Browsing by Author "Gershom Nuwemuhwezi"

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Effectiveness of Radio Agricultural Programmes in Scaling Up Farming Activities of Smallholder Farmers in Bushenyi District
(Science Publishing Group, 2024-07-28) Duncan Musinguzi; Edward SSemakula; Gershom Nuwemuhwezi
The study was about effectiveness of radio agricultural programmes in scaling up farming activities of smallholder farmers in Bushenyi district. The specific objective was to; (i) determine the factors associated with radio listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages. The study was a descriptive-cross sectional survey employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis. Data was gathered from a sample of 360 respondents across 18 listener groups of agricultural extension programs using questionnaire and interview guide. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that that age bracket (39 – 48), radio ownership, place of residence, negative attitudes and perceptions, limited agricultural spaces, media exposure and investment capital were some of the factors associated with radio listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages in the area. The study concluded that agricultural extension radio programmes have a wider coverage and have been so pertinent to smallholder farmer’s activities, however listenership and application of the knowledge gained through agricultural radio messages is still hampered by certain impediments that call for urgent address. This study therefore recommends that the programme should be changed to evening when most farmers are available in their houses. Radio producers and program hosts should do this through programme planning which informs the selection of topics, presentation of the topics on radio with interviews from selected experts and farmers.
Rural Electrification and Maize Value Addition in Mpumudde Sub-County, Lyantonde District
(International Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 2024) Sulaiman Ssegilinya; Rebecca Kalibwani; Gershom Nuwemuhwezi
The study was about rural electrification on maize value addition in Mpumunde Sub-County, Lyantonde District. The study specific objectives were to; characterize maize value addition actors benefiting from rural electrification, identify factors limiting farmers from participating in maize value addition other than electrification, assess the contribution of rural electrification towards adding value to maize. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design and primary data was collected from 200 respondents. The data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0. The study concluded that maize value addition actors who benefited from rural electrification were characterized by low level of education that is average number of years in school being six; limited size of land with average of 4 acres and majority had productive age with an average of aged 38. The study also concluded that there were factors limiting farmers from participating in maize value addition other than electrification which were; limited training on value addition was significant at (p=.027). Skills and experience at (p=.021), Credit services/financing at (p=.003). Market availability at (p=.026). Materials and equipments to use at p= (.029). Level of education and storage facilities were seen non-significant at 5% level of significance with p-values (p=.312; p=.261). The final conclusion was that maize value adders agreed that the rural electrification connection to maize milling centers mostly were more efficient in their operations than the non-connected milling centers. They had improved quality value added products, efficiency in processing activities, operated for long hours and had faster processes. The study recommends that, there is a need for the government to link with the donors like World Bank who have already acknowledged through their own studies that there should be a need for massive injection of funds to support the rural electrification programme. There should be more grace period for the rural people in terms of repayment period since they are not used to the urban living style where deadlines on payment attract severe action like total disconnection. Maize value adders should be subsidized with value addition equipments at a fair price to help them sustain production of better quality value added products. The study recommends that village saving cooperative societies limited render soft and affordable loans at low interest rate to help farmers finance their value addition activities and ensure sustainability of quality value added products
The Contributions of Rumen8-Formulated Balanced Rations on the Performance of Lactating Crossbreed Cows in Rukungiri District, South Western Uganda
(Science Publishing Group, 2025-03-11) Joan Atukunda; Gershom Nuwemuhwezi; Bahame David
This study investigated the contributions of Rumen8 software-formulated balanced rations on the performance of lactating crossbreed cows in Rukungiri District, Southwestern Uganda. The study aimed to assess the level of awareness and utilization of Rumen8 software among dairy farmers for formulating balanced rations, evaluate the perceived benefits and challenges of implementing Rumen8-formulated rations, and identify the factors influencing the adoption or rejection of the software. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from 124 respondents using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the level of awareness of Rumen8 software among dairy farmers was moderate, with 58.1% of respondents aware of the software. However, only 42.7% of farmers actively utilized it to formulate balanced rations, indicating limited adoption. The perceived benefits of using Rumen8 were significant, with 77.4% of respondents reporting increased milk yield, 67.7% observing improved cow health, 55.6% noting better reproductive performance, and 54.8% perceiving more consistent feed quality. Furthermore, 50.0% of respondents reported a reduction in feeding-related diseases, while 22.6% indicated cost savings on feed. Results established the key challenges to utilization of Rumen8 software as resistance to change from traditional feeding practices (p=0.000), technical difficulties with the software (p=0.021), difficulty in understanding ration recommendations (p=0.044), and limited access to necessary technology such as computers and smartphones (p=0.036). Additionally, lack of technical support (p=0.007) emerged as a significant barrier, while the high cost of recommended ingredients (p=0.124) was the least significant challenge. Results established the most significant the factors influencing the adoption or rejection of Rumen8-formulated balanced rations among dairy farmers as access to extension services (P=0.000), peer influence (p=0.001), education levels and availability of trainings (p=0.008), Income levels (p=0.006), access to information (p=0.000), understanding software benefits (p=0.000) and the leas significant factor as farm size (p=0.648). while Rumen8 software offers substantial benefits in improving milk yield, cow health, and overall dairy farm productivity, its adoption is constrained by both technological and behavioral challenges. The study recommends enhancing farmer access to extension services, improving technical support, and conducting comprehensive training programs to boost the adoption and utilization of Rumen8 among dairy farmers in Rukungiri District. These efforts would contribute to the sustainable improvement of dairy production and livelihoods in the region.