©ARC Page | 141 Constraints to Integration of Vegetable Production in Smallholder Dairy Systems of Uganda

Abstract: Crop-livestock integration provides a more efficient pathway for increased intensification especially under resource poor smallholder farmers. This study was conducted to identify the challenges to integration of vegetable production in smallholder systems of Uganda in Masaka and Ngora districts. Sixty farming households were interviewed from each district. The results of the study showed that the farm household characteristics in the two districts were similar but differences in enterprise allocation to land occurred mainly due to land ownership systems and main source of income for the household. Farmers’ choice of vegetables was informed by their economic importance with “Nakati”(Solanum aethiopicum) ranking first choice in Masaka and tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Ngora Farmers ’ also considered other factors like tolerance to water stress and contribution to household food security. Lack of market (31 and 43%), high cost of inputs (24 and 44%), (24 and 45%), pests (44 and 30%) and lack of seed (19 and 30%) were major constraints at production level in Masaka and Ngora respectively. Low rainfall (45%) and limited knowledge in agronomic practices (21%) were peculiar constraints in Ngora. Lack of processing equipment was the single most important constraint to post harvest handling for over 60 % of respondents in Masaka and Ngora. Since farmers ’ choice of vegetable is based on economic importance, addressing market and post harvest challenges may provide incentives to farmers for more efficien