L.W.I. (Lydia) Wairegi: How bananas in Uganda are managed and ways in which their production can be increased

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26 Oct 2010 13:30
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr. K. Giller (Plant Production Systems)
Co Promotor: Dr. Ir. P.J.A. van Asten, Prof. Dr. M.A. Bekunda

 Highland banana is an important food and cash crop in Uganda, yet yields are poor. Past research has focused almost exclusively on pest and disease problems. This thesis aimed to understand the primary constraints on banana yields, and to generate technologies and information that farmers can use to increase production. A method for use in estimating weights of bunches in farmers’ fields was developed. A broad survey of highland banana production revealed that current yields are 10-25 t ha-1 year-1 in smallholder farmers’ fields – two to five times greater than the official FAO statistics! A detailed yield gap analysis was conducted using field surveys and plant analysis to diagnose nutritional disorders. Although pest and weeds were important in the Central region, shortage of nutrients and moisture were important in all regions. The limiting nutrients differed between regions, with potassium and magnesium deficiencies being acute in some areas in addition to shortage of nitrogen and phosphorus. Use of fertilizer and mulch increased yields more where the additions were tailored to the specific nutrients in short supply. Use of fertilizer and mulch was highly profitable in areas with high farm gate prices (i.e. near the main market) and where yield increase was high. Involving farmers in demonstration and testing of technologies facilitates adoption of new approaches. This study concludes that there is considerable room for increased production of highland banana, but that increased production will depend on profitable use of inputs. We demonstrate that much greater effort in soil fertility problems and agronomy is warranted, as pests and diseases appear to be secondary problems caused by poor plant nutrition and growth, rather than primary constraints to production.
Title thesis: Management practices and opportunities in East African highland banana (Musa spp. AAA-EA) production in Uganda
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