XMaster of Science in Agro-Ecology (Dissertations)

Assessing the effect of financial inclusion interventions on the development of agroecological innovations by farmer innovators in central Uganda.

2025-09-01T00:00:00Z

Assessing the effect of financial inclusion interventions on the development of agroecological innovations by farmer innovators in central Uganda. Chrissy, Chawand This study investigated the effects of financial inclusion interventions on the development of agroecological innovations in Central Uganda, with a focus on farmer innovators engaged in creating organic agricultural inputs. Recognizing agroecology as a sustainable pathway for agricultural development, the study examines how access to and quality of financial services, such as credit, savings, insurance, and financial literacy, shape innovation processes and advancement. Despite increasing global recognition of financial inclusion as a catalyst for rural transformation, the specific linkages between financial access and agroecological innovation remain underexplored, particularly in Uganda’s smallholder farming context. A mixed-methods design was employed, involving 192 purposively and snowball-sampled agroecology innovators. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered via Kobo Toolbox. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Mann Whitney U test to assess differences between innovators with and without access to financial services. Qualitative responses were thematically analysed to capture experiential insights into financial access and innovation dynamics. Findings revealed that although over 80% of respondents had applied for and accessed financial services, the interventions were widely perceived as misaligned with their innovation needs. Notably, 77.7% found the services unsuitable, and nearly 60% considered them unaffordable. Key issues included high interest rates, poor affordability, institutional inefficiencies, and product mismatch (18.2%), along with limited access points (15.2%) and inadequate loan sizes (14.1%). The Mann-Whitney U test showed no statistically significant differences in the number (p = 0.650), type (p = 0.814), or certification (p = 0.355) of innovations between those who accessed financial services and those who did not, suggesting a limited measurable impact of current financial interventions on innovation outcomes. Additionally, barriers such as limited financial literacy and the high cost of innovation certification further hindered implementation and scalability. The study concludes that while financial inclusion is recognized as essential to supporting agroecological innovation, the current interventions are neither affordable nor adequately tailored to innovators’ needs. Consequently, their effect on innovation development, implementation, and certification remains minimal. The research underscores the need for more context-sensitive, accessible, and affordable financial products designed specifically for agroecological practices. It also calls for complementary policy and institutional reforms, capacity building, and infrastructure investment to facilitate innovation adoption and sustainable agriculture development. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners aiming to enhance inclusive finance frameworks that truly empower farmer innovators in agroecology. Dr. Marius Murongo

Assessment of the socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of integrated pest management practices among tomato farmers in Amuru District

2025-09-01T00:00:00Z

Assessment of the socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of integrated pest management practices among tomato farmers in Amuru District Acola, Harriet This study assessed the socioeconomic factors influencing adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices among tomato farmers in Amuru District, Uganda. Specifically, it examined the level of adoption of IPM practices, identified socioeconomic factors influencing adoption, and examined the association between socioeconomic factors and level of adoption of IPM among tomato farmers in Amuru district. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 140 respondents, including 128 tomato farmers, 7 local leaders, and 5 agricultural extension workers, using structured questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed 67% of the level adoption of IPM, and varied levels of knowledge and adoption of IPM practices. Farmers demonstrated high awareness of IPM principles (mean = 4.21, SD = 0.84, χ² = 26.75, p = 0.001) and pesticide application (mean = 4.10, SD = 0.88), while knowledge of biological pest control (mean = 3.65, SD = 1.14) and regular use of non-chemical methods (mean = 3.58, SD = 1.18) remained moderate to low. Key factors significantly influencing IPM adoption included education level (β = 0.123, p = 0.001), farm size, extension contact (β = 0.951, p = 0.0006), group membership, and access to IPM inputs. Conversely, factors such as age and gender were not statistically significant. All proposed strategies to enhance IPM adoption were rated positively, with provision of incentives and market access (mean = 4.50, SD = 0.69, χ² = 20.34, p = 0.000) emerging as the most preferred. Others included improved access to credit, resource strengthening, extension support, and integration with existing practices. The study concluded that while awareness of IPM was generally high, actual adoption and practice especially of non-chemical and biological methods were inconsistent. It recommends that government and development partners strengthen agricultural extension services, improve access to IPM inputs and credit, and promote farmer group participation. Further research should explore the socioeconomic impacts of IPM adoption and the influence of gender on knowledge access and decision making in tomato pest management. Rev. Sr. Mary Goretti Acila

Disease prevalence and shade tree diversity in smallholder cocoa farms: case study Bundibugyo district, Western Uganda

2021-03-30T00:00:00Z

Disease prevalence and shade tree diversity in smallholder cocoa farms: case study Bundibugyo district, Western Uganda Bwambale, Blasio Bisereko The study aimed at assessing the impact of different cocoa Agro forestry systems on disease prevalence and yield on small holder farmers in Bundibugyo district. The specific objectives of the study were to compare the prevalence of cocoa diseases under different Agro forestry systems and to compare yield traits of cocoa beans in different cocoa Agro forestry systems The target population was 120 respondents and a sample size of 92 respondents guided by Yamanne, (1967), the sample was selected using SRS and purposive sampling as the sampling techniques. The questionnaire was pre-tested using a selected group of respondents from the target population to ensure reliability and validity of the questions and responses. All data were coded and analysis was carried using descriptive statistics where statistical package SPSS was used to obtain chi squared test values of perceptions from respondents. Data was presented in tables to help simplify analysis and analysis was mainly done using descriptive analysis to obtain chi squared values and the level of significance was at 95% Association between Black pod disease and shade diversity was non-significant. It was established that incidence of black pod rot disease was non-significantly associated with presence of all shade tree species; association between witch’s broom disease incidence with presence of Maesopsis eminiiwas highly significant (χ2= 55.41, (p<0.05); Association between witch’s broom and presence of Persea Americana (χ2=9.79), (p<0.05), Eucalyptus globulus (χ2=16.71), (p<0.05),Markhamia obtusifolia (χ2=3.95), (p<0.001), schefflera actinophylla (χ2=4.32), (p<0.001), Mangifera indica (χ2=6.46), (p<0.001) was significant though these trees were planted in small numbers. Association between frosty rot disease incidence with presence of Maesopsis eminii was highly significant(χ2= 25.90), (p<0.05). there was a significant association between frosty with presence of Eucalyptus globulus (χ2=6.76), (p<0.05);Mangifera indica (χ2=4.85), (p<0.001); though these trees were planted in small numbers. There was a highly significant association between swollen shoot virus with presence of Maesopsis eminii (χ2= 31.55), (p<0.05), and Cinnamomum tamala (χ2= 19.22), (p<0.05).Association between die back disease incidence with presence of Maesopsis eminii was highly significant (χ2= 52.73), (p<0.05). The study concluded that diseases have a significant association with shade tree diversity. This study recommended that small holder farms should adopt pruning, clearing of gardens and wedding as management strategies for controlling against pests and diseases. Further recommends that in a bid to improve the yield traits of cocoa beans, appropriate and good shade tree species should be adopted. Byalebeka John; Byalebeka John

Effect of jack bean (canavalia enformis) green manure on maize growth and yield

2019-09-01T00:00:00Z

Effect of jack bean (canavalia enformis) green manure on maize growth and yield Akot, Jane This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of jack bean green manure on the growth and yield of maize. The experiments were set up in two locations using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments: control (CTRL), jack bean green manure grown at the experimental site (JBW), jack bean green manure grown elsewhere and imported to the experimental site (JBI) and NPK fertilizer used as a check. These treatments were replicated three times on plots that measured 5m by 5m. Data was collected on the soil fertility status of the experimental sites, maize plant height at four and eight weeks after germination, fresh plant biomass at tussling stage , root length at tasseling stage, and total dry biomass, cob weight and grain weight at harvest. This data was analyzed using SPSS and Genstat (12th edition). The results show that soils at both sites were low in organic matter, Nitrogen, available phosphorous, cation exchange capacity. Jack bean green manure application significantly increased their contents in the soil. Maize plant height, fresh biomass, root length, total dry matter, cob weight and grain weight were all significantly improved by jack bean green manure application and more especially the JBW. From the results above, it is concluded that jack bean green manure can be used to enhance maize production. Based on the above conclusion, it is recommended that extension workers and NGOs should promote jack bean as a better alternative to use of inorganic fertilizers in the production of maize Byalebeka John; Murongo Marius