Apple Farming and Economic Development of Smallholder Farmers in Kigezi Highlands: Acase Study of Kabale District
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Date
2025-09-04
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
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.
Description
Undergraduate Research