Farmers’ Perceptions, Socio‐economic and Political Stakes: What Inspires the Integration of Prunus africana On‐Farms in Central Uganda?

Abstract

Globally, the diversity of indigenous medicinal tree species is threatened and yet such plants provide the least costly means of treatment for the poor. The factors that inspire adoption of such plants on farm are unclear. This study was conducted in communities adjacent to six protected areas in central Uganda, to (1) document the local uses of Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman, (2) assess the farmers’ perception towards integration of P. africana on farm, and (3) determine the factors that influence adoption of P. africana on farms. A total of 206 smallholder farmers were engaged through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed in SPSS 20.0. Both material (medicine, timber, fuel) and non-material (windbreak, boundary marking and shade) uses were recognized. Up to 73% of the farmers perceived well the planting of P. africana on farms, and the positive perception evolved from training them in tree seed handling techniques, general nursery operations, and on-farm tree management. The farmers’ age, income and farm size were the most important factors predicting their readiness to integrate P. africana on-farm. However, their involvement was likely to only be beneficial if they get access to sufficient land and quality seedlings. Moreover, the farmers needed to be continuously provided with free/low cost seed/seedlings, trained in on farm tree management and soil fertility enhancement to approve integration of indigenous tree technologies.