Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences

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Aboveground Species Diversity and Carbon Stocks in Smallholder Coffee Agroforestry in the Highlands of Uganda
(Springer, Cham, 2019) Namaalwa, Justine; Tumwebaze, Balaba Susan; Kigonya, Ritah; Nabanoga, Gorettie
Types of agroforestry systems and their capacity to sequester carbon vary globally, and the extent of carbon sequestered greatly depends on environmental conditions and system management. This study aimed at investigating the species composition and determining the aboveground carbon stocks of coffee agroforests at low (1240–1320 m a.s.l.) and medium (1321–1504 m a.s.l.) elevations of Manafwa District in Uganda. For each elevation, the agroforest structures were described and the aboveground carbon (AGC) stocks estimated using allometric models for all measured shade and coffee trees. Two coffee varieties were cultivated with SL-14 extending up to 40 years, while LWIL-11, a more recently introduced variety, extended up to 7 years only. Therefore, the estimated AGC stocks were significantly greater for the SL-14 (0.250–2.317 tons ha−1) than LWIL-11 (1.044–2.099 tons ha−1) and were significantly higher at the medium versus the low elevation. The analysis for shade trees indicated no significant differences in the species diversity for the elevation sites, but with significant variations in mean DBH and thus AGC stocks. Farms at low elevation were characterized by smaller (2.037 ± 0.131 tCO2e ha−1) and significantly high (2.037 ± 0.131 tCO2e ha−1) mean AGC stocks per unit area for coffee and shade trees, respectively, as compared to the medium elevation farms. While the variation in the coffee trees within the elevation sites could be attributed to the uneven distribution within the age groups, the AGC stocks in the shade trees were attributed to the generally large sizes of the trees that dominated. Irrespective of the differences in elevation attributes, coffee agroforests can potentially provide carbon sinks and thus contribute to climate change mitigation.
The Abundance of Birds in Uganda’s inhabited Areas and the Importance of Pastoral Areas
(African Journal of Ecology, 2008) Asasira, J.; Pomeroy, D.
The Uganda bird-monitoring programme has so far generated more than 18,600 observations from the 37 sites where land birds are monitored annually. Ten of the sites are in farmed area (agroecosystems), thirteen in semi-natural pastoral ecosystems and fourteen in natural ecosystems (mainly national parks). The farms are almost entirely small-scale and very diverse in their land use systems. Monitoring is by Timed Species Counts from which the frequency of recording of each species at each site can be generated (with over 460 species recorded so far, the overall spread sheet contains many zero values). The species numbers overall were the highest at natural sites (375 species), which also had the highest numbers of birds that often use trees, and those which are specialist grassland or aerial species or Palearctic visitors; but numbers of Red Data species are the highest in semi-natural sites. As one would expect, formerly forested areas and moist savannas support most tree birds, whilst Red Data species were most frequently recorded in areas of impeded drainage – typically, these are periodically flooded. Grassland specialists are more common in dry than in moist savannas. Palearctic migrants are nowhere common. Uganda’s pastoral areas, on which domestic livestock graze and browse on predominant natural vegetation, are rich in birds and deserve a much more detailed study.
Access to Land for Urban Agriculture in Kampala
(Urban agriculture magazine, 2003) Kiguli, Lillian N.; Nuwagaba, Augustus; Mwesigwa, David; Kiguli, Juliet
Agriculture in Kampala is practised mainly in valley slums where the poor live in informal settlements. Although urban agriculture offers easy access to services and markets, gaining access to land to grow food and rear animals is a challenge for the urban poor
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.
Active optical sensor measurements and weather variables for predicting winter wheat yield
(Agronomy Journal, 2021) Aula, Lawrence; Omara, Peter; Nambi, Eva; Oyebiyi, Fikayo B.; Dhillon, Jagmandeep; Eickhoff, Elizabeth; Carpenter, Jonathan; Raun, William R.
Accurate winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield prediction is vital for improving N management decisions. Currently, most N optimization algorithms use in-season estimated yield (INSEY) as a sole variable for predicting grain yield potential (YP). Although evidence suggests that this works, the yield prediction accuracy could be further improved by including other predictors in the model. The objective of this work was to evaluate INSEY, pre-plant N rate, total rainfall, and average air temperature from September to December as predictors of winter wheat YP. An 8- yr (2012–2019) data set for grain yield was obtained from Experiment 502, Lahoma, OK. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with four replications and N applied at 0, 45, 67, 90, and 112 kg ha–1.Weather data was obtained from the OklahomaMesonet (http://mesonet.org). The data were analyzed using R statistical computing platform. The best model was selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Root mean square error (RMSE) was obtained using k-fold cross-validation. The model selection algorithm produced the full model as the best model for yield prediction with an R2 of .79 and RMSE of 0.54 Mg ha–1. The best one-variable model – as expected – used INSEY as the predictor and had the highest RMSE of 0.72 Mg ha–1 and an R2 of .62. Mid-season YP prediction accuracy could be improved by including pre-plant N rate, mean air temperature, and total rainfall from September to December in a model already containing INSEY.
Activists as Strategic Science Communicators on the Adoption of GMOs in Uganda
(Journal of Science Communication, 2020) Lukanda, Ivan Nathanael
This commentary uses a case study of Uganda and the country's attempts to adopt genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to demonstrate how activists have become communicators of scientific knowledge in the digital age. The digital age allows activists to share their information and collaborate with those who can push their agenda. I argue that anti-GMO activists have positioned themselves as influencers in a debate where weight-of-scientific evidence seems to have been overshadowed by perceptions, largely driven by socio-democratic considerations that require participation in technological uptake.
Acute Toxicity, Antipyretic and Antinociceptive Study of the Crude Saponin from an Edible Vegetable: Vernonia Amygdalina Leaf
(International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2012) Adiukwu, Paul Chukwuemeka; Agaba, Amon; Nambatya, Grace; Adzu, Bulus; Imanirampa, Lawrence; Twinomujuni, Silvano; Twikirize, Osbert; Amanya, Martin; Ezeonwumelu, Joseph Obiezuchukwujekwu; Oloro, Joseph; Okoruwa, Godwin Aiyabalu; Katusiime, Barbra
Vernonia amygdalina is commonly used for food and health purposes. Processing of the leaf for food is aimed at removing bitter tasting antinutritional principles like saponins. This study was designed to determine the antipyretic and antinociceptive property of the crude saponin from Vernonia amygdalina leaf. Standard procedure for antipyretic study using Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced pyrexia in rats; and acetic acid induced writhe, hot plate and cold tail flick tests for antinociceptive study in mice were used. Data for the crude saponin showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) dose dependent anal temperature decrease. The antinociceptive data in mice was significant (P ≤ 0.05) in the writhing test contrary to the cold tail flick test. In acute toxicity study, an LD50 of 5.1523 g/kg using oral route indicated it was practically non-toxic. Finding suggests that Vernonia amygdalina leaf prepared as diet could be of potential benefit to ailing persons with fever and/or pains, if processing technique adopts minimal loss of principles like saponins.
Adaptation of RUSLE to Model Erosion Risk in a Watershed with Terrain Heterogeneity
(International Journal of Advanced Earth Science and Engineering, 2013) Luliro, Nadhomi Daniel; Tenywa, John Stephen; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert Mwanjalolo
The modeling capability of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) on a heterogeneous landscape is usually limited due to computational challenges of slope length and slope steepness (LS) factor. RUSLE can be adapted to Arc-Macro (C++) executable programs to obtain LS values even for highly variable landscapes based on Digital Elevation Models (DEMs); and then predict erosion risk. The objective of this study was to compute LS factor from DEM using C++; and predict soil erosion risk in a banana-coffee watershed of the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) of Uganda. DEM data of Nabajuzi watershed were used as an input file for running the (C++) executable program to obtain LS factor. The predicted LS values were calibrated against tabulated LS values; and a strong linear relationship (R = 0.998) was observed between them. The LS factor increased with slope length and slope gradient. Erosion risk across landuse were predicted as follows: small scale farmland (38 t ha-1 yr-1 ), built up area (35 t ha-1 yr-1 ), grassland (25 t ha-1 yr-1 ), woodland (11 t ha1 yr-1 ), shrub land and seasonal wetland (2.5 t ha-1 yr-1 ), permanent wetland (0 t ha-1 yr-1 ). While across soil units erosion risk was highest on Lixic Ferralsols (50 t ha-1 yr-1 ), followed by Acric Ferralsols (20 t ha-1 yr-1 ), Arenosols (15 t ha-1 yr-1 ), Gleyic Arenosols (2.5 t ha-1 yr-1 ), and Planosols (0 t ha-1 yr-1 ). The risk of erosion increased linearly with slope gradient in the site (R = 0.96). On the steepest slopes (15-18) %, the loss ranged from (38–68) t ha-1 yr-1 and on lowest slopes (0-5) %, the loss was (0–2.5) t ha-1 yr-1 . We conclude that embedding C++ with GIS data derives LS factor from DEMs. It provides a bench mark for understanding slope morphology; hence making erosion risk prediction on nonuniform slopes much easier.
Addition of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato and Iron-Rich Beans Improves Sensory, Nutritional and Physical Properties But Reduces Microbial Shelf Life of Cassava-Based Pancake (Kabalagala) Designed for Children 2-5 Years Old
(Journal of Culinary Science & Technology, 2021) Adoko, Melas Cayrol; Olum, Solomon; Elolu, Samuel; Ongeng, Duncan
Innovative use of locally available food resources to develop products of enhanced nutritional quality is one of the strategies believed to alleviate deficiencies of essential micronutrients such as vitamin A and iron that are endemic among children 2–5 years in developing countries such as Uganda. New cassava-based pancake (kabalagala) formulae composed of orange-fleshed sweet potato, iron-rich beans, cassava and sweet banana were developed to target vitamin A and iron needs of children 2–5 years in Uganda. The new products had better sensory appeal and nutrient density, had better physical properties during storage, were stable to oxidative rancidity but had lower microbial shelf-life compared to the original pancake formula (composed of cassava and sweet banana). Notwithstanding bioavailability constraints, theoretical nutritional computation revealed that serving 100 g (approximately four pieces) of the new products would contribute approximately 99–102% of vitamin A and 110–119% of iron requirements of the targeted children.
Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interactions Analysis of Yield Performances in Cowpea Genotypes under Ugandan Environments
(International Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR), 2017) Agbahoungba, Symphorien; Karungi, Jeninah; Talwana, Herbert; Badji, Arfang; Kumi, Frank; Mwila, Natasha; Edema, Richard; Gibson, Paul; Rubaihayo, Patrick
Yield in legumes is the result of many plant processes, which are usually expressed in yield and have been shown to be affected by management, genotype and environment. The objectives of this study were to assess the extent of genotype x environment interaction and to select the stable cowpea genotypes in Ugandan environments over seasons. Seventy-two cowpea genotypes were evaluated for yield in three locations and two seasons in Uganda. The yield data were subjected to analysis of variance and additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analysis. The results showed a highly significant (P<0.001) genotype by location and by year (season) interaction effects for grain yield, with 69.16% of the total variation attributable to environmental effects, 5.36% to genotypic effects and 12.74% to G x E interactions effects. Genotype MU9 had the highest yield (854.68 kgha-1) but was only adapted to specific environments (Arua 2015B and 2016A). Hence, genotypes WC 30, NE 45, NE 31, NE 51 which were equally high yielding, stable and adapted to the tested environments, and should be recommended for genetic improvement of cowpea germplasm in Uganda.
Adopting traditional fermented foods as carriers for probiotics: The case of Obushera and Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba
(Nutrition & Food Science, 2019) Muzira Mukisa, Ivan; Byakika, Stellah; Meeme, Rehema; Wacoo, Alex Paul; Sybesma, Wilbert
Traditional fermented products can be adopted as probiotic carriers. This study was aimed at evaluating the potential of using Obushera, a traditional sorghum beverage from Uganda, as a carrier for Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba. Design/methodology/approach – Probiotic Obushera was produced by fermenting sorghum malt with Lb. rhamnosus yoba 2012 and Streptococcus thermophilus C106 at 30 °C and at room temperature (21°C-25 °C) for 24 h. Acidity, pH, total soluble solids and microbial counts were monitored. Consumer acceptability and purchase index of probiotic Obushera were compared to four commercial non-probiotic brands. Shelf stability of probiotic Obushera was determined by monitoring changes in pH, acidity, soluble solids, microbial counts and consumer acceptability during refrigerated storage. Findings – Lactobacillus rhamnosus yoba 2012 multiplied and lowered the pH of Obushera from 5.3 to < 4.0 (p < 0.0001) whilst increasing acidity from 0.21 to 0.46 per cent (p < 0.0001) in 9 h at 30 °C. Consumer acceptability varied with Obushera brand (p < 0.0001). The overall acceptability score of probiotic Obushera (score of 6.4 = like slightly) was similar to that of the two most acceptable commercial brands (scores of 5.8 and 6.6). Acidity, pH and Lb. rhamnosus counts of probiotic Obushera varied within 0.6 per cent –1.05 per cent (p < 0.0001), 3.3–3.4 (p < 0.0001), and 8.2-9.2 log cfu/ml (p < 0.0001), respectively during two months of storage. The overall acceptability of probiotic Obushera (scores of 6.9-7.8) did not change significantly during storage (p = 0.185). Practical Implications – Traditional fermented foods such as Obushera can be adopted as carriers of probiotic microorganisms. Originality/value – Use of commercial probiotic strains in traditional fermented foods is a novel approach that can be adopted to improve safety of traditional fermentations and health of consumers.
Adoption and Impacts of Conservation Agriculture: Quasi Experimental Evidence from E. Africa
(ResearchGate, 2013) Bashaasha, Bernard; Laker-Ojok, Rita; Norton, Jay; Peck, Dannele; Owori, Moses
Conservation Agriculture is a recent and evolving concept to land management that seeks to optimise crop yields and farm profits in a manner that balances economic and environmental benefits. The underlying principles include avoiding soil tillage, maintaining soil cover and retaining crop residues, practicing crop rotations and improved fallows, precision placement of appropriate fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides (targeting of inputs), reliance upon integrated pest management (IPM) principles and avoidance of soil compaction, among others. We use binomial probit analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) methods to investigate the drivers of adoption and assess the impact of conservation agriculture among smallholder farmers in Eastern Uganda and Western Kenya. We use data from 800 small-holder farming households collected in 2010. The results show that the drivers of adoption are the same in both countries and that although both socioeconomic and biophysical characteristics drive the choice to use conservation agriculture practices, the latter appear to be more important than the former suggesting that increasing land degradation in East Africa will likely trigger increased adoption of conservation agriculture. Farmers whose main livelihood activity is either livestock or non-farm are less likely to adopt conservation agriculture practices whereas the relatively well off farmers are more likely to use conservation agriculture practices. Furthermore, results show that farmers in both countries are more likely to use conservation agriculture practices on degraded or soils prone to degradation. The results do not show any gender based differences. Using both Kernel and Nearest Neighbour Matching approaches, the results suggest significant impacts on maize yield of over 1000Kgs per ha on plots using conservation agriculture practices, negative impacts on the cost of inorganic fertilisers and result in labour savings of between 11–19 person days per ha per season. We conclude that conservation agriculture has a future in smallholder farming in east Africa with great potential to boost farm productivity and profitability through reduced use of both inorganic fertilisers and family labour inputs.
Adoption intensity of climate smart agricultural practices in arabica coffee production in Bududa District
(International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Updates, 2021) Faisal Salad, Abdullahi; Zziwa, Simon; Talengera, David; Nabatanzi, Lydia; Makumbi, Olivia; Najjuma, Vivian; Nafula, Marveen
Uganda is one of the largest producing and exporting countries of coffee in the world and second in Africa, but it continues to experience significant impacts of climate change, including erratic rainfall variability and environmental degradation. This research investigated the determinants of adoption intensity of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices in Arabica coffee production in Bududa district. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted to collect data from 117 respondents, where face to face questionnaire were used to collect the quantitative data of the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency count and percentages were used to characterize coffee farmers. Tobit regression model was used to assess determinants of adoption intensity of CSA practices. Results showed that majority of the farmers (67.3%) hardly obtained any credit and majority of them (64.5%) never had access to extension services. Majority of the respondents highly adopted the use of shades (71.7%), CBI (76%), mulching (61.5), organic fertilizer (89%), contour trenches (58.9), cover crops (84.6), and stumping (55.5). Tobit regression analysis revealed that farmer’s level of education, access to extension services and marital status showed a positive and significant (P≤0.01), (P≤0.01), and (P≤0.05) influence on adoption intensity of CSA practices, respectively. Years of farming, access to credit, farm size, and farmer’s age showed a negative relationship with adoption intensity of CSA practices. In conclusion, the government of Uganda should intensify extension of adoption of CSA practices among coffee farmers.
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.
Adoption of improved Cassava Varieties among Small Scale Farmers in Apac District
(International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering Review (IJASER), 2021) Oryemo, Bonny; Mbatudde, Maria; Zziwa, Simon; Nabatanzi, Lydia; Talengera, David; Barungi, Davis; Najjuma, Vivian; Nafula, Marveen
Low adoption of modern agricultural technologies amongst farmers in Uganda has been identified as one of the main reasons for the low agricultural productivity and increase in poverty level. The general objective of this study is to assess the adoption of improved cassava varieties among small scale farmers in Apac District, Uganda. It utilized cross-sectional farm household level data collected in 2020 from a randomly selected sample of 120 cassava producing households from four sub-counties. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis such as frequencies, means, Chi-square test, Tobit and Logit regression models. Results revealed that majority (66.7%) of the respondents grow improved cassava varieties. NASE 14 is the most (59.2%) highly adopted compared to NASE2 (9.2%), NASE1 (9.2%), NAROCAS1 (6.6%) and NAROCAS2 (15.8%) varieties. Farmer’s level of education, access to extension services and marital status showed a positive and significant (P≤0.01), (P≤0.01), and (P≤0.05) influence on adoption of improved cassava varieties, respectively. Years of farming, access to credit, farm size, and farmer’s age showed a negative relationship with adoption improved cassava varieties. Coefficient of access to extension services (P≤0.01), farm size (P≤0.05) and farming experience (P≤0.05) positively and significantly influenced perception of farmers towards improved cassava varieties, whereas distance from the nearest market (P≤0.05) and age (P≤0.05) negatively and significantly influenced perceptions for farmers.
Adoption of Improved Mungbean Production Technologies in Selected East African Countries
(Agriculture, 2021) Mmbando, Frank; Mbeyagala, Emmanuel; Binagwa, Papias; Karimi, Rael; Opie, Hellen; Ochieng, Justus; Mutuoki, Tarcisius; Nair, Ramakrishnan Madhavan
This study analyzes the factors that influence the probability and extent of the adoption of mungbean production technologies in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, using multivariate probit and Poisson regression models. The results show that the probability and extent of the adoption of mungbean production technologies are influenced by gender of the household, household size, farm size, livestock size, household assets, access to extension services and access to credit. The study suggests that policy interventions that aimed at targeting women farmers, increasing household asset and information dissemination, such as field demonstrations and training programs, are crucial in enhancing technology adoption among smallholder farmers.
Adoption of On-Farm Plantation Forestry by Smallholder Farmers in Uganda
(Journal of Sustainable Development, 2017) Kiyingi, I.; Edriss, A.; Phiri, M.; Buyinza, M.; Agaba, H.
The study assessed the factors influencing adoption and intensity of adoption of on-farm plantation forestry by comparing results from a censored Tobit model and a Double-hurdle model. Analysis indicated that determinants of adoption and intensity of adoption of on-farm plantation forestry are different, thus indicating a double-hurdle process. Results from the double-hurdle model indicated that size of landholding, secondary school education, forestry skills training, extension services and farmers’ perceptions significantly explain the variation in the decision to invest in on-farm plantation forestry. On the other hand, gender of household head and size of landholding influenced the intensity of adoption. This study highlights some of the areas that should be considered in developing adoption strategies for on-farm plantation forestry. It also highlights the importance of farmers’ perceptions in influencing adoption of farm forestry. The study suggests that since the factors influencing adoption and intensity of farm forestry adoption are made separately, it is important that both stages are considered in developing adoption strategies for farm forestry.
Adoption of Soil Conservation through Collective Actions in SouthWestern Uganda
(African Crop Science Journal, 2017) Kalibwani, R.M.; Kakuru, M.; Kamugisha, R.; Twebaze, J.; Tumuheirwe, H.; Tenywa, M.M.; Nyamwaro, S.O.; Mugabo, J.; Buruchara, R.
In developing countries, access to and use of renewable natural resources are essential for rural livelihoods to thrive. Hence, cooperation in the management of natural resources is increasingly an important strategy that can enhance long-term socio-ecological resilience. In most cases, collective actions have widely been recognised as an alternative institutional arrangement to centralised governance for the management of natural resources, but their success largely depends on factors that are specific to localities where they are implemented. In this study, factors that influence adoption and extent of adoption of natural resource conservation activities were identified using two case studies: Bubaare and Bufundi Innovation Platforms in Uganda. The drivers of adoption of community natural resource management strategies are analysed using an Ordered Logit Model while extent of adoption is analysed using a truncated regression model. The education level of a household head, membership in collective action group, and perception of plot slope and relevance of bye-laws were factors associated with likelihood of adoption. Value of livestock, membership in collective action group, access to credit and off-farm income were found to positively influence the level of investment. Thus, collective action increases opportunities for adoption; hence farmers should be supported to work collectively.
Adoption of Supplementary Feeding in Smallholder Dairy Cattle Production in Mbarara District
(American Journal of Agriculture, 2022) Twesigye, Gilbert; Ssemakula, Edward; David, Bahame B.
This study sought to assess the level of adoption of supplementary feeding, associated socioeconomic factors and the relationship between supplementary feeding and dairy cattle production among smallholder dairy farmers in Mbarara District. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 198 smallholder farmers and 12 key informants using a semi-structured interview guide and key informant interview guide respectively. Cluster sampling was used to divide the target population into clusters and then selected elements from each cluster using Simple Random Sampling technique. Collected data was compiled, sorted, and entered into Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSSv26.0) for analysis. Findings: The study revealed that 81.3% of smallholder farmers adopted supplementary feeding. However, the level of supplementary feeding varied among smallholder farmers of different socioeconomic characteristics. Basically, there was low level of adoption of supplementary feeding among farmers with few household members, having little knowledge about supplementary feeding and little funds to finance the costs involved in application of supplementary feeds. In relation to dairy cattle production, there was a positive significant relationship between the level of adoption of supplementary feeding and milk yield. Unique contribution to practice and policy: This study suggests to policy makers and other relevant authorities to formulate polices that emphasize adoption of supplementary feeding among dairy farmers in order to increase milk production in cattle.
Adoption of Sustainable Agriculture Intensification in Maize-Based Farming Systems of Katete District in Zambia
(Land, 2022) Hamazakaza, Petan; Kabwe, Gillian; Kuntashula, Elias; Egeru, Anthony; Asiimwe, Robert
Sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) has been hailed as the solution to increasing crop productivity among farmers. Despite the significant promotion, there still remains a dearth of information on the adoption and intensity of SAI in Zambia. This study sought to identify factors that influence farmers’ adoption of SAI practices and intensity of use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 smallholder farmers of Katete district in Zambia. The Cragg’s double hurdle model was used to assess the key decision factors for SAI adoption and intensity of use. Empirical estimates revealed that limited years of farming and smaller total cropped field size were statistically significant decision factors that led to a reduced likelihood of SAI adoption. The results of the truncated model showed that smaller farm sizes and limited access to farmer extension services reduced the adoption intensity of SAI practices, whereas farmer affiliation with farmer associations and farmer training in crop production increased SAI adoption intensity. We recommend an increase in farmer training on and sensitization to the benefits of SAI practices aligned to their respective landholdings.

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