Contribution of National Agricultural Advisory Service Programme (Naads) On Commercialization of Agriculture in Rwamucucu Sub-County Kabale District Uganda

ABSTRACT The study aimed at establishing the impact of NAADS programme towards subsistance agriculture in Rwamucucu sub-county guided by the theory of agricultural service provision, through creation of awareness about formation of farmers’ institutions and building their capacity. The study was guided by the following research questions: What is the impact of NAADS on peasant Agriculture? The study was based on the literature that highlighted on the modernization of agriculture and innovations through the delivery of agricultural extension services, addressing challenges to the commercialization of agriculture and depicting the impact of NAADS on the commercialization of Agriculture.The data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. These were administered to the members of farmers groups and the community members. After the data collection exercise, the results were entered in the computer where it was descriptively analysed and interpreted using frequency tables and pie charts.The study found out respondents knew activities of NAADS programme such as, facilitating farmers in advisory services and farmer technology development, providing various improved seeds and marketing of farmers’ products. Farmers are also increasingly promoting production of high value crops like passion fruits, apples, bananas and livestock farming such as goat management, poultry and fish farming. It was also found out that NAADS have promoted greater use of post-harvest technologies and commercial marketing of Agricultural commodities. The study concluded that, there was need to over come the challenges that were prohibiting the commercialization of agriculture. It was recommended that there should be; Provision of legal and policy framework; closer monitoring and supervision of the NAADS programme by stakeholders; Linkage of farmers to market opportunities; value addition; strengthening farmer institutional development; Networking (with NGOs and CBOs) and enhancing the capabilities of public extension workers; increased supply of agricultural inputs to farmers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Declaration

Approval

Dedication iv

Acknowledgements v

Table of contents vi.

List ofAcronyms viii

List of Tables ix

List ofFigures x

Abstract

CHAPTER ONE

GE.NERAL INTRODUCTION

Introduction 1

Background to the Study 3

Statement of the Problem 5

Purpose of the Study 6

Specific objectives 6

Research Questions 7

Scope of the study 7

The geographical scope 7

Time scope 8

Content scope 8

Significance of the study 8

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature 9

Theoretical Back ground 9

A Conceptual Framework 14

Review of related literature 16

Research hypothesis 22

vi

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

Methodology 25

Research Design 26

Research Study Population 26

Sample and Sampling Procedure 26

Data collection instruments 27

Validity and Reliability 29

Data Analysis Techniques 30

Ethical Consideration 30

Limitations of the study 31

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATIOA~ ANALYSIS AND

INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS

Data presentation, analysis and inteipretation of results 32

CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Introduction 46

Discussion offindings 46

Conclusions 54

Recommendations 55

REFERENCES 60

APPENDICES

Questionnaire 63

‘Jnterview guide for CBO officials 63

Observation check listfor CBO officials 66

Interview guide for key informants 67

Map for Kabale District 68