Open Access Pub publishes peer-reviewed, free-to-read open-access articles. Showing
articles matching Smallholder Farmer — open any to read the full text,
or download the PDF or XML.
Aug 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6367
Akullo VivienCorresponding author
Background Smallholder farmers in Uganda's Teso Sub-Region are increasingly adopting fertilizers and improved crop varieties in response to declining soil fertility, climate variability, and the need to improve agricultural productivity. However, limited evidence exists on how farmers perceive and integrate these technologies into their farming systems. This study explored smallholder farmers' perspectives on fertilizer adoption and improved crop varieties within the context of resource constraints and changing agricultural conditions. Methods A qualitative exploratory study was conducted among 32 smallholder farmers in Katete, Nyero, Oriyo, and Apeduru sub-counties in the Teso Sub-Region of Uganda. Data were collected through focus group discussions using a semi-structured guide. Discussions explored experiences with fertilizer use, improved crop varieties, perceived benefits, and challenges associated with adoption. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes. Results Five key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) continued reliance on organic fertilizers as the foundation of soil fertility management; (2) strategic integration of inorganic fertilizers to enhance crop productivity; (3) increasing use of commercial productivity enhancers to improve crop growth and manage pests; (4) adoption of improved crop varieties through public and private extension networks; and (5) persistent barriers to agricultural innovation, including limited technical knowledge, high input costs, climate variability, pest infestations, and post-harvest losses. Participants reported that combining traditional farming practices with modern agricultural inputs contributed to improved crop performance and increased yields. However, the benefits of these technologies were frequently constrained by affordability challenges, inadequate training on input application, environmental risks, and market-related limitations. Conclusion The study concludes that sustainable agricultural transformation requires integrated support systems that combine access to inputs with farmer training, climate-smart extension services, post-harvest infrastructure, and stronger market linkages.
Jun 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6261
Akullo VivienCorresponding author
Introduction Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s rural economy, with smallholder farmers forming the majority of the farming population. Despite irrigation farming being recognized as a pathway to improved productivity and livelihood resilience, empirical studies on its adoption and outcomes in Uganda remain scanty. This limited evidence informed this cross-sectional analysis to evaluate how irrigation farming adoption influences smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in Uganda. Methods This study used a cross-sectional design to assess the link between irrigation adoption and livelihood outcomes among smallholder farmers in Uganda. From a target of 422 respondents, 387 participated (91.7% response rate). Districts, sub-counties, and farmers were purposively selected, with proportional representation to ensure balance. Data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA 18, applying descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, regression, and logistic models. Assumptions of linearity and multicollinearity were checked, while Poisson regression and mixed models enhanced robustness. Results Adoption of modern irrigation technologies was generally low, with overall mean scores below 2.0 for drip, sprinkler, pump, hose pipe, and solar-powered systems, while small-scale manual methods showed moderate uptake (mean = 2.695, SD = 1.498). In contrast, livelihood outcomes were consistently high: agricultural productivity (mean = 3.802, SD = 0.688) reflected strong yields and profitability but moderate climate adaptation (mean = 2.907, SD = 1.241); income growth was notable (mean = 3.672, SD = 0.894); food security and social services were very high (means above 4.2), with clean water access scoring highest (mean = 4.455, SD = 0.529); and asset growth was positive (mean = 3.760, SD = 0.795). Overall livelihood outcomes averaged 3.963 (SD = 0.577). Correlation analysis showed a weak but significant positive relationship between irrigation adoption and livelihoods (r = 0.208, p = 0.000), while regression confirmed irrigation adoption significantly improved outcomes (β = 0.134, p = 0.000), explaining 4.1% of the variation.
May 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-24-5032
M. Akinseye FolorunsoCorresponding author
Experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of different sorghum varieties to micro-dosing fertilization strategies on yield and yield traits, as well as the impact on nitrogen fertilizer and water use efficiency (NUE and WUE). In addition, the benefit-cost ratio of sorghum cultivation under different fertilization strategies in the Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria was analyzed. The experiment included eight fertilizer micro-application strategies as well as two control and three sorghum varieties. Our results showed that most agronomic indicators differed significantly between years, varieties, and fertilization strategies. However, the application of 100g hill-1 poultry manure plus 3g NPK hill-1 resulted in the highest average grain yield > 2000 kg ha-1 at both study sites (BUK and Minjibir). This means that the grain yield is 86% and 132% higher than the average grain yield with zero fertilization. There were extremely significant differences between NUE and WUE fertilization strategies and varieties at the two sites. At BUK and Minjibir, NPK applied with 3 g of hill-1 had the highest NUE with an average of 37.6 and 40 kg grain/kg N. Application of 100 g of poultry manure plus 3g of NPK hill-1 resulted in the highest average WUE of 6.1 and 5.6 kg grain/mm for BUK and Minjibir, respectively. BUK (3.2) and Minjibir (3.6) had the highest net income and benefit-to-cost ratios when applying 3 grams of NPK per hill. The adoption of micro-dosing fertilization strategies by smallholder farmers provides a good opportunity to prevent long-term soil fertility limitations and thereby increase sorghum productivity and farmer incomes by recommending multiple-choice fertilization strategies for improved sorghum varieties.