Browsing by Author "Basil Mugonola"

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    Adoption of Mobile Banking Among Agri-Entrepreneurs in Northern Uganda: Do Socioeconomic Factors Matter?
    (Food and Humanity, 2025-09-24) Jackson Abandu; Benedict Oyo; Geoffrey Maxwell Malinga; Basil Mugonola
    Digital financial technologies drive agricultural value chains and food stability in developing regions. Mobile banking in particular, plays an important role in enhancing financial inclusion, improving the livelihoods and food security of rural farming communities. However, the adoption of this technology by agri-entrepreneurs in Uganda is low and under-explored. This study explored the socioeconomic factors driving mobile banking adoption among agri-entrepreneurs in northern Uganda. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework and a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a representative sample of 480 agri-entrepreneurs. PROCESS macro regression analysis shows that gender, age, education level, marital status, income level, mobile device category and ownership were the primary factors driving the behaviors of mobile banking adoption either directly or indirectly via perceived ease of use and usefulness, which are core variables in the TAM framework. The findings suggest that policymakers, financial institutions, and development agencies should tailor mobile banking interventions to the diverse socioeconomic profiles of agri-entrepreneurs. Targeted strategies such as gender-inclusive programs, digital skills training, and age-specific education are essential to enhance perceived ease of use and usefulness. Investments in rural digital infrastructure and affordable mobile technologies are critical to reducing access barriers. By effectively communicating the practical benefits of mobile banking, stakeholders can accelerate adoption, promote financial inclusion, and support broader goals of rural economic empowerment, food security, and poverty reduction in northern Uganda.
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    Comparative Analysis of Profitability Drivers of Pig Production Systems in Northern Uganda
    (Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 2024-08-14) Caleb Ibukunoluwa Adewale; Elias Munezero; Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi; Basil Mugonola
    Pork consumption has risen significantly in many emerging nations, with producers using various systems to meet demand. However, the profitability of these systems remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the drivers of profitability of pig production systems in Northern Uganda were examined. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey of 240 randomly selected pig farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and ordinary least squares model. Results revealed that the cost of initial stock (p < 0.1), cost of feed (p < 0.05), cost of vaccines (p < 0.01), output (p < 0.05), and quantity of feed (p < 0.05) were drivers of profitability in the farrow-to-finish pig production system. Further, profitability in the farrow-to-weaner pig production system was influenced by access to credit (p < 0.1), household size (p < 0.1), access to extension service (p < 0.01), and cost of initial stock (p < 0.05). In the weaner-to-slaughter pig production system, drivers of profitability included access to extension service (p < 0.1), cost of feed (p < 0.1), cost of vaccines (p < 0.05), and cost of initial stock (p < 0.05). Researchers recommend that the government arrange sufficient capacity-building initiatives and training, particularly on the farrow-to-weaner pig production system to increase the output and profitability of this production system. Further, the government and non-governmental organizations should make inputs such as vaccines, drugs, and breeding stock available to pig farmers at competitive market prices to enable farmers to make price-responsive decisions.
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    Determinants of technical efficiency of pig production systems in northern Uganda: a Stochastic Frontier approach
    (Springer Nature, 2024-12-04) Caleb I. Adewale; Elias Munezero; Elly K. Ndyomugyenyi; Basil Mugonola
    Meat consumption, particularly the consumption of pork, has increased substantially in most developing countries. In response, various production systems are being employed by pig farmers to produce pork to cover the demand-supply gaps. However, little is known about the technical efficiencies of these underlying production systems. This study examined the technical efficiency of smallholder pig production systems in northern Uganda using cross-sectional data. The study surveyed 240 pig farmers randomly selected and used descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier analysis to examine the data collected. Results revealed that age, access to credit, household size, education level, years of pig farming experience management system, and access to extension services were the key determinants of technical efficiency in the farrow to finish pig production system. Technical efficiency in the farrow to weaner pig production system was influenced by household size, level of education, access to credit, access to extension services, and management system. In the weaner-to-slaughter pig production system, determinants of technical efficiency included age, household size, access to credit, access to extension services, and breed of pigs. The study recommends that policies that would ensure sufficient access to credit by pig producers should be enacted to enhance production. Pig producers should be urged to wisely use credit received for the expansion of their pig farms rather than for other uses. Further, extension services tailored to pig production systems should be made available to pig farmers to enhance output and technical efficiency and to bridge the information gap between research institutes and the farmers.