Abstract

Author:
Eseri Nankya, Fred Kwizabigira, Steven Senabulya, Saavedra Ricardo

Doi: 10.26480/trab.02.2024.82.88

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Eucalyptus is one of the most widely planted exotic tree species grown in Uganda especially among rural households and has gained economic importance in the different agro ecological zones. Currently, Uganda smallholder farmers mainly establish Eucalypts woodlot as a part of livelihood portfolio for meeting both household wood consumption and generating income. However, the agronomic management practices which influence final yield as well as factors influencing eucalyptus production are not well packaged and understood in the different agroecological zones. This makes it difficult for researchers to develop integrated soil fertility package of the enterprise to ensure its sustainability. Primary data on the different management practices, production systems, eucalyptus types and reasons for their preferences were collected from 150 randomly selected Eucalyptus producer households through pretested questionnaires in Lake Victoria crescent (LVCAEZ), Western and Southwestern agroecological zones represented by Mpigi, Kabarole and Rakai, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine the significant variables affecting the level of eucalyptus production. Also, multi criteria analysis was conducted to characterize the different management practices of eucalyptus in the different zones.
The findings indicated that the main types of eucalyptus varieties cultivated in the three agroecological zones are the Local (E.grandis) and improved GU7. Moreover, the survey results demonstrated that factors such as farmers’ education level, age, landholding size, gender, and land tenure system positively and significantly impacted eucalyptus production levels across these zones (P<0.05). Conversely, marital status and ownership of intercrops within eucalyptus stands did not show a significant effect on production levels across the zones. Additionally, the study highlighted that among various management practices, land preparation followed by row planting were the predominant methods employed by farmers in all three zones. Furthermore, it was observed that fertilizer application was not prioritized by farmers in the Western Highlands and LVCAEZ, except in the Southwestern zone, where it was acknowledged but not widely implemented due to its high costs. To ensure the sustainability of eucalyptus production in Uganda, it is imperative for researchers to develop standardized management practices tailored to the specific agroecological zones. Foresters and extensionists should consistently consider the socio-economic factors influencing eucalyptus production in these zones to enhance productivity and sustainability.