Browsing by Author "Namanda, Dan"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Factors influencing onion (allium cepa) production among smallholder farmers in Mabono sub-county Bududa district.
    (Busitema University, 2026) Namanda, Dan
    This study examined the factors influencing onion (Allium cepa L.) production among smallholder farmers in Mabono Sub-county, Bududa District. The study was motivated by the challenges faced by farmers in achieving consistent and profitable onion production despite the availability of relatively fertile agricultural soils. The study specifically aimed to identify the major socio-economic, environmental and technical factors influencing onion production, assess the challenges faced by smallholder onion farmers, and identify possible strategies for improving onion production. A descriptive survey research design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. The study targeted smallholder onion farmers and agricultural officers in Mabono Sub-county. A total of 100 respondents were considered, comprising 95 farmers and 5 agricultural officers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative information was used to complement and explain the quantitative findings. The findings showed that onion production was influenced by several interconnected factors. Pests and diseases were the most frequently reported factor, affecting 82% of farmers, followed by quality of seed (78%), soil fertility (76%), rainfall and water availability (73%), cost of inputs (70%), market access (68%), farming knowledge and skills (61%), labor availability (57%), extension services (48%), access to credit (43%) and land availability (39%). The study also found that most farmers operated on small plots, with 38% cultivating less than 0.5 acre and 34% cultivating between 0.5 and 1 acre. Major challenges included small land size (85%), pests and diseases (82%), high cost of inputs (78%), high transport costs (69%), poor soil fertility (65%) and unstable market prices (63%).The study further established that farmers were highly willing to adopt improved onion production technologies, with 86% indicating willingness to adopt new technologies if adequately trained. The most preferred interventions included provision of quality improved seed (81%), farmer training and extension services (76%), affordable agricultural inputs (74%), improved irrigation facilities (69%), access to agricultural credit (67%) and improved pest and disease management (65%).The study concludes that onion production in Mabono Sub-county is constrained by biological, economic, environmental, institutional and land-related factors. It recommends strengthening agricultural extension services, improving access to quality seed and affordable inputs, promoting irrigation and water-management practices, improving pest and disease management, strengthening farmer groups and collective marketing, improving access to affordable credit, and promoting appropriate post-harvest storage facilities. These interventions could enable smallholder farmers to increase onion productivity, improve household incomes and make better use of their limited agricultural land.