Prospects and constraints in farmers’ adoption Of agricultural technology:A case study of banana growing in Mbarara district, Uganda
Abstract
This research study sought to establish factors affecting farmers’ adoption of banana
improvement technologies in Nyakayojo Sub-county of Mbarara district, Uganda. This was in
specific focus on banana improvement agricultural technologies. The general objective of the
study was to establish the determinant factors affecting farmers’ adoption of banana
improvement technologies.
Using purposive sampling method, Nyakayojo Sub County in Mbarara district was selected as a
suitable site for this study. The population considered for this study was drawn from selected
sample sites in the Sub County and a sample size was derived using the Roasoft sampling
calculator. By using the confidence level of 90%, a margin of error of 10%, and a response
distribution of 50%, a calculation from a population of 6021 households came up with 66
households as the sample size for the study to represent the entire population.
Data were collected using structured interview schedules, observation, key informant interviews,
focused group discussions (FDGs) and questionnaires administered to the respondents.
Analytical tool used in the study was Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results indicated that the farmers’ social characteristics affect adoption of banana improvement
technology. Findings from the study also revealed that sources of information affect farmers’
adoption of improved banana farming practices.
Results from the study also showed that a diversity of challenges affected banana farmers in
adoption of banana improvement technologies. A number of suggestions were also advanced
concerning how the challenges could be addressed in order to positively influence adoption of
banana improvement technologies which lead to increased yields, income and change in
expenditure patterns of the respondents.
Recommendations based on the findings, among others included the formation of banana
producers’ cooperative societies to facilitate positive interactions for information dissemination
and improvement in the number and quality of agricultural extension service providers that
interact with the banana farmers.
Publisher
University of Nairobi