NRU :: Browsing by Author "Mugonola, Basil"

Browsing by Author "Mugonola, Basil"

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Adoption of soil and water conservation technologies in the Rwizi catchment of south western Uganda
(Informa UK Limited, 2012-11-19) Mugonola, Basil; Deckers, Josef; Poesen, Jean; Isabirye, Moses; Mathijs, Erik
Soil and water conservation technologies, such as mulching, grass strips and retention ditches, have been promoted in many areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, technology adoption rates have remained unsatisfactory. In this study, a logit model was used to examine the adoption of soil and water conservation technologies in the Rwizi catchment of Uganda using cross-sectional survey data from 271 smallholder farmers. Findings revealed that the likelihood to adopt these conservation technologies by smallholder farmers is explained by land size, tropical livestock units, access to extension services, value of gross output, gender of the household head and location of the farmers. Our results further showed that the quadratic term in land size was significant and negative, highlighting an acreage threshold to adoption. In general, our findings underscore the importance of information access and landownership in adoption of soil and water conservation technologies in the Rwizi catchment of Uganda.
An Assessment of the Competitiveness of Shea Actors in the Shea Nut Value Chain of Northern Uganda
(East African Nature and Science Organization, 2024-08-02) Akatwetaba, Deborah; Mugonola, Basil; Kasharu, Apollo; Egeru, Anthony
Shea nut is an economically important parkland tree species found in parts of northern and eastern Uganda. In northern Uganda, the shea nut value chain consists of collectors, traders, and processors. Whereas the collectors form the bulk of the actors in the chain, it is not clear whether the scale of operations of actors above the chain makes them less competitive. This study assessed the competitiveness of shea actors along the chain. Cross-sectional primary data was collected using a respondent-driven sampling approach. A total of 252 collectors, 51 traders, and 22 processors were included in the study. Results showed that the average market share of the collectors, traders, and collectors is 0.4%, 1.9%, and 4.5%, respectively. Using the concentration ratio (CR4) which measures the market share of the four largest players, results showed that for both collectors and traders, the CR4 was less than 40% (collectors =10%; traders=15%). This finding suggests that, individually, each collector and trader are too small to influence the outcome of the shea market transaction but can only do so collectively. However, for the processors, the CR4 was 65%, implying that for the processors, the 4 largest players control up to 65% of the market. This suggests an oligopolistic tendency among shea processors, with the few large processors able to individually influence both collectors and traders. These findings suggest the need to regulations to protect both the trader and the collectors from unfair competition that may come from the few processors
Cross border trade analysis of the rice value chain between Uganda and South Sudan: an insight from Elegu and Nimule border posts
(Informa UK Limited, 2024-08-19) Aluong, Joseph A. Kut; Mainimo, Edmond Nyuyki; Okello, Daniel Micheal; Mugonola, Basil
Rice is an important agricultural commodity in Uganda’s economy serving both as cash and food crop and is produced in almost all regions of Uganda. As a cash crop, considerable trade in this commodity occurs within and across the borders of Uganda and South Sudan. Therefore, this study was aimed at conducting a cross border trade value chain analysis between Uganda and South Sudan. Specifically, the rice value chain was analyzed and the determinants of cross border trade were ascertained. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit regression analysis to determine factors influence cross border trade in rice between Northern Uganda and South Sudan. Results revealed that three quarter of traders were of Ugandans Nationals with significant level (p < 0.001). Econometric model results showed that the source of rice, the nationality of the actor, and business experience (years) and occupation significantly influenced cross border trade. Ugandan traders were involved in trade more than non-Ugandans because of access to locally produced rice. Gender based performance on rice trade was significant (p < 0.002) for both Ugandans and non-Ugandans with males participating in trade more than the females. Most of the wholesale buyers were from Kampala; they buy rice in large volumes while the rest of the rice is bought by exporters, local wholesalers and retailers. Our study recommends that rice value addition and upgrading should be promoted to in order to increase incomes and competitiveness of cross-border trade.
Current Status and Potential Opportunities for Uganda’s Pig Sub Sector: A Review
(African Journals Online (AJOL), 2024) Kasima, Junior Senyonga; Mugonola, Basil; Muyinza, Harriet; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
Pig production is one of the most important livestock sub-sectors in agricultural economy of Uganda. However, pig production is not a priority enterprise in the government endeavors to uplift livelihoods of Ugandans, which has deterred the sub-sector from realizing its full potential. This review explores opportunities that pig farmers and policy makers could exploit to improve pig production in the country. Since gender inclusivity is pivotal in global agricultural development, the review examines the level of gender inclusivity in Uganda’s pig production, the key constraints to pig production, and opportunities that could boost growth of the sub-sector. The review has identified that there is an increase in female participation in pig production, which portrays realization of faster growth of Uganda’s pig production. This faster growth might however be deterred by frequent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks, high cost of feeding and low quality of feed materials due to aflatoxin contamination. Offensive smell from pig houses could also constrain pig production especially in densely populated areas. Potential opportunities for Uganda’s pig production include use of alternative feeds like black soldier fly larvae and biochar. Black soldier fly larvae grow on readily available organic wastes and are rich in proteins while biochar improves the immunity of pigs. Nixtamalization, a process involving the treatment of maize with an alkaline solution to reduce aflatoxin levels, could be explored to mitigate feed contamination while indigenous microorganism solution could be applied on deep litter beddings to reduce offensive odor in pig house. In conclusion, the study observed that Uganda has untapped opportunities that, once utilized, could improve pig production. These, if adopted, could contribute to a swifter take-off in the pig sub-sector and ensure that future domestic demand for pork is met by our own production. The potential alternatives are also applicable to pig production in any developing country.
Determinants of adoption of integrated soil fertility management practices among coffee producers in Mid-Northern Uganda
(Cogent, 2024-12) Alela, Beatrice;; Katya Kule, Enos;; Midamba, Dick Chune ;; Mugonola, Basil
Coffee accounts for over 40% of total Ugandan exports. Coffee subsector created employment opportunities thus improved living standards of farmers. Despite significant role played by coffee, its production in Uganda is generally low, attributed to infertile and highly weathered soils in different parts of the country. To increase soil fertility, smallholder farmers are encouraged to adopt integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices. Notably, previous studies shown low adoption intensity of ISFM practices. The study, therefore, aimed to determine adoption intensity and factors affecting adoption intensity of ISFM practices in new coffee-growing regions of Mid-Northern Uganda. Data were collected from 202 farmers in Oyam and Nwoya districts, using semi-structured questionnaires. Adoption index (AI) and Tobit regression model were used to determine adoption intensity of ISFM practices and their determinants, respectively. Results show that adoption intensity of ISFM practices was 0.52. Results from Tobit model showed that farm size, access to agricultural insurance, input support, formal employment had positive and significant effect on adoption intensity, whereas household size had inverse and significant effect on adoption intensity. Our study recommends that farmers be trained on ways of accessing credit, agricultural insurance, while government should subsidize farm inputs for timely acquisition by coffee farmers. Publicly Available Content Database
Determinants of shea nut marketing arrangements in northern Uganda
(Springer International Publishing, 2024-09) Akatwetaba, Deborah;; Okello, Daniel Micheal;; Kasharu, Apollo ;; Egeru, Anthony;; Mugonola, Basil
This study assessed factors infuencing shea nut actors’ choices of shea nut marketing arrangements in northern Uganda. An understanding of these factors is vital in infuencing the choice of the diferent marketing arrangements. Cross-sectional data was collected from a sample of 325 shea nut actors. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logit model. The shea nut actors in this study were composed of 78% collectors, 16% traders and 7% processors. About 73% and 43% of shea collectors and traders, respectively, sold their shea nuts and/or products through spot markets, while, 45% of the processors sold their shea nut and/or products through informal contracts. Formal contract was the least common marketing arrangement among all the actors. The probability of choosing each the marketing arrangement were infuenced by several factors including experience, education, income level, access to extension, training, access to credit, awareness of innovations in the shea value chain, awareness of value addition supporting institutions, main occupation (farming), distance to the market, access to information and means of transport used (head portage). Eforts to increase formal contract participation should focus on providing extensions and creating awareness about institutions that support value addition. There is need for a location and actor specifc approach in promoting the diferent market arrangements in shea products marketing.
Dietary Intake and Socio-economic Predictors of Inadequate Energy and Nutrient Intake Among Women of Child Bearing Age in Karamoja Sub-region of Uganda
(Research Square, 2021) Muggaga, Christopher; Uma, Ipolto Okello; Kaaya, Archileo Natigo; Taylor, David; Ongeng, Duncan; Mugonola, Basil
Karamoja sub-region is the most food insecure part of Eastern Africa. The poor status of food security in the sub-region is reflected in the high rate of undernutrition among women of child bearing age (WCBA) and children under five years (CUFY). The sub-region is unique in Uganda in terms of cultural diversity, agro-ecology and rainfall pattern, and agricultural practices. However, the influence of these unique characteristics on dietary intake of WCBA in the sub-region is less understood. Therefore, this study examined dietary intake and socio-economic predictors of inadequate energy and nutrient intake among WCBA in Karamoja sub-region. A longitudinal study design was used involving 755 WCBA in the harvesting season where 635 were followed-up in the planting season. Data were collected using 24-hour recall, dietary diversity, and socio-economic and demographic questionnaires. Intake of energy and nutrients were generally significantly higher (p<0.05) during the planting season than in the harvesting season. Irrespective of the district, physiological status and season, household consumption of plant-based foods was far higher than intake of animal-based foods dominated by starchy stables (76-100%), dark green leafy vegetables (70-100%) and legumes, nuts and seeds (22-97%) depending on the district. Majority of the respondents had two meals (breakfast: 65-100%; supper: 90-100%) with up to 45% of WCBA who consumed alcohol across meal times. Overall on average, 57.7, 66.6, 78.5, 60.3, 67.7 and 93.7% of WCBA did not meet the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for energy, protein, calcium, iron, zinc and folic acid, respectively. Binary logistic regression revealed that inadequate intake of energy and nutrients significantly increased (p<0.05) with the status of being Lactating/breastfeeding, and was influenced by age of WCBA, number of women married, education level and occupation of the household head depending on season. This study demonstrated that dietary intake of WCBA in Karamoja sub-region was inadequate. Age of WCBA, number of women married, education level and occupation of the household head and spouse, and being a lactating/breastfeeding mother were the key socio-economic and demographic factors that influenced inadequate intake of energy and nutrients among WCBA.
Drivers of Household Demand for Cooking Energy: A Case of Central Uganda
(Heliyon, 2022) Mainimo, Edmond Nyuyki; Okello, Daniel Micheal; Mambo, Wilson; Mugonola, Basil
In Uganda, the total primary household energy consumption is mainly biomass. Lack of empirical information remains a daunting challenge to operationalization of strategies and policies aimed at reducing unsustainable energy use. This study specifically determined household demand for different cooking energy sources (briquettes, charcoal and firewood). Data were collected from a sample of 235 households with the help of pretested structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR). From the econometric analysis, results revealed that briquettes demand was significantly influenced by fuel expenditure, briquette price, gender of household head, main occupation and source of fuel. Further, charcoal demand was influenced by fuel expenditure, household size, charcoal price, district and fuel restriction. On the other hand, demand for firewood was influenced by household income, firewood price, fuel expenditure, household size and source of the fuel. From our findings, it is recommended that tailored trainings on sustainable exploitation of biomass resources for energy supply should be conducted across the country. In addition, there is need for such trainings to target women, who are the decision makers with respect to household energy supply. Lastly the study recommends the need for low-cost briquetting technologies that would reduce its price to levels that are competitive to charcoal and firewood.
Drivers of value addition and product upgrading to shea nuts by collectors in northern Uganda
(African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 2022) Akatwetaba, Deborah; Mugonola, Basil; Kasharu, Appolo; Okello, Daniel M.; Egeru, Anthony
This study assessed the factors associated with value addition and product upgrading of shea nut in northern Uganda. We adopted a cross-sectional research design using a multi-stage sampling approach and a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect data from 252 respondents. The results show that 84% of shea nut collectors practise some level of value addition with 11.5% adding value to all of the shea nuts collected. Over 50% of the shea nut collectors had at least one value-added product with about 3% having four value-added products, the most common products being roasted kernel and crude butter (37.3%). Regression analysis revealed that level of value addition was significantly influenced by gender, age, land under shea cultivation, income, information access, association membership and spot marketing, while the number of value-added products was significantly influenced by age, household size, extension access, information access, association membership, informal marketing, formal marketing and location of shea collector. The findings imply that increasing shea value addition in terms of both proportions allocated to value addition and the number of value-added products require adopting a group approach to provision of value addition and shea processing information. Therefore, we recommend the need to encourage shea actors to form associations focused on value addition.
Economics of Grass Strips Used as Sediment Filters in the Riparian Zones of Lake Victoria, Uganda
(Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 2012) Mugonola, Basil; Kimaro, Didas; Isabirye, Moses; Deckers, Jozef; Poesen, Jean; Wanyama, Joshua; Mathijs, Erik
Land-use change in the riparian zones has lead to flow of sediments and nutrients into Lake Victoria. Using net present value (NPV) and sensitivity analysis techniques, economic viability of Paspalum, lemon, and elephant grasses as sediment filters under maize production are determined. Findings reveal that grass strips in maize production generates NPVs of 1,620 Cha−1, 1,736 Cha−1, and 1,766 Cha−1 for maize + Paspalum, maize + lemon and maize + elephant grass, respectively, at 5% discount rate. Sensitivity analyses show, NPVs are stable to varying discount rates but not to yield declines in maize and grasses. Overall, integrated land use to reduce sediment and nutrient fluxes is a more acceptable solution to land-constrained farmers.
Farm Level Allocative Efficiency of Rice Production in Gulu and Amuru Districts, Northern Uganda
(Agricultural and Food Economics, 2019) Okello, Daniel Micheal; Wabbi, Jackline Bonabana; Mugonola, Basil
Smallholder farming, predominant in Uganda, is characterized by low productivity for most crops including rice which is gaining prominence as both a food and income crop. The low productivity is mostly attributed to allocative inefficiency. Allocative efficiency (AE) considers farmers’ ability to allocate resources efficiently, by producing the maximum possible output at minimum cost. Increasing AE requires an understanding of the specific sources of inefficiency that vary across farm enterprises, geographically and temporally. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Gulu and Amuru districts of Northern Uganda to assess the sources of farm-level allocative inefficiency in rice production using the stochastic frontier approach. Data were collected from a random sample of 200 smallholder rice farmers. Results show that the mean AE was 75%. Household size, distance to trading centre, farm size, number of crop enterprises, use of hired labour, use of ox-plough, and access to credit had significant effects on AE. We recommend adoption of technologies such as the use of ox-ploughs and reallocation of farm resources especially labour.
Farmers’ perceptions of climate change, long‑term variability and trends in rainfall in Apac district, northern Uganda
(CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 2022) Atube, Francis; Malinga, Geoffrey M.; Nyeko, Martine; Okello, Daniel M.; Mugonola, Basil; Omony, George William; Ipolto, Okello‑Uma
Climate change poses severe threats to smallholder farmers’ agricultural livelihoods and food security in Sub Saharan Africa. Understanding long-term rainfall trends of variability and extremes at local scales and perceptions regarding long-term changes in climate variables is important in planning appropriate adaptation measures to climate change. This paper examines the perception of farmers in Apac district regarding long-term changes in climate variables and analyzes the trend of occurrence in seasonal and annual rainfall in Apac district, northern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data on farmers’ perceptions regarding long-term changes in climate from 260 randomly selected smallholder farmers’ households across two sub-counties in Apac district by administering semi-structured questionnaires in February 2018. Monthly rainfall data sets from the Uganda Meteorological Authority (UMA) for the period 1980 to 2019 for Apac district were also used to analyze trends of occurrences in seasonal and annual rainfall in the study area. The non-parametric Sequential Mann–Kendall (SMK) tests were employed at a 5% significance level to detect mean seasonal rainfall trends and abrupt change points. Results: The majority of the respondents (87%) perceived a decrease in precipitation over the past 39 years. The plot of forward regression u(ti) values and backward regression u’(ti) values showed interactions indicating rainfall trends, rainfall lower and upper limits and abrupt change points in the different cropping seasons. Analysis of historical series of mean monthly and annual rainfall showed an abrupt change in rainfall in March, April, May (MAM) season in 1982. Although the September, October and November (SON) season did not show a significant abrupt change, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in rainfall above the upper limit from 1994 to date. Conclusion: The mean seasonal rainfall for MAM and SON cropping seasons in Apac district were highly variable from different time points within the past 39 years (1980–2019), while June, July, and August (JJA) did not realize a significant change in rainfall within the same study period that the two cropping seasons (MAM and SON) in the district experienced remarkable variations in rainfall. This, therefore, provides a basis for the government to strengthen the provision of an effective climate tailored agricultural advisory service to aid farmers’ adaptation planning at the local level and to assist smallholder farmers and land-use managers in developing effective adaptation management strategies to the effects of climate change.
Institutional and technical drivers of intra-household marketing decisions for smallholder farmers in Uganda: evidence from Northern Uganda
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025-05-09) Lukwago, Moses Mwesige;; Micheal Okello, Daniel;; Mugonola, Basil
Agricultural output marketing as an economic venture, increases smallholders’ economic welfare (incomes) through market participation. However, the venture is plagued by inefficiencies that emanate from incomplete institutional and physical infrastructures as well as imperfect competition. Data were obtained from a random sample of 206 farmers in Nwoya district. A Tobit regression was conducted to determine the institutional (and technical) drivers of farmers’ intra-household market participation decisions. The results revealed that variety used (p < 0.1), group membership (p < 0.01), markets (p < 0.05), road access (0.05), distance to markets (p < 0.05), total labor (p < 0.05) and household size (p < 0.1) significantly influenced intra-household market participation decisions. The outcome of this study provides a course-way upon which government institutions and relevant stakeholders can make strides through addressing policies aimed at enhancing sustainable economic welfare through increased productivity which reduces poverty and boosts food security among famers.
Perspectives on the integration of agri-entrepreneurship in tertiary agricultural education in Africa: insights from the AgriENGAGE project
(Frontiers Media S.A, 2024-05) Chirinda, Ngonidzashe; Abdulkader, Bisan; Hjortsø, Carsten Nico; Aitelkadi, Kenza; Salako, Kolawolé Valère; Taarji, Noamane; Mhada, Manal; Lamdaghri, Zidane; Romanova, Gergana; Assogbadjo, Achille Ephrem; Chadare, Flora Josiane; Saidi, Mwanarusi; Sassi, Maria; Mugonola, Basil; Gogo, Elisha Otieno; Ssekandi, Joseph; Okalany, Emmanuel; Egeru, Anthony; Mshenga, Patience; Mlongo; Chfadi, Tarik
The underperformance of agricultural education systems in Africa is evident through various indicators such as increased unemployment among recent agricultural graduates, inefficiencies in agricultural product value chains, and a decline in enrollment in agricultural schools. The AgriENGAGE project, which included eight African universities, was supported through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education program funded by the European Commission to address these challenges. The project aimed to contribute toward revitalizing agricultural education systems to stimulate agricultural transformation and enhance the sector’s competitiveness while meeting the labor market’s demands. This article draws on lessons learned at eight universities to provide a perspective on agri-entrepreneurship education integration in African universities. We provide descriptions, experiences, and insights on agri-entrepreneurship education integration in partner universities in Kenya, Benin, Morocco, and Uganda. Based on these experiences, we provide perspectives on reducing youth unemployment and improving the effectiveness of agricultural education in contributing to the development of sustainable food systems.
Soil and Water Conservation Technologies in the Upper Rwizi Microcatchment of Southwestern Uganda
(Water-Smart Agriculture in East Africa, 2015) Mugonola, Basil; Mathijs, Erik; Poesen, Jean; Deckers, Josef; Wanyama, Joshua; Isabirye, Moses
The continuing decline of agricultural productivity in many areas in Uganda, particularly in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), has been attributed to land degradation and, as a consequence, farmers encroach on forests, wetlands, and marginal steep slopes (NEMA, 2009; Mugonola, 2013c). Cultivation of these areas using unsustainable agricultural production methods contributes to increased soil erosion, loss of buffering capacity, sediment deposition, and pollution of water bodies. Degradation of farm and rangeland has on-farm and off-farm effects. On-farm, it leads to reduced current and future land productivity and land values, while off-farm, soil erosion results in environmental degradation, desertification, siltation of waterways, and flooding, among others.
Sustainability of farmer organizations in Uganda: the role of organizational and institutional factors
(Springer International Publishing, 2024-09) Nangobi, Racheal;; Mshenga, Patience Mlongo;; Mugonola, Basil
Abstract In Uganda, despite government support, many farmer organizations are short-lived or exist solely to receive subsidies. Existing literature evaluates the sustainability of farming systems, technology impacts, and non-certified markets, yet a gap remains regarding the sustainability of farmer organizations. This study addresses this gap by determining a sustainability index and the effect of organizational and institutional factors on the sustainability of farmer organizations in central and northern Uganda. It highlights how regional disparities impact organizational sustainability. Using cross-sectional data from 272 farmer organizations across 12 randomly selected districts, a multilevel mixed-effects linear regression in Stata13 was employed. Results indicate that Ugandan farmer organizations have a low sustainability index of 36%, with central organizations slightly outperforming northern counterparts by 2%. Significant differences exist between northern and central organizations in terms of finances, resources, value addition, training, and leadership. Additionally, internal financial dependence, leadership committee size, farm management, and value addition training greatly enhance sustainability. Specifically, regional level variables contribute 21% to changes in the sustainability of farmer organizations in Uganda. To enhance sustainability, farmer organizations should engage in income-generating activities aligned with their economic, environmental, and social welfare objectives. The government should also intensify leadership, farm management, and value addition training.
Value chain and marketing margins analysis of watermelon: An insight from Northern Uganda
(Routledge, 2020-12-14) Houessou, Jemima Alla; Mugonola, Basil; Odongo, Walter
Watermelon is one of the emerging market oriented agricultural products with potential of improving rural livelihoods and alleviating poverty. Consequently, watermelon is attracting attention and gaining a bigger market share as a cash crop. This paper analyzed the value chain and marketing of watermelon in Northern Uganda. Data was collected through a cross sectional survey of 300 watermelon value chain actors (100 producers, 100 wholesalers and 100 retailers). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, value chain mapping, ordinary least squares regression and gross margin analysis. Results shows that the watermelon value chain in Northern Uganda involves six actors embedded within eight differentiated channels. The producer-wholesaler-retailer-consumer channel was the dominant watermelon marketing channel, handling 77% of marketed watermelon per month. Marketing margin analysis shows that watermelon marketing is a profitable venture to all value chain actors, with producers having the highest marketing margins (98%) compared to wholesalers (58%) and retailers (64%). The study finds that watermelon marketing margins are significantly influenced by access to credit, access to marketing channels information and labour costs. Results of this study call for policy interventions that enable access to low-cost credit facilities for watermelon value chain actors. Additionally, there is need to improve the dissemination of watermelon marketing information to enable value chain actors make informed marketing decisions.

Browsing by Author "Mugonola, Basil"

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