Browsing by Author "Ainebyona, Roland Rwambuka"

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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.