Organic Fertilizers and Biopesticides: Eco-Innovations, Circular Economy, and Agribusiness Developed by Organic Farmers in Uganda

Abstract

Agriculture production now faces the challenge of reducing soil fertility and biodiversity components as a result of climate change and the use of large amounts of chemical inputs per unit of production. To reduce the negative consequences of using chemicals on human beings and ecosystems, farmers eco-innovate through agricultural practices, recycling residues and waste, and producing organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides. This study assesses the contribution of locally made organic fertilizer and biopesticides through recycling and eco-innovation to organic farms and agribusiness in Wakiso, Massaka, and Jinja regions of Uganda. A multiple-stage stratified random sampling procedure was used to gather data from 150 organic farmers. The results revealed that organic farmers surveyed, a majority of whom were women (64%) with a farm size average equal to 0.79 ha (±0.67), produced organic fertilizers and biopesticides from locally available materials, such as wood ash, rice, milk, and plant leaves. It was observed that the farmers could recycle maize and sweet potato residues for feeding animals and domestic food waste for organic fertilizing soil. Some organic farmers eco-innovate by creating small- and medium-sized businesses that produce organic fertilizers and biopesticides for the local market. It is highlighted that endogenous knowledge underpins the majority of biopesticides and organic fertilizers produced by the organic farmers surveyed.