NRU :: Browsing by Author "Mugisha, Johnny"

Browsing by Author "Mugisha, Johnny"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 26

Adoption Intensity Of Soil And Water Conservation Technologies: A Case Of South Western Uganda
(Environment, development and sustainability, 2015) Turinawe, Alice; Drake, Lars; Mugisha, Johnny
Important signs of agricultural land quality deterioration are apparent in many countries, including declining yields and a switch to crops that demand fewer nutrients. This is despite efforts to curb land degradation rates through the years, including the attempt to promote use of soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies. This study was done in Kabale district in the South Western highlands of Uganda. Data analysis was done using cross-sectional data from 338 households. A Tobit model was used to identify the factors that influence intensity of adoption of different SWC technologies at parcel level. Results indicate that higher proportions of individual parcels having SWC technologies are associated with availability of labor, education level, and age of the household head, access to SWC related training, more tropical livestock units, neighboring parcels having SWC technologies on them, high fertility levels, location of the parcel, and expected access to parcels in a given period of time. Large size of operated land and long distances from parcels to the homesteads are associated with lower adoption intensity. The importance of each of these aspects varies depending on technologies of focus. Measures to improve the quality of training and extension services have been recommended. In addition, improvement of physical infrastructure such as roads and institutional infrastructure such as tenure security enhancement has been recommended.
Biogas Energy From Family-Sized Digesters In Uganda: Critical Factors And Policy Implications
(Energy policy, 2009) Walekhwa, Peter N.; Mugisha, Johnny; Drake, Lars
Dependence on fossil energy sources is increasingly becoming unsustainable due to ecological and environmental problems and rapid depletion. Biogas energy could augment these conventional energy sources but despite its advantages and favourable conditions for its production, biogas energy use in Uganda remains low due to technical, economic and socio-cultural impediments. Based on primary data on households in Central and Eastern Uganda and the use of logistic regression, this study analyses factors affecting the adoption of biogas energy in Uganda. The empirical results suggest that the probability of a household adopting biogas technology increases with decreasing age of head of household, increasing household income, increasing number of cattle owned, increasing household size, male head of household and increasing cost of traditional fuels. In contrast, the likelihood of adoption decreases with increasing remoteness of household location and increasing household land area. Policy options and recommendations including educational and awareness campaigns on biogas benefits and successes, the provision of financial and non-financial incentives to households and establishment of an institutional framework could bolster wider biogas energy acceptance in Uganda.
Bridging the Gap: Decomposing Sources of Gender Yield Gaps in Uganda Groundnut Production.
(Gender, Technology and Development, 2019) Mugisha, Johnny; Sebatta, Christopher; Mausch, Kai; Ahikiriza, Elizabeth; Okello, David Kalule; Njuguna, Esther M.
Female plot managers in Sub-Saharan Africa often realize significantly lower crop yields than their male counterparts. Even for legumes, which are often referred to as ‘women’s crops’, yields are significantly lower. This study investigated the underlying causes of this gender yield gap in groundnut production. The analysis is based on survey data from 228 farm households from two groundnut growing regions in Uganda. We used the Blinder-Oaxaca model to decompose factors that contribute to this yield gap. Results show 63% and 44% gender yield gaps for improved and local varieties, respectively, with female plot managers realizing less than their male counterparts. Improved groundnut seeds increase female plot manager’s yields but not the yields of male plot managers. Male advantage and female disadvantage combined account for more than 70% of the yield gap in both improved and local groundnut variety production and exceed pure productivity differences. Labor use differences between female and male plot managers and variety types explain the observed yield gap. Interventions and policies that increase women’s access to productive inputs including improved seed will significantly contribute to closing the yield gap, and thereby increase crop production, food security, as well as women’s incomes.
Constraints and Opportunities for Small and Medium- Sized Enterprises in Uganda’s Oil and Gas Sector
(TrustAfrica, 2014) Nalumu Wamono, Rebecca; Kikabi, Prosie; Mugisha, Johnny
Although Uganda has undertaken several strategic interventions since the oil discovery in 2006, specific interventions that promote local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in the oil and gas value chain remain a challenge. In particular, a gap exists on available opportunities for SMEs to participate in the value chain, including potential business linkages and partnerships. In addition, there are constraints that deter their competitive advantage. It is important to identify these constraints and convert them into opportunities to realize both the local content and the national oil and gas policy objectives.
Dis-Adoption Of Household Biogas Technologies In Central Uganda
(Energy for Sustainable Development, 2017) Lwiza, Florence; Mugisha, Johnny; Peter, Walekhwa N.; Balana, Bedru; Smith, Jo
The study analyses dis-adoption of biogas technologies in Central Uganda. Biogas technology makes use of livestock waste, crop material and food waste to produce a flammable gas that can be used for cooking and lighting. Use of biogas technology has multiple benefits for the households since it reduces the need for fuelwood for cooking and also produces bio-slurry which is a valuable fertilizer. Despite efforts by Government and Non-Governmental Organizations to promote the biogas technology, the rate of its adoption of biogas technology was found to be low, estimated at 25.8% of its potential. A review of literature showed that the households that dis-adopted biogas technology, did so within a period of 4years after its installation, yet the lifespan of using it is estimated at 25years. There was need to examine the factors contributing to dis-adoption. Using cross sectional data collected from Luwero and Mpigi districts found in Central Uganda, a probit model was estimated. The findings showed that an increase in the family size, the number of cattle, number of pigs and the age of the household head reduced the likelihood of biogas technology dis-adoption. Other factors that contributed to dis-adoption included the failure to sustain cattle and pig production that are necessary for feedstock supply, reduced availability of family labor the and inability of the households to repair biogas digesters after malfunctioning. Based on the findings, it was concluded that long term use of biogas technology required improved management practices on the farm so as to sustain livestock production. It is also recommended that quality standards and socio-cultural factors be considered in the design of biogas digesters and end use devices.
The Dynamics of Household Labor allocation to Biogas production, Farm and Non-farm activities in Central Uganda
(Renewable Energy, 2019) Nalunga, Asha; Mugisha, Johnny; Walekhwa, Peter; Smith, Jo
Biogas is a sustainable energy that contributes to improved health and provides socio-economic benefits. However, biogas production has an impact on an essential household resource; labor. Therefore, households need to efficiently allocate labor to activities on the farm, off-farm and for biogas production. There is little empirical evidence on the factors influencing labor allocation within farm households, thus limiting biogas technology promoters from creating a favorable environment for uptake. This study fills this gap. Data were obtained from households with biogas digesters in central Uganda through a snow-balling sampling technique. A household model was used, and labor share equations were estimated by a Seemingly Unrelated Regression model. Own activity labor returns showed a positive relationship to the respective labor share, but cross-labor returns were negatively related. Female-headed households were more likely to allocate labor to biogas activities. Distance to water source had a negative impact on labor allocation to biogas activities, while the number of cattle owned by the household had a positive impact. Age of the household head and household size had a positive impact on labor allocation to non-farm activities. Household labor should be critically analyzed before investing in biogas digesters to increase the success of the technology.
Economic Potential of Flexible Balloon Biogas Digester among Smallholder Farmers: A Case Study from Uganda
(Renewable Energy, 2018) Kabyanga, Moris; Balana, Bedru B.; Mugisha, Johnny; Walekhwa, Peter N.; Smith, Jo; Glenk, Klaus
Biogas technology, as a pro-poor renewable energy source, has been promoted in Uganda since the 1980s by the government and NGOs. However, many of the biogas designs promoted have proved to be too expensive for the average Ugandan to afford. A cheaper flexible balloon digester has been proposed, but there have been lack of evidence on the economic viability of this design. The purpose of this study was to analyze the economic potential of a flexible balloon digester among smallholder farmers in Uganda using the tool of cost-benefit analysis. Primary data were obtained from survey of experimental households and 144 non-biogas households in central Uganda. The results revealed that the net present value was negative and the payback period was greater than the economic life of the digester. However, sensitivity analysis revealed that with a 50% reduction in investment cost the technology is financially viable for 67% of the households and to all households as a group (NPV= UGX5,804,730). The initial investment cost is a critical factor to economic viability and potential technology adoption. We suggest that government and development partners interested in the sector should consider strategies that could reduce the technology cost, for example, by manufacturing low cost balloon digester locally instead of importing prefabricated digesters.
Economic Viability of Biogas Energy Production from Family-sized Digesters in Uganda
(Biomass and Bioenergy, 2014) Walekhwa, Peter Nabusiu; Lars, Drake; Mugisha, Johnny
Biogas is among the renewable energies being evaluated to augment traditional energy in Uganda. Its development remains low, partly because of lack of information on its economic viability. Based on primary data from Central and Eastern Uganda, this study assesses economic viability of biogas energy production in Uganda. The empirical results show that biogas energy production is economically viable with a payback period of 1.17, 1.08 and 1.01 years for 8 m3, 12 m3 and 16 m3 biogas plants, respectively. The positive net present values of 4500$, 7000$ and 9500$ for 8 m3, 12 m3 and 16 m3 plants, respectively, show that biogas systems are economically viable. The most profitable levels were determined through sensitivity and break-even analysis. The cost structure of the biogas systems offers useful guidelines to households about which levels they should operate in order to remain economically viable. The annual interest rates at which households should borrow to invest in biogas systems and remain economically viable should not exceed 36%, 37% and 39% for 8 m3, 12 m3 and 16 m3 plants. The study reveals that the viability of biogas is greatly affected by variation in discount rates, capital and operating and maintenance costs.
Estimating the Premium for Titled Agricultural Land in Uganda
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2012) Alobo, Sarah; Bashaasha, Bernard; Mugisha, Johnny
The study investigates the value for titled agricultural land in Uganda using data on 9,045 parcels of land from the 2005/2006 Uganda National Household Survey. Data were analyzed using regression techniques. The results showed a positively significant premium for leasehold title as opposed to other forms of titled agricultural land in Uganda; that traditional determinants of land value such as current use, soil quality, presence ofperennials and proximity to the homestead are not significant for agricultural land in Uganda; and that per hectare price of agricuItural land in peri-urban locations was signzficantly higher than in rural areas by about Ushs 1.7 million. There is also an overlap in land ownership rights for mailo land where two people have claims to the same piece of land, the mailo title holder and the kibanja tenant. It was concluded that the current land policy should promote the leasehold system in peri-urban areas, since this type of tenure opens land to a wide range of users and use-options. The land policy also needs to address the double ownership structure under the mailo tenure which constrains its marketability and transferability.
Explaining the Adoption of Improved Maize Varieties and its Effects on Yields among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Eastern and Central Uganda
(Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 2010) Mugisha, Johnny; Diiro, Gracious
The study analyzes adoption of improved maize varieties and its effects on farm yields and rural poverty using cross sectional data collected from 151 households in central (in Nakasongola district) and Eastern (in Soroti district) regions in Uganda. A binary probit model was fitted to examine the determinants of level of adoption. OLS method was used to estimate the determinants of intensity of adoption and the effect of adoption on yield. The sample statistics show very high levels of adoption (about 80%) and a low level of adoption intensity. The mean yields from improved maize varieties (2941.5kg/ha per season) is significantly higher than the yields from local varieties (1694. kg/ha per season). Regression results show that extension advisory services are strongly associated with adoption of improved varieties. Intensity of adoption of improved maize varieties increases farm yields. However, maize yields respond inelastically to adoption. We conclude that adoption of improved seed leads to increased yield. Thus more technical assistance in the form of training and extension is justified in the country on efficiency and welfare grounds.
Factors Influencing Waste Separation and Utilization among Households in the Lake Victoria Crescent, Uganda
(Waste management, 2009) Ekere, William; Mugisha, Johnny; Drake, Lars
Wastes, which are the by-products of consumption, are a growing problem in the urban and peri-urban areas of the Lake Victoria region largely due to high urban population growth rates, consumption habits, low collection rates and hence waste accumulation. Whereas the biodegradable proportion is high and could be reutilized, a few have tapped the economic potential of this waste. This study was conducted to explore the potential alternatives and determinants of waste separation and utilization among urban and peri-urban households in the Lake Victoria crescent. A random sample of households in five urban and peri-urban areas of the crescent were selected and surveyed. Logit models were used to establish the factors influencing waste separation and utilization in urban and peri-urban areas of the lake crescent. Results indicate that, gender, peer influence, land size, location of household and membership of environmental organization explain household waste utilization and separation behaviour. Campaigns for waste separation and reuse should be focused in the peri-urban areas where high volumes of wastes are generated and accumulate. Social influence or pressure should be used to encourage more waste reuse and separation.
Food And Nutrition Status Of Households With Women Living With HIV In Uganda
(Scientific African, 2020) Nakakawa, Frances; Mugisha, Johnny; Diiro, Gracious M.; Kaaya, Archeleo N.; Tumwesigye, Nazarious M.
This study utilised a national dataset collected from women living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda to understand the Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) status among their households. Descriptive analytical methods were employed to characterise the households in relation to selected domains of FNS- access and utilization. Overall, results indicate that majority (69.3%) of the women in the sample had a normal BMI which could imply good food utilization and thus good FNS and; 22.1% were above the normal range, which could imply they were overweight. However, this may not be entirely true as one could have a normal BMI but have a “hidden hunger” which relates to micronutrient deficiencies. Given the status of the women under study especially those on antiretroviral drugs side effects of weight gain may be experience which could be misconceived as “good nutrition”. Female headed households were reported to be more vulnerable to FNS given the registered low dietary and higher shares of food expenditure on incomes. Similarly, households in the central and western regions reported better physical food access but poor economic food access while the reverse was true for the households in the Northern region. Ironically, urban households registered a low food insecurity in relation to share of food expenditure. As such, it is recommended that intervention strategies for improving food and nutrition security among vulnerable groups should not be a “blanket” or uniform but some categories should be given priority; for instance, HIV+ headed households and urban households.
Households’ Responsiveness to Government Ban on Polythene Carrier Bags in Uganda
(Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 2015) Mugisha, Johnny; Diiro, Gracious
Polythene carrier bags have become common in Uganda largely due to their desirable properties that are considered convenient by consumers. They have, however, turned out to be a big nuisance and threatening the environment due to their non-biodegradable nature amidst improper disposal systems. The government of Uganda thus banned the use of the bags in July 2007. A study was conducted to determine households’ willingness to pay for alternative carrier materials, and to determine factors that affect household’s willingness to pay for such alternatives. The study sample included households in urban and peri-urban areas from whom information was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. It was noticed that a large proportion of the respondents were aware of the ban and had positive attitudes towards the ban. Majority of the respondents expressed the need and willingness to stop using polythene bags in favour of alternative materials (durable woven baskets, cloth bags, paper bags and local kikapu bags). Factors explaining household willingness to pay for alternative materials included existence of awareness campaigns, availability of garbage collection services, sex of household head and ownership of occupied residence.
Impacts of Agricultural Training on Young Farmers in Uganda
(AIAEE, 2008) Mugisha, Johnny; Owens, Michelle
The District Agricultural Training and Information Centres (DATICs) component has been providing agricultural production training, information and skills to farmers and out-ofschool youths; promoting linkages between farmers, agricultural advisory services and agricultural research. To supplement the financial donor support, the DATICs have been involved in commercial production to transform into autonomous training and information centres. This was a cross-section study that involved interviews, group and key informant discussions and observations utilizing structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were analyzed by frequencies and percentages while quantitative data were subjected to a descriptive statistical analysis. A “before and after” analysis was used to compare what the graduates were doing before and after the training. From the study findings, the following recommendations could be used to address the gaps and challenges in achieving DATICs objectives: The DATICs should identify more and viable income generating avenues; There is need to design Farmer School programs and courses/modules to cater for a diversity of clients including opening up to other clients who may not be members of youth clubs but able to pay the fees.; A day-scholars option could be explored and more females should be encouraged to attend the training; The offered courses/modules could be formalized to be recognized by the Ministry of Education and Sports; and national offices need to work closely with DATICs to identify and plan viable projects/program for sustainability of the DATICs.
Market Production And Productivity: The Effects Of Cash Cropping On Technical Efficiency In Staple Crop Production
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2019) Ntakyo,Proscovia R.; Berg, Marrit van den; Mugisha, Johnny
To meet increasing food demand, most developing countries cannot rely on expanding the crop area, but will need to stimulate yield growth arising from increased factor productivity. This can be achieved through more efficient utilization of inputs to produce maximum output given existing technologies. Low productivity arising from technical inefficiency negatively impacts on household income and food security by reducing food availability as well as economic access. It has been hypothesized that market-oriented production enhances productivity of staple crops through increased use of quality inputs and management technologies. This hypothesis was tested using household survey data from western Uganda. Using a stochastic production frontier model, technical efficiency of the major cash crop and staple crops was estimated. A propensity score matching approach was used to compare the technical efficiency of market-oriented and subsistence households in production of selected staple crops. Results show higher technical inefficiency in staple crops compared to the cash crop among the market-oriented households. A significant negative relationship was also found between cash crop production and technical efficiency in staple crops production. The negative association was attributed to withdrawal of critical resources particularly labor from staple crops to cash crops during peak periods of labor demand.
Motivating And Preparing African Youth For Successful Careers In Agribusiness Insights From Agricultural Role Models
(Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies., 2015) Haggblade, Steven; Chapoto, Antony; Yayé, Aissetou Drame; Hendriks, Sheryl L.; Kabwe, Stephen; Minde, Isaac; Mugisha, Johnny; Terblanche, Stephanus
The purpose of this paper is to examine the career trajectories of 66 distinguished African agricultural professionals in order to explore how agricultural education and training (AET) institutions can better motivate and prepare youth for productive careers in Africa’s rapidly changing agrifood system.Based on in-depth qualitative interviews with these role models, the paper explores the answers to two critical questions: How can Africa motivate its youth to consider careers in agriculture and agribusiness? How can AET institutions better prepare youth for productive careers in agribusiness?Rural youth enter agribusiness careers in response to clearly perceived rural needs coupled with demonstrable profitability of modern agricultural and agribusiness opportunities. In contrast, urban youth embark on agricultural career paths in response to inspiring science education, particularly practical applications in biology, coupled with emerging awareness of the range of professional opportunities afforded by modern agribusiness and commercial agriculture.The study relies on the basic premise that seasoned, successful professionals – from the private and public sector – can offer useful insights into ways of improving job preparation training for the youth of today seeking careers in the food system of tomorrow. The approach assumes that the role models have both the practical experience and forward-looking vision necessary to identify key elements of preparation likely to benefit future job market entrants.This paper relies on primary interviews with distinguished agricultural professionals from 14 different African countries.
Pathways to sustainable intensification of the coffee-banana agroecosystems in the Mt. Elgon region
(Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2019) Sebatta, Christopher; Mugisha, Johnny; Bagamba, Fredrick; Nuppenau, Ernst A.; Domptail, Stephanie E.; Kowalski, Benjamin; Hoeher, Matthias; Ijala, Anthony R.; Karungi, Jeninah
Despite the importance of coffee and banana as key income and food sources for millions of farmers inhabiting the densely populated East African highlands as well as and urban dwellers, there are declining yields. One of the causes for this decline is increased soil degradation that has led to recent conversions of more forest land into crop land in marginal and sensitive mountain ecosystems. However, evidence shows that only a few households manage the desired shift to sustainable production systems, mainly due to social, economic and environmental constraints. In this study we therefore, set out to find out typologies of coffee-banana farms based on intensification levels and pathways taken using a number of agricultural intensification surrogate indicators. We also sought to find the driving factors and barriers for intensification. Using Principal Component, cluster and Pearson correlation analyses, and later both a Generalised Linear and Multinomial Logit models, results revealed four distinct intensification pathways, one of which is a high-inputhigh- output conventional pathway and the other three were low-to-medium input agroecological pathways. Adoption of an intensification pathway could be impeded by geographical location, wealth status in form of livestock, land and lack of credit access. We found the hypothesis that resource-rich farmers intensify by capital investments, while the resource-constrained farmers intensify through labour true for the conventional and agroecological intensification pathways respectively. The existence of intermediary pathways under the agroecological classification creates opportunities for interventions that target to increase yields while reducing degradation and negative environmental impacts of agriculture.
Performance Of Integrated And Single Cooperatives In Bulk Production And Credit Provision To Smallholder Farmers In Uganda
(Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics, 2021) Nimusiima, Mercy; Mugisha, Johnny; Obaa, Bernard; Agaba, Rolland
Agricultural cooperatives are autonomous associations of individuals formed to augment production, marketing and financial needs of members. In Uganda, performance of cooperatives is largely constrained by weak organizational structures, market failures, and policy weaknesses. An integrated cooperative model (ICM) was introduced to improve performance of cooperatives but the effect of ICM on institutional performance has not been evaluated. This study examined the effect of cooperative integration on bulk production and credit provision to smallholder farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 40 cooperatives for the study. Primary qualitative and secondary quantitative data were collected from 16 focus group discussions and cooperatives’ performance reports respectively. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis, t-test and censored tobit regression model to assess performance of the studied cooperatives. The results showed that integrated cooperatives bulk larger proportions of produce and disburse bigger loan proportions than single cooperatives. Tobit model revealed that integration has a positive significant (p< 0.05) influence on cooperatives’ performance in bulk production and providing credit. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that adoption of ICM improves performance of cooperatives and benefits to small holder farmers.
Potato Market Access, Marketing Efficiency And On-Farm Value Addition In Uganda
(Scientific African, 2018) Kyomugisha, Harriet; Sebatta, Christopher; Mugisha, Johnny
Understanding barriers to market access for smallholder farmers and their marketing efficiency when they participate in agricultural value chains is key to unlocking the market potential and overcoming market failures. This study aimed at determining factors limiting farmers’ market access, the break-even point for undertaking postharvest value addition activities by the farmers, and the market efficiency of the Uganda potato market chains in which the smallholder farmers are participating. Our study was based on the hypothesis that market access and efficiency are higher where farmers have contract arrangements with buyers, and where they are directly linked with the buyers at the end of the value chain. The study was carried out in the popular potato growing districts of Kabale and Mbale in Uganda. The survey involved purposive selection of the study areas and random selection of potato farmers and traders. We used an Ordinary Least Square model to determine factors that influence potato smallholder farmers’ market access. We also used break-even analysis to determine the break-even point for potato farmers to take up postharvest value addition activities, and a value addition approach to determine market efficiency. Results indicate that having a contract with buyers, size of land owned, number of forked hoes owned and variety grown positively and significantly influenced farmer market access. We found that adding value to potato on farm earns farmers relatively more income. A farmer would earn 25% higher than when no value addition was done. Market chains where farmers sell to local rural traders were more efficient than selling to other alternatives. We recommend farmer involvement in value addition, collective and/or contractual marketing, and selling directly to the nearest actor in the value chain.
Potential Determinants of Profits and Market Efficiency of Potato Market Chains in Uganda
(Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, 2017) Kyomugisha, Harriet; Mugisha, Johnny; Sebatta, Christopher
The study aimed at understanding the level of inefficiencies in the potato market chain. Farmers sell potato to traders but continue to complain of limited market access and low profits. The purpose of this paper is to determine market efficiency and profits of the potato market chain, and factors that influence the profits.The study focussed on potato farmers, traders and small-scale processors. It was conducted in Kabale and Mbale districts being the major potato producing areas in Uganda, and Kampala being a major potato market. Data were collected from 180 farmers, 60 traders and 32 small-scale processors. Descriptive and regression methods were used to analyse the data.There were three major potato market chains and all were profitable and efficient. The farmer-buyer node was the most efficient (efficiencies of 128-159 per cent). The trader node efficiency ranged between 56 and 81 per cent. Sex of chain actor, group marketing, contract duration and distance to market were among the factors that affected profits.Processors considered were those operating on very small scale, hence results do not apply to large-scale processing. Consumers were not included but the data and results are adequate for the study objective.This paper provides empirical information that serves as a basis to adopt market options for increased benefits to various chain actors.

Browsing by Author "Mugisha, Johnny"

Results Per Page

Sort Options