG, 2025-10-10) Mukundane Dennis; Fina Opio; Rebecca Kalibwani
The study focused on analyzing the effect of coffee pre-harvesting and harvesting management practices on coffee quality in Kasaana sub-county, Sheema district. It was guided by one objective which was to; establish coffee pre-harvest and harvest management practices that improve coffee quality. he study employed a cross-sectional research design. The study considered the sample size of 206 respondents. The study employed simple random sampling and purposive sampling to select categories of respondents. The study used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. The data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0. The study concludes that both pre-harvest and harvest practices significantly improve coffee quality. Notably, harvesting method, pruning, and timing practices are the most impactful. The study recommends that, training programs should be intensified to educate farmers on the importance of selective handpicking of ripe cherries, as it has the greatest impact on coffee quality, local agricultural extension officers should support farmers with seasonal pruning calendars and demonstrations to encourage frequent and well timed pruning, which improves canopy health and productivity, awareness campaigns should be launched to emphasize harvesting only ripe cherries and avoiding strip picking and there is a need to constantly promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques among coffee farmers through farmer field schools and subsidies on eco-friendly pest control inputs.
Contribution of Banana Production on Household Income Generation Among Smallholder Farmers in Kitagata Town Council, Sheema District.
(SciencePG, 2024-07-15) Abel Mugume; Rebecca Kalibwani; Gershom Nuwemuhwezi
The study was about contribution of banana production on house hold income generation among Smallholder farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema District. The specific objectives included to; examine the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder banana farmers, establish innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers and identify the factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey that applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches for data collection. Data was captured from a sample of 302 respondents using both questionnaire and interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that there were socio-economic characteristics of farmers which also affected banana production. Such characteristics included; age, marital status, level of education land size and gender. The study also concluded that there were innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema district. These included; Integrated Pest Management, use of hybrid varieties, Irrigation, mulching, climate-Smart Agriculture through use of drought resistant varieties, agro-forestry, use of fertilizer application and organic manure to replenish soil fertility. The study finally concluded that there were factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. Such as; access to extension and advisory services which had a significant effect on production and smallholder farmer’s income at (p=.004), access to financial services was a strong predictor of production improvement and farmer’s income at (p=.002), a positive and a significant relationship were observed between availability of quality farm inputs and banana production (at p=.023), The study further discovered that ready market was a strong predictor of production and small holder farmer’s income at (p=.003) and Lastly, a positive and a significant relationship were observed between banana varieties grown and banana production as well as income at (p=.005). The study recommends that the government, NGOs, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal, Industry and Fisheries in collaboration be established with the aim of implementing innovative agricultural strategies geared towards banana productivity increments, there is also a need for the government to provide enough facilities to extension agents that will help them facilitate enhanced training to farmers and inform them of new techniques in farming, there is a need for the government to provide some production inputs at subsidized cost.
Contribution of Banana Production on Household Income Generation Among Smallholder Farmers in Kitagata Town Council, Sheema District
(science PG, 2024) Abel Mugume; Rebecca Kalibwani,; Gershom Nuwemuhwezi
The study was about contribution of banana production on house hold income generation among Smallholder farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema District. The specific objectives included to; examine the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder banana farmers, establish innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers and identify the factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey that applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches for data collection. Data was captured from a sample of 302 respondents using both questionnaire and interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that there were socio-economic characteristics of farmers which also affected banana production. Such characteristics included; age, marital status, level of education land size and gender. The study also concluded that there were innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema district. These included; Integrated Pest Management, use of hybrid varieties, Irrigation, mulching, climate-Smart Agriculture through use of drought resistant varieties, agro-forestry, use of fertilizer application and organic manure to replenish soil fertility. The study finally concluded that there were factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. Such as; access to extension and advisory services which had a significant effect on production and smallholder farmer’s income at (p=.004), access to financial services was a strong predictor of production improvement and farmer’s income at (p=.002), a positive and a significant relationship were observed between availability of quality farm inputs and banana production (at p=.023), The study further discovered that ready market was a strong predictor of production and small holder farmer’s income at (p=.003) and Lastly, a positive and a significant relationship were observed between banana varieties grown and banana production as well as income at (p=.005). The study recommends that the government, NGOs, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal, Industry and Fisheries in collaboration be established with the aim of implementing innovative agricultural strategies geared towards banana productivity increments, there is also a need for the government to provide enough facilities to extension agents that will help them facilitate enhanced training to farmers and inform them of new techniques in farming, there is a need for the government to provide some production inputs at subsidized cost.
The Effect of Cultural Factors on the Consumption of Consumable Insects : Evidence from Rural Southwestern Uganda.
(Science Publishing Group, 2024-06-14) Isaac Akandwanaho; Adrian Wekulo Mukhebi; Rebecca Kalibwani; Gershom Nuwemuhwezi; Christopher Obel-Ogor; Donald Rugira Kugonza
Consumable insects are an important part of human food systems and their consumption across diverse cultures dates back into the pre-historical period. This study assessed the effect of cultural factors on the consumption of consumable insects in the Kiruhura district of southwestern Uganda. The study employed a post-positivism research paradigm (mixed methodology) in a cross-sectional survey. The survey was conducted across 134 households in the Kiruhura district of South-western Uganda between January and June 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. Results show that member attitude and perceptions, cultural beliefs, and values were significant drivers of eating insects, particularly grasshoppers in the Kiruhura district. The findings of the study imply that the eating of insects in the area could be enhanced by educating and raising awareness about the importance of utilizing insects as a source of food. More program support that integrates rearing of insects within the household farming system could increase availability and sustainable use of seasonal consumable insects as nutritious food presents great implications for policies targeting dietary interventions.
Assessing the Sustainability of Donated Livestock Projects by Operation Wealth Creation to Smallholder Farmers in Mitooma Sub-County Mitooma District.
(Science Publishing Group, 2024-07-02) Tworekirwe Miriam; Rebecca Kalibwani; Gershom Nuwemuhwezi; Ferdinand Aine
This research assessed the long-term sustainability of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC)'s donated livestock projects for smallholder farmers in Mitooma Sub-County, Uganda. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, with smallholder farmers selected through stratified random sampling. A study using structured questionnaires found that only 15% of households receiving donated livestock enterprises still own them, and 85% abandoned them within 9 years, indicating a lack of sustainability in these enterprises. The sustainability of donated livestock enterprises for small-scale farmers is influenced by family size, household income, food security, profitability, awareness of enterprise management practices, perception, culture, education, land tenure system, and age. Results also established that donated livestock enterprises significantly affected households to sell or trade the products (e.g., milk, meat, eggs) (P=0.000), households’ ability to cope with economic shocks or emergencies (P=0.001) and improving access to credit or financial services (P=0.013) and least significant in providing household income (P=0.668). Furthermore, results established donated livestock enterprise were less significant in increasing food availability (P=0.146), improving access to nutritious food, generating income for food purchase (P=0.913), facilitating asset accumulation for food security (P=0.116) and providing alternative coping mechanisms during periods of food scarcity (P=0.351). The study suggests that donated livestock enterprises are not sustainable, as many smallholder farmers abandon them within five years, and recommends enabling input suppliers and providing subsidies for farmers.
The Effect of Post-harvest Handling Practices of Indigenous Leafy Vegetable on Food and Nutrition Security Among Farmers in Isingiro Town Council, Isingiro District
(Science Publishing Group, 2025-06-12) Nsiimire Deziderius; Rebecca Kalibwani; Atwongyeire Doreen
This study assessed the effect of post-harvest handling practices of indigenous leafy vegetable on food and nutrition security among farmers in Isingiro Town Council, Isingiro district. The specific objective was to; identify the factors influencing the use of different post-harvest handling practices on indigenous leafy vegetables. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design applying quantitative and qualitative approaches for data collection. Data was captured from a sample of 200 respondents using both questionnaire and interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed availability of technologies as one of the major factors influencing use of postharvest handling practices as supported by 91.8% and mean of 4.459. Furthermore, the garden tools available, level of knowledge and exposure to existing appropriate postharvest handling practices and experience in vegetable growing and handling also determined the use of postharvest handling practices. The study recommends that there should be provision of materials to farmers to use or hire at a relatively cheap cost, for instance polyethylene, tarpaulins, artificial driers using solar to help them come up with quality products for increased market competitiveness. There is also a need to explore community-based approaches and participatory decision-making processes among stakeholders.
Effects of Urban Agriculture on the Socio-Economic Status of Farmers in Cities of Sub-Sahara Africa. A case of Zambia, South Africa, and Nigeria: A Review
(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2026-01-22) Leonard Ninsheka; Edward Ssemakula; Christopher Tiyo; Rebecca Kalibwani; Ronald Kityo; Wilson Mugizi; Willbroad Byamukama
This paper reviews the current literature concerning the effect of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of urban farmers in Sub-Sahara African Cities. The main objective of this review is to examine the impacts of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of urban farmers in Sub-Sahara African Cities. Specifically, the paper reviews the impact of urban agriculture on income and food security as well as the benefits and challenges affecting urban Agriculture development in selected cities of sub-Saharan African countries. This paper reviews different articles and papers on urban farming in Sub-Sahara Africa and globally. The review posits that there is scanty information on how urban agriculture affects farmers' socio-economic status in sub-Saharan Africa. How farmers derive their social and economic status by engaging in urban agriculture, and the types and motivations of farmers are not clear. The review suggests that understanding the factors that are crucial for food security, income and related benefits in urban agriculture is essential to developing the right technologies and policies.
Adoption of Sustainable Dairy Management Practices and its Effect on Farm Income :
(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2024-08-27) Muhumuza Ronnie; Prof. Edward Ssemakula, PhD; Dr. Rebecca Kalibwani, PhD
Sustainable dairy management (SDM) practices aim to minimize environmental impact, promote animal welfare, ensure economic viability, and support social responsibility throughout the dairy production chain. The SDM practices that could improve sustainability of dairy farming systems in Uganda include milk management, animal health, feeding and breeding practices. Despite the numerous advantages that scientific literature reports for these dairy management practices, they are not always adopted by farmers because of various factors. The objectives of this study were to examine farmers’ adoption decisions towards Sustainable Diary Management (SDM) practices, as well as the economic impact of this adoption among dairy farmers in Rubaya Subcounty. The cross-sectional research design was applied to collect both quantitative and qualitative data using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were collected using a household survey of 160 randomly selected respondents, from different villages within the study area. R Software Version 4.4.0 was used for data analysis. The results reveal that most of the SDM practices were adopted by over 50% of the dairy farmers. Only Artificial insemination, drying off animals, conservation fodder and concentrate feeding practices were adopted by less than 50% of the dairy farmers. The Multivariate logistic regression model results show that the adoption of SDM practices is significantly associated with varied demographic (Gender, age, household size); socio-economic (land size and household income); and institutional factors (access to agricultural credit, access to extension services, and membership to a farmer association). The study found out that adoption of SDM practices increased their farm income by UGX. 2,930,429/=, highly significant at 5% (p=0.02). The study recognizes two main pathways to increase the adoption of SDM practices: i) utilizing farmers’ knowledge and information sharing platforms; and addressing broader market and institutional failures.
Growth Performance of Selected Vegetables under Foliar Application of an Integrated Biofertiliser-Biopesticide and an Inorganic Fertiliser
(Ife Journal of Agriculture, 2026-06-25) Tugume, P.; Asiimwe, S.; Kamatenesi, M.M.; Wanyama, J.T.; Byarugaba, B.G.W.; Kiconco, C.; Ssenku, J.E.
Vegetable production is hampered by declining soil fertility, increasing pest attacks, and over reliance on costly inorganic fertilisers. While integrated biofertiliser–biopesticide products present a potential sustainable alternative, empirical evidence pertaining to their effectiveness is limited. The study tested three treatments (T0=unfertilised control, T1=Integrated biofertiliser biopesticide, and T2=Inorganic fertiliser) on the growth and yield of eggplant, green pepper, and cabbage. The experiment was laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicate blocks. Foliar application of fertilisers was done twice a week for 10 weeks, and plant height, leaf length, number of leaves, number of branches, fruit diameter, and diameter of cabbage head were monitored. Analysis of variance was carried out on data collected at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 using the model Value ~ Rep + Treatment, with 2 degrees of freedom each for Replication and Treatment, and 4 for Error. Trends across weeks were summarised graphically and quantified by quadratic regression. The integrated biofertiliser–biopesticide (T1) consistently produced the highest vegetative growth and reproductive performance across all three crops, outperforming inorganic fertiliser (T2) and unfertilised control (T0). The strongest effects were at week 10 for eggplant fruit diameter (F = 36.25, p = 0.003), green pepper fruit number (F = 18.20, p = 0.010), and green pepper plant height (F = 138.10, p = 0.0002).Quadratic regression identified three growth patterns: accelerating curves for delayed reproductive traits (fruit production), saturating curves for vegetative traits nearing maturity (plant height, leaf length, and branch number), and dome-shaped curves for cabbage leaf number, which peaked at weeks 6–7 before declining due to leaf senescence during head formation. This model outperformed the linear model, increasing the mean R² from 0.817 to 0.928 across 45 fits. Emergence of pests was noted in cabbages under T0 in weeks 8-10. Thus, the integrated biofertiliser-biopesticide can be a potential substitute for scarce, costly, and harmful inorganic fertilisers to boost vegetable productivity.
Effect of Stakeholder Engagement on the Adoption Of Agricultural Technologies by Farmers In Uganda:
(Bishop Stuart University, 2023-06-29) Bernard Tumusiime; Micheal Kiwanuka; Ambrose Rwaheru Aheisibwe; Sylvester Katuromunda
This study assessed how stakeholder engagement strategies used by SNV-TIDE project in planning, capacity building and resource mobilisation influenced the adoption of improved forages in Isingiro District, Southwestern Uganda. A cross sectional survey design was adopted for the study, which covered five purposively selected SNV-TIDE project cooperatives. The data were collected from 50 active cattle farmers and three field supervisors using both a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Descriptive and inferential analysis including multiple regression techniques were employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed that stakeholder engagement in planning and capacity building contributed 35 and 14.3 percent change respectively, in the adoption of improved forages. Stakeholder engagement in planning and capacity building had a positive significant (p<0.05) influence on the adoption of improved forages among the SNV-TIDE project members. But stakeholder engagement in resource mobilisation had no influence (p>0.05) on the adoption of improved forages. Thus based on the study, it was concluded that engaging stakeholders in planning and in capacity building contributes to the adoption of improved forages. To achieve better results, therefore, stakeholder engagement strategies should put more emphasis on involving stakeholders in the project planning activities and capacity building.
Effect of combined application of cattle manure and mineral fertilisers on the growth characteristics and quality of Pennisetum purpureum fodder
(Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University,, 2021) Sylvester Katuromunda; E N Sabiiti; M A Bekunda
Smallholder urban and peri-urban dairy farmers use elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) fodder on top of crop wastes for feeding livestock. However, with limited application of soil fertility management techniques, there has been progressive deterioration of soil fertility. Consequently, fodder yields have declined leading to reduced milk output, and in turn, to unstable household incomes and food insecurity. This study investigated whether composted cattle manure alone, or in combination with mineral fertilizers could improve fodder production. Application of cattle manure at low (ML), medium (MM) and high (MH) rates, or in combination with mineral fertilisers at medium (MFM) and high (MFH) rates significantly increased the leaf area indices (LAIs) and dry matter (DM) yields of Pennisetum purpureum fodder. The mean LAIs of treatments ML, MM, MH, MFM and MFH were 3.58, 3.69, 3.31, 3.28 and 3.56 respectively, and were significantly higher than 2.89 for the control which did not receive manure and fertilisers. Fodder yields from these treatments were 7.15, 6.99, 6.74, 6.80 and 7.01 ton ha-1. Fodder obtained from ML, MM and MFH contained greater proportions of leaf than fodder from the control, indicating that there was greater vegetative growth in these treatments than in the control. Since the leaves of plants usually contain less fibre and thus are more easily digested than stems, higher leaf content was an indication of improvement in fodder quality. The in vitro organic matter digestibilities of fodder from all treatments were similar but greater than that of the control
Effect of selected climate smart agronomic practices on maize growth and yield
(Makerere University Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 2022) Muhangi, Y; Talwana, H; Sylvester Katuromunda
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major food crops grown by majority of smallholder households in Uganda, and it serves as their main source of food and income. But over the years, maize productivity in the area has been gradually declining, especially as a result of climate variability manifested by reduced frequency of rainfall and increased temperature. Maize farmers are encouraged to use improved agronomic practices, commonly referred to as climate smart agronomic practices (CSAPs) to counteract the adverse effects of climate variability, and consequently sustain maize grain yields. However, the effects of these climate smart agronomic practices (CSAPs) as implemented by farmers on maize productivity have not yet been established. Therefore, this study was conducted to validate the effect of CSAPs on maize growth and yield. The treatments included (T1) Maize intercropped with common beans, (T2) maize planted in basins of three maize plants, (T3) maize planted in basins of two maize plants, (T4) maize planted in a plot prepared by minimum tillage, (T5) maize planted in plots mulched with dry grass, and (T6) the untreated control of monocropped maize on a conventionally prepared un-mulched plot. The treatments were laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications, in two districts in 2019A and 2019B. Planting in basins with two plants, minimum tillage and mulching were the three CSAPs that showed superior growth and yield scores.
Effect of selected climate smart agronomic practices on maize growth and yield
(Makerere University Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, 2022) Muhangi, Y; Talwana, H; Katuromunda, S
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major food crops grown by majority of smallholder households in Uganda, and it serves as their main source of food and income. But over the years, maize productivity in the area has been gradually declining, especially as a result of climate variability manifested by reduced frequency of rainfall and increased temperature. Maize farmers are encouraged to use improved agronomic practices, commonly referred to as climate smart agronomic practices (CSAPs) to counteract the adverse effects of climate variability, and consequently sustain maize grain yields. However, the effects of these climate smart agronomic practices (CSAPs) as implemented by farmers on maize productivity have not yet been established. Therefore, this study was conducted to validate the effect of CSAPs on maize growth and yield. The treatments included (T1) Maize intercropped with common beans, (T2) maize planted in basins of three maize plants, (T3) maize planted in basins of two maize plants, (T4) maize planted in a plot prepared by minimum tillage, (T5) maize planted in plots mulched with dry grass, and (T6) the untreated control of monocropped maize on a conventionally prepared un-mulched plot. The treatments were laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications, in two districts in 2019A and 2019B. Planting in basins with two plants, minimum tillage and mulching were the three CSAPs that showed superior growth and yield scores.

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