Farm and community practice carried out at Soroti city local government from 28th/02/2022 to 22904/2022.

Abstract

Farm and community practice (BSA 2209) is one of the practical and examinable modules that are done by students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in agriculture at Busitema University, Faculty of agriculture for the period of 8 weeks. The 8 weeks' farm and community practice were carried out at Soroti city local government in Soroti city. It exposes the student to the farmers by giving them an opportunity to stay in the community during the recess term. It gives the students a hands-on experience in farm and community practice and farming in general. Where I got exposure in fields such as crop production, animal production, community-based service, and administration participatory discussions. Demonstration methods, interviews, and observation were the methods used to obtain information from the farmers during farm and community practice attachment such as crop spacing, disease symptoms, and pest infestation. Various tools were used which include; seeds, and planting lines. Various activities were carried out such as orientation, mobilization, meat inspection, parasites, and disease identification, and germination tests, I acquired skills such as agricultural routine activities, identification of problems in farm and community concerning production, use of agrochemicals, and disease diagnosis. Some challenges were also encountered in the course of farm and community practice such as inadequate farm tools, no transport facility allocated for the ward coordinator to ease their work, poor roads in the area. Difficult in mobilization of farmers more so on market days on Thursdays However, some recommendations were highlighted to the university and the Soroti city local governments to mitigate the challenges encountered such as purchase of more farm tools to allow students carry practical activities in time need for timely preparation of the time table to enable students complete their activities in time. The work plan of farm and community practice, List of References, field photos are attached at the end of the report. In conclusion, farm and community practice was an educative environment because I was able to obtain practical skills such as animals parasites and disease identification. Therefore, I can apply the skills learnt to create a positive impact in my community such as creation of projects as source of employment to unemployed people, It should be continued as it is the only way for students to excel in the practical world outside as it acquaints the students with basic skills in agriculture.