Contribution of farmer managed natural regeneration on maize productivity among farmers in Nalweyo Sub County, Kakumiro District – Uganda

The study examined the concept of farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) of tree species richness and species evenness, farmer perceptions on maize yield, quality and stimulated growth. A sample size of 291 maize farmers was used in the study. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used in the study. The study used purposive sampling during the survey and identification of the study sites. Tree parameters (species name, height and DBH) were used on the eight study plots during the study. Field tools like tape measure, range finder, diameter tape and GPS were used. The most common tree species on the farms among the farmers of Nalweyo Sub County were Markhamia lutea that made 97.3%, Albizia species at 26.3% and Maesopsis eminii at 20.6%. Analysis of the coefficients of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) tree species richness and maize productivity was statistically insignificant and positively influence Maize productivity with β = 0.179, P=0.483>0.05. Coefficients of Tree species evenness and maize productivity was statistically insignificant and negatively influence Maize productivity with β = -0.312, P=0.360>0.05. Coefficients Farmer Perceptions and maize productivity was statistically significant and positively influence Maize productivity with β = 0.643, P=0.047<0.05. The study recommended proper selection of the right tree species that grow together with maize, enrichment planting for diversified eco systems and adoption of tree management practices like pruning. There is also need for future research on Markhamia lutea especially on its ecological uses at farm level. Continuous Mindset change through sensitization of farmers about the importance s of trees on farm.