Technology Adoption and Agricultural Productivity: A Study of Mubuku and Rwimi Prisons Farms in Western Uganda
Abstract
This study examined the impact of technology adoption on agricultural productivity in Uganda’s prison farms, focusing on Mubuku and Rwimi in Western Uganda. Operated by the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS, 2020), these farms combine vocational training with inmate rehabilitation through agriculture, offering a structured setting for evaluating modern farming practices. The research aimed to assess how government support, inmate involvement, and organized training influence the effectiveness of technology adoption, while also identifying the challenges limiting its broader implementation (Kimoni, 2024). The study further explored the potential of these prison farms as scalable models for national agricultural development (FAO, 2019). Despite the introduction of modern agricultural technologies, productivity levels, especially for staple crops like maize and beans, remain low (UBOS, 2020). To investigate this issue, the study used a descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach, gathering data from 181 respondents including farm managers, inmates, extension officers, and government officials. Participants were selected through simple random and purposive sampling (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2003). Data collection tools included questionnaires, interviews, and secondary sources like farm records and official reports (UPSR, 2023). The findings revealed that maize was the primary crop, grown by 80% of respondents, while only 20% cultivated beans. Livestock farming was limited, with 27% engaging in mainly poultry, goats, and pigs, while cattle farming was the least practiced. Adopted technologies included automated irrigation systems, solar energy, modern machinery, pest control, and soil enhancement inputs (MAAIF, 2022). These technologies resulted in notable productivity increases: maize yields rose by 23.3%, cowpeas yield by 70%, and overall crop output improved by 21.3% (Kimoni, 2024). However, several challenges hindered the full adoption of these technologies. These included limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient technical training, and resistance to change among some stakeholders (World Bank, 2021). To overcome these barriers, the study recommends enhanced government investment, regular training for staff and inmates, public awareness campaigns to promote innovation, and partnerships with agricultural research institutions for technical support (NAADS, 2022). In conclusion, while technology adoption has improved productivity, sustained progress will depend on targeted interventions. With appropriate support, Uganda’s prison farms can become both rehabilitation centers and models for national agricultural advancement (FAO, 2019)
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