Comparison of the economic viability of animal and mechanized power in the production of maize in Katakwi, Uganda.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Maize is an important staple food and source of income for smallholder farmers in Uganda, yet productivity remains low due to delayed land preparation, limited access to mechanization, and continued reliance on animal draught power. This is all because they lack reliable information on their costs, profitability, farm size, land fragmentation, and timeliness of operations. This study compared the economic viability of animal draught power (oxen) and mechanized power (tractors) in maize production among smallholder farmers in Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda. Specifically, it characterized patterns of traction use and compared the profitability of oxen- and tractor-based land preparation. A design cross-sectional survey and descriptive design was employed and data that is primary was collected from 106 farmers of maize using questionnaires that are structured. Data were analyzed using statistics that are descriptive, independent samples t-tests, chi-square tests, binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression in SPSS. The results showed that oxen remained the dominant source of farm power, with 92.5% of farmers using oxen and only 7.5% using tractors. Tractor users cultivated significantly larger maize fields (4.50 acres) than oxen users (2.38 acres), and farm size was the strongest predictor of tractor adoption. Although tractor users recorded higher average maize yields (1,600kgs/acre) and return on investment (147.10%) than oxen users, these differences were not statistically significant on a per-acre basis. However, they achieved higher overall farm profits by cultivating larger areas. The study concludes that tractor power offers no significant profitability advantage over oxen on a per-acre basis but enables farmers to cultivate larger areas and complete field operations on time. Strengthening affordable tractor hire services, expanding agricultural extension, promoting timely land preparation, and improving access to mechanization are recommended to enhance maize productivity and farm incomes in Katakwi District.
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Undergraduate research report.
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Icumar, M. (2026). Comparison of the economic viability of animal and mechanized power in the production of maize in Katakwi, Uganda. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.