Browsing by Author "Atukunda, Gertrude"

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    Evaluation and Improvement of Production Technology in Uganda: Case Studies of Small-Holder Cage Culture in Watershed Reservoirs and as an Alternative Livelihood for Fishers
    (National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, 2011) Stutzman Jones, Emily; Molnar, Joseph J.; Atukunda, Gertrude; Walakira, John
    Aquaculture development commentary supports the formation of fish farmer associations or producer organizations as avenues for cultivating small- and medium-scale commercial farmers. However, little is known about the types of associations that facilitate commercialization. This research presents four qualitative case studies, based on semi-structured interviews, profiling existing associations of commercial fish farmers in Uganda. We conclude that the umbrella organizations under which local fish farmer associations vertically align themselves have important implications for fish farmer production. Aquaculture-specific umbrella organizations contribute to the success of local member associations more than general umbrella organizations do. Successful fish farmer associations accept government assistance only when it directly improves their fish farm operations. Other farmer groups seemed to wait for direct subsidization. Training fish farmers, providing quality information, cost sharing, and advocating for the aquaculture sector, not donor seeking, are the top priorities in productive fish farmer associations. Part I of this report summarizes the four case studies; Part II summarizes the results of the cage culture trials.
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    Implementing and Assessing Cell-Based Technical and Marketing Support Systems for Small and Medium-Scale Fish Farmers in Uganda
    (1National Fisheries Resource Research Institute (NaFIRRI), 2013) Matuha, Moureen; Omiat, Isaac; Molnar, Joseph J.; Atukunda, Gertrude; Walakira, John; Nabafu, Erina; Hyuha, Theodora; Boyd, Claude
    The rapid development of mobile technology, the increased penetration rates and the inherent characteristics of mobile phones are the reasons mobile phones are currently emerging as the fast widespread form of electronic communication system in African countries. Mobile phones can, therefore play a key role in disseminating relevant information to fish farmers in Uganda. This report summarizes critical aquaculture needs of the farmers, socio-demographic Characteristics of the farmers, most important anticipated benefits of the app, reviews, comments and suggestions on the design and structure of the aquaculture application. Majority of the participants appreciated the design of the prototype as well as its applications while a few of the participants requested that the look (design) of the app be improved. Information on mixing feeds and feeding, up-to-date fish market, pond management (water exchange, site selection, pond construction, infrastructure development, management, and stocking, input suppliers and buyers’ location, predator and health issue, success stories of farmers, booking keeping and fish farming videos were mostly needed by farmers. Respondents’ characteristics such as age, gender, and education level were found to be determinants of mobile phone type ownership. Thus, the developed Aqua-application can be used to achieve various activities involved in fish farming and be adopted by policy organizations and government agencies in their proposals on the usage of technology as a key driver towards aquaculture economic growth. However, to leverage the full potential of information dissemination enabled by the designed mobile App will require capacity building amongst farmers on how to effectively use the app, use of different local languages, scaling the app through fish farmers’ groups and awareness through different social media. Further work is needed to evaluate the usage and impacts of the app on aquaculture development and the livelihoods of farmers.
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    Increasing Farmers’ Access to Aquaculture Extension Services: Lessons from Central and Northern Uganda
    (Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2020) Atukunda, Gertrude; Atekyereza, Peter; Walakira, John K.; State, Andrew E.
    This paper focuses on examining the modalities of extension service provision, and determining feasible approaches for increasing accessibility among fish farmers in Uganda. The paper draws on a cross-sectional study involving fish farming households and extension workers to determine access to extension services for improved farming practices. Quantitative data were collected from 246 households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were generated from Key Informant interviews with selected extension workers, officials in charge of extension planning District Fisheries Officers and Fish Farmer Group leaders. Focus Group Discussions were also conducted with fish farmers. The results indicated a significant association between socioeconomic characteristics of fish farmers and access to extension services. Size of land owned, income from pond fish and membership to fish-farmer groups were the significant factors (P<0.05). All the respondents reported pressing needs which required extension intervention. The respondents expressed the need to form effective farmer groups for the purpose of sharing knowledge, arriving at mutual agreement on scheduling extension activities and providing feedback to the extension workers. Specifically for the northern region, there is a need for the Fisheries Extension Officer to identify and respond to the extension needs of fish farmers through various means including ICTs. Identifying solutions to social, technical and institutional constraints in extension can increase access to services through constructive social interactions between farmers and extension agents. The article provides important lessons for practice and policy, and proposes a farmer-centred model, capable of facilitating increased access to aquaculture extension services in Uganda.
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    Understanding the Role of Fish Farmer Associations as Intermediaries for the Commercialization of Aquaculture in Uganda
    (Fisheries and Aquaculture Journal, 2017) Stutzman, Emily; Molnar, Joseph; Atukunda, Gertrude; Walakira, John
    Aquaculture development commentary supports the formation of fish farmer associations or producer organizations as avenues for cultivating small- and medium-scale commercial farmers. However, little is known about the types of associations that facilitate commercialization. This research presents four qualitative case studies, based on semi-structured interviews, profiling existing associations of commercial fish farmers in Uganda. We conclude that the umbrella organizations under which local fish farmer associations vertically align themselves have important implications for fish farmer production. Aquaculture-specific umbrella organizations contribute to the success of local member association’s more than general umbrella organizations do. Successful fish farmer associations accept government assistance only when it directly improves their fish farm operations. Other farmer groups seemed to wait for direct subsidization. Training fish farmers, providing quality information, cost sharing, and advocating for the aquaculture sector, not donor seeking, are the top priorities in productive fish farmer associations.
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    Women in Uganda Aquaculture: Nutrition, Training, and Advancement
    (National Fisheries Resource Research Institute (NaFIRRI), 2013) Atukunda, Gertrude; Matuha, Moureen; Safina, Namatovu; Birungi, Dorothy; Walakira, John; Hyuha, Theodora; Fuuna, Peter; Abalo, Gertrude; Boyd, Claude; Molnar, Joseph J.
    The study used discussions and interviews with selected respondents to generate relevant information for training fish farmer groups and other actors involved in aquaculture. The trainings followed data collection so as to make sure that training focused on identified knowledge gaps among target groups. The study focused on selected districts in central and northern regions of Uganda. Purposive sampling was used to identify respondents. Supplementary information was obtained from interviews with members of fish farmer organizations. Findings revealed that women’s involvement in the various segments of the value chain performing different roles and activities individually or jointly with men. Factors such as land ownership, decision making over utilization of land, membership to producer and farmer groups, and access to production inputs and extension services influence women’s roles in the aquaculture value chain. Participation in farmer groups increases women’s opportunities but challenges prevail in the formation, organization and operations of the groups. In addition, specific production and marketing information needs, such as appropriate techniques of feeding fish, processing and marketing fish products to niche markets were noted as directly relevant in enhancing women’s role in aquaculture. Stakeholder understanding of the role of fish in child and maternal nutrition is wide and recognized among other key drivers to increasing aquaculture productivity.