Constraints of Fertilizer Use Among Small Scale Farmers in Uganda : A Case of Kawanda and Namulonge Farmers in Wakiso District

The purpose of the study was to assess the constraints associated with fertilizer usage among small scale farmers in Uganda, Wakiso district in particular. The study aimed at ascertaining the proportion of fertilizer usage i.e. both organic and inorganic fertilizer types, the contribution of fertilizer use to the performance of agricultural sector and to determine the effect of availability of credit facilities on fertilizer use. The study relied on primary data that was collected through a well formulated questionnaire, a sample of 500 respondents were interviewed, and analysis was carried out at univariate, bivariate and at multivariate levels. Results from the chi-square estimation revealed that soil type, fertility, education level of the farmer, age, amount of fertilizers used among others significantly constrained fertilizer utilization among small scale farmers. These results were further reconfirmed by a logistic regression fitted to the data that showed that land size, amount of fertilizer used and the expected harvest also constrained farmers from using fertilizer. Basing on the results obtained, the policy message is that policies on agricultural extension services should be geared towards educating and sensitising farmers about importance of applying fertilizers given the fact that most farmers in the country have a bad perception about fertilizer use especially the inorganic. Secondly efforts to encourage and train farmers on locally homemade fertilizers from wastes materials as opposed to over relying on expensive inorganic fertilizers, such a strategy would result into cost effective and efficient production approaches among farmers. The government through the ministry of agriculture should spearhead the regulation of fertilizer industry and prices to curtail traders who exploit farmers. Lastly financial institutions should adjust interest rates to enable farmers to borrow for their crop production