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Adoption of Conservation Agriculture in Uganda: A Case Study of the Lango Subregion

Author

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  • Sara Kaweesa

    (Centre for Development Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Peter-Jordan-Strasse 76, 1190 Vienna, Austria)

  • Saidi Mkomwa

    (African Conservation Tillage Network (ACT), P.O. Box 10375, Nairobi 00100, Kenya)

  • Willibald Loiskandl

    (Institute of Hydraulics and Rural Water Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria)

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 soil and ability to improve yields, among others. There is little documented information on the status of CA adoption in the Lango region in mid-Northern Uganda. This study aimed at determining the extent of CA adoption in relation to the socioeconomic status of the farming population and suggesting relevant strategies for accelerating CA uptake specific to this region. A non-discriminative snowball-sampling technique was used to gather data from 417 households spread over three districts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using household questionnaires. Farmers’ uptake of CA was related to information gained from training and the benefits that were observed in their fields. Some farm-level constraints in the region included 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. This information is important for increasing CA adoption in this context given the socioeconomic status of the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Kaweesa & Saidi Mkomwa & Willibald Loiskandl, 2018. "Adoption of Conservation Agriculture in Uganda: A Case Study of the Lango Subregion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:10:p:3375-:d:171208
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    3. Sara Helen Kaweesa & Hamid El Bilali & Willibald Loiskandl, 2021. "Analysing the socio-technical transition to conservation agriculture in Uganda through the lens of the multi-level perspective," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(5), pages 7606-7626, May.
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    5. Dickson N. Khainga & Paswel P. Marenya & Maria Luz Quinhentos, 2021. "How much is enough? How multi-season exposure to demonstrations affects the use of conservation farming practices in Mozambique," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(7), pages 11067-11089, July.
    6. Dorothy Birungi Namuyiga & Till Stellmacher & Christian Borgemeister & Jeroen C. J. Groot, 2022. "A Typology and Preferences for Pigeon Pea in Smallholder Mixed Farming Systems in Uganda," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-15, August.
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