Demo Collection

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http://10.29.1.53:4000/handle/10570/1869
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Browsing Demo Collection by Subject "Agriculture"
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    Capacity for sustaining agricultural innovation platforms in Rwanda: A case study of " Research into use" project
    (Makerere University, 2011-06) Dusengemungu, Leonidas
    Research Into Use (RIU), is a DFID funded project (2006-2011), aiming at strengthening capacities for uptake of agricultural innovations by end-users through Innovation Platforms (IPs). In Rwanda, RIU IPs are focusing on maize, cassava, potato and farmers associations respectively in Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Gicumbi and Karongi districts. The funding is coming to an end whereas capacity building is vital to sustain these platforms beyond the project duration. This study was designed to establish the contextual factors, institutional arrangements, incentives and competences required for effective functioning and sustainability of agricultural IPs in Rwanda. Based on relevant literature review, the methodology used included focus group discussions,individual interviews, observations and capacity needs scoring by IPs actors. Results indicate the success of RIU in establishing the four agricultural innovation platforms and strengthening social networks between various actors (farmers, cooperatives, local leaders, NGOs, etc.). Contextual factors conducive to agricultural IPs development include local resources, local actors and hard work. Institutional arrangements identified comprise the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and the collective action plans elaborated by the IPs actors with RIU support. The RIU incentives portfolio includes trainings, improved seeds, inorganic fertilizers, equipments and study tours. The competences needed by various actors vary from a category of actors to another in relation to their functions. Most of them were with respect to crop management techniques, post-harvest technology, seed system, skills in machinery, knowledge on agriculture lows and business plan. The lessons learnt allow concluding that RIU should continue scaling up IPs in Africa or elsewhere in spite the challenges faced. The results will be used by DFID, RIU managers, the Ministry of Agriculture and rural development agencies.
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    Producer preferences for attributes of maize and sorghum in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2011-12) Ajambo, Racheal
    Maize and sorghum are important staple cereal crops in Uganda and Africa as a whole. This study was conducted to examine producer preferences for maize and sorghum attributes in Uganda, with the aim of informing their breeding programs. The empirical work employed the hedonic price model. A number of productive attributes (plant height, plant cycle length, pest and disease resistance and drought tolerance) and two consumptive attributes, grain size and grain colour, were considered in the analysis. In addition, an array of household socioeconomic characteristics was also included in the analysis. The data for the study were collected from the four districts of Masindi, Iganga, Soroti and Pallisa. A total of 325 observations from Masindi and Iganga for maize and a total of 326 observations from Soroti and Pallisa for sorghum were collected in a survey of farmers. The results of the study indicated that; maize producers were willing to pay a price premium for short plant height and increased yield, while they discounted plant cycle length, grain size and white grain colour. Drought tolerance and pest and disease resistance had little influence on the price farmers were willing to pay for maize seed. On the other hand, sorghum producers were willing to pay a price premium for short to medium plant cycle length and small grain size, while they discounted red- kernelled grain. High drought tolerance, plant height and medium grain size had little influence on the price farmers were willing to pay for sorghum seed.