Farmers’ Knowledge and Adoption of Improved Maize Agronomic Practices in Kiryandongo District, Uganda

Abstract

Maize contributes to food security and household income in Uganda, yet the uptake of improved agronomic practices remains uneven. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge and use of improved maize production practices in Kiryandongo District and examined factors associated with inorganic fertiliser application. A comparative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 180 maize farmers, comprising 90 adopters and 90 non-adopters. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and binary logistic regression with marginal effects. Farmers reported high knowledge of early planting and harvesting (98.8%), pest control (95.1%), crop scouting (100%), and timely weeding. However, the implementation of several practices was limited among non-adopters, including tractor use (5%), purchase of inputs from licensed stockists (2%), recommended spacing (4%), organic manure application (3%), seed purchase (2%), and selection of the type of seed purchased (1%). Fertiliser application among non-adopters was 40%. Education was positively associated with fertiliser use (p = 0.017; marginal effect = 0.063), whereas gender, distance to the nearest trading centre, income, farmer-group membership, and maize-production experience were not statistically significant. The findings indicate a gap between farmers’ knowledge and their implementation of recommended practices. Strengthened practical extension, demonstration-based training, adult education, farmer organisation, and improved access to affordable inputs and credit may support more consistent uptake.