A descriptive cross-sectional survey on the determinants of adoption of small-scale irrigation technologies for drought resilience among smallholder farmers in Masheruka Sub-County, Sheema District

Authors

  • Perez Tayebwa Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environment, Bishop Stuart University (BSU), P.O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda Author
  • Rev. Dr. Gershom Nuwemuhwezi Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environment, Bishop Stuart University (BSU), P.O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda Author
  • Mr. Jimmy Wesiga Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environment, Bishop Stuart University (BSU), P.O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64792/45gz8247

Keywords:

Small-scale irrigation technologies, drought resilience, regression analysis

Abstract

Background

Despite the availability of irrigation technologies and supportive policy frameworks in Uganda, existing efforts have not scaled as expected among smallholder farmers. This is largely due to a complex interplay of socio-technical constraints. This study analyzed the determinants influencing the adoption of small-scale irrigation technologies for drought resilience among smallholder farmers in Masheruka Sub-County, Sheema District.

 Methodology

The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design, and primary data were collected from 300 respondents. The study used a questionnaire and a focus group discussion guide to collect primary data. The data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0.

Results

Based on the study results, farm income shows a highly significant relationship (p = 0.000). Extension services significantly enhance adoption by providing technical guidance at (χ² = 48.92, p < 0.000), the results show that age of the farmer (p = 0.046), education level (p = 0.003), farm size (p = 0.007), market access (p = 0.001), access to credit (p = 0.003), access to extension services (p = 0.002), access to reliable water source (p = 0.001), perceived technology complexity (p = 0.012), significantly influenced the adoption of smallscale irrigation technology and land topography (p = 0.528) had no significant relationship.

Conclusion

The study concludes that, while the strong presence of highly aware and knowledgeable farmers indicates a readiness for technological transition, the large middle group of farmers who are aware reveals a critical gap in practical, hands-on training. Ultimately, achieving widespread drought resilience will require moving beyond general awareness campaigns toward targeted, technical extension services that empower the unskilled and bridge the gap for those left behind.

Recommendations

The study recommends shifting from advertising to hands-on training, leveraging peer-to-peer learning, training local technicians should be trained, and establishing affordable spare parts markets should be established alongside the technology rollout.

Author Biographies

  • Perez Tayebwa, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environment, Bishop Stuart University (BSU), P.O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda

    is a student at Bishop Stuart University (BSU)

  • Rev. Dr. Gershom Nuwemuhwezi, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environment, Bishop Stuart University (BSU), P.O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda

    is a Senior Lecturer, researcher, and ordained Reverend at Bishop Stuart University. He teaches subjects including entomology, nutrition, and food value addition, and coordinates research in science education. He holds a PhD in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture from JOOUST, with research interests spanning entomophagy, aquaculture, and sustainable agriculture.

  • Mr. Jimmy Wesiga, Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Environment, Bishop Stuart University (BSU), P.O. Box 09, Mbarara, Uganda

    is a lecturer in the agricultural or natural resources departments at Makerere University. He serves as a member of the academic community at Makerere University, specifically contributing to research and teaching within agricultural and environmental fields. His academic work includes studies on agroforestry systems, such as investigating biological interactions and the influence of shade on banana-agroforest performance in central Uganda.

     

References

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Published

2026-09-22

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026): July 2026 Issue

Section

Environmental and Agricultural Sciences

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Perez Tayebwa, Rev. Dr. Gershom Nuwemuhwezi, Mr. Jimmy Wesiga (Author)

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How to Cite

A descriptive cross-sectional survey on the determinants of adoption of small-scale irrigation technologies for drought resilience among smallholder farmers in Masheruka Sub-County, Sheema District. (2026). East African Journal of Research and Innovation, 2(3), 11. https://doi.org/10.64792/45gz8247