Factors Influencing the Adoption of Organic Manures in Production of Beans in Mbagane Lc1 Kicuna Sub County Kabarole District

Abstract

This Participatory Action Research study investigated the factors influencing the adoption of organic manures in bean production in Mbagane village, Kicuna sub county Kabarole District Midwestern Uganda. The study involved mixed-methods research design that involved integration of qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the adoption of organic manures in the production of beans. Questionnaire administration and in-depth interview methods were used to collect the data which was analyzed using Microsoft excel (version 2013). The organic soil management practices used by famers were green manure at 37% farm yard manure at 27% and compost manure at 20% to manage the soil fertility levels and 16% used other practices that included mulching, agro forestry. Limited access to materials and high labor requirements are the main barriers to adopting organic manures where50% spotted that limited access to materials is a key hindrance, 30% said that the high labor requirements needed in the application of organic manures is another significant hindrance and 20%highlighted that lack of knowledge is also another hindrance. Training and access to organic materials are the top priorities for farmers for them to adopt organic manures. These needs should be targeted in interventions, through farmer training programs and improving the supply chain for organic inputs. Cost effectiveness is a key factor that can drive farmers to adopt organic manures. The cost of organic manures is highly important to farmers. Ensuring that organic manure is affordable is a key factor in encouraging more widespread adoption.