Assessing the factors influencing input use by maize smallholder farmers in Kamuda sub-county, Soroti district

Abstract

Globally, maize production has reached unprecedented levels, exceeding 1 billion metric tons yearly, and now accounts for 86% of total cereal output, cementing its status as the most widely produced and consumed staple cereal. Despite the contribution, In Uganda, maize production has remained stagnant with consumption demand above domestic supply in many areas of the country. This makes it important to analyse the socio-economic and institutional factors that influence input use for increased productivity among smallholder farmers of Kamuda sub-county. A sample of 133 farmers was randomly selected and analyzed using SPSS 20. Descriptive findings showed that most farmers were actively farming, had small plots, and were youthful, female, married, and educated up to primary level. Regression analysis identified significant relationships between improved maize use and socio-economic factors, including family ties, age, marital status, maize prices, credit, income sources, and infrastructure policies.