National Agricultural Advisory Services and Performance of Dairy Farming in Uganda: A Case Study of Selected Dairy Farmers in Mbale District.

Abstract

KEMIGISHA CATHERINE (2011-M104-40041) National Agricultural Advisory Services and Performance of Dairy Farming in Uganda: A Case Study of Selected Dairy Farmers in Mbale District The study focused on the contribution of National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) and the performance of dairy farming in Uganda using Mbale district as a case study. The study was based on the following research objectives; to analyse the contribution of training and provision of inputs towards performance of dairy farming in Mbale district. The other objective was to establish the relationship between provision of the NAADS and performance of dairy farming in Mbale district. The study employed a co-relational research design and both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The sample of the study had 100 respondents who included NAADS extension staff and farmers. The researcher used both primary and secondary sources. The data collection methods used included a questionnaire and interviews, and were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient and regressions. The study findings revealed that: there is a significant relationship between training and performance; inputs and performance are significantly positively related and, limited availability of resources is crippling the National Agricultural Advisory Services. On the whole, the study concluded that there is significant influence of NAADS services (IV) on performance of dairy farming (DV). This is indicated by (r2=0.433) and (sig=0.000<0.005), meaning that performance of dairy farming in Mbale district is influenced by NAADS services by at least 43.3%. However, the challenges that affect maximum contribution of the NAADS services to effective performance of dairy farming include; inadequate funding, late or delayed release of funding. The study recommended that the agricultural programmes should go beyond the group level - which is where many traditional extension service delivery mechanisms are carried out- and be practiced on the individual level, so as to benefit both women and men. Furthermore, it was recommended that farming programmes, to best serve people’s needs to further achieve economic empowerment, should coordinate with other development efforts to enable investments and development of businesses, for example, coordination with infrastructural programmes, PSD programmes, and energy saving programmes. Key words: Dairy, Farming, Advisory, Farming