Department of Agro-business and Extension Agriculture

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The utilization of mobile phones and market access among local chicken farmers in Nakigo sub county, Iganga district.
(Busitema University, 2026-09-21) Ngobi, Shadrack
This study examined the utilization of mobile phones and market access among local chicken farmers in Nakigo Sub County, Iganga District, Uganda. Although mobile phone ownership and mobile money services have expanded rapidly across rural Uganda, the extent to which this technology has translated into measurable financial benefit for local chicken keepers, an enterprise dominated by small, frequent, cash-based transactions, had not been systematically documented. The study pursued three specific objectives: to identify the mobile phone-based services used by local chicken farmers for agribusiness purposes, to assess the factors that determine market access by local chicken farmers, and to determine challenges faced when using mobile phones for agribusiness purposes by local chicken farmers. A descriptive cross-sectional design combining quantitative and qualitative methods was adopted. A structured questionnaire was administered to 244 local chicken keeping households sampled proportionately across the four parishes of Nakigo Sub County using Solvin’s formula and simple random sampling, complemented by direct observation of handsets and mobile money agent proximity. Data were analysed in R using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation, probit regression, and multiple linear regression. Nearly all respondents (99.6%) owned a mobile phone, with mobile money (93.0%), voice calls (82.4%), SMS (59.0%), and social media (55.3%) the most widely used agribusiness services. The large majority of farmers (86.1%) reported that mobile phone usage had increased their poultry income, and market access, strongly predicted by smartphone ownership and Performance Expectancy, was significantly associated with higher phone-derived income. Farmers reported challenges faced while using mobile phones for agribusiness purposes as; high cost of Airtime/ data (36.6%), poor network connectivity (34.5%), lack of electricity (15.9%), lack of skills (13.0%). The study concludes that mobile phones have become an integral part of how local chicken farmers in Nakigo Sub County transact, save, and reinvest, even though the cost of handsets, airtime, data, and transaction charges, together with uneven digital literacy, continue to constrain fuller utilization. This study recommends targeted digital literacy training, deliberate promotion of smartphone access and affordable data bundles, reduce mobile money transaction charges for small agricultural businesses, and closer partnership among mobile network operators, financial institutions, and agricultural extension services to develope mobile based products appropriate to the local chicken sub-sector.
Assessing the performance of village savings and loan associations in Nawanyago sub-county, Kamuli district.
(Busitema University, 2026) Nangobi, Jacinta
This study examined the performance of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Nawanyago Sub-County, Kamuli district. Based on Financial Intermediation, Social Capital and Empowerment theories, the study focused on three primary objectives: assessing the level of savings, access to credit, and asset accumulation among members. The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional design used to survey 251 who were randomly selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed via STATA. The findings revealed that respondents were mostly female (63.35%) and peasant farmers (75.70%). VSLAs showed high operational engagement, where 78.80% attended weekly meetings and 88.45% conducted savings and credit transactions in a single sitting. After joining VSLAs 82.87% increased their savings with an average of UGX 45,944 monthly. Credit access was also high (84.40%) with 63.21% getting the same-day approvals using guarantors instead of collateral. However, timely full repayment was low (32.08%) due to inflation, short maturities (1-3months), and 10%interest rates. About 76.80% used funds to acquire productive assets like farm tools and livestock, members strongly agreed that VSLAs boosted their investment capacity (4.60/5). VSLAs effectively drive asset accumulation and financial inclusion, but strict loan terms threaten long-term sustainability. The study recommends compulsory house budgeting, adopting flexible, harvest-aligned loan terms, and stronger local government support for smallholder farmers.
Effectiveness of social media marketing platforms on market access of broiler producing enterprises in Kasanje town council, Wakiso district.
(Busitema University, 2026) Betogo, Emmanuel
In the generation where technology is prevailing, entrepreneurs has seen the need to maintain their position in business within the changing society or the risk of staying outdated. Social media marketing is one of the ways agribusinesses make people aware about their products, communicate with customers and find new market. Gone are the days when Agribusinesses mostly rely on the middlemen. Currently it is practically impossible to develop marketing strategies without considering social networks. Social media has become an important gradient in current marketing and promotion mix. Adopting online marketing strategies via social media, is a key for Agribusinesses especially in the era when technology is widely considered. This study looked at how social media marketing help broiler producing enterprises to make sales in Kasanje Town Council while understanding which media platforms these enterprise use and which ones are the most helpful. This study was conducted in Kasanje where 123 broiler-producing farmers were asked several questions. SPSS and other data analysis tools were used to analyse the data. It was found out that WhatsApp is the most popular and helpful social media platform for these enterprise followed by TikTok. This study also showed that when these enterprise effectively use social media marketing they make sales faster. Social media marketing is very important for these enterprise because it simplifies communication with customers which foster relationship with them and sell more products. Farmers should learn more about marketing and the government and other organizations should help them by teaching them about digital marketing making the internet more available and supporting them in using digital marketing tools because it is very important for businesses in Uganda. This will help Uganda sell agricultural products (FAO, 2023).
Assessing the level of market participation among smallholder potato farmers in Chepkwasta sub county, Bukwo district.
(Busitema University, 2026) Cheruto, Constance
Potato production is an important source of food and income for smallholder farmers in Bukwo District. However, farmers in Chepkwasta Sub-County face challenges that limit their participation in potato markets. This study assessed the level of market participation among smallholder potato farmers, characterized the farmers, identified factors affecting market participation, and determined the intensity of participation. A cross-sectional research design and multi-stage sampling technique were used to select 135 farmers from a population of 204 smallholder potato farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and regression models. The findings showed that potato farming was semi-commercialized, with 64% of farmers participating in output markets and an average market participation index of 54.5%. Education, land allocated to potatoes, extension services, access to credit, and cooperative marketing enhanced market participation, while large household sizes, poor roads, and post-harvest losses constrained commercialization. Major challenges included price volatility, middlemen price setting, high transport costs, expensive improved inputs, and limited storage facilities. The study recommends strengthening farmer cooperatives, improving rural roads and storage facilities, expanding market information services, and increasing access to improved potato seed and production inputs to enhance market participation among smallholder potato farmers.
Assessing entrepreneurial intentions among final year students at Busitema university, Arapai campus.
(Busitema University, 2026) Awor, Joanita Mercy
Despite the inclusion of entrepreneurship education in many university programmes, there remains a noticeable gap between the expected and actual entrepreneurial behavior of graduates, thus graduate unemployment continues to rise, limiting the contribution of university graduates to entrepreneurial development .This study assessed entrepreneurial intentions among final-year students at Busitema University, Arapai Campus, with particular emphasis on the influence of entrepreneurial attitude and other determinants of entrepreneurial intentions. The study was guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and adopted a cross-sectional research design. Data was collected from 285 final-year students drawn from various agricultural academic programmes including Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor’s Degree programs, using a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that the overall level of entrepreneurial intentions among the students was low (Mean =1.7102, SD= 0.74043), indicating relatively weak commitment among respondents to establish businesses after graduation. Despite this, the majority of the students had considerable entrepreneurial exposure, with 69.1% reporting parental business ownership, 63.2% having received entrepreneurship training, and 82.8% having previously attempted a business activity. Agribusiness students stood out with the highest percentages for both business training and business attempts constituting 80%, although Bachelor of Science in Agriculture students had very high exposure to business (93.8%), the proportion who attempted business accounted for 62.5% and was lower than that for Bachelor of Agribusiness students. Animal Production and Management students recorded lowest levels of business training (72.2%) and business attempts (61.1%) compared to other bachelor’s programmes. The study further established that entrepreneurial attitude was the strongest predictor of entrepreneurial intentions (β=0.789, t=21.597, p<0.001), implying that students who hold positive perceptions toward entrepreneurship are more likely to develop intentions to start businesses. Subjective norms also had a positive and statistically significant influence on entrepreneurial intentions (β=0.276, t=4.716, p<0.001), suggesting that encouragement from other significant individuals plays an important role in shaping entrepreneurial aspirations. The study recommends future research should move beyond entrepreneurial intentions to examine how access to finance, practical entrepreneurship education, university incubation, mentorship and digital opportunities influence the transition from intention to actual business creation. Longitudinal studies could also assess whether graduates’ entrepreneurial intentions develop into sustainable enterprises after completing university.
Gross margin analysis on dry cassava marketing channels in Soroti city east divison.
(Busitema University, 2026) Ekolu, Isaac
Cassava remains a vital food and cash crop in Eastern Uganda, yet smallholder farmers in Soroti City East Division continue to struggle with identifying the most profitable channel for marketing dry cassava. This study assessed the profitability of dry cassava marketing channels, examined the factors shaping farmers' channel choices, and compared the returns of each channel. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 129 smallholder cassava farmers selected through multistage sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, and gross margin analysis complemented by net profit, benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and return on investment (ROI) computations. Four marketing channels were identified: direct sales to consumers, retailers, wholesalers, and processors. Although used by relatively few farmers, the wholesaler channel handled the largest sales volume and generated the highest average net profit per farmer (UGX 2,138,865). The processor channel, meanwhile, delivered the highest ROI (1,614.3%) and BCR (17.1), making it the most cost-efficient option. Channel choice was significantly influenced by land size, education, marketing experience, and distance to market, while women remained underrepresented in the more lucrative wholesale channel. Most farmers had limited control over pricing, reflecting weak bargaining power, although high mobile phone use and strong willingness to join farmer groups point to real potential for more organized and profitable marketing. The study concludes that dry cassava marketing is profitable across all channels in Soroti City East Division, but profitability varies depending on the channel accessed. It recommends strengthening farmer organization, market information access, and credit support to enable broader access to higher-return channels, and calls for similar studies across other cassava-producing areas in the Teso sub-region.
Determinants of cocoa growing uptake among small holder farmers in Imanyiro subcounty Mayuge district.
(Busitema University, 2026-09-11) Nangiya, Shariah Nangobi
This study examined the determinants of cocoa growing uptake among smallholder farmers in Imaniyro Sub-county, Mayuge District, Uganda. Despite government and development partner efforts to promote cocoa production, uptake remains below its potential due to various socioeconomic and production-related challenges. A cross-sectional survey design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. Data were collected from 150 smallholder farmers using structured questionnaires, interviews and observations. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data in SPSS version 26. The findings showed that cocoa farmers were predominantly male (53.3%) and had low to moderate education levels. Significant differences between adopters and non-adopters were observed in age, land size, household size, farming experience, cocoa trees owned and quantity sold. Logistic regression shows that age significantly leads to the increased likelihood of cocoa uptake, whereas cocoa farming experience and land size significantly facilitated adoption decisions. Lack of technical knowledge (98.0%), high input costs (95.3%), low cocoa prices (94.0%), climate change (92.7%), poor road infrastructure (90.7%), pests and diseases (89.3%) and theft of cocoa beans (86.0%) are the major factors hindering cocoa adoption. Conclusively, cocoa uptake is motivated by farmers' socioeconomic characteristics and is limited by inadequate technical knowledge, limited financial resources and production challenges. Enhancing extension services, offering affordable inputs and seedlings, increasing access to credit, and enhancing farmer training are significant for rising the levels of cocoa adoption and improving living condition among smallholder farmers in Imaniyro Sub-county. Keywords: Cocoa growing uptake, Smallholder farmers, Socioeconomic factors, Constraints Binary logistic regression, Imaniyro Sub-county, Mayuge District, Uganda.
Assessing the smallholder poultry farmers characteristics and profitability across poultry enterprise choice in Mpigi town council, Mpigi district.
(Busitema University, 2026) Kaboggoza, Muhammad
Smallholder poultry farming is a crucial driver of livelihoods and food security in peri-urban areas like Mpigi Town Council, Uganda. However, farmers often make enterprise selection decisions without empirical comparative financial data regarding farmer profiles, operational costs, and relative profitability across different poultry options. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 117 randomly selected smallholder poultry farmers across the four administrative wards of Mpigi Town Council. Primary data were gathered using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were used to characterize farmers, while Gross Margin (GM) analysis and a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were performed to compare per-bird financial performance across four enterprise choices: commercial Layers (n=35), Broilers (n=47), Kuroilers (n=17), and Local indigenous chickens (n=18). The farming population was predominantly male (65.8%) with a high literacy rate (96.6% formal education). Broilers (40.2%) and Layers (29.9%) were the most common enterprises. Most farmers operated on a small scale (<500 birds: 65.8%) using intensive housing (61.0%), commercial feeds (86.3%), and high vaccination adoption (80.3%). One-Way ANOVA revealed highly significant financial differences across enterprise types (p < 0.001). Commercial Layers generated the highest mean total revenue (UGX 156,322.30) and highest per-bird gross margin (UGX 91,342.48), followed closely by Kuroilers (UGX 75,144.92). Broilers yielded a modest single-cycle gross margin (UGX 9,466.95), while Local chickens produced the lowest return (UGX 5,203.92) due to slow growth and low output, despite minimal variable inputs. Multi-purpose enterprises with extended production cycles (Layers and Kuroilers) generate superior per-bird profitability through sustained egg production combined with terminal meat sales. While Commercial Layers yield the highest gross margin, Kuroilers present the most viable, risk-resilient alternative for resource-constrained smallholders due to lower variable cost volatility and high adaptability. Strengthening farmer access to operational land, regulating commercial feed costs, and promoting Kuroilers enterprises are recommended to optimize smallholder agribusiness returns in peri-urban settings.
Assessing uptake of upland rice cultivation by smallholder rice farmers in Kagumu sub-county, Kibuku district.
(Busitema University, 2026-09-11) Duchu, Benard
The Government of Uganda has promoted upland rice cultivation, specifically NERICA varieties, as a strategy for increasing rice production while reducing cultivation in fragile wetlands. However, uptake among smallholder farmers remains low and inconsistent in many areas, including Kagumu Sub-county, Kibuku District. This study assessed the uptake of upland rice cultivation among smallholder rice farmers in Kagumu Sub-county. A cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected from 148 smallholder rice farmers using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, and a probit regression model to identify factors influencing uptake. The results showed that land size owned was the only significant determinant of upland rice uptake (B = -0.324, p = 0.031). Farmers with larger land acreages were less likely to uptake upland rice cultivation. Age, gender, and education level were not statistically significant to influence the uptake of upland rice cultivation. Socio-economic characteristics such as farming experience, household size, income, and distance to market did not differ significantly between up-takers and non-up-takers. Farmers reported various constraints including limited access to quality seed, inadequate extension services, pest and disease challenges, high input costs, and weather-related risks. Finally, the uptake of upland rice cultivation in Kagumu Sub-county remains low and uneven, due to institutional, technical, and financial constraints. Strengthening extension services, improving access to quality seed and credit, and supporting farmer organizations are essential for increasing uptake and promotion of environmentally sustainable rice production.
Profitability analysis of soybean production among small scale farmers in Aremo sub county, Omoro district.
(Busitema University, 2026-09-14) Ajolorwot, Isabella
This study assessed the profitability of soybean among small-scale farmers in Aremo sub-county Omoro district. Specifically, the study aimed to assessed the costs incurred by small scale farmers in soybean production, to calculate the gross margin earned by small scale farmers in the production and to examine the factors that affect the profitability of soybean production. Although soybean is recognized as an important food security and income generating crop in Uganda, there is limited empirical evidence on its profitability, production costs and the factors influencing profitability among small-scale farmers in the study area. A cross-sectional research design was employed and data collected from 156 small-scale soybean farmers using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics gross margin analysis and Ordinary Least Squares regression. The findings showed that the largest cost category was land preparation (36.8%) followed by post-harvest handling (21.4%). The mean land allocated to soybean production was 1.68 acres. The study further identified input costs, labor, access to market, extension services and farmer socio-economic characteristics as key determinants of profitability. The study concludes that soybean production is profitable though constrained by high labor costs and weak market linkages. It recommends strengthening agricultural extension services, establishment of cooperative to improve collective bargaining, improving roads and facilities and encouraging farmers to expand soybean acreage where feasible to improve the profitability of soybean production among small-scale farmers in Aremo sub-county, Omoro district
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.

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