Browsing by Author "Manase, Emmanuel"

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    Assessing the factors influencing the commercialization of duck farming in Koboko municipality, Koboko district.
    (Busitema University, 2026) Manase, Emmanuel
    Duck farming is an important livelihood activity among smallholder farmers in Koboko Municipality, contributing to household food security, nutrition and income generation. However, despite its potential, duck farming remains greatly subsistence-oriented, with limited market participation. This study assessed the factors influencing the commercialization of duck farming in Koboko Municipality. Specifically, the study examined the socioeconomic characteristics of duck farmers, determined the level of commercialization, and analyzed the relationship between farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics and their level of commercialization. The study addressed a research gap arising from limited empirical information on duck commercialization and the socioeconomic, institutional and market factors influencing it in Koboko Municipality. Methodology relied on a cross-sectional design predicted on qualitative metric and clear classifications. Data were collected from 99 duck farmers using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize farmers’ characteristics, while the Household Commercialization Index (HCI) measured commercialization levels. The model which is multiple linear regression using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was used to determine factors associated with commercialization. The findings showed that the overall mean HCI was 25.80%, with 60.61% of farmers categorized as low/subsistence, 26.0% semi-commercialized and 13.0% commercialized. The regression model was statistically significant (F=18.32, p<0.001) and explained 58.4% of the variation in commercialization. Flock size, access to credit, extension services, age, education and gender had significant positive relationships with commercialization, while distance to market had a significant negative relationship. Farming experience was not significant. The study concludes that duck farming has considerable commercialization potential, but remained stack by limited production scale, financial and institutional support, and market accessibility. Strengthening access to credit and extension services, farmer groups, market information, flock expansion and market infrastructure is recommended.