Browsing by Author "Agea, Jacob Godfrey"

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    Influence of processors’ capacity on adherence to practices for quality propolis tincture production in Uganda
    (African Crop Science Society, 2025-11-05) Biryomumaisho, Dickson; Amulen, D.R.; Agea, Jacob Godfrey; Kugonza, D.R.; Kajobe, Robert; Turyahabwe, N.; Mubangizi, N.; Birungi, P.
    Propolis tincture (PT), a relatively new and rapidly marketed bee product in Uganda, has attracted investors attention; owing to its medicinal attributes and domestic uses. As a result of the increasing interest in PT commercialisation, there are concerns about the quality of PT in the market place owing to lack of specified standards. This study, therefore, sought to assess the capacity of processors and document their adherence to the specifications and considerations for producing quality PT in Uganda. To address this knowledge gap, a cross-sectional study was undertaken, using qualitative and quantitative approaches. The survey involved a total of 124 respondents, subjected to a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire in Kampala metropolitan, and Lira and Arua cities in Uganda. This was supplemented with three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and seven Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Results showed that PTPs had low capacity with moderate adherence levels (P<0.01) to recommended practices. They used normative references (EAS 38, EAS 39, EAS 804) and National Beekeepers Training and Extension (NBTE) Manual to guide production. Availability of infrastructure, processing equipment, staff capacity building and human resource quality, influenced PTPs’ adherence (P<0.01), with 28.05 mean score out of 49 expected. The study recommends that actors and stakeholders in Uganda’s apiculture sub-sector should support PTPs to build their capacity, based on a holistic understanding of the business environment in Uganda.
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    Socioeconomic drivers for uptake of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) crop intensification innovations in Southwestern Uganda
    (Journal Issues, 2026-01-02) Ainebyona, Roland Rwambuka; Sanya, Losira Nasirumbi; Agea, Jacob Godfrey; Karubanga, Gabriel; Mugisha, Johnny
    The socioeconomic context of farmers plays a complementary role in determining uptake of agricultural innovations. In Uganda, despite considerable agricultural interventions, farmers’ adoption rates remain low. This study evaluated socioeconomic factors affecting uptake by systematically analyzing cross-sectional survey data of 265 smallholder potato farmers in three districts of southwestern Uganda, under the Community Action Research Programme Plus (CARP+) Project. Findings of the study indicated that farmers travelled nine kilometers to tarmac roads and four kilometers to input shops with access to credit, income, education level, input markets, and location as the most significant factors for uptake of innovative agricultural practices. The study recommended the development of tailored financial products, income enhancement through value-addition, and improved market linkages to increase agricultural productivity and profitability. The findings indicate a need to invest in agricultural education and capacity-building programs, integrate potato intensification modules into adult education and farmer field schools, and establish decentralized input distribution centres in remote farming communities to improve physical access to input markets, thereby reducing travel time and transaction costs. Additionally, the study emphasized the need to promote integrated support systems through coordinated efforts among extension services, financial institutions, and input suppliers to deliver holistic support to farmers.
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    The role of actors in promoting potato crop intensification innovations among smallholder farmers in southwestern Uganda
    (Journal Issues, 2026-01-02) Ainebyona, Roland Rwambuka; Sanya, Losira Nasirumbi; Agea, Jacob Godfrey; Karubanga, Gabriel; Mugisha, Johnny
    The limited uptake of innovative agricultural practices, despite their high potential to enhance yield and productivity, has directed attention towards more inclusive innovation processes. This study investigates actors’ roles, interactions, and linkages that facilitate uptake of potato crop intensification innovation practices within the Community Action Research Project Plus (CARP+) Project, a RUFORUM project that was launched by Makerere University in Southwestern Uganda. Data were analyzed using Social Network Analysis (SNA), using UCINET software. Results revealed that potato crop intensification innovation process evolved in five key stages, each involving players from various AIS domains interacting with each other. Thus, a network of multi-domain actors demonstrates the importance of versatile engagement in promoting the uptake of innovative agricultural practices. The innovation network had lower scores of network density and Arch reciprocity (about 21 and 47%). Thus, dominance of unidirectional ties, while other players remained in the periphery indicates potential limited integration and feedback, unidirectional flow of information and other resources within network. Similarly, some players remaining in the periphery of the network implies weak network which cripples innovation uptake. The study recommends for strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships that foster collaboration among diverse actors who perform diverse roles for effective performance of a network.