Masters of Science in Agriculture and Rural development

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/1038

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DETERMINANTS OF FERTILIZER USE BY SMALLHOLDER ARABICA COFFEE FARMERS IN BUGINYANYA SUB-COUNTY, BULAMBULI DISTRICT
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-09-08) BIIRA BABRA ALIGANYIRA
The persistent decline in Arabic coffee production annually in Buginyanya Sub-county has necessitated smallholder farmers to adopt the use of fertilizers to improve coffee production. This study evaluated farmers’ perception, knowledge, and socio-economic factors that affect fertilizer use in arabica coffee production in Buginyanya sub-county, Bulambuli district. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive analysis of the survey data of 240 respondents. Chi Square statistics was used to determine the relationship between agronomic practices and arabic coffee production (Output) while ordered logit model was used to determine the level of fertilizer usage among smallholder Arabic coffee farmers in Buginyanya Sub- County. The impact of perception, socioeconomic factors, and institutional features on fertilizer use adoption was then examined using a multivariate probit model. The finding revealed varying degrees of the influence of recommended agronomic practices on Arabica coffee output in the study area. The Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) values (Fertilizer use, 1.65; weed control, 1.52; Use of improved seed, 1.38; others, <1.8) below the commonly accepted threshold of 10 confirmed reliability of the regression coefficients. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis indicates that use of improved coffee seed varieties, application of inorganic fertilizers, proper plant spacing, pruning, and weed control were statistically significant predictors of coffee output. The study also showed that both socio-economic characteristics and institutional factors play a significant role in shaping fertilizer adoption behaviour among Arabica coffee farmers. Education level (p = 0.014; β = 0.081), access to extension services (p = 0.001; β = 0.628), availability of credit access (p = 0.002; β = 0.452), farm size (p = 0.023; β = 0.319) and income from coffee (p = 0.022; β = 0.0002) with fertilizer use. Positive perception of Fertilizer use on yield (93.52%, n = 231), very risky on microflora (89.88%, n = 222), high risk on livestock (88.66%, n = 219), very risky on water quality (89.88%, n = 222) and very risky on food safety (85.43%, n = 211). Agricultural extension services should be expanded and better resourced to provide consistent and context-specific training on best agronomic practices. Furthermore, policymakers and development partners should promote inclusive access to financial services, such as input credit schemes and agricultural subsidies, particularly for resource-constrained farmers
ASSESSING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING SORGHUM PRODUCTION IN JUR RIVER COUNTY, SOUTH SUDAN
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-07-01) WOL WILFRED DENG
Sorghum is a staple crop and a key source of food and income for smallholder farmers in South Sudan, yet its productivity remains low and highly variable due to climatic, institutional, and post-harvest challenges. This study was conducted to assess the factors influencing sorghum production in Jur River County, focusing on weather variability, access to agricultural inputs, extension services, and post-harvest losses, and how these factors affect sorghum yield and household income. The objectives were to examine the effect of weather variability on productivity, to assess the influence of access to improved agricultural inputs, to analyze the role of extension services and adoption of improved practices, and to evaluate the extent of post-harvest losses and their impact on income generation. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, targeting 384 sorghum-farming households selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant inputs, while secondary data were obtained from meteorological records and institutional reports. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression models, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that climatic conditions significantly influenced sorghum yield, with mean temperature showing a strong positive effect (B = 852.53, p < .001). Input access had mixed results: while availability of improved inputs enhanced productivity (B = 630.42, p < .001), improper fertilizer use negatively affected yields. Extension services also showed contrasting effects; while access to extension materials was negatively associated with yield (B = –1,562.96, p < .001), extension worker knowledge and adoption of recommended practices improved productivity (B = 623.38, p = .001; B = 16.58, p < .001). Post-harvest handling strongly influenced household income, with improved storage (B = 2,429.90, p < .001) and better transportation (B = 559.97, p < .001) contributing to higher returns. The study concludes that although sorghum is well adapted to the local environment, inefficiencies in input use, weak extension delivery, and poor post-harvest management limit productivity and income potential. Strengthening farmer access to quality inputs, enhancing context-specific extension services, and improving post-harvest technologies are recommended to improve food security and livelihoods in fragile settings like Jur River County.
Yield performance and market acceptability of selected Solanum aethiopicum Gilo Genotypes
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-09-19) Kucel Newton
This study evaluated yield performance and market acceptability of five Solanum aethiopicum Gilo entries. All data were subject to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated using Fishers LSD at 5% probability level. Further, data was subject to Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis. consumer acceptability was evaluated using sensory analysis, and trader preferences were assessed through traders’ physical sensory analysis. Results revealed significant (P<0.001) genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interaction effects on yield parameters. While G4 consistently produced the highest number of fruits across all locations (46.86-49.45 fruits/plant), fruit weight varied by location, with G6 performing best in Mukono (516.1g), the check variety in Kasese (750g), and G10 in Omoro (666.4g). The AMMI analysis demonstrated that environment and G×E interaction explained 35.8% and 35.1% of treatment variation, respectively, indicating strong environmental influence on genotype performance. Consumer sensory evaluation showed that G9 and G10 consistently received the highest acceptability ratings for whole fruit, fresh chopped, and cooked fruit attributes across all locations, while G4, despite high productivity, received consistently lower acceptability ratings. Similarly, trader acceptability assessments in urban markets revealed that G9, G10, and the check variety were highly rated for physical quality attributes, while G4 scored poorly on market acceptability. The study identified important trade-offs between yield potential and consumer/market preferences, highlighting the need for location-specific variety recommendations. Genotypes G9 and G10 demonstrated the best balance of yield performance and market acceptability, making them promising candidates for commercial production.
Effects of Agricultural Extension Services Delivery on Rice Productivity in Liberia: A case of Foya District
(Uganda Christian University, 2025) Hinneh, Augustine Bowuo
This study sought to assess the effects of agricultural extension service delivery on rice productivity among farmers in Liberia. A cross-sectional research design was employed to assess the effects of extension service delivery on rice productivity. Krejcie and Morgan’s table was used to choose 352 smallholder farmers, and simple random sampling technique was adopted to select the respondents. Questionnaires, key informants interview guide and focus group discussion guide were used to collect primary data from stakeholders and farmers from seven villages of Foya District. Major challenges, which affected service delivery were use of wrong communication channels, poor conditions of farm-to-market roads, limited education levels among farmers, and limited access to mobility and inadequate institutional support for extension workers. Supporting the creation of farmers’ cooperatives, improving farm-to-market roads, strengthening the capacity of extension workers through regular refresher training and the provision of extension tools/equipment including mobility were the major government strategies toward enhancing extension service delivery. Use of appropriate communication channels, provision of needs-based training programs for farmers and integration of local language were key strategies for extension workers. Recommended farmers’ strategies included joining farmers’ cooperatives by individual farmers, maintaining technical experts within farmers’ cooperatives, and regular training of all farmers. The study recommends that the government and partners should support the implementation of the above-mentioned strategies, which will increase extension services delivery that will increase rice productivity. Key words: climate change, good agricultural practices, farmers’ cooperatives, sustainable agriculture
Analysis of the Factors Influencing Access and Availability of Food Among Rural Households in Gogrial East County, South Sudan
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-06-24) Deng Chan Deng Yuot
Food security remains a persistent challenge in rural communities of developing countries and is central to the Sustainable Development Agenda. Defined as a condition in which all individuals, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life, food security is shaped by four key dimensions: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. In South Sudan, the interplay of climate change, protracted conflict, and socio-economic instability has exacerbated food insecurity. Nationally, over 8.3 million people (75%) face acute food insecurity, while in Gogrial East County alone, 62% of households experience severe food deprivation, with food access and availability reported at just 20% and 17.5%, respectively. This study assessed the determinants of food security in Gogrial East County by examining the socio-demographic profiles, agricultural practices, and institutional and economic factors influencing food availability among cereal farmers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 285 randomly selected cereal-farming households out of 992 registered farmers. Data analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple linear regression and marginal effects. Findings indicated that age (β = 0.266, p < 0.05), education level (β = 0.422, p = 0.024), and access to extension services (β = 2.024, p = 0.001) were positively associated with crop productivity. In contrast, improper land preparation (β = -1.682, p = 0.041) and premature planting (β = -5.504, p = 0.001) were negatively associated with yields, largely due to poor agronomic timing and soil degradation. Additionally, weeding frequency (β = 0.662, p = 0.031) and pesticide application (β = 0.564, p < 0.001) significantly improved yields, whereas reliance on local seeds (β = -1.640, p = 0.027) and crop rotation (β = -6.204, p = 0.051) had short-term adverse effects. With regard to dietary diversity, as measured by the Household Diet Diversity Score, education (β = 0.2324, p = 0.014), gender (β = 0.3662, p = 0.042), farm size (β = 0.0065, p = 0.001), and age (β = 0.214, p < 0.001) had significant positive impacts. However, income (β = -0.235, p < 0.001), education level (β = -0.640, p = 0.008), and credit access (dy/dx = -0.620, p = 0.002) revealed complex or counterintuitive effects. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancing extension services, increasing access to certified seeds, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and tailoring credit and education interventions to foster sustainable food security in Gogrial East County.
Spatio-Temporal Trends and Risk Factors Associated with Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Disease Outbreaks in Rumbek North County, Lakes State, South Sudan.
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-06) Makuac Chol Agor
Rumbek North County, South Sudan pastoral communities continue to face a significant threat from Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) at prevalence of 70%. The disease has caused exceedingly high economic losses (60%) and compromised the food security situation of the pastoral communities. This study aimed to understand the spatio-temporal patterns and risk factors associated with CBPP disease outbreaks in the county between 2019 and 2022. In this retrospective study, archived data by Lakes State Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries between 2019 and 2022 was reviewed. To understand the risk factors associated with CBPP disease occurrence, a survey using questionnaires was conducted to collect primary data. 274 cattle farmers whose farms registered confirmed cases of CBPP incidence during the study period were purposively selected and interviewed. A combined descriptive and inferential analysis were used to depict the spatio-temporal distribution of the CBPP disease outbreaks in study. The findings revealed that majority (74.1%) of the farmers were male. The respondents age average was 34 years and universally (100%) illiterate. The results also showed variation in incidence rate of CBPP disease in villages of payams; highest at 25.17% (n=436) in Makuac and least at 0.29% (n=5) in Anguth. Further, findings showed variation in number of CBPP outbreaks spread over the months in years with increased cases in October at 15.53% (n=269) and July 15.76% (n=273), and lowest cases in February at (2.19%). While seasonality of number of outbreaks revealed a highest (72.5%) number of CBPP outbreaks during the wet season. The significant (P<0.05) risk factors for occurrence of CBPP disease outbreaks were geographical area with odds ratio (OR)= =2.874), overcrowding of cattle at water points (OR=1.049), mixing of new animals with old one (OR=1.053) and flooding (OR=1.243). This study has confirmed the empirical evidence of persistent occurrence of CBPP disease outbreaks in Rumbek North County, characterized by spatial and temporal trends. The study recommends an extensive sensitization and education program for the pastoral community on epidemiology of disease and the best management practices, strategic vaccination in the affected payams and before the wet season's arrival, construct more water points to reduce on frequent migrations and overcrowding during watering of cattle.
Factors Influencing Market Participation of Smallholder Groundnut Farmers in Aweil East County of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, South Sudan
(Uganda Christian University, 2025-06-20) Alier Arem Deng
The marketing of groundnut by smallholder groundnut farmers is increasingly problematic in Aweil East County in the Northern Bahr El Ghazal State due to a poorly organized marketing system arising from collapse of the marketing board. This has led to decline in groundnuts production. The objective of the study to assess the factors influencing market participation of smallholder groundnut farmers in Aweil East County of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, South Sudan. A descriptive survey research design was employed in the study using structured questionnaires to assess the market channels, socio-economic and intuitional factors. A total of 396 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed, data analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and general linear Models. The results revealed that majority (67.7%) of respondents were female. The respondents had a mean age of 33.1 years and most of them had no formal agricultural training at 69.4%. Most (78.0%) of them had over 5 years’ experience in ground nut farming. Findings showed 93 farmers market participants and 303 farmers non-market participants. Farmers’ participation was high in Farmer to consumer (42%) and Farmer to wholesale (37.7%) market channels. Largely (79.7%) female respondents directly sold their groundnuts to consumer. Most (60.9%) youth engage in the enterprise, and majority of the respondents had no formal education (68.9%). Farmers education, size of land for cultivation and experience in groundnut growing showed statistical difference between market participants and non-participants. Logistic regression model revealed factors which significantly (P<0.05) influence farmers market participations decision as; Farmers group VSLA(OR=3.3), transport facility (OR=6.3), yield (OR=0.3) and agricultural input and access to market (OR=4.4). General linear models showed quantity of ground nuts consumed (Adjusted Coef = -0.751), use of bicycle and Raksha as means of transport to market (Adjusted Coef = -0.735) and formation of VSLA groups (Adjusted Coef = -0.635 as factors which significantly (p<0.05) influence sales volume. In conclusion, the study has found out that farmers largely consider market and institutional factors in market participation decision. Prevalence of market participation is still low in the study area. However, increased volume for home consumption, type of farmer group and transport facility impact on the sale volumes. I recommend creation of farmer organizations like farmer cooperatives and associations to collectively market their produce and negotiate better prices with buyers, support in agricultural inputs and access to market as well as deliberate farmer investment in more efficient transportation facilities.
Performance of the Single Spine System in Uganda, a Case of Small Holder Crop Farmers in Buhweju District
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-24) Patience Nimushaba
This study was conducted to assess the performance of the single spine system in Uganda, a case of smallholder crop farmers in Buhweju District. Despite, Uganda’s reformation of her agricultural extension system to a single spine system, access to extension system has declined considerably over the years. Therefore, the study sought to establish the availability and accessibility of agricultural extension services to smallholder crop farmers. The study also intended to determine the adoption levels of agricultural technologies and how it could have been be affected by availability and accessibility of agricultural extension services. The study employed a cross sectional survey design and a sample of 393 crop farming households was selected using multistage sampling. The study employed key Informant Interviews and structured interview guides to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed using STATA version 16 to get descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that whereas extension services are readily available, it is not known to most crop farming households. As such, there is minimal level of accessibility. The Chi-square and Tobit regression model results reveled that, farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics such as household income, labour, group belonging, credit access positively influence the availability and accessibility of extension services which in turn affects adoption levels of agricultural extension services. Therefore, policy makers should encourage collective action among farmers, improve access to credit, provide enough funding to extension service and convince farmers on the importance of agricultural extension services. Farmers need to seek opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.
Contribution of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices to Household Food Availability: A Case of Bidibidi Settlement (Zone 1) and Host Community in Romogi Subcounty, Yumbe District
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-13) Nathan Turyayesiima
This study was set up to investigate the contribution of climate smart agriculture practices to household food availability in Bidibidi settlement, Yumbe district. Following a threat to the environment due to tremendous pressure on the land by nationals in order to extend agricultural activities and South Sudanese refugees in search of settlement, the government of Uganda and NGOs accelerated promotion of climate smart agriculture practices in 2018. However, the impact of these practices on household food availability had not been studied and documented. The study was conducted in Bidibidi settlement-zone1 and Yumbe district host communities and targeted 375 farming households. Data on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices commonly practiced, drivers that influence farmers to apply these CSA practices as well as Food Consumption Scores (FCS) and frequencies of CSA practices application were collected. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used for CSA practices while CSA uptake drivers and the relationship between CSA practices and household food availability were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The study results indicated that 94.9%, 82.4% and 79.2% of farmers grew climate adapted crop varieties, managed planting dates and did kitchen gardening, respectively. Household income, land ownership, group membership, access to irrigation water, household head/leadership, level of education and access to extension services were some of the significant factors that influence uptake of CSA practices. . Agroforestry technologies, irrigation and kitchen gardening were found to significantly contribute to household food availability. Efforts to ensure that farmers attain land, access extension and have access to irrigation and agroforestry technologies/inputs should be promoted to match these findings.
Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption and Food Security Contribution of Improved Cassava Varieties: A Case of Nase 14 Cassava Variety in Eastern Uganda
(Uganda Christian University, 2024-09-12) Amina Dugo
Cassava is among the three significant food crops in the tropics ranking third to rice and maize. It is consumed by a considerable number of people (approximately one billion) in Africa. In Uganda, it has been a food security crop but recently the cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) struck the zone where it’s mostly grown affecting most of the varieties. NASE 14 is an improved cassava variety tolerant/resistant to the diseases (CMD, CBSD) and is high yielding. Despite all the efforts by government in promoting tolerant varieties, adoption at farmer level is low. The main objective of the study was to establish the factors responsible for adoption of cassava varieties resistant to Cassava brown streak virus disease and its contribution on food security in Eastern Uganda. A Cross section design was used and a random sample of 240 respondents were taken from three districts of Tororo, Butaleja and Bugiri. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, means, T-test and multiple logistic regression. The results revealed that Membership to a group (P = 0.046), Land size owned (P=0.002), access to inputs (P<0.0001), credit (P<0.0001) and experience (P<0.001) had a positive and significant influence on the uptake of NASE 14 cassava variety. In relation to gender the coefficient was positive and statistically significant (P = 0.025), implying that the males were more likely to take up NASE 14. Farmers preferences of NASE 14 cassava variety that enhanced adoption included; high yield and ability not to rot. The findings further disclosed that majority (71.1% and 81.9% adopters and non-adopters respectively) of the household reported having food deficits in a certain period of the year with a greater proportion reported among the non-adopters. The T –test showed that there was no significant difference in the contribution of adoption of NASE 14 to food security between the adopters and non-adopters (P=0.245). Conversely, off farm income had a negative and significant influence on the uptake of NASE 14 (P <0.0001) indicating that the likelihood of adopting NASE 14 decreases with increase in the off farm income. It is therefore recommended to give much attention to the socio economic and demographic characteristics as they portray a significant part in influencing adoption of NASE 14.

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