Theses and Dissertations

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CROP DIVERSIFICATION AND PROFITABILITY AMONG SMALLHOLDER RICE FARMERS IN DOHO IRRIGATION RICE SCHEME – BUTALEJA DISTRICT
(Gulu University, 2023) Amongin, Lydia
Rice which has gained a lot of prominence both as a food and cash crop globally is a promoted crop in most of Uganda’s irrigation schemes. The smallholder rice farmers who are beneficiaries of these schemes have been indoctrinated to monocrop rice on a double annual season. Commercially sustainable farming practices are becoming increasingly important as market forces, consumer tastes, and climate change continue to alter agricultural enterprises. Recognising the critical role smallholder rice farmers play in growing the economy while ensuring global food security, this study therefore sought to examine the effects of crop diversification on the profitability of rice enterprises of these farmers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a multi stage sampled respondent size of 385 smallholder rice farmers. Descriptives such as frequency counts, means, and percentages were used to characterize the scheme’s smallholder rice farmers, the Tobit regression model analysed the factors that influenced crop diversification while the two stage least squares helped ascertain the influence crop diversification had on profitability of rice enterprises. Proportion of scheme land to total land, level of education and gender of household head, access to extension services, access to market information through radios, integrating rice with roots or perennials and cost of irrigation were found to impact intensity of crop diversification. While crop diversification was found to be positively associated with rice profitability, other instrumental variables like farmer experience at the scheme, access to credit, extension services from non government entities, growing ‘super’ rice variety, selling output to rice processors, growing legumes and roots also had an influence on rice profitability. According to this study, crop diversification can lessen smallholder rice farmers' susceptibility to environmental hazards and market swings, thereby increasing overall profitability of their rice enterprises. Policymakers and development practitioners looking to create policies that support sustainable farming techniques and raise smallholder farmers' standard of living would find great value in the study's insightful contributions.
HONEY QUALITY AND QUALITY PERCEPTION BY CONSUMERS ALONG THE VALUE CHAIN IN NORTHERN UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2023-04) SYLIVIA, WOOR
Honey is the most known and vital bee product produced extensively because it possesses numerous benefits. A significant number of honey value chain actors have emerged in Northern Uganda. However, limited information exists on the honey quality at these value chain nodes. It is also unknown how consumers perceive the quality of this honey. The study used experimental design to examine the quality of honey at the different value chain nodes and cross-sectional survey designs to determine the consumers’ perception of honey quality and the honey quality attributes that mainly influence consumers’ purchase decisions. A total of 185 consumers were considered for the survey, and 70 honey samples collected from the different value chain actors across different agro-ecologies in Northern Uganda had their physicochemical properties analyzed. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and laboratory analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, AMOS version 23, and GEN STAT version 13. The results showed that honey quality deterioration occurred at processor and retailer nodes. Results also showed that honey from Amudat was superior in quality, and diastase number was the only limiting factor to Northern Uganda honey. Labeling, packaging, color, origin, and price significantly influenced consumer perception of honey quality. Purity, viscosity, color, and price also greatly influenced consumer’s purchase decisions. The study concluded that Diastase Number was the major limiting factor to Northern Uganda honey and that processor and retailer nodes are the exact node where quality deterioration occurs. Labeling, packaging, color, and origin positively and significantly influenced consumers’ perception while price had a significant negative influence on consumers’ perception of honey quality. This study recommends mandatory inspections and quality testing at all nodes if the good honey quality is to be maintained.
CONSUMERS’ PERCEPTION AND INTENTION TO CONSUME PLANT BASED MILK IN GULU CITY, UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2023-11-14) NEKESA RHODAH
Due to the rise in the concerns about non-communicable diseases (NCDs), environmental unsustainability and animal welfare, the market of animal milk has relatively declined. As a result, plant-based milk substitutes (PBMS) have been developed as ideal alternatives. However, the reception of these food products depends with the perception of consumers and the preference for the sensory attributes. While there is sufficient literature in developed countries to inform consumers’ opinions about PBMS, there is a paucity of information in developing countries such as Uganda where the products are still new in the market. This study assessed the perception of consumers in Gulu city about PBMS, and factors that influence the intention to consume different flavors of the milk substitutes. A cross-sectional design entailing a consumer survey of 400 participants selected from Gulu University and supermarkets in Gulu city was conducted. A sensory evaluation experiment was done to assess the preference of different flavors of soymilk by 114 participants. The results indicated that consumers in Gulu city had an overall positive perception about PBMS. Consumers from the university were more positive than supermarket shoppers. On the factors that influence the intention to consume PBMS, price of PBMS, age, marital status and years spent in school were significant predictors (p<0.05) among supermarket shoppers while price, knowledge on nutritional composition of PBMS, level of health consciousness and years spent in school were significant (p<0.05) among consumers from the university. With regards to sensory evaluation of unflavored milk, chocolate, banana and vanilla flavors of soymilk, chocolate flavor was the most accepted by consumers. Specifically, its taste and aroma were significantly preferred to the unflavored milk. In summary, most consumers in Gulu city perceive PBMS positively and prefer added flavors to the unflavored soymilk. More modifications should be done to retain the white color of milk in added flavors and improve the mouthfeel so as to promote the rate of consumption of PBMS in Gulu city.
NON-CARBONATED BEVERAGES (HEALTH DRINKS) IN SOUTH WESTERN UGANDA: ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL, CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS AND THE ROLE OF NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH CLAIMS
(Gulu University, 2023-11-29) ATUKUNDA CLAIRE
Non-carbonated beverages comprise of fruit, vegetable, and herbal-based drinks, which are largely known as ‘health drinks’ in Uganda and are widely consumed in Southwestern Uganda. Despite the increased popularity of health drinks on the Ugandan market, particularly in Southwestern Uganda, little is known about: (ⅰ) their antioxidant potential; (ⅱ) consumer perceptions of the healthiness and safety of beverages; and (ⅲ) the influence of nutritional health claims (that are widely used on health drinks) on consumption. Thus, the objective of the study was to examine the antioxidant potential and factors associated with the consumption of health drinks in Southwestern Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 278 adults in Mbarara City and Sheema district using structured questionnaires. Laboratory analysis of vitamin C, total phenolic content, and total antioxidant activity of selected health drinks was conducted using 2,6-dichlorophenoindophenol (DCPIP), Folin-Ciocalteu, and 2,2- diphenyl- 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays respectively. Results showed variations in the vitamin C content (14.19-25.12mg/100ml), total phenolic content (0.37-146.01mg/100ml), and total antioxidant activity (35.48-2491.8 µg/ml) of the different health drinks depending on the type of ingredients used. Theoretical calculations showed that consumption of 320 ml of health drinks would be sufficient to meet the vitamin C intake recommendations and about 40% polyphenol intake recommendations for a healthy life. Majority of the consumers had positive perceptions of beverage healthiness (77.4%) and safety (66.2%). Product health benefits, safety, and information influenced perceived healthiness while perceived safety was influenced by regulatory logos, organoleptic cues, age, gender,household income, and perceived healthiness (p≤0.05). Nutritional health claims influenced about half the respondents to consume health drinks (49.3%). Particularly, nutritional health claims in media advertisements had a significantly higher positive influence on intention to consume than claims on food labels (p=0.019). Besides the claims, perceived healthiness and safety also positively influenced consumption intentions. The results of this study demonstrated that (ⅰ) health drinks consumed in Southwestern Uganda are alternative sources of antioxidants for which consumption can lead to substantial contributions to the recommended vitamin C and polyphenol intake; (ⅱ) perceptions of beverage healthiness and safety are important factors that can be exploited to boost consumption of health drinks; and (ⅲ) nutritional health claims can enhance consumption of non-carbonated (health) drinks and are more effective when presented through media advertisements than when presented on food labels.
Compliance of Global Gap Standards Among Smallholder Hot Pepper Farmers in Lira District of Northern Uganda
(Gulu University, 2024) Ndayishimiye, Gerard
Compliance with food safety standards like Global GAP plays a vital role in farmer’s certification, ensuring that their produce is accepted at the export market which contributes to rural development through increased income. However, Global GAP requires adherence to the set standards, but several smallholder farmers struggle to consistently meet the requirements thus, failing to access lucrative export markets. Understanding why some smallholder farmers fail to comply with such standards is important for export promotion. This study investigated Global GAP awareness, level of compliance and the key factors associated with Global GAP adherence among hot pepper smallholder farmers in Lira district of northern Uganda. Primary data were collected from a random sample of 345 hot pepper farmers using pretested structured questionnaires. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and Tobit regression models. The results on level of awareness of Global GAP standards was very low (8.02%) and significantly influenced by years of formal education, access to market information and extension services. The level of Global GAP compliance was 69.29%. This showed that farmers were doing some of good agricultural practices (GAPs) without knowing Global GAP. Among the factors associated with the level of compliance were awareness, family members in chili farming, market information, credit for farming and extension services all with p-values less than 1%. This study concluded that there was very low level of awareness and compliance to Global GAP standards. It recommends that promoters of agricultural export should emphasize the creation of awareness through accessible common channels like radios and extension agents. Further, there is a need to ease access to agricultural credit to enable smallholder farmers make the necessary investment in the inspection and certification processes.
Determinants of demand for quality declared rice seeds in nwoya and gulu districts, northern Uganda
(Gulu University, 2024) Apiyo, Scovia Perphency.
Most (over 89%) smallholder rice farmers in northern Uganda obtain rice seeds from informal sources which are uncertified and unregistered and this affects the yields and seeds quality in the rice farming business. This study investigated the determinants of smallholder farmers’ demand for quality-declared rice seeds in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were collected from 196 selected smallholder rice farmers from Nwoya and Gulu districts using simple random sampling method. All data obtained were entered, cleaned and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Exploratory factor analysis and descriptive statistics was used to examine attitudes and quality declared rice seed distribution channels used by smallholder farmers respectively. Binary logistics regression model, chi-square tests and t-tests were generated to compare means at 10%, 5% and 1% significant level. Significance (p≤0.01, p≤0.05 and p≤0.1) were observed in the use of communal labour**, participation in rice seeds demonstration/trials*, access to extension services**, attitude on ease of getting quality declared rice seed** respectively. The study also revealed that farmers possess a positive attitude towards quality declared rice seeds, much as they face challenges in accessing and affording such seeds. Formal, informal and semi-formal distribution channels for quality declared rice seeds were identified. Formal channels involved seeds sourced from the national research organization that produce foundation seeds and supply them to private business-oriented seed companies, which then produce quality-declared rice seeds on a commercial scale. Informal sources comprised of farmer-saved seeds or seeds obtained from traders within the community who stock them for sale to smallholder farmers in subsequent seasons. Semi-formal channels involved quality declared seeds produced by NARO supplied to local seed business who then sell to local smallholder farmers. Based on the findings, the study proposes that government should provide incentives to smallholder rice farmers to facilitate their purchase of quality-declared seeds, thereby boosting their production. Government or commercial organizations should establish quality-declared rice seed outlets across the region to enhance accessibility. Lastly, policymakers in collaboration with private companies could enact policies aimed at reducing the cost of quality-declared rice seeds, making them more affordable to smallholder farmers.
DETERMINANTS OF PROFIT EFFICIENCY OF SMALLHOLDER DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN GULU CITY AND GULU DISTRICT, UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2024-01) OKELLO, OYOO PETER
Dairy production systems in Uganda are still plagued by yield gaps, post-harvest losses, inadequate coordination, and ineffective marketing strategies. This has resulted in inefficiency and low productivity, even though this sector has been strategically invested in to increase income and food security. The study estimated profit efficiency, characterized dairy production systems, and determined the factors influencing profit efficiency. The maximum likelihood process was used in conjunction with a one-step stochastic profit frontier approach to estimate the profit efficiency and causes of profit inefficiency for 191 smallholder dairy farmers. Results show that the profit efficiency of smallholder dairy production systems is driven by land size, vet cost, costs of feed, cost of equipment, and the cost of labor. Findings further indicate that the inefficiency of smallholder dairy production systems is driven by age, years of experience, family size, gender, marital status, access to extension service, access to credit, group membership, and Friesian breed type. The study thus urges the development of labor-saving technology, the provision of farmers with inexpensive local feed, and the enhancement of extension services. The disparities in profit efficiencies among dairy production systems necessitate bench marking among top performers and intervention tailored to those systems.
COMPLIANCE OF GLOBAL GAP STANDARDS AMONG SMALLHOLDER HOT PEPPER FARMERS IN LIRA DISTRICT OF NORTHERN UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2024-12-19) NDAYISHIMIYE,GERARD
Compliance with food safety standards like Global GAP plays a vital role in farmer’s certification, ensuring that their produce is accepted at the export market which contributes to rural development through increased income. However, Global GAP requires adherence to the set standards, but several smallholder farmers struggle to consistently meet the requirements thus, failing to access lucrative export markets. Understanding why some smallholder farmers fail to comply with such standards is important for export promotion. This study investigated Global GAP awareness, level of compliance and the key factors associated with Global GAP adherence among hot pepper smallholder farmers in Lira district of northern Uganda. Primary data were collected from a random sample of 345 hot pepper farmers using pretested structured questionnaires. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and Tobit regression models. The results on level of awareness of Global GAP standards was very low (8.02%) and significantly influenced by years of formal education, access to market information and extension services. The level of Global GAP compliance was 69.29%. This showed that farmers were doing some of good agricultural practices (GAPs) without knowing Global GAP. Among the factors associated with the level of compliance were awareness, family members in chili farming, market information, credit for farming and extension services all with p-values less than 1%. This study concluded that there was very low level of awareness and compliance to Global GAP standards. It recommends that promoters of agricultural export should emphasize the creation of awareness through accessible common channels like radios and extension agents. Further, there is a need to ease access to agricultural credit to enable smallholder farmers make the necessary investment in the inspection and certification processes.

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