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DRIVERS OF BORROWING DECSIONS AND CHOICE OF SOURCE OF CREDIT AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NORTHERN UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2025) OCEN JASPER
Access to credit plays a critical role in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by enabling them to invest in agricultural inputs, expand production, and enhance food security. However,smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda continue to face challenges in accessing agricultural credit due to socio-economic and institutional barriers. This study examined the influence of socio-economic factors and credit attributes on borrowing decisions and choice of agricultural credit source among
smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 223 smallholder farmers in Amuru and Nwoya districts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and multinomial logit regression models. The study findings revealed that 65% of the farmers had borrowed credit. Additionally, borrowing decisions were significantly influenced by the sex of household head, one-off repayment schedule, collateral requirement, number of farm labourers, credit approval history, marital status, and interaction between sex of household head and interest amount. Furthermore, the choice of credit source was significantly
influenced by sex of household head, credit approval history, interest amount, collateral requirement, credit amount, and participation of female spouse in credit application. Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) were the most common source of borrowing, followed by microfinance institutions. The study concludes that both socio-economic factors and credit attributes jointly determine smallholder farmers’ borrowing decisions and their choice of credit sources. Enhancing access to agricultural credit therefore requires addressing gender disparities, reducing collateral constraints, and aligning repayment schedules with agricultural income cycles. The study recommends that financial institutions should develop gender-sensitive and farmer-friendly credit products, including flexible repayment schedules and group-based collateral systems. Government and
development partners should strengthen financial literacy and promote inclusive agricultural credit policies to ensure equitable access to credit among smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda.
ANALYSIS OF COFFEE VALUE CHAIN UPGRADING OPPORTUNITIES IN ZOMBO AND NEBBI DISTRICTS, UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2025) ORACH OCHAYA VINCENT
The coffee value chain in the Zombo and Nebbi districts of Uganda faces significant socioeconomic challenges that impact the productivity and economic status of smallholder coffee farmers. This study set out to analyze coffee value chain upgrading opportunities in these districts. Specifically, the study characterized smallholder coffee farmers, determined the extent of value chain upgrading, and examined factors affecting upgrading choices. A cross-sectional study design was employed to obtain responses from 288 smallholder coffee farmers. Descriptive statistics was used to characterize smallholder coffee farmers and to determine the extent of value chain upgrading among smallholder coffee farmers and probit regression was used to examine the factors affecting value chain upgrading choice among smallholder coffee farmers. Study findings revealed
male dominance in coffee farming, low educational attainment among farmers, and heavy reliance on agriculture for livelihoods. The study also highlights limited access to market information and credit, which impedes farmers' ability to scale operations and invest in necessary inputs. The results indicate that while most farmers are engaged in the initial stages of value chain upgrading, such as producing red cherries and parchment coffee, there is a significant drop in involvement beyond these stages. Factors such as farm size, access to extension services, and market information positively influence upgrading, whereas poverty and high costs pose significant barriers. The study recommends that there is a need for targeted interventions to improve access to affordable credit, extension services, and market information.
GENDER PARTICIPATION IN THE FISH VALUE CHAIN IN AMOLATAR DISTRICT
(Gulu University, 2025) LAKER VIOLA
ABSTRACT
This study was set out to contribute to an understanding of gender participation in the fish value chain in Amolatar District. Specifically, the study assessed the relationship between socioeconomic factors and gendered participation in the fish value chain, determined the drivers of value shares earned at the various nodes of the fish value chain and determined the factors influencing vertical integration in the fish value chain. Using a cross-sectional survey of 355 randomly selected fish value chain actors. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Tobit regression model and Multinomial regression. Findings revealed that value shares earned at the various nodes of the fish value chain was driven by sex of household head, participation of boys, participation of male spouse, participation of HH member in fish processing, dealing in tilapia, dealing in Nile perch, dealing in silver fish, quantity of fish sold, access to buyer information, distance to market, group membership and education. Vertical integration was influenced by sex of household head, dealing in silver fish, dealing in Nile perch, fish price, tax costs, transport costs, engagement in other farming activities, engagement in trading activities, distance to market and group membership. This study recommends diversification and inclusion in decision-making, strengthening support for value addition, market access, promoting group formation, and strengthening institutional support for value chain actors to overcome barriers to upgrading and enhance the overall efficiency of the fish value chain.
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SELECTED GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG PIGS IN LAMWO DISTRICT, UGANDA
(Gulu University, 2025) AVUDRAGA STANELY
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasitic infections (GPI) in pigs significantly reduce health and productivity, especially in smallholder systems. In Lamwo District, Uganda, data on GPI prevalence and risk factors are limited, hindering effective control efforts. In 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted across six sub-counties in Lamwo District. A total of 266 pigs from 178 households were sampled. Fecal samples were analyzed using Faecal Sedimentation and Modified McMaster techniques to detect parasite eggs and oocysts. Data on household demographics, pig husbandry, water sources, sanitation, and environmental conditions were collected through structured questionnaires and observations. Statistical analyses including Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed in R (version 4.4.1) to determine prevalence and identify risk factors at a 5% significance level. Seven gastrointestinal parasites species were identified. Strongyles were most prevalent (67.7%–80.4%), followed by Fasciola spp. (21.8%) and Coccidia spp. (9.3%–19.9%). Overall GPI prevalence was 74.1%, highest in Paloga Sub- County (13.9%) and lowest in Palabek Kal Town Council (10.2%). Key risk factors included feeding raw swill (AOR = 3.37–4.35; p < 0.02), free-ranging husbandry AOR = 1.82; p = 0.0226), and exposure to human feces from open defecation (AOR = 0.87–2.48; p < 0.03). Local breeds were more affected than exotic or crossbreds. Access to piped or mixed water reduced infection risk. Land-use intensity also influenced infection (OR = 0.41; p
= 0.0003). Correlation analysis showed moderate positive associations between GPI and both demographic (r = 0.60; p = 0.005) and husbandry factors (r = 0.53; p = 0.000). This study confirms a high burden of GPI in pigs in Lamwo District and highlights the critical role of poor husbandry, hygiene, and environmental factors in parasite transmission. Integrated, community-based control strategies including improved hygiene, better husbandry, farmer education, and veterinary interventions are essential to enhance pig health, boost productivity,and reduce zoonotic risks to local communities.
EFFECT OF RANGELAND USE ON HERBACEOUS SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY OF NATURAL PASTURES IN PADER DISTRICT
(Gulu University, 2025) WAISWA CALEB
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the diversity of herbaceous pastures under different grazing and burning intensities, and herders’ perceptions of pasture composition and utility value in Aswa Ranch, Pader district.
Data were collected through a cross-sectional vegetation survey between November and December 2022 using 1m x 1 m quadrats along transects placed in areas with different grazing and burning intensities. Diversity was assessed using indices such as richness (S), Shannon-Wiener (H’), Gini-Simpson (G), and Importance Value Index (IVI). Focus group discussions were also conducted to record local ecological knowledge and perceptions. IVI analysis revealed Hyparrhenia species and Digitaria abyssinica as dominant in minimally grazed plots and Brachiaria decumbens, Sporobolus pyramidalis, Paspalum spp., and Cenchrus ciliaris as dominant in regularly grazed areas. Herders similarly identified Hyparrhenia spp., Brachiaria decumbens, Imperata cylindrica, Panicum maximum, Sporobolus pyramidalis, and Cynodon dactylon as abundant, but highlighted Sporobolus pyramidalis and Cymbopogon afronardus as undesirable for livestock production. Minimally grazed areas had higher Shannon-Weiner, species richness, evenness and Gini-index values. In contrast, regular burning was associated with higher species diversity. Generally, Aswa Main was more diverse than Aswa Zebu. Herdsmen's perceptions revealed high grazing intensity, indiscriminate bush burning, proximity of kraals and animal watering areas as factors affecting pasture composition. While the general state of the
pastures was considered favourable for livestock production by the herdsmen, pastures are experiencing a downward trend in pasture quality, as depicted by the increasing trend of
undesirable species such as Sporobolus pyramidalis and Cymbopogon afronadus, especially in the overgrazed areas. Therefore, to ensure a more uniform distribution of palatable species across the grazing areas, the ranch management should adopt an incremental restoration strategy involving phased oversowing combined with rest periods and proper rotational grazing management to facilitate natural pasture regeneration and increase species richness and evenness. They should also incorporate legume species as part of the restoration strategy to improve the nutritive value of pastures.