Department of Agro-business and Extension Agriculture

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Assessing the climate-smart agriculture practices utilized among smallholder farmers in Nakigo sub-county, Iganga district.
(Busitema University, 2026) Rushitana, Sumaya
Climate change is increasingly affectingposes smallholder agricultural production through changes rainfall patterns, drought and other climate-related stresses. These changes can reduce crop productivity and negatively affect household livelihoods. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) provides an approach through which farmers can improve agricultural productivity while strengthening their ability to cope with climate-related challenges. However, there is limited information on the specific CSA practices utilized and the reasons for using them in Nakigo Sub-County. This study assessed the Climate-Smart Agriculture practices utilized by smallholder farmers in Nakigo Sub-County, Iganga District, together with their reasons for their utilization. Specifically, the study characterized the socio-demographic characteristics of the farmers, identified the CSA practices they utilized, and examined the reasons for using specific CSA practices. A quantitative research approach and cross-sectional survey design were employed. Data were collected from 148 smallholder farmers using a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, particularly frequencies and percentages. The findings indicated that respondents had a mean age of 38.8 years, an average household size of 5.8 persons, mean farming experience of 8.9 years, and an average farm size of 2.21 acres. CSA utilization was widespread, with 147 (99.3%) respondents reporting they utilized at least one CSA practice. Improved seed varieties were the most commonly utilized practice (82.3%), followed by intercropping (81.0%), crop rotation (55.8%) and mulching (46.3%). Minimum tillage (9.5%), rainwater harvesting (5.4%) and soil conservation structures (3.4%) were the least utilized. increased yields was the leading reason for utilizing CSA practices, reported by (98.6%) of the farmers, followed by advice from extension workers (42.9%), environmental protection (17.7%), reduction of drought effects (11.6%) and reduced production costs (5.4%). The study concludes that CSA utilization among smallholder farmers in Nakigo Sub-County is widespread, although the extent of utilization differs across practices. Farmers mainly use CSA practices because of their perceived contribution to increased yields. The study recommends strengthening agricultural extension services, improving farmers’access to appropriate agricultural inputs, and increasing practical training on less-utilized soil and water conservation practices.
Assessing the contribution of women to food availability in Namalu sub-county, Nakapiripirit district, Karamojor sub-region.
(Busitema University, 2026) Anyakun, Thomas
Agriculture is an important source of livelihood and food availability in rural communities of Uganda, particularly in the Karamoja sub-region where women play an important role in agricultural production and household food management. The study aimed at assessing the contribution of women to food availability in Namalu Sub-county, Nakapiripirit District. The specific objectives were to identify the general agricultural activities carried out in Namalu Sub-county, determine the level of women’s involvement in agricultural activities, and identify the factors influencing women’s involvement in agriculture. A cross-sectional research design using a quantitative research approach was employed. The study targeted 7,604 people aged 18–59 years practicing agriculture in the four parishes of Namalu Sub-county. A sample size of 99 respondents was obtained using Yamane’s formula (1967). Stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, and ordinal logistic regression were used in data analysis. The findings revealed that all respondents (100%) practiced crop farming, while 98% practiced subsistence farming. Maize was the major crop grown for home consumption(99%) and sale (43.4%),pigs(46.5%) and goats (30.3%) were the most commonly kept livestock, women were highly involved in agricultural activities, particularly weeding and thinning (97%),post-harvest handling (96%),harvesting (87.9%) and planting and sowing. Most respondents (64.6%) rated women’s involvement in agriculture as very high, while 62.6% strongly agreed that women contributed significantly to household food availability. The ordinal logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ²(4) = 11.394, p = 0.022. Access to agricultural loans or credit was the only statistically significant factor influencing women’s involvement in agriculture (B = 1.344, p = 0.006), with respondents reporting access to agricultural credit having approximately 3.83 times higher odds of reporting a higher level of women’s involvement. Ownership of agricultural land, cultural and traditional influences, and challenges limiting involvement were not statistically significant predictors in the model. The study concluded that women played an important role in agricultural production and household food availability in Namalu Sub-county, although their involvement was affected by limited access to productive and financial resources.
Channels of acquisition of agrochemicals by agro-inputs dealers in Mbale city.
(Busitema University, 2026) Nakayenze, Prima
This study examined the channels of acquisition of agrochemicals used by agro-input dealers in Mbale City, Uganda. However, limited empirical evidence exists on the channels through which dealers acquire agrochemicals and the factors influencing their choice of acquisition channels. The objectives were to identify the supply channels used by agro-input dealers, analyse the factors influencing channel choice, challenges in accessing agrochemicals. A descriptive survey research design with a quantitative approach was used. Data were collected from 109 agro-input dealers using structured questionnaires administered through interviews. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarise the data, while multinomial logistic regression determined the factors influencing the choice of the main acquisition channel. The findings revealed that wholesalers (87.2%), other agro-input dealers (79.8%), and national distributors (67.0%) were the most commonly used acquisition channels, with wholesalers (37.6%) serving as the primary source of agrochemicals for most dealers. The study also found widespread adoption of digital communication channels for procurement (80.7%). The multinomial logistic regression results showed that brand reputation and seasonal demand significantly influenced the choice of acquisition channel (p < 0.05), while supplier reliability, availability of agrochemicals, distance to suppliers, credit terms, government regulations, and established supplier relationships were not significant predictors. Key constraints included delayed deliveries, high transportation costs, inconsistent product availability, low access to credit, and fake agrochemicals. The study concludes that agro-input dealers heavily rely on wholesalers and national distributors because they offer relatively reliable and accessible supply networks.
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the quality of sesame among smallholder farmers in Agwata town coucil, Dokolo district.
(Busitema University, 2026-09-07) Adero, Siddy
Sesame (simsim) is an important oilseed crop that contributes to household income, food security and livelihoods among smallholder farmers in Uganda. However, its quality is often affected by poor harvesting, transportation, drying, threshing, winnowing, packaging and storage practices. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sesame (simsim) quality among smallholder farmers in Agwata Town Council, Dokolo District, Uganda. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to determine farmers’ knowledge of practices that enhance sesame quality, assess farmers perceived effects of post-harvest practices on sesame quality, and determine farmers’ post-harvest practices for maintaining sesame quality. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected from 121 smallholder sesame farmers using structured questionnaires and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) through frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. The study used a five-point Likert scale to measure farmers’ responses. The findings found out that farmers had a moderate overall level of knowledge, with an overall mean of means of 3.77. Farmers demonstrated better performance in knowledge, understanding and application, while comparatively lower performance was observed in analysis, evaluation and creation. Farmers also had generally positive perceptions of the effects of post-harvest practices on sesame quality, with an overall mean of means of approximately 3.97. Regarding post-harvest practices, farmers demonstrated a moderate overall level of practice, with an overall mean of means of approximately 3.74. Practices such as drying on clean tarpaulins or raised platforms, gentle threshing and timely harvesting were relatively well practiced, whereas the use of hermetic storage bags and appropriate transportation methods was less consistently practiced. The study concluded that although farmers possessed considerable knowledge and recognized the importance of good post-harvest practices, gaps remained in higher-level knowledge and the consistent adoption of improved post-harvest technologies. The study recommends strengthening agricultural extension services, providing practical training and demonstrations, improving access to improved storage and transportation technologies, and encouraging farmers to consistently apply recommended post-harvest practices. These interventions can contribute to reducing post-harvest losses and improving the quality and marketability of sesame.
Drivers of male and female participation in maize trading in Nansana municipality, Wakiso district,
(Busitema University, 2026) Katusiime, Moreen
Maize is the most widely grown grain crop throughout the world, with production in 2012 being 873 million MT higher than other grains like rice and wheat. Maize is increasingly becoming a special food for many people, especially in urban areas. Gender participation in maize trading plays an important role in improving household livelihoods, employment opportunities, and food security. However, participation in maize trading is not equally distributed between men and women because of differences in access to financial resources, productive assets, market information, infrastructure, and decision-making opportunities. This study was conducted in 6 divisions using a questionnaire data collection approach from each market. Primary data was collected from a total of 129 maize traders The study variables recorded included age, sex, level of education attained, among others, and the data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Descriptive statistics, mainly mean, percentages, and standard deviations, were generated from quantitative data Using the data obtained from maize traders in Nansana Municipality, the study characterized maize traders in Nansana Municipality according to gender participation status, barriers to gender market participation, and determined factors that influence gender market participation in maize markets in Nansana Municipality. The results indicated that gender, age, main occupation, the influence of market prices on trading decisions, ownership of transport assets, and licensing or regulatory restrictions significantly influenced the level of gender participation in maize trading. Male respondents were significantly more likely to have higher participation levels than females. The study concludes that gender participation in maize trading in Nansana Municipality is influenced by interconnected socio-economic, market and institutional factors.
Socio-economic factors influencing the gross margin of indigenous chicken prodction among households in Apetai sub-county, Tororo district.
(Busitema University, 2026) Ekapel, Hanis Eridard
Indigenous chicken production is an important livelihood activity among rural households in Uganda, providing income and food while requiring relatively low levels of investment. However, its profitability varies depending on household characteristics, production practices and other factors. This study assessed the socioeconomic factors influencing the gross margin of indigenous chicken production among households in Apetai Sub-County, Tororo District. Specifically, the study aimed to characterize indigenous chicken farmers, determine the profitability of indigenous chicken production, and identify the major factors influencing profitability. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from 200 households using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and multiple linear regression. The findings showed that most household heads were male 58.5%, married 83.5%, and had attained primary education (46%), while farming was the main occupation of 84% of respondents. The mean age of household heads was 42.26 years, with an average household size of 6.69 members and an average of 11.24 years of experience in indigenous chicken production. The profitability analysis showed that indigenous chicken production generated an average monthly revenue of UGX 399,000 and incurred average monthly production costs of UGX 62,200, resulting in an average gross margin of UGX 337,000 per household. The regression model was statistically significant, F(8,191) = 10.850, p < 0.001. The study concluded that indigenous chicken production is a profitable household enterprise in Apetai Sub-county. The study recommended strengthening farmer training and extension services, improving flock management and veterinary support, and addressing major production challenges, particularly feed-related costs and predator problems, to enhance profitability.
Comparison and suitability of genotype by environment analysis methods for yield-related traits of pearl millet.
(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2017) Lubadde, Geofrey; Ebiyau, Johnie; Akello, B.; Adrogu, Michael Ugen
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is an important food security and income crop for households living in semi-arid zones in Uganda. However, the genotype by environment interaction, in addition to the several methods used for its assessment, complicates selection of varieties adapted to such semi-arid areas. The objective of this study, therefore, was to compare common methods used to assess stability and adaptability of improved genotypes. Seventy six genotypes were planted in four environments in an alpha experimental design with two replications. Results showed that genotype by environment interactions were significant at p<0.05 for grain yield, days to 50% flowering and 50% physiological maturity, percentage of productive tillers and panicle area. Results further showed inconsistency in ranking of genotypes between methods; although Cultivar Superiority, REML, Yield Stability Index and GGE biplot were consistently correlated and identified high yielding and stable genotypes. Key words: GGE biplot, grain yield, pearl millet, stability analysis, Uganda.
A study of consumer preferences and market potential for poultry products in Kumi district of Uganda.
(Excellent Publishers, 2017-10-10) Augustine, Iisa; Shukla, Ruchira
A study was conducted to understand consumer preferences and market potential for the backyard poultry rearing system in Kumi district of Uganda. This study revealed that 70% of the consumers included poultry products in their menus often and 10% included daily. Poultry traders in Kumi district dealt mainly with indigenous chicken breeds as their customers preferred them to others due to taste and less chemical residues.70% of individual consumers considered taste as first priority when choosing chicken.80% of individual consumers preferred backyard chickens to other chicken or poultry breeds. 57.5% of the consumers preferred consuming chicken once in a week, 32.5% preferred consuming it fortnightly and only 10% preferred consuming it every day.100% of the consumers preferred eggs from backyard chickens. However, due to scarcity of the backyard chicken eggs, 75% of the consumers bought exotic layers eggs. A market potential within Kumi District alone for poultry was computed to be 3,290,588 birds per year, for which 20% is for broilers (i.e. 658,118 birds) and the rest being for backyard poultry, (i.e. 2,632,470 birds). Key words: Poultry, Market, potential, Consumer preference
Analysis of genotype by environment interaction of improved Pearl millet for grain yield and rust resistance.
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2017-01-15) Lubadde, Geofrey; Tongoona, Pangirayi; Derera, John; Sibiya, Julia
Pearl millet is grown by inhabitants of the semi-arid zones. Due to the unpredictable climatic conditions the genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) makes it hard to select genotypes adapted to such conditions. The study objectives therefore were to analyse the patterns of GEI and to identify superior genotypes for grain yield and rust resistance. Seventy six genotypes were planted in four environments in 4×19 alpha design with two replications. The ANOVA results showed that main effects of environments were significant (p = 0.05) for grain yield and highly significant (p = 0.001) for rust resistance while the main effects of the genotypes and their interactions with environments were also important for grain yield and rust severity at 50% physiological maturity. The GGE biplot analysis revealed that environments associated with more rains received during vegetative phase performed better than those receiving more rains during post-anthesis phase. The winner in the best environment for grain yield was ICMV3771×SDMV96053 while Shibe×CIVT9206 and Shibe×GGB8735 were the best for rust resistance. Keywords: GGE biplot, grain yield, pearl millet, rust resistance, Uganda
How to use eggs to ward off pests, diseases in plants.
(New Vision, 2017-12-05) Jagwe, Noah
There is increased advocacy for the use of organic fertilisers and pesticides. This is largely because they do not pose health threats and are more affordable than inorganic ones. One such organic pesticide is an egg yolk mixture, which can be used to treat fungal diseases in plants and the eggshell mixture that increases the calcium content in plants.
Soroti fruit factory to boost Teso co-operatives, family income
(New Vision, 2018-05-24) Sanya, Samuel
Soroti Fruit Factory is expected to start commercial production later this year. The Government says this will eliminate profit-hungry middlemen who have been cheating farmers in the entire Teso sub-region.
Government injects sh9.1b in two tea factories
(New Vision, 2018-06-13) Sanya, Samuel
Government through the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), has constructed two tea factories worth sh91b in western Uganda as one of its interventions to promote value addition and export revenues.
Farmers tipped on how to spot fake agro chemicals.
(New Vision, 2017-12-05) Nandudu, Prossy
Churchill Ojak is a rice and maize farmer in Nwoya district. He has been farming for six years now. He has been using different type of herbicides to control weeds. Ojok employs casual labourers to weed has garden, but this, he says, is too costly.
Improve agricultural extension services
(Sunday Monitor, 2017-10-15) Ayesigwa, Richard
Over the last two decades, the government has taken deliberate steps aimed to improve delivery of agriculture services. Key among the actions was in 2014 when in addition to increased funding, the government restructured the agriculture extension system on the single spine under the directorate of agriculture extension in an attempt to revamp the sector, which has been stagnating over time.
Farms to earn from tourists.
(New Vision, 2018-05-18) Nandudu, Prossy
Farmers will be taught how to make their farms attractive to tourists.
Kasozi's pumpkin wine a great deal
(Saturday Monitor, 2017-10-21) Ssali, J Michael
Peter Kasozi is generating income after adding value to the pumpkin, writes Michael J Ssali.
Govt to close coffee processing centres
(New Vision, 2017-07-31) Mulondo, Moses; Odyek, John
The Agriculture minister, Vincent Ssempijja, has told parliament that Government will continue closing coffee factories which do not adhere to the required standards.
Armyworm back
(New Vision, 2017-08-17) Kwesiga, Pascal; Nandudu, Prossy; Bahikaho, Caleb; Okethwengu, Benedict; Bita, George; Nyamahunge, Priscillar; Buregyeya, Dismus; Mafaranga, Hope; Oplo, Emmanuel; Naulele, Simon; Watala, Paul; Ariaka, Robert
The deadly fail armyworms that razed maize fields in 75 districts in the last season have resurfaced and are now ravaging the crop in the second season in various parts of the country. The agriculture ministry yesterday said the toxic pests have been detected in several parts of the country,
The agriculture we want by 2040
(New Vision, 2018-05-18) Kato, Joshua
Eating will never stop! In the next 20 years, however, the kind of agriculture that the world will be practicing will depend on the level of research that scientists will put in the sector. Research includes working to further reduce the length of production of each crop or livestock. A mini survey carried out by HARVEST MONEY shows that although commercial farmers will be happily and quickly cashing in, consumers are wary of the quality of the food they will be eating.
Best farmers tour Rotterdam port
(New Vision, 2018-06-05) Kato, Joshua; Ssejjoba, Eddie
The 11 best farmers, currently touring the Netherlands are amazed at the history and size of the port of Rotterdam. Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and ninth in the world. Overall, it is only bettered by eight Chinese ports in volume of goods handled. During their stay in the Netherlands, the farmers will, among others, visit livestock nutrition processors, seed industries, dairy and horticulture farms.

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