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Adoption of environmentally-friendly agricultural technologies amongst smallholder farmers: The case of rocket barns technology in flue-cured tobacco curing in Uganda
  • Henry Omara,
  • Walter Odongo,
  • Enos Kule
Henry Omara
Gulu University

Corresponding Author:omarahenry1986@gmail.com

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Walter Odongo
Gulu University
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Enos Kule
Gulu University
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Abstract

Tobacco production and curing is the single most important contributor to soil degradation and deforestation. To minimise the environmental effects of tobacco production, the environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient rocket barns technology was developed. In spite of its energy saving and environmental benefits, the adoption of rocket barns remains low and understudied. This paper assessed farmers perception and factors affecting the adoption of rocket barn technology. Data was collected using in a cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaires were from 242 Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers in Uganda. Analysed was done using SPSS and STATA software. Results show that the adoption of rocket barn technology was low, at 12%, with farmers. Farmers perceived adopting the rocket barns technology to be risky and costly. Experience, training, distance to wood fuel, access to extension information, and benefits and risk perceptions were the major determinants of adoption of rocket barns technology. Promotion and adoption of rocket barns technology will require concerted sensitization and training of farmers on the environmental benefits of rocket barn technology. Emphasis such efforts should target the relatively young and inexperienced FCV tobacco farmers.
26 May 2020Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
26 May 2020Submission Checks Completed
26 May 2020Assigned to Editor
26 May 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Jun 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Jul 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Major
17 Aug 20201st Revision Received
18 Aug 2020Submission Checks Completed
18 Aug 2020Assigned to Editor
06 Sep 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Sep 2020Editorial Decision: Accept