Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environment Collections

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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.
Soil Moisture Stress and Nitrogen Supply Affect the Growth Characteristics and Yield of Upland Rice Cultivars
(ScienceDomain International, 2017-01) Emmanuel P. Momolu; Jimmy Lamo; Sylvester Katuromunda
Aims: To assess the effect of soil moisture stress and nitrogen fertilizer application on the growth characteristics and yield of upland rice cultivars. Study Design: Completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement. Place and Duration of Study: National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge, Uganda between March and July 2015. Methodology: The experiment comprised four nitrogen (N) application levels (0 as control, 40, 80 and 120 kg N/ha) as main plots and four soil moisture levels (25% as control, 15, 10 and 5%) as sub-plots. Results: Plant heights for stressful moisture levels (15, 10 and 5%) at all N levels were lower (P < .001) than those of the control treatments at the respective N levels. Also, rice plants under stressful treatments at each N level took longer (P < .001) to mature when compared with the control treatments at the respective N levels. Subjecting rice plants that were supplied with 0 kg N/ha to moisture stress did not significantly (P > .05) affect the number of panicles produced when compared with the control. Under the 40 kg N/ha level, number of panicles produced by rice plants subjected to 15 and 10% moisture stress levels (3.56 and 4.00) were significantly lower than those of the control (6.00). For the 80 and 120 kg N/ha levels, number of panicles decreased significantly at all moisture stress levels when compared with the respective control treatments. Subjecting rice plants to moisture stress at the 40, 80 and 120 kg N/ha levels significantly (P < .001) reduced the grain yield when compared with the respective control treatments. Conclusion: Namche-3 rice cultivar performed optimally when subjected to 15% moisture stress and 120 kg N/ha application rate. Thus, farmers growing Namche-3 rice in areas with limited soil moisture may apply N at 120 kg/ha if they are to realize better grain yields.
Perception of poultry farmers on the use of culled bee brood as an alternative source of proteins in chicken feed additive
(Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 2025-07-18) Nuwemuhwezi Gershom; Christopher Obel- Gor; Donald Rugira Kugonza
This study set out to examine explore the perception of poultry farmers on the use of culled bee brood as an alternative source of proteins as chicken feed additive. The study was conducted in three districts of Southwestern Uganda including Kiruhura, Mbarara and Bushenyi. A sample size of 130 participants were conveniently sampled from communities. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design with a quantitative approach of data collection and analysis. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews with farmers who were selected using non-probability sampling techniques. Data gathered through these interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings from the study found out that: there was lack of awareness of cull bee brood can be fed poultry as an alternative source of proteins for chicken feed; cull bee brood is a rich source of protein; limited appreciation and lack of innovation are among the factors compromising farmers negating use of culled bee brood as an alternative source of proteins and an additive in chicken feed. The study recommended that the stakeholders involved in agricultural extension services need to embark on sensitization to help farmers adopt this alternative source of proteins as chicken feed additive.
Yield Performance of Newly Developed Cassava Varieties in Response to Inorganic Fertilizers
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2021-07-22) Sylvester Katuromunda; Benson Ekwaro; Boniface Wanaku
A study was conducted at Kyambogo University Farm in randomized complete block design with three replications to assess the effect of NPK (17:17:17) fertilizer on the growth and tuber yields of two newly developed cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties, NAROCASS 1 and NASE 14. Cassava varieties were assigned to the main plots, while fertilizer rates (zero/control, 200, 400, 600 kg/ha) were sub-plots. Fertilizer was applied in two splits, at planting and four months after planting. Fertilizer application significantly (P<0.05) increased the cassava stem heights to first branching and at harvest, and the number of stems per plant when compared with the control treatments. Mean stem heights to first branching and at harvest of plants that received NPK were higher than those of the respective control treatments by 62.8 and 70.5% for NAROCASS 1, and 57.0 and 76.5% for NASE 14, respectively. Fertilizer rate of 400 kg/ha significantly increased the lengths, numbers of tubers and tuber yields per plant when compared with the control treatments. Mean lengths, numbers of tubers and tuber yields of plants that received NPK were higher than those of respective control treatments by 48.2, 36.9 and 68.3% for NAROCASS 1, and 39.9, 50.5 and 67.6% for NASE 14, respectively. Therefore, to achieve optimum tuber yields of newly developed cassava varieties, farmers should integrate NPK fertilizer application into already existing management practices, particularly the use of high quality planting materials and integrated pest, disease and weed management. However, government ministries concerned should ensure that inorganic fertilizers are readily accessible and affordable to farmers.
Effect of legume foliage supplementary feeding to dairy cattle offered Pennisetum purpureum basal diet on feed intake and manure quality
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2012) S. Katuromunda; E.N. Sabiiti; A. Mateete Bekunda
In smallholder zero grazing dairy systems of Uganda, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is the main basal diet offered, and is supplemented with legume forages among others. Recent observations indicate reduction in fodder yields of P. purpureum although farmers are applying cattle manure to improve soil fertility and hence increase fodder production. This study evaluated the effect of legume supplementary feeding to dairy cattle offered P. purpureum basal diet on feed intake, and the output and manuring qualityof the resultant faeces. Four diets consisting of P. purpureum fodder fed ad libitum as a control, P. purpureum + Calliandra, P. purpureum + Centrosema and P. purpureum + Desmodium were offered to cows in a 4 x 4 switchover Latin square design. Legume supplementation increased (P<0.05) the total organic and dry matter, metabolisable energy (ME) and nutrient intake, and the apparent dry matter digestibilities (ADMD) as compared with the control. Faecal excretion was increased (P<0.05) by Calliandra and Centrosema. Cows which were supplemented with Calliandra excreted (P<0.05) larger amounts of N, P and K than cows fed either Centrosema or Desmodium. Supplementation with Calliandra proved to be better option since it enhanced feed intake and the output and quality of faeces that could be recycled within the crop-livestock production systems.
Effect of Supplementary Feeding on the Performance of Ankole x Friesian Crossbred Calves Grazed on Natural Pastures
(Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 2017-02) Sylvester Katuromunda; Denis Mpairwe; Elly N. Sabiiti; Ewa Wredle
Aims: To determine the effect of protein supplementation to Ankole x Friesian crossbred calves grazing natural pastures on their growth performance, and the economic viability of supplementation. Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: Kiruhura district in Uganda; September to December 2012. Methodology: Nine weaned crossbred calves aged 5-6 months on each of the five experimental farms were divided into three groups. Each group was randomly assigned one of the three dietary treatments comprising: a control where calves depended solely on pastures, supplementation with homemade concentrate (HMC), or lablab hay (LH). Calves were released daily at 8.00 am to graze till 3.00 pm when those on supplementation were returned to their pens for supplementary feeding; meanwhile the control group was left grazing until evening. Body weight (BW) and body condition (BC) of each calf were recorded at three weeks’ intervals. Financial efficiency of supplementation was estimated using the ratio of total revenue (TR) to total variable cost (TVC). Results: The mean total DMI (kg/day) of calves supplemented with HMC (3.28) and LH (2.94) were higher (P < .001) than that of calves on sole grazing (1.90). The mean daily BW gain (g/day) of calves supplemented with HMC (540) was higher (P = .03) than that of calves supplemented with LH (423) and those on sole grazing (357). The BC scores of calves fed HMC and LH were 4.74 and 4.90 respectively, and were higher (P = .04) than that of calves (4.32) on sole grazing. Returns per unit variable cost of production measured by TR/TVC for calves on sole grazing were 1.30 compared to 1.11 and 0.92 for calves fed LH and HMC, respectively. Conclusion: Supplementing crossbred calves grazing natural pastures with HMC improves their growth performance, but might be uneconomical in the short run due to cost of ingredients.
Building Urban Resilience : Assessing Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture in Kampala, Uganda
(United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 2014-09) Elly N. Sabiiti; Constantine B. Katongole; Sylvester Katuromunda; Hannington Sengendo; Charles P.K. Basalirwa; Gertrude Atukunda; Sarah K. Nambuubi
Optimum Combination of Plant Spacing and Mulching On Productivity of Red-Leaf Lettuce
(African Crop Science Society, 2023-01) Sylvester Katuromunda; P. Namuwulya
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is increasingly a popular vegetable salad, especially in the tropics where it is reputed for providing health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels, fighting insomnia, preventing growth of cancerous cells and providing antioxidants. In Uganda, its yields are suboptimal, reportedly due to poor agronomic practices. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum combination of planting density and mulching of red-leaf lettuce under Uganda field conditions. A field experiment was conducted at the Agromax Uganda Limited farm in Kampala in 2018. The study involved two treatments, namely mulching using black polythene and varying intra-row spacing (15, 25 and 35 cm), all against inter-row spacing of 40 cm. The treatments were laid out in a split plot arrangement, in a randomised complete block design, with three replications. The main plot factor was mulching; while the subplot treatment was plant spacing. The interaction effect of plant spacing and mulching with polythene was significant (P<0.05) on plant heights, number of leaves per plant, leaf length and breadth, and fresh weight. Mulching at the widest intra-row spacing (35 cm) resulted in shorter plants (22.9 cm) with the highest leaf numbers per plant (23.6), longest and widest leaves (21.8 and 19.5 cm, respectively); and consequently the highest fresh yield (381.3 g m-2). It is, therefore, prudent that this plant spacing and plastic mulching be on a wider scale to validate the results across the country.
Effect of legume foliage supplementary feeding to dairy cattle offered Pennisetum purpureum basal diet on feed intake and manure quality
(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2012) Sylvester Katuromunda; E.N. Sabiiti; A. Mateete Bekunda
The growing population of dairy cows in urban and peri-urban areas coupled with improvement in feeding is generating more manure, which if properly conserved can become an input to crop/ fodder production. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the method of storing faeces excreted by cows fed on Pennisetum purpureum–legume foliage diets affects the manuring quality of the resultant manure. Four diets comprising sole Pennisetum fodder, Pennisetum + Calliandra, Pennisetum + Centrosema and Pennisetum + Desmodium were fed to cows. Faeces excreted were subjected to four methods of storage for three months as follows: Placing faeces in pits and covering with soil (T1), wrapping faeces in polythene sheets and placing them in pits (T2), placing faeces in pits and leaving the pits open (T3), and stockpiling faeces on open flat ground (T4). Composts derived from faeces subjected to T3 and T4 methods exhibited maturity. Apart from nitrogen in the compost derived from faeces of cows supplemented with Calliandra, the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentrations in all the composts significantly declined. Organic matter losses from composts got from T3 and T4 were significantly greater than that of T2. It was concluded that storing cow’s faeces using T3 method would be the most appropriate and low-cost management intervention for improving cattle manure nutrient conservation.
Assessing Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture in Kampala, Uganda
(United Nations Environment Programme, 2014) Sylvester Katuromunda; Elly N. Sabiiti; Constantine B. Katongole; Hannington Sengendo; Charles P.K. Basalirwa; Gertrude Atukunda; Sarah K. Nambuubi
Effectiveness of Radio Agricultural Programmes in Scaling Up Farming Activities of Smallholder Farmers in Bushenyi District
(Bishop Stuart University, 2024-09) Musinguzi Duncan
The study was about effectiveness of radio agricultural programmes in scaling up farming activities of smallholder farmers in Bushenyi district. The specific objectives were to; (i) assess the coverage and listenership of Agricultural Extension Radio Programmes; (ii) investigate the effectiveness of Agricultural Radio extension programmes on smallholder farming activities and (iii) 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. 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 found out that the coverage and listenership to agricultural extension radio programmes is relatively high in rural settings compared to urban areas. The most listened to program was Obuhingi n’oburisa that aired on different radio stations. The study found out that agricultural extension radio programmes were effective on smallholder farming activities by enhancing of different production practices including crop husbandry and management, animal health and production management. The study further discovered 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 impendiments that call for argent address. This study therefore recommends that the programme should be changed to evening when most farmers are available in their houses. Radio formats should be designed to reinforce massages in order to bring change among farmers to adopt new farming techniques for improved productivity. 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.
Determination of Coping Strategy of Smallholder Farmers to Climate Change in Mucwini Sub County, Kitgum District
(Bishop Stuart University, 2022) Opiyo Barnabas
This study was on determination of the coping strategy of smallholder farmers to climate change. The specific objectives of the study were to; investigate the effect of drought and its coping strategies, explore the effect of flood and how the smallholder farmers coped up with them and assess the effect of famine and how the smallholder farmers coped up with them. The study showed that (80.4%) of the smallholder farmers experienced the effect of drought and they coped by reduction in food consumption(r = 0.763) and sales of productive assets such as lands animals (0.769). The study also indicated that (80.6%) of the smallholder farmers experienced drought in the last ten years and they coped by reduction in food consumption and sales of productive assets such as lands animals, relocation to safer areas etc. as per the key informants guides and interview reports of focus group discussions. The smallholder farmers coped up with famine by reduction in food consumption(r = 0.85) and sales of productive assets such as lands animals (0.76). The study recommended for a project for soil water conservation and management for the smallholder farmers so that water for production is available at all time. As a source of additional earning, the smallholder farmers should consider renting out their land instead of selling it out. The area Extension officers should disseminate timely local climatic conditions to the smallholder farmers for timely course of actions by the relevant stakeholders. The researchers should avail more planting and stocking materials which are flood tolerant
Comparative Assessment of the Effect of Cow Dung and Poultry Manure on Grain Yield of Amaranthus Blitum
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, 2023-11) Kato J; David, O; Fina, O
Amarathus specie in the broad-based genus of annual plants, normally consumed as leafy vegetables and herbs. Amaranth crop provide grain, leafy vegetable, fodder, and greater diet than the predominant staple crops. Nutrition value and use of grain amaranth is a potential future application in bread making. The study compared the effect of organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of amaranths blitum. The study focused on: assessing the effect of organic fertilizer on the grain yield component of amaranthus blitum; and determining suitable organic fertilizer among cow dung and poultry manure to use in cultivating grain amaranth in the soil. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD)with three treatments each of which was replicated nine times.The data was collected in an interval of one-week period starting from after two weeks of planting time for a period of 12 weeks. The results indicated that the plant height was significantly higher in both season 1 and season 2 and this have been due poultry manure and cow dung. The study revealed that, the better performed treatments were the plots amended with poultry manure and cow dung. Result revealed that mean differences of number of branches of Amaranthas Blitum under treatment of cow dung and poultry manure are statistically significant resulting to L.S.D = (1.249) in season 1 while L.S.D (1.476) in season 2 resulted into not statistically significant mean differences in number of branches on treatment of both cow dung and poultry manure. While control treatment is season 1 was not statistically significant with cow dung and poultry manure treatments. Results revealed that grain yield under treatment of cow dung and poultry manure were statistically significant at 95% significance. This was confirmed by mean differences that were less than L.S.D (1.077kg) in season 1 in all treatments. The study results revealed that cow dung yielded more grains. The researcher concluded that effect of poultry manure and cow dung was significant on plant height of Amaranthas Blitum. The study concluded that mean differences of number of leaves under treatment of cow dung and poultry manure was statistically significant. The study concluded that the most suitable manure for grain cultivation of Amaranthas Blitum is cow dung compared to poultry manure and control treatment. It is recommended that an experiment of this nature should be conducted on farm with full participation of the farmers themselves to observe and see the outcome of the study. The study recommends that for increased production of grain yield and growth of Amaranthas blitum, cow dung organic manure should be mostly used.
Application of Morpho-Anatomical Traits of Maize Plant to Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Maize Seed System
(African Crop Science, 2016) I.Y.A. Monir; J.P. Sserumaga; S.B. Ayesiga; S. Katuromunda; G. Asea
Good seed quality can be obtained through control of the entire seed production process. There are emerging issues in the seed sector due to seed quality in market. In many countries seed and planting materials available to farmers are often of insufficient quality, thus undermining the potential performance of crops. The objective this study was to use morpho-anatomical traits to determine the levels of maize hybrid seed purity on the market in Uganda. A total of 120 samples of four popular commercial maize hybrid were collected from agro-dealers in 13 districts, representing 3 seed companies’ distribution network. The samples were planted and evaluated based on their descriptors, using an Alpha Lattice Design, with two replications at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Namulonge. Data were collected for 33 morpho-anatomical traits. Results showed significant (P<0.05) differences within hybrids, and sources of seed among districts. Among the test materials, only Longe 9H had no significant (P<0.05) difference within traits but others had some levels of significant (P<0.05) differences. The principal component analysis of quantitative traits resulted in four components for each variety, with the explanation total of 53.3% for Longe 6H, 51.1% for Longe 7H, and 92.8% for Longe 9H and 39.1% for Longe 10%. There were varying levels of contamination of commercial hybrids based on morpho- anatomical traits diversity within hybrids, compared to their descriptors for the traits evaluated. Hence, there is need to strengthen the quality control sub-sector for improved productivity at farmer levels.
Relevancy of Modern Agriculture Education on Students’ Farming Practical Skills in Secondary Schools of Kabujogera Town Council, Kitagwenda Dist
(SciencePG, 2024) Turyamureba, Everes; Nuwemuhwe, Gershom; Ssemakula, Edward
Despite the importance of agriculture education, it has recently been approved that agriculture students still lack practical skills and this could be attributed to poor delivery of methods on modern agriculture education and other numerous challenge like retention rates of students, lack of interest from the learners, lack of practical time/opportunities, limited funding for agriculture practicals, and low passion by agriculture teachers. The study was about the relevancy of modern agriculture education on students’ farming practical skills in secondary schools in Kabujogera Town council, Kitagwenda district. It was guided by three specific objectives which were to; examine different methods of modern agriculture education taught in secondary schools, identify the challenges experienced in modern agriculture education in secondary schools, evaluate the strategies to enhance modern agriculture education in order to improve practical skills among secondary students. The study employed a cross-sectional study design that used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study used a sample size of 248. The study used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists. The study concluded that modern agricultural education methods had significant relationship with improving students’ farming practical skills. These included; utilization of modern agricultural inputs (x2 = 8.305, p=0.005), Use of improved farm machines (x2 = 6.048, p=0.001), Pre and Post-harvest handling (x2 = 4.985, p= 0.026), and use of modern resistant crop varieties (x2 = 4.120, p=0.004). The study concluded that there were significant challenges experienced in modern agriculture education. These included; limited modern agricultural in puts at [p = 0.001], lack of resources to use [p = 0.005], poor motivation among students and teachers [p = 0.003], limited school farm size [p = 0.001] and poor learning environment [p = 0.004]. The study finally concluded that strategies to enhance modern agriculture education had significant association with improving student’s farming practical skills. Such as; agriculture tours and field trips (p=.027), class discussion student involvement (p=.029), use of practical demonstration method (p=.004) and recruitment of experienced agriculture teachers (p=.028). The study recommended that; there should be training and re-training among teachers and students of agricultural science on use of modern agricultural education technology. Secondary schools should ensure establishment of enough demonstration farms that students would constantly visit in order to copy much on how to do agriculture practical work to improve their skills and experienc
Factors Associated With Animal Health during Wildlife-Cattle Interface in Sanga Sub County, Kiruhura District
(American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Science (ARJHSS), 2024) Tuwangye Innocent; Kalibwani Rebecca; Tumusiime Bernard
The coexistence of wildlife and domestic cattle in shared landscapes, known as the wildlife- cattle interface, presents a unique set of challenges for both conservation efforts and livestock management. This research assessed the factors associated with animal health during wildlife-cattle interface in Sanga Sub County, Kiruhura District. The objectives of this study included: to find out the community perceptions towards risks associated with wildlife-cattle interface; to determine the prevalence and patterns of disease transmission between wild-life and cattle populations during wildlife-cattle interface and to develop evidence-based recommendations to mitigate identified risk factors associated with animal health during wildlife- cattle interface in Sanga Sub County, Kiruhura District. A quantitative approach was adopted employing a descriptive survey research design, Simple random sampling was adopted to select 148 respondents accompanied by purposive sampling used to select key informants for the study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews and analysed using descriptive and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that wildlife cattle interface is associated with disease transmission risks, significant mortalities and production losses in cattle, competition between wild and domestic herbivores of similar dietary breadth, predation and injuries by wildlife on cattle. More so, Pathogens and parasites and livestock starvation due to shortage of water contribute to diseases such as brucellosis. It was concluded that farmers and local authorities in Sanga Sub County, Kiruhura District, have taken steps to alleviate the issues related to the wildlife-cattle interface in order to promote a peaceful coexistence between domestic cattle and wildlife which include rising awareness among farmers, handling problematic animals, compensation, conservation activities, installation of live fencing system, resource and revenue sharing in terms of tangible economic benefits like fish, firewood & medicinal plants. The major recommendation in light of this research is to encourage projects for collaborative land and resource management in light of the competition for resources that exists between wild and domestic herbivores.
RELEVANCY OF MODERN AGRICULTURE EDUCATION PRACTICES ON STUDENTS’ FARMING PRACTICAL SKILLS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF KABUJOGERA TOWN COUNCIL, KITAGWENDA DISTRICT
(BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY, 2024) EVEREST TURYAMUREBA
The study explored the relevancy of modern agriculture education practices on students’ farming practical skills in secondary schools in Kabujogera Town council, Kitagwenda district. The study was guided by three specific objectives which were to; (i) examine different methods used to teach modern agriculture in secondary schools, (ii) identify the challenges experienced in modern agriculture education in secondary schools, (iii) evaluate the strategies to enhance modern agriculture education in order to improve practical skills among secondary students. The study employed a cross-sectional study design that used both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection. The study used a sample size of 248. The study used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS version 22.0). The study examined modern agricultural methods which had significant relationship with improving students’ farming practical skills in secondary schools. These included; utilization of modern agricultural inputs, Use of improved farm machines, Pre and Post-harvest handling, and use of irrigation equipment. The study further identified that there were significant challenges experienced in modern agriculture education in secondary schools. These included; limited modern agricultural in puts at [p = 0.001], lack of resources to use [ p = 0.005], poor motivation among students and teachers [p = 0.003], limited school farm size [p = 0.001] and poor learning environment [p = 0.004]. The study finally concluded that strategies to enhance modern agriculture education had significant association with improving student’s farming practical skills. Such as; agriculture tours and field trips (p=.027), class discussion student involvement (p=.029), use of practical demonstration method(p=.004) and recruitment of experienced agriculture teachers (p=.028). The study recommended that; there should be training and re-training among teachers and students of agricultural science on use of modern agricultural technology for teaching and learning in secondary schools. The government should provide necessary inputs and farm machineries for teaching and learning agricultural science. Secondary schools should ensure establishment of enough demonstration farms that students would constantly visit in order to copy much on how to do agriculture practical work to improve their skills and experience. Agricultural science students should go for field-trips and excursion in technology oriented farms to enhance to further boost their motivation from agriculture. Government should fund and invest in agricultural education programme in secondary schools particularly private ones so as to equip student- teachers of agriculture.
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.
EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES ON FARM INCOME AMONG BANANA FARMERS IN LYANTONDE SUB COUNTY.
(BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY, 2024) KYARISIIMA MARY
In Uganda, the agriculture extension program has been the main conduit for disseminating information on farm technologies, support rural adult learning and assist farmers in developing their farm technical and managerial skills. It is expected that extension programs will help increase farm productivity, farm revenue, reduce poverty and minimize food insecurity. In this study, we estimate the effects of extension services on farm income with reference to Government agricultural extension services (GAES) delivered by Ministry of Agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries (MAAIF). The study used cross-sectional data collected from 165 banana farming households from Lyantonde subcounty. The data was analyzed using R software version 4.4.0. Using binary logistic regression model, access to agricultural credit (p = 0.006) and membership to a farmer association (p<0.001) were found to significantly affect farmers’ access to GAES. The study found positive economic gains from accessing the GAES i.e., having access to government agricultural extension services increased the banana farmers’ farm income by UGX. 203,380/=, significant at 5% (p=0.04), with the farmers getting an average of UGX. 542,791/= after accessing GAES compared to before getting access to GAES, significant at 5% (p<0.001). The study findings reaffirm the critical role of extension programs in enhancing farm income. It is, therefore, recommended that government agricultural extension service delivery should be boosted through timely recruitment, periodic training of agents and provision of adequate logistics
Analysis Of The Effects Of The Forms And Drivers Of Urban Agriculture On The Socio-Economic Status Of Farmers In Kampala And Mbarara Cities, Uganda
(Bishop Stuart University, 2024-07) NINSHEKA LEONARD
The study analyzed the effects of the forms and drivers of urban agriculture on the socio economic status of farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities, Uganda. The objectives were to; examine the influence of forms of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers, examine the influence drivers of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers, establish the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on the socio-economic status of urban farmers and establish the impact ofpolicy directives in urban agriculture on the socio economic status of urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. The study adopted a cross sectional design combined with qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. A multistage cluster sampling technique involving both simple random and purposive approaches was employed to get the required number of respondents. Using questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews and observations, data was gathered from a sample of 384 respondents. Microsoft EXCEL and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 21.0 were used to analyze the data and produce both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found a strong association between forms of urban agriculture and socio economic status of the urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. Household socio economic status was substantially correlated with subsistence farms (x2 = 15.615, p< 0.001), commercial farms (x2 = 18.907, p< 0.001), and tourist farms (x2 = 7.784, p< 0.005). Subsistence farms (backyard, roadside and rooftop gardens), commercial farms (zero, poultry, fish farms and crop farms), and tourist farms (demonstration sites) had a significant influence on household food and income security of Urban farmers. The study also discovered a positive significant relationship between drivers of urban agriculture and socio-economic status of the urban farmers with access to market(P<0.002), Access to financial grants (p<0.012), Access to capital (P<0.029) and value addition (P<0.021). Further, the study discovered a significant relationship between farmers’ socio demographic characteristics and their socio economic status where by Age (P<0.002), Gender (p<0.038), Religion (P<0.001), source of livelihood (p<0.005) and lastly group membership (0.002).The study further established appropriate policy directions for urban agriculture in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. The study confirmed a significant influence of the forms and drivers of urban agriculture on socio economic status of urban farmers. Also the study concluded that there a significant influence socio demographic characteristics on social economic status of urban farmers. The further confirms the need for harmonized and xv appropriate policy framework for urban agriculture development. The study recommended promotion of cost effective technologies to solve the problem of land shortage in urban areas. Also government must invest in urban farming demonstration sites and education centres to improve knowledge on urban farming. Also city authorities also should encourage urban farmers to form groups for marketing, value addition, and organic recycling of wastes. Government should also invest in urban agriculture forms that are not widely practiced such as agritourism, fish farming, piggery, rabbits farming and also formulate urban agriculture policy that is applicable to all urban centers.

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