An investigation on the effect of improved production systems on the yield of common beans among small scale farmers in Uganda

Abstract

Common beans are vital for food security and livelihoods of Ugandan small-scale farmers. However, the effect of improved production systems on the yield of common beans remains under studied. This study, therefore aimed to investigate the effect of improved production systems on the yield of common beans among small scale farmers in Uganda. Data was analyzed from 4,386 Ugandan common bean farmers collected through the Uganda National Panel Surveys (UNPS) in 2015/16, 2018/19, and 2019/20. Descriptive statistics characterized the farmers, and Pearson rank correlation identified potential factors influencing the yield of common beans. Finally, a random effects linear regression model was fitted to examine the effect of improved production systems on the yield of common beans among small scale farmers in Uganda at a 5% level of significance. The overall average yield of common beans was approximately 926 kgs/acre with a 95% CI of (909.34, 941.72). In 2015/2016, the average yield was 939 kgs/acre, 904 kgs/acre in 2018/2019, and 934 kgs/acre in 2019/2020. A random effects linear regression model identified significant positive associations between yield of common beans and the application rates of organic fertilizer used (kgs/acre) (Coeff = 0.002, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.031), application rates of inorganic fertilizer used (kgs/acre) (Coeff = 0.003; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.025), farmer’s age (Coeff = 0.004; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.017), farmers’ education status specifically educated (Coeff = 0.098; 95% CI: 0.009, 0.187), and crop area (acres) (Coeff = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.008, 0.012). Conversely, farmers from the Eastern (Coeff = -0.281; 95% CI: -0.400, -0.161), Northern (Coeff = -1.235; 95% CI: -1.365, -1.105), and Western regions of Uganda (Coeff = -1.679; 95% CI: -1.763, -1.595) had significantly lower yields compared to those in the Central region. The results indicate that the productivity of common beans in Uganda has improved but remains low. These findings suggest that promoting organic or inorganic fertilizer use, increasing land allocation for beans, and potentially tailoring extension services based on farmer experience could be effective strategies to improve overall bean production in Uganda. Additionally, tailoring interventions and support programs to address specific regional challenges faced by these farmers may lead to more sustainable agricultural practices that will improve the yields of common beans.