Assessment of farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards mealworm procuction and use a protein source in poultry feed In Arapai sub-county.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
This research sought to examine the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding mealworm production and as protein sources in poultry feeding among farmers in Arapai Subcounty, Soroti District, Uganda. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design where 378 poultry farmers in the study area were selected. Data were collected using a mixed method, including quantitative data from a structured questionnaire and qualitative data from in-depth interviews. Descriptive analysis and non-parametric tests were used for analyzing quantitative data while thematic analysis was done on qualitative data.
Findings from the study revealed that farmers had low knowledge regarding mealworms and production of the same. Specifically, 76.9% of the participants had low knowledge while 18.4% had high knowledge about mealworms. Similarly, 4.7% had moderate knowledge. Most farmers (97.1%) were knowledgeable about the fact that poultry birds eat insects, but only 20.4% were aware of mealworms and even fewer (20.4%) knew that mealworms could be used in poultry feeding as a protein source. However, despite this lack of knowledge, the attitudes of farmers towards mealworms production and usage were fairly positive since 75.3% of farmers had positive attitudes while 18.2% had negative and 6.6% neutral attitudes. Furthermore, 81.0% indicated their willingness to adopt mealworms if trained appropriately. Findings from qualitative data also corroborated these findings.
Educational attainment and occupation were significant in knowledge levels while educational attainment and poultry farming experiences were significant in attitudes. The study recommends strengthening farmer sensitisation, practical training and demonstration-based extension, together with access to technical guidance and starter materials.
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Undergraduate Research Report
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Tibasiima, F. (2026). Assessment of farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards mealworm procuction and use a protein source in poultry feed In Arapai sub-county. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.