Faculty Of Technology for Rural Transformation End of Year Two Field Attachment One Report Conducted at URDT Farm, Kagadi District,

Abstract

The field attachment, conducted from 4th August 2024 to 5th September 2024, at the Uganda Rural Development and Training (URDT) demonstration farm, aimed to develop skills in applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations, test students' aptitude for agricultural and veterinary careers, and cultivate good work habits. The attachment focused on assessing local farm needs, devising sustainable farming technologies, and providing hands-on experience. The intern worked closely with the farm manager, farm workers, Epicenter Manager, and community members, utilizing methods such as the visionary approach and Participatory Action Research (PAR) to foster collaborative learning and community involvement. Key activities included crop production, animal husbandry, agroforestry, and integrated pest management (IPM). Observations indicated that the farm lacked essential livestock management structures like a cattle dip tank, and that the diversity of animals could be improved by adding goats and pigs to enhance skills such as castration, dehorning, and hoofing. The location of poultry houses near the administration block caused discomfort due to odor. The fish pond was unprotected from predators like birds, which impacted fish survival, and the agroforestry system had a limited variety of tree species, particularly coffee seedlings, suggesting the need for expansion. It is recommended that URDT farm address these issues by constructing additional farm structures, relocating the poultry houses, installing a fish pond net, and expanding the agroforestry system to improve farm operations and sustainability