THE ADOPTION POTENTIAL OF BIOMASS TRANSFER AND IMPROVED FALLOW PRACTICES IN EASTERN UGANDA: DETERMINING PROFITABLE AND FEASIBLE OPTIONS FROM A FARMER

Many advocate for the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers to restore declining soil fertility. However, most farmers cannot afford to purchase inorganic fertilizers because they are beyond the budgets of most households. Limited access to both credit and markets prevent their use. Organic fertilizers are also a difficult option as small farm size and insufficient labour availability often hinder their production. To estimate the adoption potential of integrated fertilizer options by smallholder farmers, on-farm maize productivity trials were conducted with 10 farmers. The study contrasted twelve treatments of different levels of inorganic fertilizer with improved fallow (IF) species (Mucuna pruriens and Canavalia eniformis) and the biomass transfer (BT) species (Tithionia diversifolia). Analysis identified optimal combinations of organic and inorganic soil improvement options at varied price levels of inputs and outputs to assess the sensitivity of outputs to price fluctuations. Profitability and associated required investments (capital, labour, and land) of the options within a farm context (labour and capital availability) were assessed using a linear programming model. Tororo district in eastern Uganda served as a case study where farms have on average 2 ha of land in 2 enterprise scenarios. All IF and BT treatment