Effects of Agroecological Intensification Practices Training on Smallholder Maize and Bean Productivity in Uganda

Abstract

Smallholder agriculture in Uganda faces pressures from land scarcity and soil degradation, threatening food security. Agroecological Intensification (AEI) offers sustainable solutions, but adoption remains low. This study assessed the application of AEI practices and their influence on maize and beans productivity among smallholder farmers in Kamuli district, Uganda, following a promotional intervention conducted between October 2022 and April 2024. The study entailed a quasi-experimental design involving baseline (October 2022) and endline (April 2024) surveys with 100 farmers selected via two-stage sampling. The intervention, which included farmer training and demonstration plots focused on AEI practices, was implemented between surveys. Data on socio-demographics, AEI practice frequency, perceived constraints, and crop yields (maize, beans) were collected. Statistical analyses using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)-25 included descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression to establish factors influencing log-transformed yield and Land Equivalence Ratio (LER) for beans (n=92) and maize (n=78). Significant increases (p<0.05) occurred in the 'usual' application of organic waste recycling, erosion control, and water harvesting from baseline to endline, while intercropping significantly decreased. Farmers reported reduced severity of agroecological constraints between the baseline and endline. Regression of productivity (yield/LER) on other factors for beans (n=92) production showed positive associations (p<0.05) with manure use, mixed farming, education, and being a full-time farmer, and negative associations with intercropping and household size. For maize, regression of productivity (yield/LER) on other factors (n=78) indicated positive associations with water harvesting and constraint frequencies, but power (51%) was insufficient for reliable conclusions. Promotion of AEI practices over a period of nearly 1.5 years resulted in increased uptake of several AEI practices and lessened perceived ecological constraints. This, however, did not lead to significant (P>0.05) overall yield gains or LER for maize and beans within the intervention time frame. Specific practices were significantly associated with improved beans productivity. Results on maize require cautious interpretation due to inadequate statistical power. Promoting practices with demonstrated positive associations (like manure for beans) is recommended, alongside integrated support addressing socio-economic constraints. Key words: Agroecology, Extension Services, Production Constraints, Sustainable Agriculture, Uganda