NRU :: Browsing by Author "Odongo, Walter"

Browsing by Author "Odongo, Walter"

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Access to Veterinary Services and Expenditure on Pig Health Management: The Case of Smallholder Pig Farmers in Northern Uganda
(Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2020) Okello, Daniel Micheal; Odongo, Walter; Aliro, Tonny; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
Pig farming has gained momentum for most smallholder farmers in developing countries as a means of livelihood and household incomes. However, prospects of the pig enterprises are constrained by pig health management issues which affect both its productivity and profitability. Using a cross-sectional survey of 240 smallholder pig farmers, we assessed factors influencing farmers’ access to veterinary services and expenditure on pig health management in northern Uganda. Data was analysed using the binary logit and censored tobit regression models. Access to veterinary services was significantly influenced by pig herd size (p < 0.05), Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) membership (p < 0.1), breed (p < 0.05), production system (p < 0.05) and number of health issues recorded on farm (p < 0.01). Education level (p < 0.01), farming household members (p < 0.05), pig herd size (p < 0.01), breed (p < 0.05), previous disease incidences (p < 0.05), household labour available (p < 0.1) and access to veterinary services (p < 0.01) significantly influenced pig health expenditure. Efforts to improve access to veterinary services and improve pig health management should focus on promoting more intensive production systems and improved breeds that are associated with better access to veterinary services and reduced cost of pig health management.
Agronomic Biofortification from a Stakeholder’s Viewpoint Evidence from Studies on Iodine-Enriched Foods in Uganda
(Vitamins and minerals biofortification of edible plants, 2020) Olum, Solomon; Wesana, Joshua; Odongo, Walter; Mogendi, Joseph; Okello, Collins; Webale, Dominic; Ongeng, Duncan
This chapter provides an overview of two case studies that examine stakeholder reactions toward iodine biofortification in Uganda. The first case applies the protection motivation theory and evaluates the intention of school heads and parents of school-aged children to include iodine-biofortified legumes in school feeding programs. The second case study takes a broader scope of stakeholder groups and applies the analytical hierarchy process, a multicriteria decision-making tool, to understand the stakeholders' evaluation of the relative importance of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) factors in implementing agronomic iodine biofortification in Uganda. Results from the two cases demonstrate that stakeholders are generally optimistic about the iodine biofortification strategy to improve iodine intake and address the prevalent iodine deficiency disorders. Both cases provide insights into key factors that need to be considered in implementing iodine biofortification technology in a developing country.
Agronomic Biofortification from a Stakeholder’s Viewpoint Evidence from Studies on Iodine-Enriched Foods in Uganda
(Vitamins and minerals biofortification of edible plants, 2020) Olum, Solomon; Wesana, Joshua; Odongo, Walter; Mogendi, Joseph; Okello, Collins; Webale, Dominic; Makokha, Anselimo; Ongeng, Duncan; Gellynck, Xavier; Steur, Hans De
This chapter provides an overview of two case studies that examine stakeholder reactions toward iodine biofortification in Uganda. The first case applies the protection motivation theory and evaluates the intention of school heads and parents of school-aged children to include iodine-biofortified legumes in school feeding programs. The second case study takes a broader scope of stakeholder groups and applies the analytical hierarchy process, a multicriteria decision-making tool, to understand the stakeholders' evaluation of the relative importance of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) factors in implementing agronomic iodine biofortification in Uganda. Results from the two cases demonstrate that stakeholders are generally optimistic about the iodine biofortification strategy to improve iodine intake and address the prevalent iodine deficiency disorders. Both cases provide insights into key factors that need to be considered in implementing iodine biofortification technology in a developing country.
An Assessment of Pig Feed Diversity amongst Smallholder Pig Farmers in Northern Uganda
(Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2021) Okello, Daniel Micheal; Odongo, Walter; Aliro, Tony; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly
Pig production has a high potential for increasing household incomes of both rural and urban smallholder farmers. However, this opportunity is constrained by the high cost of feeds and its scarcity. As such, farmers usually feed pigs on multiple feed resources within their reach. Although the diversity of pig feeds is important in overcoming the challenges, there is limited information on how this can be achieved, and the factors influencing it. Using a cross-section of 240 pig farming households, this study assessed how socio-demographic, technical and institutional factors influenced household pig feed diversity. Statistical analysis was performed at p < 0.1, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), respectively. Results showed that marital status (p = 0.012), household size (p = 0.085), number of crop (p = 0.008) and other livestock enterprises (p = 0.055), ownership of mobile phone (p = 0.091), buying feeds (p = 0.005), and use of radio (p = 0.032) and friend as sources (p = 0.002) of agricultural information had a positive significant influence on household pig feed diversity. Additionally, age (p = 0.042), land size owned (p = 0.085) and breed [rearing local (p = 0.009) and crosses (p = 0.000) as opposed to exotic breeds] had a negative significant influence on household pig feed diversity. The study recommends that focus should be placed on improving access to farm inputs, agricultural and market information for smallholder pig farmers so as to improve pig feed diversity and subsequently enhance production and productivity. Radio and mobile phone technologies are opportunities that can support information sharing.
Consumers Fear for Novel Food Processing Technologies: An Application of Food Technology Neophobia Scale in the Consumption of Processed Milk Products in Northern Uganda
(Applied Food Research, 2022) Okello, Robine; Odongo, Walter; Ongeng, Duncan
New food processing technologies are continuously being introduced in the food industry due to the potential benefits such as longer product shelf life, convenience, sensory appeal, and nutritional superiority. Despite their potential benefits, consumers' perceptions and attitudes towards food processing technologies remain a complex phenomenon as consumers tend to take a more conservative stance concerning novel food processing technologies. This paper applied the Food Technology Neophobia Scale(FTNS) to assess the influence of food technology neophobia, and socio-economic factors on the consumption of processed milk products. Data was collected from 400 milk consumers in northern Uganda using structured questionnaires. Analysis was done in SPSS version 21, and binary logistic regression. Results show that milk consumers in northern Uganda are characterized by a high degree of food technology neophobia towards processed milk products (FTNS score of 62). Education(p=0.04), income(p=0.08), risk perception(p=0.00), healthy choice(p=0.06) and media role (p=0.00) were the major factors that influenced the consumption of processed milk products. The paper concludes that Food technology neophobia, food culture and tradition are the most important factors in the success of foods produced by novel technologies.
Economic Feasibility of Iodine Agronomic Biofortification: A Projective Analysis with Ugandan Vegetable Farmers
(Sustainability, 2021) Olum, Solomon; Gellynck, Xavier; Wesana, Joshua; Odongo, Walter; Aparo, Nathaline Onek; Aloka, Bonny; Ongeng, Duncan; Steur, Hans De
Cost–benefit analysis of (iodine) biofortification at farm level is limited in the literature. This study aimed to analyze the economic feasibility of applying iodine-rich fertilizers (agronomic biofortification) to cabbage and cowpea in Northern Uganda. Data on costs and revenues were obtained from a survey of 100 farmers, and benefits that would accrue from using iodine fertilizers were elicited using consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the iodine-biofortified vegetables. The cost–benefit analysis demonstrated iodine agronomic biofortification as a highly profitable effort, generating average benefit–cost ratios (BCRs) of 3.13 and 5.69 for cabbage and cowpea production, respectively, higher than the conventional production practice. However, the projective analysis showed substantive variations of economic gains from iodine biofortification among farmers, possibly due to differences in farming practices and managerial capabilities. For instance, only 74% of cabbage farmers would produce at a BCR above 1 if they were to apply iodine fertilizer. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis to estimate the effect of subsidizing the cost of iodine fertilizer showed that a higher proportion of farmers would benefit from iodine biofortification. Therefore, as biofortification is considered a health policy intervention targeting the poor and vulnerable, farmers could be supported through fertilizer subsidies to lower the production cost of iodine-biofortified foods and to avoid passing on the price burden to vulnerable consumers.
Insects as food: Illuminating the food neophobia and socio-cultural dynamics of insect consumption in Uganda
(International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2021) Olum, Solomon; Wesana, Joshua; Mawadri, Justine; Nakiranda, Joanitar K.; Odongo, Walter
Entomophagy presents the most viable and sustainable meat alternative to feed the ever-increasing world population as insects are highly nutritious. However, the potential of edible insects’ consumption is constrained by consumers’ fear towards novel or unfamiliar foods (food neophobia), which tends to be higher for insects. This paper assessed the influence of food neophobia and socio-cultural factors on the consumption and consumers’ willingness to consume three edible insects in Uganda (the longhorned grasshoppers, the flying African termites and the wingless red termites). Data were collected from 310 edible insects’ consumers from two culturally different regions in Uganda. Results show that culture and familiarity with edible insects are important determinants of edible insects’ consumption. Consumers with high levels of food neophobia were less likely to consume edible insects that were unfamiliar to them.Much as the population exhibited high levels of food neophobia, neophobia was not a significant predictor of future edible insect consumption. In addition, personal characteristics like education and age influenced both the level of food neophobia and consumption of insects. Therefore, consumption of edible insect should be promoted, keeping in mind specific cultural contexts and familiarity of specific edible insects among potential consumers. Improving knowledge of consumers about edible insects and their nutritional benefits could also lower their levels of food neophobia and improve willingness to consume insects
Iodine Agronomic Biofortification of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Is Effective under Farmer Field Conditions
(Agronomy, 2019) Ojok, Joe; Omara, Peter; Opolot, Emmanuel; Odongo, Walter; Olum, Solomon; Gijs, Du Laing; Gellynck, Xavier; Steur, Hans De; Ongeng, Duncan
Iodine (I) is an essential micronutrient, which plays a critical role in human metabolism. However, its concentration is known to be low in most soils, making it deficient in crops. With most I agronomic biofortification studies conducted under controlled environments, limited information currently exists on this approach of enriching I deficient crops under farmer field conditions. Two-year field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to examine efficacy of cowpea and cabbage in the uptake of foliar applied potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO3), each with 0, 5, 10, and 15 kg I ha−1 under farmer field conditions. Results indicate that KI was 34% more efficient than KIO3. Iodine concentration increased with application rate. In cabbage, the lowest I concentration (8.2 mg kg−1) was registered at 5 kg I ha−1 with KIO3 while the highest was 109.1 mg kg−1 at 15 kg I ha−1 with KI. Cowpea registered the lowest I concentration of 531.5 mg kg−1 at 5 kg I ha−1 with KIO3 while the highest (5854.2 mg kg−1) was registered at 15 kg I ha−1 with KI. Therefore, cowpea and cabbage can be effectively biofortified through foliar application of both KI and KIO3 under farmer field conditions.
The Mix of Good Nutritional Attitude and Poor Nutritional Knowledge is Associated with Adequate Intake of Vitamin A and Iron from Wild Fruits and Vegetables among Rural Households in Acholi Subregion of Northern Uganda
(Food Science & Nutrition, 2018) Okidi, Lawrence; Odongo, Walter; Ongeng, Duncan
Nutritional knowledge and attitude of a population greatly affect intake of essential micronutrients. Much of the understanding on the impact of nutritional knowledge and attitude on nutrient intake has been derived from studies conducted among affluent societies using commercial food products. However, information on the link between status of nutritional knowledge and attitude on intake of essential nutrients from wild fruits and vegetables among rural communities is largely lacking. This study examined the status of nutritional knowledge and attitude associated with intake of vitamin A and iron from wild fruits and vegetables among rural households in Acholi subregion of northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study design making use of individual household questionnaire and proximate dietary recall of a calendar year consumption period involving 248 randomly selected rural households was applied. Results showed that households had good nutritional attitude but poor nutritional knowledge. Status of knowledge was dependent on nutrition training (p = 0.028; coefficient, β = 0.710) and age of the respondent (p = 0.044; β = −0.023), whereas status of attitude was predicted by age of the respondent (p = 0.014; β = 0.048). Consumption of wild fruits and vegetables contributed adequately to the dietary vitamin A and iron requirements of the households. The results have demonstrated that intake of vitamin A and iron from wild fruits and vegetables among rural households is associated with good nutritional attitude but poor nutritional knowledge. A concerted effort is necessary to improve household nutritional knowledge for better utilization of wild fruits and vegetables.
Performance perceptions among supply chain members: A triadic assessment of the influence of supply chain relationship quality on supply chain performance
(British Food Journal., 2016) Odongo, Walter; Manoj, Dora; Molnár, Adrienn; Ongeng, Duncan; Gellynck, Xavier
A good supply chain relationship quality (RQ) is a crucial precursor for any stable exchange relationship which ensures relationship continuity. Although empirical research suggests that strengthening RQ improves supply chain performance (SCP), most studies have focused on dyadic business relationships. To fully understand the relational behaviour of a firm embedded in a supply chain, we need to look beyond the dyad into triads. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how SCP is influenced by RQ in a triadic agribusiness supply chain. Evidence is drawn from a quantitative survey of 150 agribusiness firms in the maize supply chain in Uganda. Data were collected in triadic context from 50 direct supply chains each composing of a supplier, focal firm and customer. Multi-group structural equations modelling (SEM) was used to assess the differences in perception on the influence of RQ on SCP amongst the supply chain members. Results provides empirical support for the positive influence of RQ on SCP. SEM reveals differences in perception between the upstream and downstream and amongst the supply chains members. While focal firms considered conflict, coercive power, commitment and trust to be important; suppliers considered trust, dependency and non-coercive power; and customers considered trust, dependency and coercive power to be important RQ factors affecting SCP.
The relationship between market information and entrepreneurial orientation: the case of smallholder honey producers in Northern Uganda
(Agricultural and Food Economics, 2023) Amuko, Walter; Kalule, Stephen W.; Odongo, Walter
The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of market information on entrepreneurial orientations of smallholder honey producers. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study design with sample of 250 honey producers was used. Structural equations modeling was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships. Findings: Results show that product quality, trader preferences and consumer preferences are the main market information needs that influence entrepreneurial orientation of honey producers. Further, the attributes of market information quality, i.e., information credibility, timeliness, accuracy and usability positively influence entrepreneurial orientation. Practical implications: Results of this study calls for prioritization of better access to regular, reliable and usable market information for honey producers in development programs and policies so as to enhance farmer entrepreneurial orientations and product development. Social implications: Smallholder honey producers are more likely to efficiently deliver innovative products if development interventions across the public and non-public sector divide become responsive to their marketing information needs as well the quality of market information provided. Originality/value: The study uses original data from honey producers to demonstrate the role that marketing information needs as well as market information quality play in catalyzing smallholder farmer entrepreneurial orientation.
Role of Power in Supply Chain Performance: Evidence from Agribusiness SMEs in Uganda
(Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies., 2017) Odongo, Walter; Dora, Manoj Kumar; Molnar, Adrienn; Ongeng, Duncan; Gellynck, Xavier
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of power on supply chain performance (SCP) in the context of small and medium sized agribusiness enterprises (SMEs). Contrary to most of previous studies, which collect and analyze data from one side of a relationship dyad using a focal firm approach, a matched triad approach was employed in data collection and analysis. Empirical data was collected from 150 agribusiness supply chain members from the maize supply chain in Uganda. Analysis was done using multi-group analysis and structural equations modeling. Results highlight the differences in the perception of power use and how it influences SCP. The differences in perception suggest the existence of power asymmetry amongst supply chain members. This work contributes to the ongoing debate concerning the use of triad as a unit of analysis as opposed to a firm or a dyad. This study only focused on one commodity chain in one country, which can limit the broad application of the findings. The novelty of this work lies in fact that the authors assess perception of power amongst supply chain members in a triadic context, a perspective that has not been adequately tested in agribusiness supply chain management studies before.
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.
Where is the market? Assessing the role of dryer performance and marketability of solar-dried products in acceptance of solar dryers amongst smallholder farmers
(Heliyon, 2023) Korsuk Kumi, Peter G.; Elolu, Samuel; Odongo, Walter; Okello, Collins; Kalule, Stephen W.
Agricultural technological development is a crucial strategy for agricultural commercialization and socio-economic transformation in Africa. However, a key challenge to technology use in agriculture remains the limited farmer acceptance of unfamiliar technologies. This paper uses a sample of 245 okra farmers drawn from northern Uganda to assess the drivers of the farmer acceptance of solar drying technology. On the basis of drying performance, farmers perceive the solar dryer to perform better than the open sun-drying method. Structural equation modelling results show that the drying rate and perceived product quality are the main determinants of farmer perceptions on product marketability. Further, product marketability drives acceptance of solar dryers among farmers. We conclude that acceptance of solar dryers is dependent on: i) the drying rate, ii) favorable perceptions towards product quality, and iii) perceived marketability of the solar-dried product. We call for policy action on intensification of efforts that promote solar drying technology, including supporting local artisans to fabricate dryers, to enable increased value addition and consumption of nutritious foods.
Wild and semi-wild edible plants used by the communities of Acholi sub-region, Northern Uganda
(Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 2021) Nyero, Alfred; Achaye, Innocent; Odongo, Walter; Anywar, Godwin; Malinga, Geoffrey Maxwell
In the Acholi sub-region, consumption of wild edible plants is still an integral part of the food culture, particularly during times of food shortage. However, much of indigenous traditional knowledge has not been documented due to the history of prolonged civil war in the area. We conducted an ethnobotanical survey to document the wild plants utilized by the Acholi communities in northern Uganda. Methods: Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 1,353 respondents between November 2017 and February 2018 and 65 focus group discussions. Results: Seventy-three edible plants from 39 families were identified to species level while three species were unidentified. Vitex doniana (0.72), Aframomum alboviolaceum. (0.70), Saba comorensis (0.45), Hibiscus surattensis (0.42), and Borassus aethiopum (0.39) had the highest relative frequencies of citation. Fabaceae (7) and Euphorbiaceae (5) had the highest number of plant species. Most of the edible plants were herbs (34%) and trees (31%). Fruits were the major parts consumed (57%), followed by leaves (37%). Only 34% of species were cooked before eating, while 60% were eaten raw. Sixty-seven percent of the species were harvested during the rainy season and 22% in the dry season. Conclusion: There is a rich diversity of wild edible plants in the Acholi sub-region. Conservation and domestication of these plants will provide a buffer crop and enhance the food security of the locals in the face of recurrent droughts and climate change.

Browsing by Author "Odongo, Walter"

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