University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Doctoral Thesis:
Sara Hellen Kaweesa
(2020):
Adoption of Conservation Agriculture in Uganda.
Doctoral Thesis - Institut für Bodenphysik und landeskulturelle Wasserwirtschaft,
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 146.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- Conservation agriculture (CA) is based on three principles: minimum soil disturbance, maintaining a soil cover through mulching with crop residues or planting cover crops, and practicing crop rotations. CA is practiced in many parts of the world for its benefits to the soil and ability to improve yields while, reducing poverty, and improving food security among others. However, adoption of CA in Africa has generally been very slow. Efforts to understand the low and slow adoption of CA in Sub-Saharan Africa remain controversy-laden. The goal of this research was to understand the context specific conditions and reasons for slow adoption. The objective of study was to understand the extent of CA adoption in relation to the socio-economic status of the farming population in Mid-Northern Uganda. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered at household level, community and regional levels in three districts of the region. The study showed that to increase CA uptake in the Lango region, access to CA information through the already existing farmers’ groups, the village savings and loans associations, and provision of frequent and timely agricultural extension and advisory services will be important. Results also showed farm-level constraints in the region including the diminutive ratio of shared tools and equipment; the minimum presence and involvement of extension services; and seasonal rural markets that are dominated by middlemen. The impact that was attributed to the use of CA at the household level was improved yields. The strategy that was used to spread CA information to farmers also played a key role in increasing CA uptake in the region. The results are unique for this region given the semi-arid agro-ecological, social, and economic context that is characterized by demographic dynamics, post war effects, high poverty rates and the shortage of basic services unlike elsewhere. The CA adoption pattern is stable enough for sustainable interventions to be made.
- Betreuer: Loiskandl Willibald
- 1. Berater: Hauser Michael
- 2. Berater: Bodner Gernot