Determination of potential areas for cocoa production expansion in Uganda

Abstract

In Uganda, cocoa is one of the major exported crop leading to wealth creation and poverty alleviation. The study used Geographical Information System (GIS) approach to assess land suitability for cocoa cultivation. Data of selected climatic parameters (rainfall and temperature) of 65 districts was obtained from Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) and for selected soil physico-chemical properties were obtained from African Innovation Institute (AFRII) and analyzed in Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage GIS (ArcGIS.10.4.1) software. Each of the land parameters were matched with the soil and climate requirement for cocoa production and suitability classes; highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3) and unsuitable (N) were assigned. The results of analysis as per selected climatic parameters showed that 3.9% of the study area was highly suitable, 45.5% moderately suitable, 50.2% marginally suitable and of 0.4% unsuitable for cocoa cultivation. Based on selected soil physico-chemical properties, 10.783% was found to be highly suitable, 88.422% moderately suitable and 0.8% marginally suitable. Based on selected combined climate and soil physico-chemical properties, 10.6% are highly suitable, 88.2% moderately suitable and 1.2% marginally suitable for cocoa growing. It was concluded that based on the selected climatic parameters evaluated, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Ntoroko, Kibaale, Bulambuli, Bunyangadu, Kamwenge and others are the best areas for cocoa production, based on selected soil physico-chemical properties, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Arua, Nwoya, Nakasongola, Masindi, Nebbi, Apac and others are best suitable for cocoa growing and based on selected combined climate and soil physico-chemical properties, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kyenjojo and Kasese, and districts of Masindi, Buliisa, Nakasongola and Nwoya, in northern Uganda and Pakwach, Arua in west Nile region are the best areas for cocoa production. Moderately suitable areas can be made highly suitable by in cooperating irrigation, fertilizer application, use of improved planting material and others. It was recommended that more research done looking at many parameters like cation exchange capacity, slope, flooding, drainage, soil salinity and humidity together with the eight considered in this research. There is also need to carryout research to model the climatic and soil conditions for a period after 5-10 years and in places where cocoa has never been grown before but were found to be potential for cocoa production expansion, the government, needs to allocate money for field trials and hence the promotion of cocoa growing by providing inputs at reduced costs and better extension services.