Status and Opportunities for Animal Traction Technology in Eastern Uganda

Animal Traction (AT) technology, is a key driver in improving productivity and labour efficiency in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda for smallholder farmers. This study assessed the status, challenges, and opportunities for Animal Traction Technology (ATT) in the Busoga sub-region of Uganda. A mixed-methods approach involving household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions was used. The study revealed that the main AT implements owned were mouldboard ploughs, ox-carts and cane jaggery mills at 91.9%, 17.8%, and 5.1% respectively. The use of these implements was at 78% ploughing, 10% transportation, and 2% cane jaggery milling. The draught animals used were bulls (59.4%), oxen (40.1%), donkeys (0.2%) and cows (0.3%). The average cost of an AT package (2 bulls, 1 plough, 1 cart, 1 plough yoke, 1 transport yoke and 4 halters) was UGX 4,795,000 (USD 1,370). The highlighted challenges to AT use were limited use of AT for other farming operations, inadequate knowledge and skills, inadequate repair and maintenance services, high cost of draught animals and AT equipment, and inappropriate care and management of draught animals, among others. Despite these barriers, there is potential for revitalizing ATT through climate-smart practices, localized breeding hubs, value chain strengthening, digital innovation, and targeted capacity building. This calls for integrated policy support and investment in decentralized ATT service models to enhance productivity, resilience, and inclusivity in Uganda's agricultural sector. The research contributes to sustainable mechanization by repositioning ATT as a viable, adaptable, and affordable technology for smallholder farmer transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa.