Browsing by Author "Ochieng Gerald"

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    Analysis of the factors that influence the adoption of improved technologies in rice production by small holder farmers in nagongera sub-county in tororo district, eastern uganda.
    (Busitema University, 2024) Ochieng Gerald
    Rice is a staple food crop in Uganda, with small-scale farmers playing a vital role in its production. However, rice production in Nagongera, a rural community in eastern Uganda, faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, limited adoption of improved technologies, and inadequate knowledge of best practices. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing technology adoption among small-scale rice farmers in Nagongera, with a focus on understanding the importance of rice production, identifying constraints to rice production, and examining current rice farming practices. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods, this study explored the socio economic, institutional, technological, and environmental factors that affect technology adoption among small-scale rice farmers in Nagongera. The study employed a survey questionnaire to collect data from 25 small-scale rice farmers, supplemented by in-depth focus group discussions with 10 farmers and 5 key informants, including agricultural extension agents, local leaders, and technology suppliers. The specific objectives of the study were to:1. Examine the importance of rice production among small-scale farmers in Nagongera, including its contribution to food security, income, and livelihoods.2. Identify the constraints faced by small-scale rice farmers in Nagongera, including biophysical, socio-economic, and institutional challenges.3. Analyze how farmers currently grow rice in Nagongera, including their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding rice production, processing, and marketing. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents (100%) benefited from rice production as source of income, 92% noted that rice production is crucial for food security, and 44% converted rice products into livestock feeds and 48% acknowledged that rice production is a good source of employment that enhanced the livelihood among small-scale farmers in Nagongera. However, farmers face numerous constraints, 68% of the respondents noted that limited access to inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation equipements, 96% acknowledged impact of climate change as a huge constraint, at least every respondent noted the issue of pest and diseases as the main constraint, about 68% of the respondents said inadequate knowledge of best practices, and at least 60% noted that lack of credits and market information are also constraints. The study also found that farmers' current rice farming practices are characterized by limited use of technology, reliance on traditional methods, and inadequate post-harvest handling and processing. Several factors were found to influence farmers adoption to improved technology in rice production such as possession of technical skills, previous experiences with technology, availability and awareness of the technology, level of education, age, among others. Basing on the research findings Government through extension agents should carryout mass sensitization through a variety of media to equip farmers with rice growing skills and new technologies in rice production.