Effect of sustainable agriculture practices on crop productivity in smallholder farms in Matunga, Wakiso district

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of sustainable agriculture practices on crop productivity in smallholder farms in Matugga, Wakiso District. The study was grounded on three objectives which included examine the effect of environmental sustainability practices on crop productivity in smallholder farms, the effect of economic viability practices on crop productivity in smallholder farms and the effect of social equity practices on crop productivity in smallholder farms in Matugga, Wakiso District. The study used a cross-sectional survey research design considering both quantitative and qualitative research approach. The study targeted 208 participants however, 170 participants responded back. Data was primarily collected using a questionnaire and interview guide. The study findings revealed that there was a weak and statistically insignificant positive correlation between environmental sustainability practices and crop productivity among smallholder farms in Matugga, Wakiso District (r = .104, p = .185). Then, regression analysis revealed environmental sustainability practices accounted for only 0.6% of the variance in crop productivity among smallholder farms in Matugga, Wakiso District (Adjusted R Square = .006). The results revealed a significant and moderate positive correlation between economic viability practices and crop productivity among smallholder farms in Matugga, Wakiso District (r = .391, p < 0.01) and the regression analysis revealed show that economic viability practices accounted for 14.8% of the variance in crop productivity among smallholder farms in Matugga, Wakiso District (Adjusted R Square = .148). Additionally, the results reveal a significant and moderately strong positive correlation between social equity practices and crop productivity among smallholder farms in Matugga, Wakiso District (r = .525, p < 0.01) and the regression analysis showed that social equity practices accounted for 27.1% of the variance in crop productivity among smallholder farms in Matugga, Wakiso District (Adjusted R Square = .271). It was recommended that efforts in this area should be complemented with interventions targeting key productivity drivers such as improving soil fertility, enhancing access to quality agricultural inputs, and mitigating climate variability impacts. The study recommended scaling up support for these practices through provision of affordable credit facilities, input subsidies, and improved access to modern irrigation