Farmers’ Perceptions and Knowledge of Crop and Livestock Production in Bukedi Subzone of Uganda

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate farmers’ knowledge and challenges encountered in order to inform stakeholder’s decisions and recommend priorities for improved livelihoods in Bukedi subzone. Data was collected from 336 respondents through face to face household interviews using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software. Results showed that rice and cassava were the most important crops in wetlands and dry lands respectively. Most of the livestock species kept were of indigenous genotype. The number of cattle and goats owned per household were not significantly different (P < 0.05). Busia district had the highest number of cattle owned per household. Animal draught power was important for opening up land in all districts. The proportion of households keeping farm records was still very low although Tororo district had the highest number of famers who kept records. Lack of awareness and limited capacity were key reasons for failure to keep farm records. Proliferation of parasitic weeds like Striga spp, pests and diseases, frequent droughts, lack of farm labour, low market prices and remoteness of some villages were among the most reported challenges limiting crop productivity. Livestock diseases, inadequacy of veterinary extension services and poor quality pastures were the most reported challenges limiting livestock production. Therefore future agricultural research investments should aim at control of crop parasitic weeds like Striga spp, developing high yielding varieties of cassava, rice, maize and millet and identify least cost interventions which can prevent or reduce prevalence of livestock diseases and promotion of high quality pasture species for improved livestock production in the region.

Keywords: Challenges, crop and livestock, Farmers, knowledge, Uganda