Browsing by Author "Kavuma Stephen"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Factors affecting the production and marketing of maize among smallholder farmers in buyemba parish, bukatube sub-county, mayuge district
    (Busitema University, 2023) Kavuma Stephen
    Zea mays has become a staple food in Mayuge District, with the total production of maize surpassing that of wheat and rice. In addition to being consumed directly by humans, maize is also used for corn ethanol, animal feed and other maize products such as starch and corn syrup. This study assessed the factors affecting production and marketing of maize and its products among smallholder farmers in Bukatube Sub-County, Mayuge District. Data was collected through a survey of 50 maize farmers. 80% of small-scale farmers deal in growing maize and only 10% use improved varieties and pesticides. According to farmers, the perceived yield losses amounted to 583kg/ha of maize, making 35% of the average maize yield obtained by farmers. Most farmers use cultural methods to improve on the yields and prevent pests and diseases, which they found more cheaper than synthetic pesticides. The study found that limited access to agricultural inputs, limited access to market due to poor transport network, government policies, limited technologies, conservativeness of the farmers and lack of knowledge on how to improve the production and marketing of maize and its products greatly affects production. More research is required to improve on the production and marketing of maize; sensitization of the farmers is also needed as well.