The Role Of Organic Farming In Improving The Agriculture Of Small-Scale Rural Farmers. Case Study: Bwera Parish Kicheche Sijwcounty Kamwenge District

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out in Kamwengye district Kicheche Sub County in the western

part of Uganda to assess the role of organic agriculture /farming in improving the

agriculture of small scale farmers.

It focused on the farming practices, potential benefits of organic farming, level of

awareness and the factors constraining the adoption of organic farming.

The traditional practices that characterize the farming systems of smallseaie farmers and

land size in most developing countries due to economic problems strengthened the

practice of organic farming by small scale farmers

The farmers understanding of organic agriculture was relatively good as assessed in line

with the inputs used, manures, soil and water management practices but poor in pest

control.

The benefits were in line with the availability of organic inputs which were viewed as

socially just, economically viable and ecologically sound while with factors hindering

adoption of organic farming includes socio and cultural factors, lack of sources of

information, availability of inputs, farmer to farmer communication and attitude towards

the project.

The researcher concluded that when farmers understand that organic farming is good

based on the sources of external inputs used, farming practices, soil and water

conservation management practices which are ecologically sound, fanners can produce

enough for self sufficiency and gain sufficient returns to the labour and costs involved.

The researcher recommended that there is need to strengthen extension services,

encouraging field days and exchange visits, strengthening of supportive linkages, farmer

to farmer training, financing of agricultural projects such as NAADS and Prosperity for

All Programmes based on agriculture and finally sharing knowledge to enhance the

opportunity for local communication on agriculture improvement.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv

ACRONYMS v

TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

LIST OF TABLES ix

LIST OF PLATES x

KEY DEFINITION

ABSTRACT xii

CHAPTER ONE 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Problem Statement 3

1.2 Research objectives 4

1.2.1 Major objective 4

1.2.2 Specific Objectives 4

1.3 Scope ofthe study 5

1.4 Justification 5

CHAPTER TWO 6

LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.1 Definition of organic farming 6

2.2 Trend of agriculture in Uganda 7

2.3 Principles and the practices behind organic farming 8

2.4 Potential and benefits of organic farming 9

2.4.1 Potential 10

2.4.2 Benefits 11

2.5 Constraints of Organic Farming 15

2.6 Organic Farming Management Practices 15

vi

2.6.1 Methods of soil fertility improvement (Hans et al, 1998) 15

2.6.2 Methods of pest and disease control 16

2.7 Factors that influence adoption of organic farming 16

CHAPTER THREE 20

METHODOLOGY 20

3.1 Area of study 20

3.1.1 Location 20

3.1.2 Climate 20

3.1.3 Soils 20

3.1.4 Agricultural activities 20

3.1.5 Population 21

3.1.6 Ethnicity/culture 21

3.2 Data collection methods 21

3.2.1 Target population 21

3.2.2 Sampling method 21

3.3 Data collection tools 21

3.3.1 Observation 22

3.3.2 Interview guide 22

3.3.3 Questionnaire 22

3.3.4 Photographs 22

3.4 Data analysis 22

3.5 Limitations of the study 23

CHAPTER~ 24

DATA PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION 24

4.0 Introduction 24

4.1 Different Farming practices carrying out by small scale Rural Farmers in Kicheche

Sub-county 24

4.2 Farmers understanding of organic farming 26

4.2.1 Farmers level of awareness 26

vii

4.2.2 Manures used and their sources .28

4.2.3 Some of the soil and water conservation management practices carryout by farmers

29

4.3 Benefits of organic farming to farmers in kicheche sub-county 31

4.4 Problems constraining the adoption of organic farming by small scale rural farmers in

Kicheche sub-county 33

4.4.2 Political factors 33

4.4.3Farmersage 33

4.4.4 Pests and diseases 34

4.4.5 Source of information 34

4.4.6Genderbias 34

4.4.7 Extension of incomplete products 35

4.4.8 Limited extension staff 35

CHAPTER FIVE .., 36

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 36

5.1 Conclusion 36

5.2 Recommendations 37

Appendix 1: Questionnaire for respondents

Appendix 2: Interview guide

Appendix 3: Introductory letter

Appendix 4: A map of the Study Area