Agro-Ecological Farming Practices that Enhance Bean Yield: Insights from Rwampara District in Uganda
Common bean is one of the most important food and cash crops for the majority of smallholder farmers in Uganda. The crop is a significant source of protein, and its demand has grown due to the scarcity and high price of animal protein. Though the crop is grown to support livelihoods through food and income, Rwampara district is facing a problem of poor bean yield as production trends still suffer numerous setbacks which affect the crop’s growth and yield. The adoption of agro-ecological farming practices has been identified as one of the potential means to enhance bean yield. This study therefore assessed the effect of different agro-ecological farming practices on bean yield in Rwampara District. The study evaluated the different agro-ecological farming practices used in bean production. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. Data was gathered from 360 bean farmers and key informants using both questionnaires and interviews. Data was managed and analysed using SPSS version 20 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings of the study revealed that agro-ecological farming practices such as local botanicals, compost manure application, water harvesting, cover cropping, and intercropping had a significant effect on bean yield. In contrast, practices like the use of animal manure, reduced tillage, and mulching showed negative effects, likely due to improper application or management practices. It is concluded that certain practices, including mulching, agroforestry, and intercropping, have achieved widespread adoption among farmers in the region. The study recommends that there is a need for robust extension services to educate farmers on the benefits and implementation of less adopted practices such as IPM and cover cropping. Training programs should be designed to demonstrate the practical benefits and provide hands-on experience with these methods.