Browsing by Author "Rebecca Kalibwani"

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Adoption of Black Plastic Mulch as a Coping Strategy to Water Conservation Among Vegetable Farmers in Kisoro Municipality, Kisoro District
(Science Publishing Group, 2024) Harriet Nyiramutuzo; Edward Ssemakula; Rebecca Kalibwani
The study was about the adoption of black plastic mulches as a copying strategy to water conservation among smallholder vegetable farmers in Kisoro Municipality, Kisoro district. Farmers in Kisoro District have increasingly adopted black plastic mulch to address these agricultural challenges. The use of black plastic mulch in this region helps in conserving soil moisture, controlling weeds, and enhancing crop yields. It was guided by three specific objectives which were to; establish the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder vegetable farmers, establish the knowledge level on the benefits of black plastic mulch among smallholder vegetable farmers and examine the factors influencing farmer’s decision to adopt black plastic mulch as a coping strategy to water conservation. The study employed a cross-sectional study design that used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study used a sample size of 300. The study used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The results revealed that land ownership was a positive and significant factor at (sig. 0.000**), source of income at (sig.0.001*), credit accessibility at (sig.0.002**) and knowledge on use of black plastic mulches at (sig. 0.000**) The study concluded that vegetable farmers were characterized in terms of gender, age, farm size, marital status and level of education. The study also concluded that there was adequate knowledge level on the benefits of black plastic mulch among smallholder vegetable farmers. Such as; leads to higher yields and improved quality of vegetables, increase the growth rate of vegetables, reduce the risk of root damage, weed suppression, moisture conservation and contribute to soil health and protect the soil from wind and water erosion. The study finally concluded that there were significant and non-significant factors influencing farmer’s decision to adopt black plastic mulch as a coping strategy to water conservation among smallholder vegetable farmers which included; land ownership, limited extension training, source of income, knowledge on use of black plastic mulches and credit accessibility and non-significant ones were; un-availability of labour, infrastructure development, level of education, price of black plastic mulch and farm size.
Analysis of the Influence of Forms of Urban Agriculture on the Socio- Economic Status of the Farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities, Uganda
(East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2024) NINSHEKA LEONARD; Edward Ssemakula; Christopher Tiyo; Rebecca Kalibwani; Wilson Mugizi2
The study analysed the influence of the forms and drivers of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers in Kampala and Mbarara cities in Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using multiple methods of data collection. A multistage cluster sampling technique involving simple random sampling to get both primary and secondary sampling units, snowball to get target respondents and purposive sampling for key informants and focus group members was used. Data were collected using social survey questionnaires for households, focus group discussions checklist (FGDs), key informant interview guides and observations, from a sample of 384 respondents. The study found a strong association between forms of urban agriculture and the socioeconomic status of the urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. Subsistence forms (backyard, roadside and rooftop gardens), commercial forms (zero grazing, poultry, fish farms and crop farms), and tourist forms (demonstration sites) had a significant influence on household food and income security of urban farmers. The study established the lack of land, improved technologies and training as major obstacles and recommended the establishment of community networks, availing subsidies and credit and recruitment of extension personnel as interventions to help urban farmers.
Analysis of the Influence of Forms of Urban Agriculture on the Socio- Economic Status of the Farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities, Uganda
(International License East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2024) Leonard Ninsheka; Edward Ssemakula; Christopher Tiyo; Rebecca Kalibwani; Wilson Mugizi
The study analysed the influence of the forms and drivers of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers in Kampala and Mbarara cities in Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using multiple methods of data collection. A multistage cluster sampling technique involving simple random sampling to get both primary and secondary sampling units, snowball to get target respondents and purposive sampling for key informants and focus group members was used. Data were collected using social survey questionnaires for households, focus group discussions checklist (FGDs), key informant interview guides and observations, from a sample of 384 respondents. The study found a strong association between forms of urban agriculture and the socioeconomic status of the urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. Subsistence forms (backyard, roadside and rooftop gardens), commercial forms (zero grazing, poultry, fish farms and crop farms), and tourist forms (demonstration sites) had a significant influence on household food and income security of urban farmers. The study established the lack of land, improved technologies and training as major obstacles and recommended the establishment of community networks, availing subsidies and credit and recruitment of extension personnel as interventions to help urban farmers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.