Assessment of Effects of Adopted Sustainable Soil Fertility Management Practices on Arabica Coffee Yields among Smallholder Farmers in Ibanda Municipality

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the effects of adopted sustainable soil fertility management practices on Arabica Coffee yields and quality among smallholder farmers in Ibanda Municipality. The guiding objectives of the study were to find out the effect of sustainable soil fertility management practices in Arabica Coffee farming, Arabica coffee yields and quality and the relationship between the sustainable soil fertility management practices and Arabica Coffee yields and quality. Data was collected using a farmer questionnaire and interview guide for extension staff and coffee dealers. It was analysed descriptively using frequency counts and percentages while relationships between sustainable soil fertility management practices and Arabica Coffee yields were analysed using Pearson correlation. The findings show that mulching and composting were the most adopted soil fertility management practices among the Arabica coffee farmers in Kagongo division. The study also found that there was a significant relationship between Arabica coffee yields and farmers' adoption of mulching and composting. The study concluded that the adoption of mulching and compositing improved coffee quality and yields. Therefore, the study recommended up-scaling extension services and giving farmers credit so that they adopt sustainable soil fertility management practices for better Arabica coffee yields and quality