Authors : Buyinza Mukadasi and Kabi Maxwell
Abstract: Confronted with problems of soil erosion and nutrient mining, agricultural lands require coherent efforts and comprehensive management plans to understand their complexities and avert degradation process. In this regard, sustainable farming alternatives like agroforestry that conserves soil, minimizes land degradation and improves living condition of resource poor farmers are required. Hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) is cultivated widely in Uganda as an agricultural crop either in an open field or in the agroforestry system. Hot pepper is a cash crop, which generates income to the farmers because of its multiple use and high demand in the market. A cost-benefit analysis of hot pepper cultivation under agroforestry farming system was carried using the rapid rural appraisal method and field observation between June to December 2004 in Kamuli district, Uganda. Grevillea (Grevillea robusta) was selected as the tree crop and hot pepper, maize (Zea mays L.) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as agriculture crops intercropping. Based on the cost-benefit ratio it was found that hot pepper was the most profitable cash crop in comparison to monocultural beans and maize production. Our results suggest that although the price of hot pepper is variable, it can be grown as a cash crop which can contribute to the rural livelihoods and poverty reduction in Uganda.
Buyinza Mukadasi and Kabi Maxwell , 2008. Rural Livelihoods Through Hot Pepper Cultivation (Capsicum frutescens L.) In Agroforestry System in Kamuli District, Eastern Uganda . Agricultural Journal, 3: 113-119.