Browsing by Author "Daniel Micheal Okello"

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    Innovation and market orientation in smallholder pig production: the roles for access to veterinary services and use of purchased feeds
    (Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, 2024-12-24) Daniel Micheal Okello; Walter Odongo; Tonny Aliro; David Okello Owiny; Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi
    Purpose This study aims to assess the relationship between market orientation and innovation while accounting for the use of purchased feeds and access to veterinary services. Design/methodology/approach This study used primary data collected from a cross-section of smallholder pig farmers in northern Uganda. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression. Findings Results show that having improved breeds and providing housing to pigs improve system-focused innovation but reduce customer-focused innovation. The use of purchased feeds was associated with higher levels of both dimensions of innovation, while access to veterinary services was only associated with higher levels of system-focused innovation. Customer orientation is positive for both dimensions of innovation, while competitor orientation is positive for system-focused innovation, but negative for customer-focused innovation. Lastly, interfunctional innovation was only associated with higher levels of customer-focused innovation. Access to veterinary services and the use of purchased feeds influence the magnitude of the effect of market orientation on innovation. Research limitations/implications The findings of this paper suggest that improving smallholder pig farmers’ market orientation could lead to a higher level of farm innovation. Similarly, improving access to veterinary services and better feeds could be linked to higher levels of market orientation, as well as farm-level innovation. Originality/value This paper is original and contributes to the understanding of the relationship between market orientation and farm-level innovation in the context of pig production in a developing country.
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    Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis, Financial Losses and Risk Factors Associated with the Disease in Lira and Gulu Districts, Northern Uganda
    (Wiley Veterinary Medicine International, 2025-03-17) Anthony Ogwal,; Daniel Micheal Okello; Tony Aliro; David Okello Owiny; Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi
    Bovine fasciolosis (BF) is a parasitic disease of cattle that causes significant economic impacts to cattle farmers. The physical loses include weight loss, drop in productivity, liver condemnation and mortalities. This study assessed the prevalence, financial losses and risk factors associated with the disease in Lira and Gulu Districts, northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study of 720 slaughter cattle from the abattoirs was conducted by macroscopic examination of the animals and carcasses during routine slaughter. In the farms, 120 rectal faecal samples were taken to a laboratory for Fasciola egg detection by simple microscopy, while risk factors were assessed by administering a questionnaire to farm owners. Prevalence of BF was highest (38%) within cattle in the age group of 1–3 years and lowest (18%) in those over 5 years. The overall BF prevalence was 48% and 26% by postmortem examination and coprology, respectively. The cattle body condition had a significant association (p < 0.01) with prevalence of BF, in which emaciated cattle were most affected (59%), while fat ones had the least prevalence (15%). The annual financial loss due to BF infection was USD 89,099. The major risk factors associated with the disease at the farm level were communal grazing in swampy areas (82%) and watering cattle in swamps (71%). Farms where the source of drinking water was swamp water had higher chances (p < 0.05) of their cattle having BF. An integrated approach using routine deworming programs, improvement of cattle management practices and control of snail intermediate hosts is recommended to effectively control the spread of BF.