Browsing by Author "Mwanika, James William"

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    Assessing factors affecting maize production of smallholder farmers in Pallisa district, a case study of Olok sub-county.
    (Busitema University, 2026) Mwanika, James William
    Maize is a staple crop in Uganda and it bears important implications for poverty alleviation and food security. This thesis aims to assess the factors affecting maize production of smaller households’ farmers in Pallisa district specifically in Olok Sub County. The study used descriptive research design to investigate the factors affecting maize productivity in Olok Sub County. The populations of smallholder farmers in Olok Sub County were 121 and the researcher used a sample size of 57 smaller holder farmers. The researcher made use of questionnaire to collect information for research study. The questionnaire was randomly distributed to smaller holder farmers in Olok Sub County, and the researcher targeted the farmers group in Olok Sub County which regularly meets on. The data was analyzed using descriptive methods only. Research data was presented using the following; frequency tables, and percentages, bar graphs and pie charts. The findings indicated that young farmers adopt technology fast and easy as compared to old farmers. Male-headed households (HHS) are more productive as compared to female-headed HHS. Majority of smallholder farmers (SHFs) in Olok Sub County uses unpaid for family labor as a source of power followed by animal draught power, The main in maize production its fertilizers followed by land preparation. SHFs in Olok Sub County do not practice modern farming methods which are cost effective in maize production for example they do not practice minimum tillage and they do they do not apply herbicides to their crops, but they know that these modern farming methods reduce cost production. Majority of farmers in Olok Sub County do not attend field days however they know the importance of extension services to them. Significant number of SHFs in Olok Sub County Indicated that they have never received loan of which a loan is essential in farming to enable financing of farming practices, Majority of farmers did not sell their maize because less was produced and it was used to feed families. The findings also show that SHFs are aware of climate change and majorities have been affected by it. The researcher then recommended the following; SHFs in Olok Sub County should engage young farmers in their farming practices through employing attaches from colleges and universities, encourage female headed HHS to seek information on different aspects and attend extension services, SHFs cooperate and buy or hire machine power since it prepares the land well and it’s cost effective. The farmers group leader should report to the local government that they are receiving subside late to see if it can be adjusted to effectively use government subsidies. Individual farmers should also be encouraged to use subsidies effective. Farmers should also seek financial information from different financial institutions to and choose the credit facility that is affordable and meet the farmers’ needs.