Peasant Farmers Research Articles

Productivity of the ewe's lambs Romanov breed when using a complex of mineral and vitamin supplements in diets

Relevance. It is known that the mineral composition of the feeds of the Republic of Bashkortostan used in animal diets, in terms of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, cobalt and sulfur, does not meet the needs of animals. The deficiency of minerals is especially high in growing young animals.In this regard, the development and scientific justification of the use of a complex mineral and vitamin feed additive (hereinafter CMVFA) in the diets of growing young sheep, which stimulate digestion and digestibility of nutrients in the diet, thereby increasing productivity, is of particular importance.Methods. To study the effectiveness of feeding KMVKD in the diets of the Romanov breed yarok on the indicators of body weight gain in peasant farming conditions, 4 groups of yarok were formed on the principle of pairs of analogues (10 heads each). Yarki of the control group received in addition to the main diet at the rate of 20 g of monocalcium phosphate and 15 g of premix per head (P81-1-89). The yarks of the experimental groups of KMVKD were introduced into the composition of crushed grain mixtures: made according to recipes No. 1 — for the first, No. 2 — for the second, No. 3 — for the third (35 g per head per day).Results. With a small difference in the intake of substances between the groups, the use of UMVD of 35 g per head per day had a significant impact on body weight gain. During the experiment period, the average daily weight gain in animals of the control group was 165 g, and in the experimental groups, respectively, 174.75 g, 183.52 g and 190.68 g, or more by 5.91%, 11.22% and 15.56% compared with the control. The level of profitability of production in the experimental groups increased by 10.60%, 16.03% and 20.54% compared with peers from the control group.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПРАВОВОГО СТАТУСА КРЕСТЬЯНСКИХ (ФЕРМЕРСКИХ) ХОЗЯЙСТВ

This article describes the genesis of legislative regulation of a business entity with a special legal sta-tus - a peasant (farm) enterprise. The duality of the legal regulation of the subject is considered and a conclusion is made about the need to modernize Russian legislation in this area

Productive Modernization and Challenges for Chilean Peasant Agriculture during the Phase of Post-Agrarian Reform

Productive Modernization and Challenges for Chilean Peasant Agriculture during the Phase of Post-Agrarian Reform

Assessing Microbial Diversity in Páramo Soils (Multistrategy Analysis): Effects of Potato Farming and Livestock Grazing in Nevados National Natural Park, Colombia

High Andean Páramos are very fragile neotropical ecosystems. Moreover, biodiversity in these areas is threatened by the anthropic activities of agriculture, cattle raising, and mining and has been little studied. Changes associated with potato farming and livestock grazing on microorganisms of Páramo soil of the Nevados National Natural Park (Nevados NNP) were assessed by (1) determination of physical and chemical properties (physicochemical matrix) and enzymatic activities associated (enzymatic activity matrix) with different biogeochemical cycles (C, N, and P); (2) microbial community functional diversity via evaluation of functional groups associated with carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles using cultivation-dependent techniques (arable functional group matrix and most probable number matrix); and (3) microbial diversity using cultivation-independent techniques that employ the hypervariable V5–V6 region of the 16S rRNA gene and pyrosequencing (16S-454 genus matrix and 16S-454 OTU matrix). Four of the six evaluated matrices (physicochemical, enzymatic activities, most probable number, and arable functional groups) revealed significant differences according to land use. The strategy adopted by the arable functional group matrix, in which the diversity of nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and cellulolytic compounds was evaluated, showed the most significant impacts of the different factors (land use, season, and elevation), especially those caused by potato cultivation and livestock. These results indicate that the initial impacts of potato farming and livestock grazing on the microbial community in El Bosque Village are better detected by functional diversity analysis than by molecular analysis of the 16S rRNA gene V5–V6 variable region. The results may have been caused by the type of molecular marker used in the analyses and the type of agricultural practices used by peasant farmers, which affect the functional diversity of the soil community. Among these practices are the maintenance of fallow periods greater than 7 years between each potato crop and the small proportion of cattle in relation to the total land area of the village. As the findings can be interpreted as an indicator of the early impacts of potato cultivation and livestock on microbial diversity, the effects of implementing community management plans, applying agroecological models, retaining biocultural memory, and changing agrarian structure are relevant for mitigating future changes.

Development and Evaluation of a Low-cost Rice Milling Machine

A low-cost rice milling machine was designed, fabricated and evaluated to reduce post-harvest loss being faced by the peasant farmers using traditional methods and to meet up with the demand for high quality and well processed rice at a cheaper and avoidable price. The machine was designed to dehusk paddy rice, separate the husk and remove unwanted foreign materials. It consists of a hopper, sheller, cleaner, separator (sieve), delivery unit and the frame. The machine operates on the principle of impact using centrifugal force. Four cylinder speeds of 400 rpm, 450 rpm, 500 rpm and 550 rpm as well as four feed weights of 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg and 4 kg were used for performance testing. Results of the performance evaluation carried out on the machine showed the highest milling efficiency of 88% and cleaning efficiency of 91% at a speed of 550 rpm, while the highest seed loss of 27% was obtained at a speed of 400 rpm. The effectiveness of the machine was dependent on the paddy conditions, drum speed and milling duration.

Let us talk about Agricultural Extension

I have always been interested in agricultural extension from the time I used to see extension workers visit my mum, then a peasant farmer in the village, working hard to make sure her family was always food secure. Even though her husband (my father) was out on a government job, she understood that she had to do her bit. His salary would be reserved for paying school fees for the children, putting up good housing, and providing some material goods that could put them at a certain level in society. Cash was highly valued, as it still is today. My mother was not farming to sell. Whatever excess she had would be shared with needy relatives and neighbors. With the support of extension workers who used to provide free seeds, teach how to make compost manure, and then guide farmers all the way to harvest and storage, we never lacked food except when there was a very serious famine. I remember feeling hunger pangs, at a time when we had porridge only for breakfast, no lunch, and then had a full meal at dinner. The memory of those hunger pangs is the reason why I am not happy when I hear of children going hungry for whatever reason.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TOURIST AND RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE ZAKARPATTIA OBLAST IN THE FIELD OF RURAL GREEN TOURISM

The article presents the results of a study of the tourism and recreational potential of small and micro-enterprises in the sphere of rural green tourism in the Zakarpattia Oblast in the context of crisis and instability. It analyses the social factors influencing the development of this sector of the state economy, identifies problematic aspects in their activities that may negatively affect the development of tourism in general, as well as the impact of such crisis phenomena as COVID-19, its consequences and martial law. The authors have identified the factors that have a destructive impact and the factors that would contribute to overcoming the crisis. The aim of the research is to conduct a socio-economic study of the development of tourist and recreational potential of rural green tourism in the region and identify ways to unlock the potential of this sphere of the region's economy, which will be effective for their practical implementation in the activities of accommodation and catering enterprises. Methodology. The study was conducted on the basis of a survey of managers and owners of rural green tourism enterprises through a personal questionnaire, as well as an analysis of statistical indicators of the performance of temporary accommodation enterprises, based on official statistics of the Zakarpattia Oblast for 2020 and 2021 and provided by the Main Department of Statistics in the Zakarpattia Oblast. The monitoring covered private peasant farms in the region, namely 90 owners of such tourist farmsteads, of whom 70% were middle-aged (36-55 years old), 58% of them combine employment in the tourism sector with their main job in the public sector, and 6% have their own business other than the service sector. The results of the study demonstrate that the activities, development and general existence of rural green tourism in the region are affected by such destructive processes as crisis phenomena such as COVID-19, political instability, martial law and other macro- and microeconomic factors, which can be overcome or at least minimised by their impact on the tourism services sector to increase the viability of small businesses, which, as is known from international practice, is one of the elements of overall economic growth in the region and the state as a whole. According to the results of the study, the factors influencing the activities of enterprises, the behavioural patterns of owners of rural green tourism institutions in the context of the crisis were identified and mechanisms for minimising and overcoming the consequences of the crisis were developed, such as: diversification of business and expansion of the types of services that can be provided to potential consumers, introduction of an effective management and marketing system, adoption of European experience in the field of green tourism and proposals for improving the legislative framework for businesses to leave the shadow economy.

Modeling the effect of fertilizers on cotton yields and cotton fiber quality on saline soils in so uthern Kazakhstan

Yntymak st.,26, Kazakhstan Cotton in Kazakhstan is one of the strategically important crops and is cultivated in the extreme south of the republic in the Turkestan region, in the northernmost cotton-growing zone on the globe. The aridity of the climate, the shortage of irrigation water and the growing threat of the risk of increasing saline lands in cotton plantations, on the one hand, and the insufficient and unjustified use of minerals, on the other, are the main limiting factors in cotton production. On the industrial plantations of the peasant farm "Sabyr", v. Atakent, Maktaaral district, Turkestan region, field experiments were carried out on serozems of slightly and moderately salinity in 2022. In experiments on two salinity backgrounds, 9 identical treatments of fertilizers with different doses and ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were studied. During the phases of budding, flowering and fruit formation of cotton, biometric studies and selection of plant samples were carried out to study photosynthetic and yield indicators depending on fertilizers on 2 salinity backgrounds. The effect and interaction of fertilizers and the amount of salts in the soil on the formation of leaves in various phases of cotton development isquite accurately described (R2 = 0,957-0,972) by regression equations. At the same time, the effect of single action of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers was negative, and that of phosphorus fertilizers was positive. During the growing season, double combinations of all the studied factors, with the exception of nitrogen and potassium, had a negative effect on the dynamics of accumulation of cotton plant biomass. The gross cotton yield is 86% determined by the complex total influence of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and the degree of soil salinity. At the same time, the unilateral effect of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers and soil salinity on cotton yield was negative, and that of phosphorus fertilizer was positive. There is a high correlation between potassium nutrition and fiber quality indicators (r = 0,38-0,62). Changes in fiber quality indicators generally had a strong relationship with the amount of salts in the topsoil (r = 0,51-0,61).

Hygienic estimation of working conditions and hazard indices for persons involved in the application of pesticides on berries and melon cultures in the conditions of personal peasant farms

the problems of environmental protection and chemical safety of agricultural workers when working with pesticides are urgent. The assessment of working conditions is a mandatory component to substantiate the principles of risk management of their possible adverse impact on employees. The purpose of the work: conducting a hygienic assessment of working conditions and risks for people who process berry and melon crops with Amistar Gold, Topaz, Uniform, Rydomil Gold, Dual Gold, Vertimek in the private sector, and also substantiation of the regulations for the safe use of these pesticides. Field studies were conducted in Ukraine's different soil and climate regions. The assessment of the danger index (risk) for workers was carried out using data on the content of the studied active substances in the air of the working area and levels of skin contamination following MR 8.8.1.4-162-2009 "Study, assessment and reduction of the risk of inhalation and percutaneous exposure...". Statistical processing of the results was carried out using EZR v. 1.55, MedStat v. 5.2. Аs a result of field studies conducted with the Amistar Gold, Topaz, Uniform, Ridomil Gold, Dual Gold, Vertimek pesticides, no exceedances of hygienic standards were found in the air of the working area and the air above the treated area and in the area of possible aerial drift of the pesticides. Values of percutaneous risk for operators were from 0.00007±0.00005 to 0.069±0.044, inhalation – ranged 0.000003±0.0000025 to 0.005±0.0025, total –0.0001±0.00005 to 0.069 ±0.044, combined – 0.010±0.0016 to 0.017±0.0028. The share of percutaneous risk for operators was in the range of 47.3-99.9%. After analyzing the obtained results, it can be concluded that the percutaneous, inhalation, total and combined risks during knapsack treatment with fungicides Amistar Gold, Topaz, Uniform, Rydomil Gold, herbicide Dual Gold and insecticide Vertimek in the private sector are less than 1, i.e., do not exceed the permissible limit.

The State and Development of Peasant Farms on the Example of the Penza Region

Introduction. The development of small forms of farming and their part in the food supply plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector of the economy. Peasant arms, like agricultural organizations, present suppliers of agricultural products on the regional mar-ket. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the directions for the development of peasant farms, as an important source of development and strengthening of rural areas. Materials and methods. We analyzed the state and development of small businesses in the Penza region on the basis of statistical data for 2010, 2019-2021. The theoretical ba-sis was provided by literary sources on the development of small forms of farming in the agro-industrial complex and state support for small agricultural businesses. The follow-ing research methods were used: systematic, monographic, comparison, economic and statistical. Results. The analysis of small agribusiness in the Penza region revealed that the development of peasant farms in the production of crop and livestock products has a positive trend, but at the same time the share of agricultural products of this category of farms in the gross output in the region as a whole decreases. There is a low percentage of peasant farms selling potatoes, vegetables, livestock and poultry, and milk. To solve the problem of marketing manufactured products, it is necessary, in our opinion, to unite peasant farms and create agricultural consumer cooperatives, which is possible with real government support. The main form of support for farmers is grant support. Conclusions. Small business requires human resources to introduce innovative, digital technologies in farm production.

Tax incentives in agricultural sector: indicators and performance results

The goal is to show the current state and prospects for tax incentives in agricultural sector. Methods – economic-statistical, factor analysis, comparison and synthesis, logical justification. Results – it is substantiated that direct methods of supporting certain sectors of agroindustrial complex can be effectively replaced by indirect methods due to differences in the rate of unified land tax for peasant (farm) enterprises, and for other forms of business there are differences in the corporate income tax base. In particular, direct support is compensated by tax mechanisms in agricultural formations producing crop products (the average level of profitability for 202-2022 was 49,6%), with the exception of rice cultivation, as well as in individual entrepreneurship and peasant (private) farms specializing in production of livestock products (profitability – 35,6%). An assessment of possible budget revenues is given, in conditions of full control and application of liability measures for improper or inappropriate use of agricultural land. Conclusions – calculation of the potential funding volumes that can be used to improve the land use is provided. The irrational use of agricultural land is associated with their ineffective exploitation: imperfect methods of cultivation or fertilization, improper planning of crop rotations. Regional characteristics, which cause different problems and needs that require adaptation of coordination measures and regulation should be taken into account. It is necessary to continue the work to cover the entire territory of Kazakhstan with agricultural maps to provide complete and accurate information on the condition and use of land resources, which will prevent possible violations for which fines and increased tax rates may be levied.

Current state, internal reserves and ways to increase the competitiveness of livestock farming in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Relevance - the livestock industry occupies a strategic position in the economy of all countries because it supplies the population with affordable food products, thereby ensuring food security of states and regions. Purpose –livestock products market in Kazakhstan and its impact on the state of agro-industrial production are considered; monitoring of agricultural producers by the number of farm animals; analysis of volumes and comparative advantages of livestock products for various categories of farms; identifying the main problems and prospects for diversification industries. When conducting the research, methods of analysis and synthesis, graphical, economicstatistical, and systems approaches were used. The main sources of information when conducting the study include data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2019-2023, and the works of scientists on the development of livestock segment. Results - the authors note that the greatest increase in the number of cattle is observed in personal subsidiary plots and peasant (private) farms, which are the main producers and suppliers of livestock products, providing the food market of the republic. The main problems that make it difficult to increase the volume of livestock products are identified: the predominance of small-scale farms; low level of breeding; undeveloped food supply; poor labor motivation among agricultural workers. Conclusions – the expansion of market niche of livestock products as one of the priority areas of agricultural sector of economy depends on the further expansion of the network of production cooperatives – the most acceptable and effective form of farming in rural areas; increasing productivity of farm animals; improvement of food supply; attracting domestic and foreign investments; in the future, the use of information systems for storing data on feed consumption and payment, the physiological state of animals, economic activities and development of livestock development plans.

Rational agricultural land use

The goal is to study the importance of rational use of land area for cultivation of crops. At the same time, a decisive role is assigned to increasing their productivity in order to ensure food security of the republic. Methods – economic-statistical, factor analysis and marketing research. Results – the need to improve the mechanism for the return and redistribution of empty unused in agriculture has been identified. It was determined that their status should be increased in order to be involved in agricultural turnover. The forecast for the sown area and the efficiency of cultivating crops has been calculated. The authors note that the return of unused lands to agricultural use will increase their productivity by up to 32%, and will also meet the need for agricultural products. Conclusions - it is necessary to accelerate the process of transferring this category of land to the state for their full exploitation for agricultural purposes, since the area of arable land for agricultural purposes is decreasing, which negatively affects the productivity of some agricultural plants. Rational land use in agriculture and solving the country's food problem contribute to increasing soil fertility, combating erosion, which poses a significant threat to the sustainability of agroecosystems, and reducing their degradation. In countries with developed economies, a systematic land accounting method is used. Its distinctive characteristic is the ability to carry out registration and accounting activities with land plots within the region and low unit costs. In Kazakhstan, it is advisable to use this approach in relation to agricultural lands, a significant share of which constitutes the country’s land fund. The proposed methods will reduce the number of abandoned land masses, increase investment attractiveness, and also support peasant (private) farms.

QUALITY OF MARE'S MILK AND KOUMISS

Nowadays mare's milk and koumiss are in great demand in Kazakhstan. Therefore, the study of its qualitative indicators is relevant.In the article the physical and chemical parameters and vitamin content (B and C groups) of mare's milk and koumiss samples taken from peasant farms of Almaty region in the fall-winter period are studied in a comparative form.The study showed that mare's milk samples had no significant difference in total protein mass fraction in the fall and winter. In mass fraction terms of fat in the sample obtained in the fall the fat content was 2.18% higher than in the sample obtained in winter. And the mass fraction of lactose in the sample obtained in the fall was 0.14% higher than in the sample obtained in winter.According to the study results of obtained koumiss samples’ physical and chemical parameters in the fall and winter periods, the mass fraction of protein was 1.86-1.89%. Fat content of koumiss proportion prepared in the fall period was 1.84%, in the winter period-2.19%, and the average mass fraction of lactose was from 3.64 to 3.98%.The content of water-soluble vitamins B and C in samples of mare's milk and koumiss was investigated. According to the study results the content of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 B6 and C in the composition of mare's milk and koumiss obtained in the fall and winter periods was established.According to the general research results samples of mare's milk and koumiss products obtained from peasant farms of Almaty region have proven high quality, nutritious in food value and easily assimilated by human body.

Social Demographic Characteristics Associated with Visceral Leishmaniasis in West Pokot, Kenya.

Visceral leishmaniasis is a tropical disease with a significant global public health burden. This study aimed to determine the social demographic characteristics associated with visceral leishmaniasis in West Pokot of Kenya. A mixed-methods research design was adopted where household questionnaires and key informant interviews were administered. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 22, and qualitative data were analyzed to establish patterns for interpretation. Male children aged 10 years or younger were the most infected by Leishmania donovani in the community. The hospital record indicated that 60% of previously treated visceral leishmaniasis patients were severely malnourished during admission. Risk factors associated with the disease included low formal education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.39; 95% CI = 1.66-11.59; P <0.05), peasant farming (aOR = 8.49; 95% CI = 2.77-26.00; P <0.05), and dog ownership (aOR = 4.86; 95% CI = 1.87-12.60; P <0.05). Social demographic risk factors for visceral leishmaniasis remain a major public health concern in West Pokot.

Regional ethnic economy: features and prospects of development (on the example of Khakassia)

The socio-economic realities of today force to look for development ways at the expense of internal resources. The deployment of local systems is perspective at the regional level, because they based on the traditional economic patterns of ethnic communities inhabiting the region. Ethnoeconomical patterns are the relevant model for the geographical, spatial and socio-cultural conditions in which they were formed. This fact allows us to highly evaluate their potential. This article attempts to assess the prospects for the development of the ethnic economy of a region Khakassia. Author uses statistical data and materials of sociological survey of ethnic communities of the region (Russians, Khakass people and Shors). They have the greatest influence on the vector of ethnoeconomical development of the republic. The peculiarity of the ethnic economy of Khakassia is the high role of households of the population. They play a significant role in the agricultural sector. They produce a large amount of both vegetables and meat products. There are various programs aimed at supporting the livestock industry for both peasant (farmer) farms and personal subsidiary farms at the regional level. Representatives of the titular ethnic group (Khakass people) and indigenous small-numbered peoples (Shors) generally remain focused on traditional economic practices: cattle breeding and crafts. Author concludes that the support of the distinctive types of economic activities of these ethnic groups is necessary not only from the point of view of economic expediency, but also for the preservation of the culture of these people.

The Concept of Common Property at the Present Stage

Common property as a legal category of Russian law plays an important role in property relations with the participation of many persons — owners (civil law community). The paper examines the provisions of the Russian civil legislation concerning common property, in particular the owners of immovable property, adopted in order to implement the Concept of Development of Civil Legislation in 2009. In addition, dwells on the issues of common property of members of an investment partnership, peasant (farmer) unions and other corporate associations. The paper analyzes the concept of «common property» at the present stage and defines its characteristic features. Special attention is paid to the issue of the mixed nature of ownership of common property. The author explains the rights of owners in relation to common property, including property, managerial and information rights. The author substantiates a truncated possibility of implementing the classical triad of the rights of the owner (possession, use and disposal) in relation to the property in question. The paper examines the procedure for exercising the powers of the owner of common property, disposing of objects from the common property (including their transfer and alienation to third parties), as well as the consequences of violating the rights and legitimate interests of persons arising from transactions with common property. In conclusion, the author’s concept of common property is defined by referring it to the civil law community — the collective owner. The paper proposes approaches to the legal assessment of the content of the owner’s competence, possible areas of application of the category under consideration and the functional suitability of common property.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ РОСТА И РАЗВИТИЯ ЧИСТОПОРОДНЫХ И ПОМЕСНЫХ КОЗЛЯТ

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of genotype on the live weight, growth and deve-lopment of kids of different origins. Objectives of the study: to determine the live weight of kids from birth to 18 months of age; to calculate live weight gain (absolute, average daily, relative); to study the exterior features of kids at 6, 12 and 18 months of age. The object of the study was half-blooded kids obtained by crossing goats of the Soviet wool breed with Dagestan wool producers (experimental group) and purebred offspring of the Soviet wool breed (control group). Animals (30 heads in each group) were kept in the same conditions of the peasant (farm) enterprise Mongush V.S. Ulug-Khem District. The study was conducted according to generally accepted methods. As a result of introductory crossing of goats of the Soviet wool breed with goats of the Dagestan wool breed, a crossbred offspring was obtained, which differs from the purebred by its large live weight, high growth energy, compact build and strong constitution. Newborn half-blood kids weighed an average of 3.9 kg, which exceeded the weight of purebreds by 1.5 times (P &gt; 0.999); at the age of 6 months – by 1.21 (P &gt; 0.999); at the age of 12 months – by 1.18 (P &gt; 0.95) and at the age of 18 months – by 1.13 times (P &gt; 0.95). In the period from birth to 6 months, live weight gains were significantly higher: absolute – by 2.31 kg (P &gt; 0.999), average daily – by 12.82 g (P &gt; 0.999). Crossbred animals had a more proportional constitution. According to the main body measurements, they were 1.1–6.6 % higher than purebreds (P &gt; 0.95; P &gt; 0.99; P &gt; 0.999). They were also characterized by a high compactness index, indicating a compact build and a strong constitution.

Every farmer is a farmer? A critical analysis of the emergence and development of Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana

Smallholder farmer-based rural social movements have been heralded as a promising source of political power with the potential to effectively promote sustainable trajectories of agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. However, the very early stages of rural social movement building remain understudied, including under what conditions such nascent efforts are likely to lead to effective political influence and foundations for broader collective action. Drawing on insights from organizational studies and resource mobilization theories, we provide an analytical narrative of the emergence and development of a smallholder farmer-based policy advocacy organization, the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG). Through analysis of organizational documents and an extensive open-ended focus group interview with PFAG’s founders, long-term members, and current staff, we discuss how PFAG managed to overcome the “liability of newness” faced by new organizations, and how its resulting organizational structure influences its modes of resource mobilization and thus type and coverage of its advocacy and service delivery activities. Considering this developmental narrative, we elaborate several challenges that PFAG faces in pursuit of its ambitions to expand its influence in Ghanaian agricultural policy and practice. Our findings indicate the need for PFAG to address emerging contradictions in project activities and uneven geographical coverage, manage tensions between advocacy and service delivery objectives and to work towards establishing an umbrella agenda capable of providing for the diverse and evolving needs of their membership base.

Factors Associated with Undernutrition among Children Under Five Years at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima City Western Uganda

Undernutrition was one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five children in Sub-Saharan Africa. To understand the determinants of undernutrition among under-five children, this study was conducted at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) in Hoima City. The source of data was household demographic and socio-economic characteristics which included anthropometric data on under-five children at HRRH. Anthropometric data included height, weight and MUAC for the different ages of the children. Data analysis was done in the Epi Info program module and Stata statistical software. Multivariate analysis was done by fitting a binary logistic regression model to establish the underlying determinants of undernutrition among under-five children. It was found that children aged 39-59 months were less likely to be underweight than those aged less than twelve months. Findings also revealed that stunting was more prevalent among children of peasant farmers than the pastoralists. There was however no significant relationship between child wasting and selected child characteristics. It was worth noting that the study was essential in pointing out the particular age groups among under-five children as well as the occupations that contribute to undernutrition in Hoima City. Based on the findings, the study recommends exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding, especially among those aged less than three years. Special arrangements could also be put in place to have children of mothers engaged in cultivation brought regularly for breastfeeding. Keywords: Undernutrition, Anthropometric, Breastfeeding, Underweight.