Farmers' perception of the relevance of agricultural technologies under Plan for Modernization of Agriculture in Uganda

Abstract

This paper investigates the farmers' awareness and perception of the relevance of agricultural technologies under the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA). A survey was conducted between July and October 2003 in the parishes of Katuugo, Kyelindula and Kakooge of Kakooge Sub-county, Nakasongola district. Using a two-stage random sampling technique, 120 farmers were selected and interviewed. A structured questionnaire was administered to them to elicit information on their awareness and perception of the relevance of agricultural technologies. Data analysis was done using a statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS ver. 11.0) and simple descriptive and inferential statistics were run. The results showed that there was high level of awareness among farmers of agricultural technologies: improved agroforestry fallow (92%), variety of simsim (85%), and poultry livestock management (80%). There was a significant relationship between farmers' awareness and their perception of the relevance of livestock technologies (r = 0.42, P < 0.05), improved crop varieties (r = 0.44, P < 0.05) and agroforestry technologies (r = 0.58, P < 0.05). However, the correlation between awareness and relevance of soil and water conservation technologies (r = 0.02, P > 0.05) was low and not significant. It was concluded that farmer education especially through a rejuvenated agricultural extension system was one way of improving the awareness and perception of the relevance of agricultural technologies in Uganda.