Factors affecting adoption and implementation of organic soil management practices in maize production in Kachumbala sub-county Bukedea district-Uganda.

Abstract

The study established the factors affecting the adoption of organic soil management practices among maize producing farmer’s case study of Kachumbala Sub-County Budaka District. The study was guided by specific research objectives which included determining farmer’s perceptions towards organic farming technologies, assessing socio-economic and institutional factors affecting adoption and intensity of use of organic farming practices and establishing the measures to increase adoption of organic farming technologies. The study used cross sectional design and a case study was Gamogo Sub-County Kapchorwa District. To achieve the set objectives, the study used purposive sampling and simple random sampling in sample selection. A sample of 109 respondents participated in study. Farmers filled the questionnaires because they were in constant engagement and introduction letter was obtained from the faculty of science and education introducing the researcher to the field of research. The findings revealed that the inputs used in these technologies are readily available, soil fertility can be improved by application of green manure and cultivation of legume crops, pesticide overuse may lead to pest resistance to pesticides, and green leaf manure helps to improve soil structure and reduce weed population. Furthermore, the findings indicated that extension exposes farmers to a wide range of ideas which may give them the opportunity to have better access to information on new innovations, credit is necessary in hiring of labour and purchasing farm inputs, groups expose farmers to a wide range of ideas and sometimes give farmers the opportunity to have better access to information on new innovations, and group membership also enables farmers to have a collective bargaining power when. In addition, biological control is the best methods of pest control, retaining plant residues may increase weeds, minimum tillage reduces soil erosion, disturbance and exposure, organic farming leads to reduced cost of production, cultivation of mixed crops not only increase total production but also reduces soil erosion and release of crop residues in maize farm will decrease soil fertility. The recommended policy interventions in enhancing farmers’ awareness through extension and training on organic soil management practices, encourage stocking of dried organic manure in shops, improvement on prices of organic products, improving farmer access to credit facilities and enhancing security of tenure through provision of land title deeds. This will promote adoption and intensity of use of organic soil management practices which will in turn lead to environmental sustainability.