Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District

Wilfred Namara; Fina Opio; Douglas Nkuuhe

doi:doi:10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13

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Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District

Wilfred Namara^*, Fina Opio, Douglas Nkuuhe

Published in World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology (Volume 2, Issue 3)

Received: 4 July 2024 Accepted: 29 July 2024 Published: 15 August 2024

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Abstract

The study focused on assessing the farmer’s knowledge on utilization of chemical fertilizers as soil fertility enhancement option in Ruhumuro sub-county, Bushenyi district. It was limited to; establishing the local farmers’knowledge on the use of chemical fertilizers, investigating the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers and establishing the benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and primary data was collected from 200 respondents. the data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The study concluded that farmers had local knowledge on use of chemical fertilizers where they revealed that, fertilizer use is influenced by on agro-climatic conditions and farm characteristics at (p=.027), profitability is the principal incentive to adopt fertilizer use at (p=.021), fertilizer use ensure high productivity and yields at (p=.003). The decisions on fertilizer use has mainly considered credit access and price at (p=.026) Fertilizer use alter the soil properties at p= (.029). Fertilizer applied to farmers’ crops do not provide optimal economic returns to farmers as (p=.312) as non-significant. The study also concluded that there were factors that influence the farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers. Such as; ownership of land (p=.022), labour avialability (p=.024), Cost of the fertilizers (p=.004) and un-availability of credit services/financial institutions offering services (p=.028). Non-significant factors included; farming experience and level of education (p=.427, p=.369). The study concluded that there were benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. Such as; Restoration of soil fertility (x² = 3.002, p=0.021), Sustainable food production (x²= 2.441, p=0.001), Income security (x² = 0.871, p= 0.010), Improvement of crop yields (x² = 3.123, p=0.023) and Contribute to greenhouse effect (x² = 4.211, p=0.141) which was not significant. The study recommends that, there is a need for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications of the widespread use of chemical fertilizers. Constant extension training services on chemical fertilizer use should be done to help farmers use the recommended dosage of fertilizers to avoid environmental degradation due to lack of adequate knowledge on fertilizer utilization. Government should undertake legal reforms to recognize and protect the rights of vulnerable groups to own and use land. They should also put in place mechanisms to ensure that the law is enforced.

Published in	World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology (Volume 2, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13
Page(s)	90-101
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Knowledge, Chemical Fertilizer, Soil Fertility, Bushenyi District

References

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[3]	Benson, T., Lubega, P., Bayite-kasule, S., Mogues, T., &Nyachwo, J. (2013). The Supply of Inorganic Fertilizers to Smallholder Farmers in Uganda. Washington, Kampala: International Food Policy Research Institute.
[4]	Emana, B., Gebremedhin, H., Regassa, N., 2010, Impacts of improved seeds and agrochemicals on food security and environment in the rift valley of Ethiopia: implications for the application of an African green revolution, Report No. 56, Dry lands coordination group.
[5]	Epule, E. T & Bryant, C. R. (2014). Drivers of arable production stagnation and policies to combat stagnation based on a systematic analysis of drivers and agents of arable production in Cameroon. Land Use Policy 42: 664- 672.
[6]	Foning, M. N., Kane, G. Q., Ambagna, J. J., Sikod, F & Oyekale, A. S. (2014). The effect of incomplete land tenure contracts on agricultural investment and productivity in Cameroon. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, 12 (1): 234- 237.
[7]	Gizaki, L. J., Alege, A. A &Iwuchukwu, J. C. (2015). Farmer’s perception of sustainable alternatives to the use of chemical fertilizers to enhance crop yield in Bauchi state.
[8]	Grimm, M., & Klasen, S. (2014). Migration pressure, tenure security and agricultural intensification. Evidence from Indonesia.
[9]	Jama, B., Harawa, R., Kiwia, A., Rarieya, M., Kimani, D & Zeila, A. (2013). Improving soil health in Africa: Challengesand promising solutions. AGRA Jason Scarpone, AFAP.
[10]	Jönsson H, Stinzing AR, Vinneras B, Salmon E. (2004). Guidelines on the use of urine and faeces in crop production. EcoSanRes publication series report 2004-2. Stockholm Environment Institute, Sweden.
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[12]	Kotschi, J. (2015). Adverse impacts of mineral fertilizers in tropical agriculture. A soiled reputation. A study commission by Heinrich Böll Foundation, WWF Germany. April, 2015.
[13]	Marenya, P. P., & Barrett, C. B. (2007). Household-level determinants of adoption of improved natural resources management practices among smallholder farmers in western Kenya. Food Policy, 32(4), 515-536.
[14]	MoFA (2010), Average Yield of Major Crops in the Northern Region.
[15]	Morris, M., Kelly, V., Kopicki, R., Byerlee, D., 2007, Fertilizer Use in African Agriculture – Lessons Learned and Good Practice Guidelines, The World Bank, Washington, D.C.
[16]	Nair, A., Fischer, A. R., Moscatelli, & Wilhelm, R. (2023). European consumer and societal stakeholders' response to crop improvements and new plant breeding techniques. Food and Energy Security, 12(1).
[17]	Ng'ombe, J. N. (2014). Impact of conservation farming on smallholder farm household incomes in Zambia: Evidence using an endogenous switching regression model. University of Zambia.
[18]	Nnamonu, L. A & Ali, A. E. (2013). Perception of Agrochemical Use and Organic Farming in Makurdi, Benue State. International Journal of Environmental Protection. 3 (8): 48-52.
[19]	Okello, D. K., Monyo, E., Deom, M. C., Ininda, J. & Oloka, H. K. 2013. Groundnuts production guide for Uganda: Recommended practices for farmers. National Agricultural Research Organisation: Entebbe.
[20]	Okoboi, G., &Barungi, M. (2012). Constraints to Fertilizer Use in Uganda: Insights from Uganda Census of Agriculture 2008 / 9, 5(10), 99–113. https://doi.org/10.5539/jsd.v5n10p99
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APA Style

Namara, W., Opio, F., Nkuuhe, D. (2024). Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District. World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2(3), 90-101. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13

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ACS Style

Namara, W.; Opio, F.; Nkuuhe, D. Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District. World J. Agric. Sci. Technol. 2024, 2(3), 90-101. doi: 10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13

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AMA Style

Namara W, Opio F, Nkuuhe D. Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District. World J Agric Sci Technol. 2024;2(3):90-101. doi: 10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13

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@article{10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13,
  author = {Wilfred Namara and Fina Opio and Douglas Nkuuhe},
  title = {Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District
},
  journal = {World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology},
  volume = {2},
  number = {3},
  pages = {90-101},
  doi = {10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjast.20240203.13},
  abstract = {The study focused on assessing the farmer’s knowledge on utilization of chemical fertilizers as soil fertility enhancement option in Ruhumuro sub-county, Bushenyi district. It was limited to; establishing the local farmers’knowledge on the use of chemical fertilizers, investigating the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers and establishing the benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and primary data was collected from 200 respondents. the data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The study concluded that farmers had local knowledge on use of chemical fertilizers where they revealed that, fertilizer use is influenced by on agro-climatic conditions and farm characteristics at (p=.027), profitability is the principal incentive to adopt fertilizer use at (p=.021), fertilizer use ensure high productivity and yields at (p=.003). The decisions on fertilizer use has mainly considered credit access and price at (p=.026) Fertilizer use alter the soil properties at p= (.029). Fertilizer applied to farmers’ crops do not provide optimal economic returns to farmers as (p=.312) as non-significant. The study also concluded that there were factors that influence the farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers. Such as; ownership of land (p=.022), labour avialability (p=.024), Cost of the fertilizers (p=.004) and un-availability of credit services/financial institutions offering services (p=.028). Non-significant factors included; farming experience and level of education (p=.427, p=.369). The study concluded that there were benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. Such as; Restoration of soil fertility (x2 = 3.002, p=0.021), Sustainable food production (x2 = 2.441, p=0.001), Income security (x2 = 0.871, p= 0.010), Improvement of crop yields (x2 = 3.123, p=0.023) and Contribute to greenhouse effect (x2 = 4.211, p=0.141) which was not significant. The study recommends that, there is a need for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications of the widespread use of chemical fertilizers. Constant extension training services on chemical fertilizer use should be done to help farmers use the recommended dosage of fertilizers to avoid environmental degradation due to lack of adequate knowledge on fertilizer utilization. Government should undertake legal reforms to recognize and protect the rights of vulnerable groups to own and use land. They should also put in place mechanisms to ensure that the law is enforced.
},
 year = {2024}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District

AU  - Wilfred Namara
AU  - Fina Opio
AU  - Douglas Nkuuhe
Y1  - 2024/08/15
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13
T2  - World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
JF  - World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
JO  - World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
SP  - 90
EP  - 101
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7332
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13
AB  - The study focused on assessing the farmer’s knowledge on utilization of chemical fertilizers as soil fertility enhancement option in Ruhumuro sub-county, Bushenyi district. It was limited to; establishing the local farmers’knowledge on the use of chemical fertilizers, investigating the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers and establishing the benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and primary data was collected from 200 respondents. the data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The study concluded that farmers had local knowledge on use of chemical fertilizers where they revealed that, fertilizer use is influenced by on agro-climatic conditions and farm characteristics at (p=.027), profitability is the principal incentive to adopt fertilizer use at (p=.021), fertilizer use ensure high productivity and yields at (p=.003). The decisions on fertilizer use has mainly considered credit access and price at (p=.026) Fertilizer use alter the soil properties at p= (.029). Fertilizer applied to farmers’ crops do not provide optimal economic returns to farmers as (p=.312) as non-significant. The study also concluded that there were factors that influence the farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers. Such as; ownership of land (p=.022), labour avialability (p=.024), Cost of the fertilizers (p=.004) and un-availability of credit services/financial institutions offering services (p=.028). Non-significant factors included; farming experience and level of education (p=.427, p=.369). The study concluded that there were benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. Such as; Restoration of soil fertility (x2 = 3.002, p=0.021), Sustainable food production (x2 = 2.441, p=0.001), Income security (x2 = 0.871, p= 0.010), Improvement of crop yields (x2 = 3.123, p=0.023) and Contribute to greenhouse effect (x2 = 4.211, p=0.141) which was not significant. The study recommends that, there is a need for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications of the widespread use of chemical fertilizers. Constant extension training services on chemical fertilizer use should be done to help farmers use the recommended dosage of fertilizers to avoid environmental degradation due to lack of adequate knowledge on fertilizer utilization. Government should undertake legal reforms to recognize and protect the rights of vulnerable groups to own and use land. They should also put in place mechanisms to ensure that the law is enforced.

VL  - 2
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Wilfred Namara

Agriculture and Agribusiness, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda

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Fina Opio

Agriculture and Agribusiness, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda

Contact Email
Douglas Nkuuhe

Agriculture and Agribusiness, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda

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APA Style

Namara, W., Opio, F., Nkuuhe, D. (2024). Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District. World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2(3), 90-101. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13

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ACS Style

Namara, W.; Opio, F.; Nkuuhe, D. Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District. World J. Agric. Sci. Technol. 2024, 2(3), 90-101. doi: 10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13

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AMA Style

Namara W, Opio F, Nkuuhe D. Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District. World J Agric Sci Technol. 2024;2(3):90-101. doi: 10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13,
  author = {Wilfred Namara and Fina Opio and Douglas Nkuuhe},
  title = {Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District
},
  journal = {World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology},
  volume = {2},
  number = {3},
  pages = {90-101},
  doi = {10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjast.20240203.13},
  abstract = {The study focused on assessing the farmer’s knowledge on utilization of chemical fertilizers as soil fertility enhancement option in Ruhumuro sub-county, Bushenyi district. It was limited to; establishing the local farmers’knowledge on the use of chemical fertilizers, investigating the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers and establishing the benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and primary data was collected from 200 respondents. the data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The study concluded that farmers had local knowledge on use of chemical fertilizers where they revealed that, fertilizer use is influenced by on agro-climatic conditions and farm characteristics at (p=.027), profitability is the principal incentive to adopt fertilizer use at (p=.021), fertilizer use ensure high productivity and yields at (p=.003). The decisions on fertilizer use has mainly considered credit access and price at (p=.026) Fertilizer use alter the soil properties at p= (.029). Fertilizer applied to farmers’ crops do not provide optimal economic returns to farmers as (p=.312) as non-significant. The study also concluded that there were factors that influence the farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers. Such as; ownership of land (p=.022), labour avialability (p=.024), Cost of the fertilizers (p=.004) and un-availability of credit services/financial institutions offering services (p=.028). Non-significant factors included; farming experience and level of education (p=.427, p=.369). The study concluded that there were benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. Such as; Restoration of soil fertility (x2 = 3.002, p=0.021), Sustainable food production (x2 = 2.441, p=0.001), Income security (x2 = 0.871, p= 0.010), Improvement of crop yields (x2 = 3.123, p=0.023) and Contribute to greenhouse effect (x2 = 4.211, p=0.141) which was not significant. The study recommends that, there is a need for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications of the widespread use of chemical fertilizers. Constant extension training services on chemical fertilizer use should be done to help farmers use the recommended dosage of fertilizers to avoid environmental degradation due to lack of adequate knowledge on fertilizer utilization. Government should undertake legal reforms to recognize and protect the rights of vulnerable groups to own and use land. They should also put in place mechanisms to ensure that the law is enforced.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Farmer’s Knowledge on Utilization of Chemical Fertilizers as Soil Fertility Enhancement Option in Ruhumuro Sub-County, Bushenyi District

AU  - Wilfred Namara
AU  - Fina Opio
AU  - Douglas Nkuuhe
Y1  - 2024/08/15
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13
T2  - World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
JF  - World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
JO  - World Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
SP  - 90
EP  - 101
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-7332
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjast.20240203.13
AB  - The study focused on assessing the farmer’s knowledge on utilization of chemical fertilizers as soil fertility enhancement option in Ruhumuro sub-county, Bushenyi district. It was limited to; establishing the local farmers’knowledge on the use of chemical fertilizers, investigating the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers and establishing the benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and primary data was collected from 200 respondents. the data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The study concluded that farmers had local knowledge on use of chemical fertilizers where they revealed that, fertilizer use is influenced by on agro-climatic conditions and farm characteristics at (p=.027), profitability is the principal incentive to adopt fertilizer use at (p=.021), fertilizer use ensure high productivity and yields at (p=.003). The decisions on fertilizer use has mainly considered credit access and price at (p=.026) Fertilizer use alter the soil properties at p= (.029). Fertilizer applied to farmers’ crops do not provide optimal economic returns to farmers as (p=.312) as non-significant. The study also concluded that there were factors that influence the farmers’ decisions to utilize chemical fertilizers. Such as; ownership of land (p=.022), labour avialability (p=.024), Cost of the fertilizers (p=.004) and un-availability of credit services/financial institutions offering services (p=.028). Non-significant factors included; farming experience and level of education (p=.427, p=.369). The study concluded that there were benefits that local farmers achieve from utilizing chemical fertilizers. Such as; Restoration of soil fertility (x2 = 3.002, p=0.021), Sustainable food production (x2 = 2.441, p=0.001), Income security (x2 = 0.871, p= 0.010), Improvement of crop yields (x2 = 3.123, p=0.023) and Contribute to greenhouse effect (x2 = 4.211, p=0.141) which was not significant. The study recommends that, there is a need for policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications of the widespread use of chemical fertilizers. Constant extension training services on chemical fertilizer use should be done to help farmers use the recommended dosage of fertilizers to avoid environmental degradation due to lack of adequate knowledge on fertilizer utilization. Government should undertake legal reforms to recognize and protect the rights of vulnerable groups to own and use land. They should also put in place mechanisms to ensure that the law is enforced.

VL  - 2
IS  - 3
ER  -

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