Browsing by Author "Pretty Biryomumeisho"

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    Apple Farming and Economic Development of Smallholder Farmers in Kigezi Highlands: Acase Study of Kabale District
    (Uganda Christian University, 2025-09-04) Pretty Biryomumeisho
    The study investigates the role of apple farming on the economic development of smallholder farmers in Kabale district in Kigezi region. With the increasing demand for apples both locally and internationally due to its health benefits for example, this research study aims at assessing how apples enhances smallholder farmers living standards, how apple contribute to the economy of farmers and the whole country, factors that influence the growth of apples and challenges that are faced by apple growers. Using a mixed-method approach, data was collected through interviews, questionnaire and surveys to apple farmers and extension officers of concerned subcounties that is kyanamira, kitumba and kamuganguzi. Findings revealed that apple farming boosts income levels, creates employment to people and empowers gender and that is women. Findings also showed that a number of factors influences apple growth and that is water availability, fertile soils, good and favorable climate, and agronomic practices determines and contributes much to apple production however there are challenges that affect apple farming such as pests and diseases, limited access to market, poor transportation and storage facilities, high input costs and lack of training and knowledge. The study concludes that farmers should form cooperatives to solve market access and high input costs problems and recommends government to improve on infrastructures to make transportation and marketing easy.