Improved Agro-inputs and Agricultural Productivity Enhancement in Mubende District: A Case Study of Improved Maize Varieties in Baggeza Sub-County
Date
2008
Authors
Kyampaire, Agnes
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uganda Martyrs University
Abstract
KYAMPAIRE AGNES (2008-M092-20066)
Improved Agro-inputs and Agricultural Productivity Enhancement in Mubende District: A
Case Study of Improved Maize Varieties in Baggeza Sub-County
The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of improved agro-inputs on agricultural
productivity enhancement in Mubende district. One of the pillars of the Uganda government policy
of modernising agriculture as stipulated in the Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA) is to
increase productivity so as to increase farmers‟ incomes and reduce poverty. There is, therefore, a
deliberate campaign by government and other organisations urging farmers to use improved inputs
as the best way to increase productivity given the current unpredictable weather condition and
population growth in the country. However, agricultural production has progressively reduced over
the years (Sasakawa, 2006) thus the ensuing debate on productivity enhancement by improved
agro-inputs. The specific objectives of the study were to assess farmers‟ perception on improved
maize varieties, to establish the level of adoption of improved maize variety, to assess the
knowledge and its application in growing improved maize varieties and to examine how the use
of improved maize varieties affects productivity. The research was based on a case study design.
Various sampling techniques such as zoning, simple random and purposive sampling were used
and the key methods of data collection included interviewing, meetings and focus group
discussions with selected maize farmers of both improved and local varieties. Analysis of
qualitative data was done thematically guided by the study objectives while simple statistics were
derived using a computer package, excel. According to the key findings of the study, most of the
farmers interviewed (82.1%) were aware of the existence of improved inputs; however, the
adoption of improved maize growing was still very low. This was attributed to the high price of
the improved inputs. For instance, a kilogramme of Longe4 and Kenya hybrid which are the
commonly grown varieties costs UGX 2500 and UGX 6000 respectively. This is far higher
compared to the cost of the local variety which is UGX 500. Additionally, the recommended
agronomic practices associated with these inputs were also reported to be too costly for the farmers
to implement as well as not being aligned to their traditional farming practices. As a result, almost
all farmers interviewed attested to not fully applying the practices and acquired knowledge despite
growing these improved varieties. This may partly explain the low agricultural productivity. Some
of the key recommendations include: government should subsidise improved inputs so as to
increase their access and use by farmers. Government should also focus and develop both the
organic and inorganic agriculture to increase farmers‟ options. It should develop market channels
for agricultural products so that farmers benefit from their investments. Government should invest
more in research to inform better use and thus benefit of improved inputs. There is also need to
enhance supervision of agro-input dealers or stockists to ensure supply of good quality seed on the
market. It should also enact a law that will govern the development and use of improved inputs in
the country so that interests of all the stakeholders are cared for.
Keywords: Agro-inputs, Agricultural productivity, Maize varieties, Mubende district
Description
Keywords
Agro-inputs, Agricultural productivity, Maize varieties, Mubende district
Citation
Kyampaire, A. 2008. Improved Agro-inputs and Agricultural Productivity Enhancement in Mubende District: A Case Study of Improved Maize Varieties in Baggeza Sub-County. Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi : Uganda Martyrs University