Prospects and constraints in farmers’ adoption Of agricultural technology:A case study of banana growing in Mbarara district, Uganda

Abstract

This research study sought to establish factors affecting farmers’ adoption of banana improvement technologies in Nyakayojo Sub-county of Mbarara district, Uganda. This was in specific focus on banana improvement agricultural technologies. The general objective of the study was to establish the determinant factors affecting farmers’ adoption of banana improvement technologies. Using purposive sampling method, Nyakayojo Sub County in Mbarara district was selected as a suitable site for this study. The population considered for this study was drawn from selected sample sites in the Sub County and a sample size was derived using the Roasoft sampling calculator. By using the confidence level of 90%, a margin of error of 10%, and a response distribution of 50%, a calculation from a population of 6021 households came up with 66 households as the sample size for the study to represent the entire population. Data were collected using structured interview schedules, observation, key informant interviews, focused group discussions (FDGs) and questionnaires administered to the respondents. Analytical tool used in the study was Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results indicated that the farmers’ social characteristics affect adoption of banana improvement technology. Findings from the study also revealed that sources of information affect farmers’ adoption of improved banana farming practices. Results from the study also showed that a diversity of challenges affected banana farmers in adoption of banana improvement technologies. A number of suggestions were also advanced concerning how the challenges could be addressed in order to positively influence adoption of banana improvement technologies which lead to increased yields, income and change in expenditure patterns of the respondents. Recommendations based on the findings, among others included the formation of banana producers’ cooperative societies to facilitate positive interactions for information dissemination and improvement in the number and quality of agricultural extension service providers that interact with the banana farmers.