FARMERS' PRACTICES IN RELATION TO CROP INTENSIFICATION INNOVATION WITHIN POTATO PRODUCTION SYSTEM IN UGANDA

The disparity between actual and potential potato crop yield is still persistent in Uganda. This is attributed to existing smallholder farmers’ potato production practices, notably poor-quality seed and limited use of fertilizers that cripple yield. Experimental studies indicate that utilization of high-quality seed, adequate soil fertility enhancement practices, and suitable companion cropping strategies can close the yield gap. This study sought to establish and document the existing smallholder farmers’ practices and techniques in relation to potato crop intensification production system in the districts of Rubanda, Kabale, and Rukiga. Data were collected through six focus group discussions (FGDs) with smallholder potato farmers and analyzed using a combination of thematic analysis utilizing ATLAS.ti software and descriptive statistics. Results indicated that home-saved seed recycled from previous harvests was the main potato seed source thus because it was perceived as cheap and guaranteed seed availability. Relatedly, farmers mainly utilized small size tubers because small tubers cover (plants) a wide area compared to medium and large size tubers but little knowing that small from recycled seed sources is usually small due to degeneration because of overuse and or diseased. Maize and sorghum were the main potato-based intercrops mainly for food security reasons compared with potato-legume based intercropping system that guarantees soil fertility. Similarly, while there was general limited use of synthetic fertilizers, farmers could also not ably differentiate the different types of fertilizers used by name but by coulour and shape leading to a risk of inappropriate use such as using wrong fertilize, underuse or overuse.   Relatedly, in addition to generally low use of organic manure, farmers applied farmyard manure by grazing and tethering livestock in gardens reserved for potato production a few months before planting the potato which leads to leaching, erosion, volatilization, and poor distribution. These practices implied that farmers lacked basic knowledge on good agronomic practices regarding potato production. Based on the results, it was recommended that integrated extension programs are adopted to be able to provide comprehensive training on quality seed, proper cropping strategies and soil fertility management practices.