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ItemSocial networks as a mechanism for information diffusion among smallholder common bean farmers in Isingiro District(Makerere University, 2025)Social networks, both physical and virtual, play a key role in spreading agricultural innovations by connecting farmers to information, resources, and peers. However, the relationship between physical and virtual networks remains understudied. This study explored the structure and function of both physical and virtual networks in the diffusion of agricultural information among common bean farmers from Masha and Nyamuyanja sub-counties in Isingiro District, Uganda. A sequential mixed-methods research design employing a survey of 396 common bean farmers, 8 focus group discussions, 12 in-depth interviews, and 6 key informant interviews was used. Results showed that physical social networks were the most used because of the high level of trust among farmers, and the hands-on and demonstration-based learning they supported. Most farmers reported that most of the agricultural information received came from community members, farmer groups, and extension agents. Extension agents act as bridging links by connecting formal institutions like CIAT with local farmer networks. The extension agents provided technical knowledge to organized groups, which then shared it further through peer interactions. Conversely, Virtual networks, especially WhatsApp groups, served as top-down communication platforms. These were started by CIAT and later supported by DRDIP and local extension agents. While helpful, their reach was limited by barriers such as high data costs, digital illiteracy, and limited smartphone access. Although smartphone ownership was reported by 23.3% of the farmers, usage for agricultural information remained limited due to cost, lack of digital skills, and access issues. However, further analysis indicates that COVID-19 led to a notable increase in adoption and use of virtual spaces for sharing information. The structural differences between physical face-to-face and virtual online networks greatly influenced how information was accessed and exchanged. The physical network was characterized by subgroups formed based on geographical location, which sometimes disrupted information flow, while virtual online networks tended to have fewer connections. Group membership, phone ownership, years in school, and leadership, had an association with the type of social network used. Additionally, the number of connections was significantly associated with leadership (p=0.000), use of social networks for information diffusion (p=0.000), gender, household size, years of growing beans (p=0.039) and distance to the produce market (p=0.028). Practitioners and policymakers should therefore focus on strengthening the link between physical and virtual networks by increasing access to affordable technology and ensuring virtual channels support rather than replace the personal relationships and trust that are essential for learning in face-to-face networks.
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ItemSocial value of the welfare benefits and potential demand for improved fecal sludge management in urban settlements in Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)Poor fecal sludge management is derailing attaining SDG 6 (ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all) especially in developing countries relying mostly on on-site technologies. Inadequate public funding largely jeopardizes sanitation provision. Households can contribute to sanitation provision because they value its welfare benefits. A contingent valuation study was conducted in Wakiso district on a sample of 308 households to estimate the social value of the welfare benefits of improved sanitation. A random effects probit model used to estimate welfare benefits and simulated to determine uptake rate of improved sanitation under different policy scenarios. Findings show that the social value of the welfare benefits was UGX 1.7 billion (USD 469,850) per month. Uptake rate ranges between 4.4 – 41.6 percent, largely influenced by education, monthly charge and awareness of poor fecal sludge management in the community. We recommend that government agencies mandated to provide sanitation invest more in fecal sludge management (trucks and treatment plants) to bolster sanitation because households can contribute to operational costs. Secondly, the agencies should embark on creating awareness in communities to increase the likelihood of taking up improved fecal sludge management services, which in turn increase the social value of welfare benefits.
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ItemScaling out of research innovations in Cassava seed system in Kamuli, Serere and Kiryandongo Districts of Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)In Uganda Cassava (Manihot esculenta L) is the second most important food crop after Banana (Musa SPP). To increase the cassava yield, efforts have been made and several improved cassava varieties NASEs, TMEs and NAROCASSs have been released through formal processes to increase use by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. Despite the efforts of scaling out the improved cassava varieties to reach desired numbers and populations, scaling remains low. This gap is largely attributed to the limited adoption of improved varieties. The study aimed at to explore the spread of improved cassava seed varieties as research innovations for sustainable seed system in Uganda. Specifically, it sought to (1) Assess determinants of the scaling out improved cassava varieties in selected districts, (2) Examine the roles of actors in promoting scaling out of improved varieties in the cassava seed system, (3) Examine incentive practices used in scaling out research innovations, in the cassava seed system. Research was carried out in Kiryandongo, Serere, and Kamuli districts, which represent three agro-ecological zones mid-western (Bunyoro), eastern (Busoga), and north-eastern (Teso), respectively. A mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted to collect data from target population of 170 households, based on intervention and without intervention areas. Primary data were collected through a cross-sectional survey using Kobo Collect and analyzed in STATA18. Qualitative data from key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were thematically analyzed to provide contextual insights into barriers and perceptions. A one-way ANOVA assessed socio-demographic differences among farmers, A multivariate probit model examined the determinants of scaling out of improved seed varieties. While Multinomial logit model was used to understand seed system performance. The distribution of actors and their roles, applied multivariate techniques within Social Network Analysis (SNA) to analyse the formation and structure of seed actors and to identify key actors in seed system. Findings revealed a significant spread of NAROCAS1 and NASE14 even in areas without formal interventions, 85.7% formal, 60% of informal, and 86.4% integrated seed systems with a very thin line between these seed system. Key determinants in the cassava seed system included education level, age, and household size, all statistically significant in both intervention and non-intervention areas (*** p<0.01, ** p<0.05, * p<0.1). NARO experts were identified as key actors, involved in formal seed system across intervention and without intervention areas 50.5% and 52.2%, respectively, alongside private companies (11.2% and 10.5% respectively, both with significance at p < 0.1. Training support was primarily attributed to model farmers (34.8%) and research institutions (47.8%), demonstration plots (52%), radio programs (17%), and noted they are key incentives. In conclusion, while NASE14 and NAROCASS1 demonstrate strong potential to scaling out and well spread in study areas. Major barriers include inadequate financial incentives. Mapping the presence of these varieties and strengthening public-private partnerships with financial incentive mechanisms are essential for large scaling of improved varieties like NASE14 and NAROCAS1 in Uganda.
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ItemCharacterizing purple-fleshed sweet potato genotypes in Uganda for environmental stability of anthocyanin yield and texture profiles(Makerere University, 2025)Purple-fleshed sweetpotato (PFSP) is gaining global attention due to its high anthocyanin content and associated health benefits. Despite its potential, no PFSP variety has been released in Uganda, where sweetpotato is a key food security crop. To accelerate PFSP cultivar development that meets the evolving preferences of farmers and consumers, we characterized 22 PFSP genotypes derived from a polycross population alongside two local checks. The study aimed to identify genotypes with superior anthocyanin yield, environmental stability, and consumer-relevant texture profiles. Field trials were conducted across four diverse agro-ecological zones in Uganda using a Resolvable Row-Column Design, with three replications per site. Storage roots were harvested at four months and assessed for biochemical traits—Anthocyanin Content (AC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and Total Phenolic Content (TPC)—as well as biophysical textural traits using a Texture Profile Analyzer. Significant genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interaction effects (p ≤ 0.001) were observed for all biochemical and textural traits. AC ranged from 0 to 160.3 mg/100g fresh weight (FW), TPC from 185.2 to 263.7 mg GAE/100g FW, and TFC from 10.8 to 23.2 mg QE/g FW. AMMI analysis revealed that genotype and interaction effects significantly influenced trait expression, with IPCA1 highly significant for all traits. Textural analyses identified five genotypes with high hardness and chewiness values, traits suitable for breeding mealy, firm-fleshed varieties preferred by most consumers. On the contrary, eight genotypes showed soft, less chewy textures desirable in juice and pastry industries. These findings highlight the genetic variability and adaptability of PFSP genotypes in Uganda. This work provided vital initial steps towards releasing nutritionally improved and consumer-accepted PFSP cultivars. The integration of anthocyanin yield, environmental resilience, and targeted textural attributes supports the development of superior sweetpotato varieties aligned with market demand, health needs, and farmer acceptance Keywords: Sweet potato genotypes
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ItemPerformance of selected summer flower species under protected and open field cultivation in Uganda: an adaptability study.(Makerere University, 2025)The value of Uganda’s flower industry is currently estimated to be only about 10% of Kenya’s export value. This is attributed to poor quality products, narrow product range as well as failure to adopt the changes in the market. The market is currently shifting from single species to mixed flower species bouquets. For Uganda to remain competitive, the industry needs to diversify its product range to include species that can be grown by smallholder growers in open fields. However, before any new species can be introduced for adoption by farmers, there is need for adaptability studies to determine the suitability of these species to local conditions. This study evaluated the performance of 12 summer flower species under protected (greenhouse) and open field cultivation in the Lake Victoria basin which is the main flower growing region in Uganda. The objective of the study was to determine growth, development, yield and quality; pest and diseases and their severity; and effects of preharvest parameters on quality of selected summer flower species under protected and open field cultivation. The experiment conducted at Makerere University agricultural research institute (MUARIK) using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance was performed to assess growth, development, yield and quality, descriptive, ordinal logistic regression was performed for pest and diseases severity, and Pearson's correlations and path analysis were applied to identify the determinants of quality summer flowers. The results showed that shoot length and head length were longer, shoot diameter was smaller in the protected cultivation than the open field. Pest (aphids, caterpillars, thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies) and diseases (Botrytis, Fusarium wilt, and powdery mildew) severity was higher under protected than open field cultivation. Spray branches had positive relationships (r = 0.53) and direct effect (β = 0.37) on quality and shoot numbers had negative correlations with shoot length (r = -0.48). Fusarium wilt on the other hand showed negative correlations with shoot diameter (r = -0.46) and weight (r = -0.46). the effect of the day and night time temperature and temperature differential (DIF) on quality varied across the summer flower species. In conclusion, the studied summer flowers can be produced under protected cultivation in Uganda, pests and diseases of summer flowers were higher in the greenhouse than in the open field in the open field which indicate the need for the need for integrated pest and disease management. Key determinants of flower quality included temperature, spray branch count, leaf, and internode number, and severity of pests and diseases. The findings of the study will aid in the adaptation and consequently the growth of a unique niche in the flower industry in Uganda.