International Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2024
The ability of a collective marketing arrangement to market smallholder produce
comes from the un... more The ability of a collective marketing arrangement to market smallholder produce comes from the unity and attributes of its members. This study determined the influence of trust and commitment of smallholder rice farmers on the collective marketing outcomes of collective marketing organizations of mid-western Uganda. A cross-section design, involving two surveys was used to obtain data from 361 smallholder rice farmers, who subscribed to farmer groups and associations that promoted collective bulking, storage and marketing of rice. The first survey captured farmers’ perceptions of trust (integrity, benevolence and propensity) and commitment (affective, continuance and normative) while the second estimated farmers’ participation in collective marketing and the intensity with which those who participated marketed their rice collectively. Using Double-Hurdle regression, this study showed the main drivers of participation in collective marketing to be integrity (β= 0.11; P<0.05) and benevolence (β= -0.13; P<0.05) in the domain of trust. Farmers who subscribed to farmer associations were also more likely to participate in collective marketing than counterparts subscribing to farmer groups (β= 0.64; P<0.001). Trust and commitment influenced the intensity of collective marketing. Particularly, farmers with higher integrity trust (β= 0.16; P<0.001) and propensity trust (β= 0.15; P<0.001), and affective commitment (β= 0.13; P<0.05) and continuance commitment (β= 0.12; P<0.05) collectively marketed more rice volumes. The revelation that members’ trust, commitment and being subscribed to farmer associations attract more participation higher volumes of rice marketed collectively means that higher-level forms of organizations enhance trust and commitment towards collective marketing. Extension agents and policymakers should promote higher forms of farmer organizations that enhance the trust and commitment of members to their collective marketing arrangements.
International Journal of Training and Development, 2021
Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small... more Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small-scale farmers' fields. This result hinges on farmers transferring the training to their fields.However, the factors that determine the subsequent transfer of training including those with mediating effects are not fully known. A study was conducted to assess the mediating role of perceived content validity on the association of farmers' motivation to implement acquired knowledge with actual training transfer outcomes from a random sample of 603 Ugandan farmers who had received four agricultural related trainings.Using Structural Equation Modelling, results indicated intrinsic motivation (β=0.246;t=2.991;p<0.05)and perceived content validity (β=0.325;t= 2.693;p<0.05) to strongly influence training transfer. Intrinsic motivation predicted up to 45% of variance in farmers' perceptions about training design suitability. Perceived content validity mediated the relationship between intrinsic motivations to implement acquired knowledge and training transfer. In order to improve the transfer of learnt knowledge among smallholder farmers, trainers need to pay attention to pre-training efforts, such as adopting a criterion of assessment checklist for identifying highly motivated trainees, as mechanisms for obtaining internally motivated training participants.
Journal of Agricultural Research, Development, Extension and Technology, 2022
This study sought to assess the extent by which students acquired crop and livestock husbandry pr... more This study sought to assess the extent by which students acquired crop and livestock husbandry practical skills under Gulu University's field attachment experiential learning program. Cross-sectional survey data gathered from 140 randomly selected alumni of the University's Faculty of Agriculture and Environment (FAE) field attachment program were analyzed using 2-tailed paired t-test. Results indicate improved competences in livestock husbandry from contemplation to preparation level as follows: fish farming and management (MD=0.63, p ≤ 0.001), animal nutrition (MD=0.85, p ≤ 0.001), fodder storage and management (MD=0.66, p ≤ 0.001), and general animal breeding (MD=0.69, p ≤ 0.001). In addition, the results indicate significant improvements in students' competences from preparation to action level in crop husbandry-related tasks: soil, disease and pest management (MD = 0.88, p ≤ 0.001), record keeping and farm tools storage (MD =1.02, p ≤ 0.001), nursery and seedbed operations (MD=1.00, p ≤ 0.001), and post-harvest and marketing (MD=0.86, p ≤ 0.001). Overall, students were found to have comparably attained higher competence levels in crop enterprise-related practical skills after the field attachment program than in livestock practices. It is concluded that the field attachment strategy for university students enhances practical skill competences and its utility in improving employable crop husbandry students' competences prior to graduation, recommended. Further, the difference in animal and crop competence acquisition points to the need to search for enterprise-based predictors of gains in students' skills from outreach programs.
This book proposes a generic commercialization framework with its parts labeled as sub processes ... more This book proposes a generic commercialization framework with its parts labeled as sub processes rather than phases and further grouped into internal and external. Internal sub processes include suppliers, production, marketing, ongoing RD utility, price, cost, idea screening rigor and market potential. Every sub process takes utility to next stage and is paid in return a price. The processes that create utility consume costs. In cases, of iteration, sub processes interchange utility and price positions before net utility for the next stage is created. The framework shows four threats to the commercializing entity – forward integration, backward integration, imitation, and protectionism.
This research focuses on the public access to information and communication landscapes in 24 coun... more This research focuses on the public access to information and communication landscapes in 24 countries, with specific focus on public libraries, to understand the information needs of underserved communities, public access to information and communication venues, and the role of ICT. Through field research in 24 countries conducted by local research partners, and cross-country comparative analyses based on common research design elements (see list of countries and research design overview in Appendix), the project aims to contribute to the knowledge in the field of information and ICT for development. Of particular interest and value are: the comparative look at key venues (libraries and other), and the mix of depth of in-country knowledge with breadth of global comparison to elicit success factors and scenarios to understand how diverse populations can and do access and use ICT to improve their lives. All outputs of this research will be broadly disseminated to interested stakehold...
International Journal of Training and Development, 2021
Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small... more Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small-scale farmers&#39; fields.
This study examined the role of social-cognitive factors in farmers’ decisions to cultivate orang... more This study examined the role of social-cognitive factors in farmers’ decisions to cultivate orange-fleshed sweetpotato as a food-based approach to alleviating vitamin A deficiency among rural households in Uganda. Cross-sectional survey data collected from 341 randomly selected household level decision-makers drawn from two rural districts in Uganda were analysed using hierarchical regression. Perceived capability and perceived social approval significantly predicted household decisions to grow orange-fleshed sweet potato (p≤0.001). Overall, decision-makers’ subjective norms and control beliefs were found to be significant mediators (p≤0.01) of the orange-fleshed sweet potato acceptance process. These results point to a cardinal role for processes that create supportive social and cognitive environments in promoting the cultivation of bio-fortified technologies such as orange-fleshed sweet potato.Keywords: Orange-fleshed sweet potato, social approval, Uganda
With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health concern in many developing countries,... more With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health concern in many developing countries, orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) continues to be promoted as a food-based alleviation strategy for the deficiency. It is also noteworthy that while a multiplicity of studies have determined that consumers tend to be inclined to pay for OFSP, limited attention has been paid to household level social-cognitive mechanisms that drive the OFSP acceptance process. This study sought to enhance understanding of the role of rural smallholder farmers’ socio-cognitive contexts in OFSP acceptance in Uganda. It specifically aimed to: (i) determine whether farmers’ beliefs about sweetpotato varieties influence OFSP cultivation; (ii) assess the extent to which perceptions of health risk correspond to OFSP cultivation and; (iii) determine whether farmers’ perceived control over production assets and peer approval influence OFSP cultivation. The research was conducted in two Ugandan rural sub-counties that had participated in an NGO sponsored, nation-wide OFSP delivery program for three contiguous years. A multimethods approach involving a survey of farmers’ perceptions of OFSP cultivation, and in-depth key informant interviews were used to collect data about sweetpotato producers. The ANOVA showed that farmers at the various stages of the OFSP cultivation process differed in the belief sets they held. Additionally, sustained OFSP cultivation was positively influenced by social pressure and farmers’ valuation of their capability to cultivate OFSP relative to WFSP (Adj.R2 = .189, p ≤ .001) and health-related risk (Adj.R2 =.102, p ≤ .001). Through compliance and conformity, farmers created a cycle of low cultivation intensity that led to limited access to vines, and the attendant cultivation defections. This study points to a cardinal role for processes that create supportive social and cognitive environments for the acceptance of bio-fortified technologies such as the orange-fleshed sweetpotato.
This study aimed to create a quail commercialization framework for Uganda.
A generic commerciali... more This study aimed to create a quail commercialization framework for Uganda.
A generic commercialization framework was established in chapter eight based on
innovation and commercialization literature. This was subsequently specified to
quail commercialization in chapter ten, based on industrial case study review.
The underlying force for the generic and quail specific commercialization
framework was found to be price, cost and utility. The three, when combined form –
a strategic move, which defines the competitive position of the commercializing
entity. Five barriers and accelerators, were identified, these include utility, price,
cost, idea screening rigor and market potential. Similarly, the framework shows
four types of threats to the commercializing entity – these include; forward
integration, backward integration, imitation, and protectionism.
The study also found out that quail costs varied significantly when imported
eggs are used for incubation as compared with cases when eggs from local flocks are
used. Deep litter brooding system was also found to offer significant brooding
advantage over wire floor brooding system. The study revealed that the critical cost
drivers in quail rearing are hatchability, egg laying efficiency and feed quality.
The study revealed that quail eggs have gained commercial marketability,
while other products have not gained market acceptance. Egg acceptance is largely
based on the eggs’ utility in medical therapy and skimming pricing is used, to price
them. The study revealed that the three supportive institutions to agriculture;
research, education and extension are not currently engaged in any quail support
activities. The study recommends for government, donor and support institutional
support for nationwide quail breeding, education, research and extension programs.
International Journal of Training and Development, 2021
Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small... more Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small-scale farmers' fields.
Journal of Agricultural Research, Development, Extension and Technology, 2021
With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health challenge for developing countries, t... more With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health challenge for developing countries, the need for successful orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) delivery campaigns to fight the deficiency remains relevant. However, despite decades of OFSP delivery efforts in Uganda, OFSP acceptance is still low. This study examined the role of network effect (Metcalfe’s Law) on OFSP cultivation behavior among rural households in Uganda using a mixed methods design. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey data of 341 randomly selected farmers drawn from two rural districts in Uganda and an interview with a subsample of 42 farmers. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis where network effect concepts were used as data organizing themes. The study revealed OFSP acceptance to be associated with self-reinforcing socially-oriented factors espoused in network effect tradition. Specifically, mutual observation regarding OFSP agriculture resulted in low OFSP cultivation intensity, thereby making access to vines difficult, slowing experienced gratification of OFSP qualities and the attendant cultivation defections over time. The result has curtailed OFSP acceptance at community level, leading to the conclusion that network effects moderate farmers’ decisions to switch from cultivating white-fleshed sweetpotato (WFSP) to OFSP. We recommend the adaption of delivery strategies used in telecommunication innovations in delivery efforts of innovations such as OFSP, in order to nurture self-driven acceptance trajectories of these nutrient rich crops.
The competences of rural development practitioners (RDPs) are a major issue in recent days. Many ... more The competences of rural development practitioners (RDPs) are a major issue in recent days. Many academics argue that social competences should be added to the technical competences, already possessed by RDPs, in order for them to remain effective. This essay looks at the types of social competences that RDPs need and how mediated fieldwork can help RDPs in-training to acquire these competences with overlooked stakeholders. The essay is based on the writer’s actual fieldwork exposure and mediated fieldwork experience at PhD training.
This study examined the role of social-cognitive factors in farmers' decisions to cultivate orang... more This study examined the role of social-cognitive factors in farmers' decisions to cultivate orange-fleshed sweetpotato as a food-based approach to alleviating vitamin A deficiency among rural households in Uganda. Cross-sectional survey data collected from 341 randomly selected household level decision-makers drawn from two rural districts in Uganda were analysed using hierarchical regression. Perceived capability and perceived social approval significantly predicted household decisions to grow orange-fleshed sweet potato (p≤0.001). Overall, decision-makers' subjective norms and control beliefs were found to be significant mediators (p≤0.01) of the orange-fleshed sweet potato acceptance process. These results point to a cardinal role for processes that create supportive social and cognitive environments in promoting the cultivation of bio-fortified technologies such as orange-fleshed sweet potato.
The paper is based on the findings of Public access study conducted in Uganda as part of the broa... more The paper is based on the findings of Public access study conducted in Uganda as part of the broader study in 24 countries. It summarizes the methodology of the research, bringing out key findings with success factors and recommendations. It describes the country overview detailing its geography, political and geographic divisions, and demographic factors providing conclusions on the effects of each on Public Access. It provides a broader shape of the Public Access venues and centres in the country before focusing on the three main venues that target disadvantaged societies. It strategically examines Public Access venues from three angles; access, capacity and environment, which formed the framework of the study. The venues assessed include; community libraries, public libraries and multipurpose Community telecentre. The paper provides key recommendations, strategic areas for investment and direction for future research. It also highlights perceptions and changing media landscape especially with the introduction of ICTs.
International Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2024
The ability of a collective marketing arrangement to market smallholder produce
comes from the un... more The ability of a collective marketing arrangement to market smallholder produce comes from the unity and attributes of its members. This study determined the influence of trust and commitment of smallholder rice farmers on the collective marketing outcomes of collective marketing organizations of mid-western Uganda. A cross-section design, involving two surveys was used to obtain data from 361 smallholder rice farmers, who subscribed to farmer groups and associations that promoted collective bulking, storage and marketing of rice. The first survey captured farmers’ perceptions of trust (integrity, benevolence and propensity) and commitment (affective, continuance and normative) while the second estimated farmers’ participation in collective marketing and the intensity with which those who participated marketed their rice collectively. Using Double-Hurdle regression, this study showed the main drivers of participation in collective marketing to be integrity (β= 0.11; P<0.05) and benevolence (β= -0.13; P<0.05) in the domain of trust. Farmers who subscribed to farmer associations were also more likely to participate in collective marketing than counterparts subscribing to farmer groups (β= 0.64; P<0.001). Trust and commitment influenced the intensity of collective marketing. Particularly, farmers with higher integrity trust (β= 0.16; P<0.001) and propensity trust (β= 0.15; P<0.001), and affective commitment (β= 0.13; P<0.05) and continuance commitment (β= 0.12; P<0.05) collectively marketed more rice volumes. The revelation that members’ trust, commitment and being subscribed to farmer associations attract more participation higher volumes of rice marketed collectively means that higher-level forms of organizations enhance trust and commitment towards collective marketing. Extension agents and policymakers should promote higher forms of farmer organizations that enhance the trust and commitment of members to their collective marketing arrangements.
International Journal of Training and Development, 2021
Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small... more Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small-scale farmers' fields. This result hinges on farmers transferring the training to their fields.However, the factors that determine the subsequent transfer of training including those with mediating effects are not fully known. A study was conducted to assess the mediating role of perceived content validity on the association of farmers' motivation to implement acquired knowledge with actual training transfer outcomes from a random sample of 603 Ugandan farmers who had received four agricultural related trainings.Using Structural Equation Modelling, results indicated intrinsic motivation (β=0.246;t=2.991;p<0.05)and perceived content validity (β=0.325;t= 2.693;p<0.05) to strongly influence training transfer. Intrinsic motivation predicted up to 45% of variance in farmers' perceptions about training design suitability. Perceived content validity mediated the relationship between intrinsic motivations to implement acquired knowledge and training transfer. In order to improve the transfer of learnt knowledge among smallholder farmers, trainers need to pay attention to pre-training efforts, such as adopting a criterion of assessment checklist for identifying highly motivated trainees, as mechanisms for obtaining internally motivated training participants.
Journal of Agricultural Research, Development, Extension and Technology, 2022
This study sought to assess the extent by which students acquired crop and livestock husbandry pr... more This study sought to assess the extent by which students acquired crop and livestock husbandry practical skills under Gulu University's field attachment experiential learning program. Cross-sectional survey data gathered from 140 randomly selected alumni of the University's Faculty of Agriculture and Environment (FAE) field attachment program were analyzed using 2-tailed paired t-test. Results indicate improved competences in livestock husbandry from contemplation to preparation level as follows: fish farming and management (MD=0.63, p ≤ 0.001), animal nutrition (MD=0.85, p ≤ 0.001), fodder storage and management (MD=0.66, p ≤ 0.001), and general animal breeding (MD=0.69, p ≤ 0.001). In addition, the results indicate significant improvements in students' competences from preparation to action level in crop husbandry-related tasks: soil, disease and pest management (MD = 0.88, p ≤ 0.001), record keeping and farm tools storage (MD =1.02, p ≤ 0.001), nursery and seedbed operations (MD=1.00, p ≤ 0.001), and post-harvest and marketing (MD=0.86, p ≤ 0.001). Overall, students were found to have comparably attained higher competence levels in crop enterprise-related practical skills after the field attachment program than in livestock practices. It is concluded that the field attachment strategy for university students enhances practical skill competences and its utility in improving employable crop husbandry students' competences prior to graduation, recommended. Further, the difference in animal and crop competence acquisition points to the need to search for enterprise-based predictors of gains in students' skills from outreach programs.
This book proposes a generic commercialization framework with its parts labeled as sub processes ... more This book proposes a generic commercialization framework with its parts labeled as sub processes rather than phases and further grouped into internal and external. Internal sub processes include suppliers, production, marketing, ongoing RD utility, price, cost, idea screening rigor and market potential. Every sub process takes utility to next stage and is paid in return a price. The processes that create utility consume costs. In cases, of iteration, sub processes interchange utility and price positions before net utility for the next stage is created. The framework shows four threats to the commercializing entity – forward integration, backward integration, imitation, and protectionism.
This research focuses on the public access to information and communication landscapes in 24 coun... more This research focuses on the public access to information and communication landscapes in 24 countries, with specific focus on public libraries, to understand the information needs of underserved communities, public access to information and communication venues, and the role of ICT. Through field research in 24 countries conducted by local research partners, and cross-country comparative analyses based on common research design elements (see list of countries and research design overview in Appendix), the project aims to contribute to the knowledge in the field of information and ICT for development. Of particular interest and value are: the comparative look at key venues (libraries and other), and the mix of depth of in-country knowledge with breadth of global comparison to elicit success factors and scenarios to understand how diverse populations can and do access and use ICT to improve their lives. All outputs of this research will be broadly disseminated to interested stakehold...
International Journal of Training and Development, 2021
Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small... more Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small-scale farmers&#39; fields.
This study examined the role of social-cognitive factors in farmers’ decisions to cultivate orang... more This study examined the role of social-cognitive factors in farmers’ decisions to cultivate orange-fleshed sweetpotato as a food-based approach to alleviating vitamin A deficiency among rural households in Uganda. Cross-sectional survey data collected from 341 randomly selected household level decision-makers drawn from two rural districts in Uganda were analysed using hierarchical regression. Perceived capability and perceived social approval significantly predicted household decisions to grow orange-fleshed sweet potato (p≤0.001). Overall, decision-makers’ subjective norms and control beliefs were found to be significant mediators (p≤0.01) of the orange-fleshed sweet potato acceptance process. These results point to a cardinal role for processes that create supportive social and cognitive environments in promoting the cultivation of bio-fortified technologies such as orange-fleshed sweet potato.Keywords: Orange-fleshed sweet potato, social approval, Uganda
With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health concern in many developing countries,... more With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health concern in many developing countries, orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) continues to be promoted as a food-based alleviation strategy for the deficiency. It is also noteworthy that while a multiplicity of studies have determined that consumers tend to be inclined to pay for OFSP, limited attention has been paid to household level social-cognitive mechanisms that drive the OFSP acceptance process. This study sought to enhance understanding of the role of rural smallholder farmers’ socio-cognitive contexts in OFSP acceptance in Uganda. It specifically aimed to: (i) determine whether farmers’ beliefs about sweetpotato varieties influence OFSP cultivation; (ii) assess the extent to which perceptions of health risk correspond to OFSP cultivation and; (iii) determine whether farmers’ perceived control over production assets and peer approval influence OFSP cultivation. The research was conducted in two Ugandan rural sub-counties that had participated in an NGO sponsored, nation-wide OFSP delivery program for three contiguous years. A multimethods approach involving a survey of farmers’ perceptions of OFSP cultivation, and in-depth key informant interviews were used to collect data about sweetpotato producers. The ANOVA showed that farmers at the various stages of the OFSP cultivation process differed in the belief sets they held. Additionally, sustained OFSP cultivation was positively influenced by social pressure and farmers’ valuation of their capability to cultivate OFSP relative to WFSP (Adj.R2 = .189, p ≤ .001) and health-related risk (Adj.R2 =.102, p ≤ .001). Through compliance and conformity, farmers created a cycle of low cultivation intensity that led to limited access to vines, and the attendant cultivation defections. This study points to a cardinal role for processes that create supportive social and cognitive environments for the acceptance of bio-fortified technologies such as the orange-fleshed sweetpotato.
This study aimed to create a quail commercialization framework for Uganda.
A generic commerciali... more This study aimed to create a quail commercialization framework for Uganda.
A generic commercialization framework was established in chapter eight based on
innovation and commercialization literature. This was subsequently specified to
quail commercialization in chapter ten, based on industrial case study review.
The underlying force for the generic and quail specific commercialization
framework was found to be price, cost and utility. The three, when combined form –
a strategic move, which defines the competitive position of the commercializing
entity. Five barriers and accelerators, were identified, these include utility, price,
cost, idea screening rigor and market potential. Similarly, the framework shows
four types of threats to the commercializing entity – these include; forward
integration, backward integration, imitation, and protectionism.
The study also found out that quail costs varied significantly when imported
eggs are used for incubation as compared with cases when eggs from local flocks are
used. Deep litter brooding system was also found to offer significant brooding
advantage over wire floor brooding system. The study revealed that the critical cost
drivers in quail rearing are hatchability, egg laying efficiency and feed quality.
The study revealed that quail eggs have gained commercial marketability,
while other products have not gained market acceptance. Egg acceptance is largely
based on the eggs’ utility in medical therapy and skimming pricing is used, to price
them. The study revealed that the three supportive institutions to agriculture;
research, education and extension are not currently engaged in any quail support
activities. The study recommends for government, donor and support institutional
support for nationwide quail breeding, education, research and extension programs.
International Journal of Training and Development, 2021
Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small... more Farmer training is a key strategy for building skills that lead to enhanced productivity of small-scale farmers' fields.
Journal of Agricultural Research, Development, Extension and Technology, 2021
With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health challenge for developing countries, t... more With vitamin A deficiency enduring as a major public health challenge for developing countries, the need for successful orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) delivery campaigns to fight the deficiency remains relevant. However, despite decades of OFSP delivery efforts in Uganda, OFSP acceptance is still low. This study examined the role of network effect (Metcalfe’s Law) on OFSP cultivation behavior among rural households in Uganda using a mixed methods design. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey data of 341 randomly selected farmers drawn from two rural districts in Uganda and an interview with a subsample of 42 farmers. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis where network effect concepts were used as data organizing themes. The study revealed OFSP acceptance to be associated with self-reinforcing socially-oriented factors espoused in network effect tradition. Specifically, mutual observation regarding OFSP agriculture resulted in low OFSP cultivation intensity, thereby making access to vines difficult, slowing experienced gratification of OFSP qualities and the attendant cultivation defections over time. The result has curtailed OFSP acceptance at community level, leading to the conclusion that network effects moderate farmers’ decisions to switch from cultivating white-fleshed sweetpotato (WFSP) to OFSP. We recommend the adaption of delivery strategies used in telecommunication innovations in delivery efforts of innovations such as OFSP, in order to nurture self-driven acceptance trajectories of these nutrient rich crops.
The competences of rural development practitioners (RDPs) are a major issue in recent days. Many ... more The competences of rural development practitioners (RDPs) are a major issue in recent days. Many academics argue that social competences should be added to the technical competences, already possessed by RDPs, in order for them to remain effective. This essay looks at the types of social competences that RDPs need and how mediated fieldwork can help RDPs in-training to acquire these competences with overlooked stakeholders. The essay is based on the writer’s actual fieldwork exposure and mediated fieldwork experience at PhD training.
This study examined the role of social-cognitive factors in farmers' decisions to cultivate orang... more This study examined the role of social-cognitive factors in farmers' decisions to cultivate orange-fleshed sweetpotato as a food-based approach to alleviating vitamin A deficiency among rural households in Uganda. Cross-sectional survey data collected from 341 randomly selected household level decision-makers drawn from two rural districts in Uganda were analysed using hierarchical regression. Perceived capability and perceived social approval significantly predicted household decisions to grow orange-fleshed sweet potato (p≤0.001). Overall, decision-makers' subjective norms and control beliefs were found to be significant mediators (p≤0.01) of the orange-fleshed sweet potato acceptance process. These results point to a cardinal role for processes that create supportive social and cognitive environments in promoting the cultivation of bio-fortified technologies such as orange-fleshed sweet potato.
The paper is based on the findings of Public access study conducted in Uganda as part of the broa... more The paper is based on the findings of Public access study conducted in Uganda as part of the broader study in 24 countries. It summarizes the methodology of the research, bringing out key findings with success factors and recommendations. It describes the country overview detailing its geography, political and geographic divisions, and demographic factors providing conclusions on the effects of each on Public Access. It provides a broader shape of the Public Access venues and centres in the country before focusing on the three main venues that target disadvantaged societies. It strategically examines Public Access venues from three angles; access, capacity and environment, which formed the framework of the study. The venues assessed include; community libraries, public libraries and multipurpose Community telecentre. The paper provides key recommendations, strategic areas for investment and direction for future research. It also highlights perceptions and changing media landscape especially with the introduction of ICTs.
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comes from the unity and attributes of its members. This study determined the
influence of trust and commitment of smallholder rice farmers on the collective
marketing outcomes of collective marketing organizations of mid-western Uganda. A
cross-section design, involving two surveys was used to obtain data from 361
smallholder rice farmers, who subscribed to farmer groups and associations that
promoted collective bulking, storage and marketing of rice. The first survey captured
farmers’ perceptions of trust (integrity, benevolence and propensity) and
commitment (affective, continuance and normative) while the second estimated
farmers’ participation in collective marketing and the intensity with which those
who participated marketed their rice collectively. Using Double-Hurdle regression,
this study showed the main drivers of participation in collective marketing to be
integrity (β= 0.11; P<0.05) and benevolence (β= -0.13; P<0.05) in the domain of
trust. Farmers who subscribed to farmer associations were also more likely to participate in collective marketing than counterparts subscribing to farmer groups (β= 0.64; P<0.001). Trust and commitment influenced the intensity of collective marketing. Particularly, farmers with higher integrity trust (β= 0.16; P<0.001) and propensity trust (β= 0.15; P<0.001), and affective commitment (β= 0.13; P<0.05) and continuance commitment (β= 0.12; P<0.05) collectively marketed more rice
volumes. The revelation that members’ trust, commitment and being subscribed to farmer associations attract more participation higher volumes of rice marketed collectively means that higher-level forms of organizations enhance trust and commitment towards collective marketing. Extension agents and policymakers should promote higher forms of farmer organizations that enhance the trust and commitment of members to their collective marketing arrangements.
A generic commercialization framework was established in chapter eight based on
innovation and commercialization literature. This was subsequently specified to
quail commercialization in chapter ten, based on industrial case study review.
The underlying force for the generic and quail specific commercialization
framework was found to be price, cost and utility. The three, when combined form –
a strategic move, which defines the competitive position of the commercializing
entity. Five barriers and accelerators, were identified, these include utility, price,
cost, idea screening rigor and market potential. Similarly, the framework shows
four types of threats to the commercializing entity – these include; forward
integration, backward integration, imitation, and protectionism.
The study also found out that quail costs varied significantly when imported
eggs are used for incubation as compared with cases when eggs from local flocks are
used. Deep litter brooding system was also found to offer significant brooding
advantage over wire floor brooding system. The study revealed that the critical cost
drivers in quail rearing are hatchability, egg laying efficiency and feed quality.
The study revealed that quail eggs have gained commercial marketability,
while other products have not gained market acceptance. Egg acceptance is largely
based on the eggs’ utility in medical therapy and skimming pricing is used, to price
them. The study revealed that the three supportive institutions to agriculture;
research, education and extension are not currently engaged in any quail support
activities. The study recommends for government, donor and support institutional
support for nationwide quail breeding, education, research and extension programs.
and centres in the country before focusing on the three main venues that target disadvantaged societies. It strategically examines Public Access venues from three angles; access, capacity and environment, which formed the framework of the study. The venues assessed include;
community libraries, public libraries and multipurpose Community telecentre. The paper provides key recommendations, strategic areas for investment and direction for future research. It also highlights perceptions and changing media landscape especially with the introduction of ICTs.
comes from the unity and attributes of its members. This study determined the
influence of trust and commitment of smallholder rice farmers on the collective
marketing outcomes of collective marketing organizations of mid-western Uganda. A
cross-section design, involving two surveys was used to obtain data from 361
smallholder rice farmers, who subscribed to farmer groups and associations that
promoted collective bulking, storage and marketing of rice. The first survey captured
farmers’ perceptions of trust (integrity, benevolence and propensity) and
commitment (affective, continuance and normative) while the second estimated
farmers’ participation in collective marketing and the intensity with which those
who participated marketed their rice collectively. Using Double-Hurdle regression,
this study showed the main drivers of participation in collective marketing to be
integrity (β= 0.11; P<0.05) and benevolence (β= -0.13; P<0.05) in the domain of
trust. Farmers who subscribed to farmer associations were also more likely to participate in collective marketing than counterparts subscribing to farmer groups (β= 0.64; P<0.001). Trust and commitment influenced the intensity of collective marketing. Particularly, farmers with higher integrity trust (β= 0.16; P<0.001) and propensity trust (β= 0.15; P<0.001), and affective commitment (β= 0.13; P<0.05) and continuance commitment (β= 0.12; P<0.05) collectively marketed more rice
volumes. The revelation that members’ trust, commitment and being subscribed to farmer associations attract more participation higher volumes of rice marketed collectively means that higher-level forms of organizations enhance trust and commitment towards collective marketing. Extension agents and policymakers should promote higher forms of farmer organizations that enhance the trust and commitment of members to their collective marketing arrangements.
A generic commercialization framework was established in chapter eight based on
innovation and commercialization literature. This was subsequently specified to
quail commercialization in chapter ten, based on industrial case study review.
The underlying force for the generic and quail specific commercialization
framework was found to be price, cost and utility. The three, when combined form –
a strategic move, which defines the competitive position of the commercializing
entity. Five barriers and accelerators, were identified, these include utility, price,
cost, idea screening rigor and market potential. Similarly, the framework shows
four types of threats to the commercializing entity – these include; forward
integration, backward integration, imitation, and protectionism.
The study also found out that quail costs varied significantly when imported
eggs are used for incubation as compared with cases when eggs from local flocks are
used. Deep litter brooding system was also found to offer significant brooding
advantage over wire floor brooding system. The study revealed that the critical cost
drivers in quail rearing are hatchability, egg laying efficiency and feed quality.
The study revealed that quail eggs have gained commercial marketability,
while other products have not gained market acceptance. Egg acceptance is largely
based on the eggs’ utility in medical therapy and skimming pricing is used, to price
them. The study revealed that the three supportive institutions to agriculture;
research, education and extension are not currently engaged in any quail support
activities. The study recommends for government, donor and support institutional
support for nationwide quail breeding, education, research and extension programs.
and centres in the country before focusing on the three main venues that target disadvantaged societies. It strategically examines Public Access venues from three angles; access, capacity and environment, which formed the framework of the study. The venues assessed include;
community libraries, public libraries and multipurpose Community telecentre. The paper provides key recommendations, strategic areas for investment and direction for future research. It also highlights perceptions and changing media landscape especially with the introduction of ICTs.