home icon user icon
Welcome to International Network for Natural Sciences | INNS Pub.
Home My Account
Submit Manuscript
double_slash
breadcumb_bg

Utilization of introduced forages by smallholder dairy farmers in Uganda

Paper Details

Research Paper 01/01/2012
Views (384) Download (18)
current_issue_feature_image
publication_file

Utilization of introduced forages by smallholder dairy farmers in Uganda

S. Mugerwa, J.M. Kabirizi1, D. Njarui, D. Mpairwe
Int. J. Biosci.2( 1), 36-45, January 2012.
Certificate: IJB 2012 [Generate Certificate]
Key: AdoptionNapier grassPreference

Abstract

Elucidation of factors influencing utilization of introduced forages is critical in formulation of interventions to foster their integration into smallholder dairy production systems. The study sought to identify introduced forages cultivated by farmers and the socio-economic factors influencing their preference and adoption in Masaka, Mityana and Wakiso Districts of Uganda. Pennisetum purpureum was the most cultivated fodder with 70.5% of respondents cultivating it. Farmers differed (X2=919.6, P < 0.0001) in their ranking of factors influencing their preference for introduced forages. Farmers’ raking of “high yielding” was higher (p<0.001) than for other factors in all the three districts. Adoption was found to be a function of age, land ownership and level of education. The probability of a farmer adopting introduced forages differed among age groups (X2=11.3, df= 4, p=0.024), systems of land ownership (X2=12.1, df= 4, p=0.017) and levels of education (X2=10.1, df=3, P=0.018). The results of the study revealed that efforts aimed at promoting integration of introduced forages into smallholder dairy systems need to focus on high yielding forages as well as ensuring availability of adequate sources of planting materials.

VIEWS 12
Cover PDF

Abebaw D, Belay K. 2001. Factors influencing adoption of high yielding maize varieties in southwestern Ethiopia: An application of logit. Quarterly journal of international agriculture, Vol. 40, No.2. Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Baltenweck I, Mubiru S, Nanyeenya W, Njoroge L, Halberg N, Romney D, Staal S. 2007. Dairy Production in Uganda: Production Efficiency and Soil Management Strategies under Different Farming Systems. ILRI Research Report 1. International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.

Bwonya AO. 2006. Intensive forage production for smallholder dairying in Kenya: In Reynolds and Frame, 2006, Grasslands; Developments, Opportunities and Perspectives, Kitale, Kenya.

Bové JM, Garnier M. 2002. Phloem‐and xylem‐restricted plant pathogenic bacteria. Plant Science 163, 1083‐1098.

Dunn OJ. 1964. Multiple comparisons using rank sums. Technometrics 6(3), 241-252.

Gitau GK, McDermott JJ, Adams JE, Walter-Toews D. 1994. Factors influencing calf growth and daily weight gain on smallholder dairy farms in Kiambu District, Kenya. Prev. Vet. Med. 21, 179-190.

Holmann F, Argel P, Pérez E. 2009. Benefits of adopting improved forages in smallholder farms in Central America: An ex post analysis. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 21, Article 20.

Humphreys LR. 1994. Tropical forages: Their role in sustainable agriculture. Longman, Harlow, UK. p. 414.

Kabirizi JM. 2006. Effect of integrating forage legumes in smallholder dairy farming systems on feed availability and animal performance. Unpublished PhD Thesis. 2006. Makerere University.

Kabirizi JM, Nielsen SL, Byemkya S, Nicolaisen M, Alicai T. 2007. Napier stunt disease in Uganda:Farmers’ perception and impact on fodder production. African Crop Science Conference Proceedings Vol. 8 pp..895-897.

Kalumba S. 2008. Factors affecting the adoption of Clonal coffee farming in Luwero sub county, Luwero district. Unpublished special project report, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

Remmy J. 1987. Technical innovation and social relationship. The case of vegetable products in India. Skerman PJ, Riveros F. 1990. Tropical Grasses. FAO, Rome. p. 832.

Staal S, Chege L, Kenyanjui M, Kimari A, Lukuyu B, Njubi D, Owango M, Tanner J, Thorp W, Wambugu M. 1998. A cross-sectional survey of Kiambu Distrrict for the identification of target groups of smallholder dairy producers. KARI/ILRI collaborative project research report, Nairobi, Kenya.

Thirtle C, Beyers L, Ismael Y, Piesse J. 2003. Can GM-Technologies Help the Poor? The Impact of Bt. Cotton in Makhathini Flats, Kwazulu-Natal. World Development Vol. 31, No.4. pp:717-732. Elsevier Science Ltd., Great Britain.

Uganda  Bureau  of  Statistics  (UBOS).  2009. Uganda National Household Survey 2007/2008 Report on Agriculture Module. Uganda Bureau of Statistics, The Republic of Uganda.

Submit Manuscript