Master of Science in Agro-Ecology

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

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

Socio economic factors for orange fleshed sweet potato adoption in the small holder farming sector Northern

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Socio economic factors for orange fleshed sweet potato adoption in the small holder farming sector Northern Aber, Stella Background: The introduction of the improved Orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) into the smallholder farming sector was predicated on the premise that the types are important due to their nutritional benefits, are suitable for the farming system, and will be readily adopted by the farmers. However, there are numerous other issues, some of which are under the farmers' control and others of which are not, that may hinder the adoption of this technique. Objective: Examine the socioeconomic elements that influence the adoption of orange fleshed sweet potato in northern Uganda's small holder farming sector. Methods: This cross-sectional community-based study was done among 399 farmers in northern Uganda. Data was collected using s semi structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to assess socioeconomic factors associated with adoption of OFSP varieties, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the 399 farmers, 383 fully participated in the study. Majority 227(73.9%) were female, 134(43.6%) aged 36 to 59 years, and 228(74.8%) married. The adoption rate of orange fleshed sweet potato variants was 21.5% and was associated with getting information for agricultural extension workers (AOR: 4.087, 95% CI: 1.354, 12.336, p=0.012), being in a community group (AOR: 2.065, 95% CI: 1.105, 3.860, p=0.023), keeping records (AOR: 0.324, 95% CI: 0.144, 0.727, p=0.006), and not engaging in other activities (AOR: 2.072, 95% CI: 1.121, 3.828, p=0.020). Most of the farmers 75(98.7%) were market vendors, 64(84.2%) sell products in form of tubers, and 17(22.4%) sell to individual customers. Conclusion: The present study indicates that one in five of small-scale farmers in northern Uganda practice OFSP cultivation. The study also indicates that farmers practiced OFSP farming for home consumption using local technologies and practices that are easily accessed to them. These results necessitatecontinuous provision of more information to scale up and sustain production and consumption of the OFSP. Keywords: adoption,farmer, multiplication, orange fleshed sweet potatoes Musinguzi Simon Peter; Musinguzi Simon Peter

Risks undertaken by farmers who use Biorationals in banana production

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Risks undertaken by farmers who use Biorationals in banana production Charles, Ssegirinya Bananas (Musa spp.) are among the most important food crops in Uganda; however, banana production is declining, primarily due to pests such as banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) and banana bacterial wilt (BBW). These pests, exacerbated by low soil fertility and diseases, significantly impacts productivity. While chemical control methods are favored for their ease and speed, they are costly, harmful to the environment, and increasingly ineffective due to pest resistance. As a result, there is a rising interest in ecologically sound alternatives, such as biorational insecticides, including tobacco trash, wood ash, pepper, and urine. Despite their growing use, empirical data on the associated risks are lacking. This study employs a descriptive research design to assess the risks of biorational usage, farmers’ perceptions, and risk mitigation strategies. Findings reveal significant risks, including hormesis, insecticide resistance, unintended effects on non-target species, and potential adverse health impacts. Notably, 99% of respondents acknowledge the risks of biorational use, yet 98% are willing to accept these risks for greater profitability, with 97% citing success as a motive and 96% considering biorationals more effective than conventional pesticides. Risk mitigation measures reported include deep cultivation (69%), proper mixing (47%), and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The study recommends rigorous testing of biorational products prior to market launch to ensure safety and efficacy. Bwogi George Vianney; Bwogi George Vianney