FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL SCIENCE DEPARTIMENT OF AGRIBUSINESSAND EXTENSIO ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF ADOPTION OF GOOD AGRONOMIC PRACTICES FOR PASSION FRUIT PRODUCTION IN UGANDA CASE STUDY OF NAZIGO SUB COUNTY IN KAYUNGA DISTRICT BY WANYAMA JOHN BOSCO BU/UP/202/1376 Wanyamjb1999@gmail.com A RESEARCH PROPOSAL TO BE SUBMITTED TO BUSITEMA UNIVERSITY IN THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARD OF DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF AGRIBUSINESS DECLARATION IWANYAMA JON BOSCO declare that the work in this proposal is my own and it has not been submitted by any other award of degree in any other university. Signed ……………………………………………………….. WANYAMA JOHN BOSCO ………........................... DATE CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the study The origin of passion fruits can be traced back to the American continent. Specifically, the yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is native to the American continent and is grown in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.(He et al., 2020). Among these regions, Brazil stands out as the leading producer of passion fruit in the world. The fruit is cultivated mainly in the Northeast, Southeast, and North regions of Brazil. In 2019, Brazil's passion fruit production reached 59,342,000 kg, with an average yield of 14,271 kg ha-1. However, there are regional variations in production, with the state of Acre producing 1,096,000 kg, but with an average yield of 8,768 kg ha-1, which is lower than the national average.(DA SILVA et al., 2020) Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) growing and export is one of the critical contributors to the horticultural sector employing over a million small holder farmers in addition to the other players in the value chain.(Tuhaise et al., 2019) Uganda annually earns over US$ 200,000 from passion fruit exports (Agribusiness Development Centre., 2014; Uganda Export Promotion Board., 2016). In addition to its commercial importance, species of Passiflora also have medicinal, nutritional and ornamental value. The demand and potential of passion fruit production is much higher compared to the current production, and this has been attributed to a number of biotic and management-related factors.(Samuel et al., 2019) In Uganda, passion fruit farming is an important horticultural activity, and farmers' knowledge and adoption of good agronomic practices play a vital role in enhancing production, yield, and fruit quality. Successful passion fruit farmers in Uganda have implemented various best practices, including proper site selection, land preparation, variety selection, planting, spacing, support structures, irrigation, mulching, fertilization, pruning, and pest and disease control.(Tuhaise et al., 2019) However, there are challenges and constraints that hinder optimal passion fruit production in Uganda. Some of these challenges include limited access to information, inadequate training and extension services, lack of financial resources, pest and disease management issues, unreliable market access, and climate variability affecting water management.(Tuhaise et al., 2019) To address these challenges and further improve passion fruit production, there are opportunities for research and policy support. Areas that require further research include varietal selection, pest and disease management strategies, soil fertility management, water management techniques, training and extension service effectiveness, postharvest handling, market analysis, and climate change adaptation. Moreover, policy measures that promote sustainable agricultural practices, provide incentives for adoption, and support extension services can also be beneficial for the passion fruit sector in Uganda.(Wandi & Njeru, 2013) Problem statement Passion fruit production is an important agricultural sector in Uganda, contributing significantly to the country's economy and food security. However, the overall productivity and profitability of passion fruit farms are often hindered by inadequate knowledge and suboptimal adoption of good agronomic practices among farmers. This lack of understanding and implementation of effective agricultural techniques and methods can lead to reduced yields, increased pest and disease incidence, and overall lower quality of passion fruit produce. Consequently, there is a pressing need to assess the current level of adoption of good agronomic practices specifically tailored to passion fruit production in Uganda. By identifying the key areas of knowledge gaps and adoption barriers Justification of the study Importance of passion fruit production: Passion fruit is a high-value fruit crop that has the potential to contribute significantly to the agricultural sector and rural livelihoods in Uganda. Assessing farmer knowledge and adoption of good agronomic practices is crucial for improving passion fruit production and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. Most of the farmers in Uganda do not practice the good agronomic practice for the production of passion fruit.(Bwambale, 2015) Improved productivity and profitability: Good agronomic practices, such as proper planting techniques, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management, and harvesting methods, can significantly improve passion fruit productivity and quality. By assessing farmers' level of adoption of these practices Objectives of the study General Objective To assess the factors that affect the adoption of good agronomic practices Specific objectives 1. To assess the effect farmers level of education on the adoption of good agronomic practices of passion fruit production. 2. Assessing the consequences of good agronomic practices on the adoption of good agronomic practices of passion fruit production. 3. To assess the effect of access to exentasion services Hypotheses 1. Access to agricultural extension services significantly affects the adoption of good agronomic practices for passion fruit production among farmers in Uganda. 2. Farmer demographics, such as age, education level, and farming experience, have no influence on the adoption of good agronomic practices for passion fruit production in Uganda. Significance of the study Enhancing productivity and profitability: By assessing farmer knowledge and adoption of good agronomic practices, the study can identify areas where farmers may be lacking information or not implementing best practices effectively. The findings can then be used to design targeted interventions, training programs, or extension services to improve productivity and profitability in passion fruit production. Sustainable farming practices: The study can help identify the level of adoption of sustainable agronomic practices among passion fruit farmers in Uganda. By understanding the gaps and barriers to adoption, the research can inform the development of strategies to promote environmentally friendly practices, such as integrated pest management, soil conservation, water management, and proper use of fertilizers. This contributes to the long-term sustainability of passion fruit production while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Knowledge transfer and capacity building: Assessing farmer knowledge provides valuable insights into the information needs and preferences of passion fruit farmers. This knowledge can be utilized to develop targeted educational and training programs that effectively address the specific challenges faced by farmers. By enhancing their knowledge and skills, farmers can improve their decision-making abilities, adopt appropriate agronomic practices, and overcome production constraints. The scope of the study This research intends to assess farmer level of adoption of good agronomic practices for passion fruit production in Uganda. The study will be conducted in Nazigo Sub County, Kayunga district. The study will be done from September to october 2023. Radom interviews will be done to collect data from Nazigo Sub County in Kayunga district. THE CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK LITERATURE REVIEW The origin of passion fruits Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is originally from the American continent and is grown in countries with tropical and subtropical climates(Bailey et al., 2021). Brazil is the leading producer of this fruit in the world, which is cultivated mainly in the Northeast, Southeast, and North regions of the country. Brazilian production in 2019 reached 59, 3429,000 kg, with an average yield of 14,271 kg ha-1. In the state of Acre, production reached 1,096,000 kg, with an average yield of 8,768 kg ha-1, well below the national average. (Uchoa et al., 2021)Passion fruit is a vigorous, shallow rooted, perennial vine that climbs by means of tendrils(DA SILVA et al., 2020). Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) growing and export is one of the critical contributors to the horticultural sector employing over a million small holder farmers in addition to the other players in the value chain. Uganda annually earns over US$ 200,000 from passion fruit exports (Agribusil.8 ness Development Centre., 2014; Uganda Export Promotion Board., 2016). In addition to its commercial importance, species of Passiflora also have medicinal, nutritional and ornamental value (DA SILVA et al., 2020)The demand and potential of passion fruit production is much higher compared to the current production, and this has been attributed to a number of biotic and management-related factors(Samuel et al., 2019) The fruit is round or ovoid and has an intense, smooth, waxy dull purple or yellow tinted skin with weak, fine white spots. Inside, the fruit is pretty much loaded up with a sweet-smelling mass of twofold walled, membranous sacs containing orange shading thick squeeze and upwards of 250 little, hard, dim earthy colored to dark pitted seeds. It can grow rapidly under great conditions - up to six meters in one year.(Biswas et al., 2021) IMPORTANCE OF PASSION FRUIT The fruit has high nutritive and medicinal value. Passion fruit is a high acid food (pH~ 3.2) due to the predominance of two acids, citric and malic acid.(Eastern & Gravity, n.d.) The fruit provides a good source of nutrients such as Vitamin A, B2 and C and non-nutritive phytochemicals, carotenoids and polyphenols. It is also rich in minerals like K, P, Ca, Fe, Na, Mg, S, Cl and protein. Passion fruit is also known as a nutritionally dense fruit, based on the level of nutrients present. Passion fruit can be grown to eat or for its juice, which is often added to other fruit juices to enhance aroma. The fruit is eaten alone or in fruit salads, sherbets, ice cream, jams, cool drinks and as concentrates. (He et al., 2020) It has been reviewed by (Cavalcante et al., 2020)that Passiflora edulis plant contains antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, antisedative, antioxidant properties and various remedial measures for treating conditions like osteoarthritis, asthma and act as colon cleanser. The different parts of the plants have also been used for treatment of ulcers, haemorrhoids, haemorrhoids, as sedatives, remedy for insomnia, digestive stimulant and remedy for gastri carcinoma. Various, physico- chemical composition of various species of ripe passion fruits.(He et al., 2020) Agronomic practices of passion fruits 1. Site Selection: Choose a well-drained site with deep, fertile soil and good sun exposure. Passion fruit plants prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 6.0-6.5.(Uchoa et al., 2021) 2. Land Preparation: Clear the land of weeds, rocks, and debris. Plow or dig the soil to a depth of about 30 cm and incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. 3. Variety Selection: Select suitable passion fruit varieties for cultivation in Uganda, such as the Purple Passion variety (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) or the Yellow Passion variety (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa). Consult with local agricultural extension services or nurseries for recommended varieties.(Koriem, 2021) 4. Planting: Passion fruit can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If using seeds, sow them in a nursery bed or in polybags filled with a well-drained soil mix. Transplant the seedlings when they are about 4-6 weeks old. If using cuttings, select healthy, disease-free shoots and plant them directly in the field or nursery.(Cavalcante et al., 2020) 5. Spacing: Plant passion fruit vines about 2-3 meters apart in rows, with spacing of 2-3 meters between rows. This allows for proper air circulation, reduces disease spread, and facilitates management activities.(Viana et al., 2016) 6. Support Structures: Passion fruit plants are vigorous climbers and require support structures such as trellises, poles, or wires. Install these structures at planting time to provide support for the growing vines.(DA SILVA et al., 2020) 7. Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base of the plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain more stable soil temperatures. Use materials like straw, grass clippings, or dried leaves.(Tuhaise et al., 2019) 8. Fertilization: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient deficiencies. Based on the results, apply organic or inorganic fertilizers accordingly. Generally, passion fruit plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) of 10-10-10. Apply fertilizers in split doses during the growing season.(Tuhaise et al., 2019) 9. Pruning: Prune passion fruit vines regularly to control growth, improve air circulation, and enhance fruiting. Remove weak or diseased branches and train the vines along the support structures.(Cavalcante et al., 2020) 10. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor the plants regularly for pests such as aphids, mealybugs, fruit flies, and nematodes. Control them using appropriate organic or chemical insecticides. Common diseases in passion fruit include Fusarium wilt,(He et al., 2020) Importance of farmer’s knowledge and adoption of good agronomic practices Farmer knowledge and the adoption of good agronomic practices play a crucial role in enhancing passion fruit production, yield, and quality. When farmers possess adequate knowledge and apply effective farming techniques, several potential benefits can be realized, including increased profitability, reduced environmental impact, and improved sustainability. Let's explore these aspects in more detail:(Atukunda Robinah, Sseruwagi Peter, Karungi Jeninah, Kyamanywa Samuel, 2018) Increased Profitability: By acquiring knowledge about passion fruit production and adopting good agronomic practices, farmers can optimize their farming operations and improve their profitability.(Akullo et al., 2007) Enhanced Yield and Quality: Adopting good agronomic practices allows farmers to optimize the growth and development of passion fruit plants.(Cavalcante et al., 2020) Reduced Environmental Impact: Farmer knowledge and the adoption of sustainable practices contribute to reducing the environmental impact of passion fruit production Improved Sustainability: Adopting good agronomic practices in passion fruit production fosters long-term sustainability. Farmers can learn about organic farming methods, which eliminate the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, promoting soil health and biodiversity.(Fonseca et al., 2022) Knowledge and adoption levels in Uganda Passion fruit is an important horticultural crop in Uganda, and several studies have likely been conducted to assess farmer knowledge and adoption of agronomic practices specific to passion fruit production. These studies typically focus on evaluating farmers' understanding and adoption rates of recommended techniques related to planting, fertilization, irrigation, pest and disease management, pruning, and harvesting. Existing research in Uganda might have indicated varying levels of farmer knowledge and adoption. Some farmers may have a good understanding of recommended agronomic practices and successfully implement them on their farms, leading to improved yields and quality. These farmers are likely to have access to extension services, training programs, and other sources of agricultural information. However, there may also be knowledge gaps and limitations in farmer adoption of agronomic practices. These gaps can occur due to several factors, including limited access to information and extension services, lack of awareness about recommended practices, inadequate training, financial constraints, and socioeconomic factors. Farmers facing such constraints may have limited knowledge or resources to adopt the best practices effectively. Further research is needed to identify the specific gaps and limitations in farmer knowledge and adoption of agronomic practices for passion fruit production in Uganda. This research could involve detailed surveys, on-farm assessments, and interviews with farmers to understand their current knowledge levels, the extent of adoption, and the barriers they face in implementing recommended practices.(Mwangi, 2016) Factors influencing adoption. Economic Factors: 1. Cost-effectiveness: Farmers consider the economic viability of adopting good agronomic practices. If the practices are perceived to increase yields, reduce production costs, or improve market value, farmers are more likely to adopt them. (Bwambale, 2015) 2. Access to financial resources: Availability of credit or financial support can facilitate the adoption of new practices, as farmers can invest in the necessary inputs, equipment, or infrastructure required for improved agronomic practices.(Baird et al., 2003) Social Factors: 3. Knowledge and awareness: Farmers' understanding and awareness of good agronomic practices are crucial. Access to information, training, and extension services can increase their knowledge base and promote adoption. (Bwambale, 2015) 4. Social networks and peer influence: The behavior of neighboring farmers, community leaders, or opinion leaders can significantly impact farmers' decision-making processes. Positive experiences shared among peers can encourage adoption. Technological Factors: 5. Access to technology: Availability and accessibility of appropriate technologies and tools, such as improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation systems, or mechanization equipment, can significantly influence the adoption of good agronomic practices. b. Training and technical support: Farmers' ability to understand and effectively use new technologies depends on access to training and technical assistance. Practical demonstrations and hands-on support can enhance adoption rates.(Bwambale, 2015) Institutional Factors: 6. Supportive policies and regulations: Clear policies and regulations that promote sustainable agricultural practices and provide incentives for adoption can encourage farmers to adopt good agronomic practices. (Bwambale, 2015) 7. Extension services: Adequate and well-functioning extension services that provide guidance, training, and information dissemination can play a vital role in facilitating the adoption of good agronomic practices. Constraints and challenges 1. Limited access to information: Many farmers lack access to reliable and up-to-date information on good agronomic practices for passion fruit farming. 2. This includes information on crop management techniques, pest and disease control, soil fertility management, and post-harvest handling. The lack of information hampers their ability to adopt best practices.(Williamson, 2002) 3. Inadequate training and extension services: There is often a shortage of trained agricultural extension workers who can provide guidance and training to passion fruit farmers. Insufficient extension services make it challenging for farmers to receive technical assistance and support in implementing good agronomic practices effectively. 4. Lack of financial resources: Passion fruit farmers may struggle to access the necessary financial resources to invest in improved agronomic practices. These practices may require purchasing quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation equipment, and other inputs. Limited access to credit and low-income levels can hinder their ability to make the necessary investments.(Bwambale, 2015) 5. Pest and disease management: Passion fruit crops are susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as fruit flies, nematodes, and fungal infections. Farmers may lack knowledge on integrated pest management strategies or have limited access to effective pesticides and disease control measures. This can result in reduced yields and lower crop quality. Unreliable market access: Farmers may face challenges in accessing reliable markets for their passion fruit produce. Lack of market linkages, price fluctuations, and inadequate infrastructure for transportation and storage can lead to post-harvest losses and lower profits. This uncertainty discourages farmers from investing in good agronomic practices. 6. Climate variability and water management: Passion fruit farming is sensitive to climate variability, including rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations. Farmers may struggle with water management, especially during dry seasons, as passion fruit plants require consistent moisture. Inadequate irrigation systems and water scarcity can affect crop productivity and survival. Knowledge gaps and research opportunities: 1. Varietal Selection: There might be a lack of comprehensive research on identifying and promoting passion fruit varieties that are well-suited to Uganda's climate and soil conditions. Further research is needed to evaluate different varieties for their yield potential, disease resistance, and fruit quality to provide farmers with better options for cultivation. 2. Pest and Disease Management: Effective and sustainable pest and disease management strategies are essential for passion fruit production. Research can focus on identifying prevalent pests and diseases in Uganda, studying their life cycles, and developing integrated pest management (IPM) solutions that are environmentally friendly and economically viable. 3. Soil Fertility Management: Understanding soil fertility requirements specific to passion fruit and developing tailored soil management practices can significantly impact yield and fruit quality. Further research can investigate the optimal use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, cover cropping, and soil amendments for sustainable production. 4. Water Management: Passion fruit is susceptible to water stress, and optimizing irrigation practices is crucial for ensuring consistent yields. Research can address waterefficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting, to help farmers cope with changing weather patterns. 5. Training and Extension Services: Assessing the effectiveness of existing extension services and training programs is vital to identify gaps and improve their outreach. Research can focus on understanding the best methods to deliver information and technical knowledge to farmers, taking into account their diverse backgrounds and locations. 6. Post-Harvest Handling and Marketing: Proper post-harvest handling practices are critical for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of passion fruit. Research can explore innovative and affordable technologies for post-harvest handling, storage, and transportation, as well as strategies to access domestic and international markets. 7. Climate Change Adaptation: Climate change poses challenges to agricultural practices, and passion fruit cultivation is not exempt. Research can investigate how changing climatic conditions may affect passion fruit production in Uganda and explore adaptation strategies to mitigate potential risks. 8. Economic Viability and Market Analysis: Assessing the economic viability of passion fruit production in different regions of Uganda can provide farmers with valuable insights into the potential returns on investment. Market analysis can identify demand trends, potential buyers, and value-added opportunities to incentivize farmers to adopt good agronomic practices. 9. Gender and Social Inclusivity: Research can explore the gender-specific roles and challenges in passion fruit production to ensure that agricultural interventions are inclusive and equitable. 10. On-Farm Demonstrations and Trials: Conducting on-farm trials and demonstrations can help farmers witness the benefits of adopting good agronomic practices firsthand. Such participatory approaches can enhance knowledge dissemination and adoption. ADOPTION Adoption is an outcome of a decision to accept a given innovation.(Baird et al., 2003) While quoting Roger’s earlier work of 1962 define adoption as “a mental process an individual passes from first hearing about an innovation to final utilization”. Much scholarly interest on adoption falls in two categories: rate of adoption, and intensity of adoption. It is usually necessary to distinguish between these two concepts as they often have different policy implications. Rate of adoption, the relative speed with which farmers adopt an innovation, has as one of its pillars, the element of ‘time’. On the other hand, intensity of adoption refers to the level of use of a given technology in any time period.(Baird et al., 2003) Clearly, a technology that is being adopted has an edge over conventional practices. Usually, a technological innovation encompasses at least some degree of benefit for its potential adopters. In this study, a technology, as it relates to good agronomic practices, is a set of practices (new or old) integrated into a package that aims to control specific pests on select crops in a manner that is proven more effective than the conventional means. Several stages precede adoption. Awareness of a need is generally perceived as a first step in adoption process. The other stages are: Interest, Evaluation, Acceptance, Trial, and finally, Adoption. The Lionberger analysis also notes that these stages occur as a continuous sequence of events, actions and influences that intervene between initial knowledge about an idea, product or practice, and the actual adoption of it. However, not all decisions involve a clear-cut sequence. In fact most recent literature suggests that these stages may occur concurrently and some may/not occur in adoption decision processes.(Aker, 2011) Measuring Adoption Although studies by Mullen, Norton and Reaves (1997), suggest that adoption of good agronomic practices is usually a matter of degree, this is not to state that the measurement of adoption is simple. In fact, in his study, Nowak, (1996) did agree that measuring the adoption of good agronomic practices can be more complex than it sounds: “At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a question of whether a grower is or is not using a specific practice.(Baird et al., 2003) Yet this simplistic view quickly changes as one begins to assess how it is being used, where it is being used, and the appropriateness of that use relative to actual pest conditions” Much more work is needed in refining methods and in compiling the data needed to credibly measure and monitor adoption The rate of adoption is usually measured by the length of time required for a certain percentage of members of a system to adopt an innovation. Extent of adoption on the other hand is measured from the number of technologies being adopted and the number of producers adopting them. The current study focuses on the extent of adoption and the factors affecting it.(Baird et al., 2003) Depending on the technology being investigated, various parameters may be employed to measure adoption. Measurements also depend on whether they are qualitative or quantitative. While direct qualitative attributes are harder to measure, several studies have used estimates of probabilities. In soliciting respondents’ subjective perceptions, researchers capture the qualitative aspects that influence farmers’ decisions probably because farmers’ technology choices are based on their subjective. Farmers’ perceptions are interpreted as perceived profitability of a technology and translate into more resources being devoted to it – hence adoption. Determinants of Adoption A variety of studies are aimed at establishing factors underlying adoption of various technologies. As such, there is an extensive body of literature on the economic theory of technology adoption.(Aker, 2011) Several factors have been found to affect adoption. These include government policies, technological change, market forces, environmental concerns, demographic factors, institutional factors and delivery mechanism. Although not tested, it appears that only four of these broad items may be related to adoption of good agronomic practices. They include Market forces: availability of labor, technology resource requirements, farm size, level of expected benefits, and level of effort required to implement the technology; Social factors: Age of potential adopter, social status of farmers, education level and gender-related aspects, household size, and farming experience; Management factors: membership to organizations, the capacity to borrow, and concerns about environmental degradation and human health of farmers; Institutional/technology delivery mechanisms: information access, extension services, and prior participation in, and training in pest control practices.(Baird et al., 2003) Some studies classify the above factors into broad categories: farmer characteristics, farm structure, institutional characteristics and managerial structure. While others classify them under social, economic and physical categories. Others group the factors into human capital, production, policy and natural resource characteristics or simply whether they are continuous or discrete.(Baird et al., 2003) CHAPTER THREE MATERIALS AND METHODS 3.1 Research Design. The questionnaire will be randomly distributed among various stakeholders closely associated with passion fruit production. These stakeholders included passion fruit farmers, suppliers, distributors, and individuals engaged in activities complementary to passion fruit cultivation, such as transportation personnel. This approach will facilitate the collection of pertinent data regarding the levels of adoption of good agronomic practices of passion fruit production in Uganda. 3.2 The Study Area. The research will be conducted in nazigo sub county kayunga district. Busagazi village ia going to be the first village where research will be conducte the followed by kimanya, Natteta, kinyara , and kiseven these villages have the highest number of passion fruit producers in Kayunga district. The town is on the main road between Kayunga in Kayunga District and Njeru in Buikwe District. Nazigo is approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 mi), by road, south of Kayunga, the site of the district headquarters,[1] and approximately 36 kilometres (22 mi), by road, north of Njeru.[2] The coordinates of Nazigo are 0°38'31.0"N, 32°59'24.0"E (Latitude:0.6419; Longitude:32.9900).[3] Nazigo is a town in Kayunga District in the Central Region of Uganda.. Source: Wikipedia Area of Nazigo, Kayunga, Uganda Population 109.4 km² 49,193 Male Population 23,867 (48.5%) Female Population 25,326 (51.5%) It has around 100 passion fruit farmers . The sketch map of Kayunga district showing Nazigo Sub County 3.4 The Infrastructure and the Economic activities. There is only one main road connecting the nazigo sub county up to Kayunga district However, that road also connects Nazigo sub county to kangulumira sub county. Agriculture is the main activity which takes place in Nazigo Sub County. Coffee is the most grown cash crop in the society but alo some fruits like passion fruits, pineapples mangoes and others are grown in the society. 3.6 RESEARCH APPROACH In this case, the research will take both Quantitative and Analytical approaches. It will be Quantitative in that the data collected will be counted and coded. On the other hand, it will be analytical in a way that the data obtained will be statically analyzed, and conclusions will be drawn accordingly. 3.7 SAMPLING DESIGNS A random selection of individuals those engage in various activities related to passion fruit production, including farmers, distributors, traders, and other relevant stakeholders. A comprehensive survey will be conducted, interviewing a total of 80 participants from the entire passion fruit production community. From the formula S= X^2 NP (1-P)+d^2(N-1)+X^2P(1-9) Where S= required sample size X^2=the table value of chai square for 1degree of freedom at the desired confidence level (3.841) N=the population size P=the population proportion (assumed to be 50 since this would provide the maximum sample size. d= the degree of accuracy expressed as proportion (0.5) The ample size is 80 3.8 DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES. 3.8.1 Design surveys or questionnaires will be administered to passion fruit farmers in Nazigo Sub County. This will include questions about their farming practices, their awareness and understanding of good agronomic practices, and any challenges they face in adoption. 3.8.2 Cross-Comparisons: Compare adoption rates and practices across different regions or communities within Uganda to identify regional variations and factors contributing to adoption or non-adoption of the good agronomic practices of passion fruit production in Nazigo Sub county Kayunga district 3.8.3Interviews: Conduct in-depth interviews with passionate fruit farmers to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations, challenges, and decision-making processes regarding agronomic practices. These interviews can be structured or semi-structured. . 3.9 DATA ANALYSIS The collected data will be analyzed as the mean of the Parameter (+ or -). The Standard Error Difference (S.E.D) between the means will be evaluated using the analysis of Variables (ANOVA) and will involve a completely randomized design of the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) Package. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) The Analysis of Variance is a procedure used to test the difference between two or more means. ANOVA does this by examining the ratio of variability between two groups and variability within each group. Its use in limited dependent variable models is limited because it assumes that the dependent variable is continuous. 3.10 DATA PRESENTATION The collected data will be presented using descriptive tools such as graphs, tables, and charts for easy interpretation, depending on the data obtained. 3.11 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION The ethical issues will be addressed considerably by ensuring that the proposal is defended before the panelists of Busitema University. In addition, the faculty will also deliver an introductory letter which will be presented to all areas of the research study. Therefore, a letter of acceptance from the district and local area authorities will be sought. 3.12 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS The environmental issues will be taken care of by ensuring that no damage, pollution, or any other environmental threat occurs.