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
