Mixed farming.

Mixed farming is the growing of crops and rearing of animals on the same piece of land at the same time. 

It is practiced by people who live in places which receive reliable rainfall. Rainfall supports proper growth of crops and pasture for animals.

Advantages of mixed farming

It provides a double income. People get money from both crops and animals at the same time once sold. Some crops are used as fodder for the animals. Feeds for animals are easily got from crop residues. Animal droppings are used as manure. They are usually used to make composite manure which improves on the fertility of the soil. In case of poor crop yields, a farmer depends on the income from animals. Therefore, there are more chances of having a stable income for the family.

Disadvantages of mixed farming

It is expensive to maintain. Some people do not have the enough capital to meet all the farm requirements. Secondly, this kind of farming requires a large piece of land which may not easily be got today. It requires a lot of skilled labour. There is a lot of demand for veterinary services in order to maintain the animals health and productive.

Dairy Farming

Dairy farming is the large scale keeping of cows mainly for milk and milk products. It is carried out mainly by people who live in places with reliable rainfall and low temperatures. Products got from a dairy farm include; milk,yoghurt, cheese, butter, and ghee. In Uganda dairy farming is commonly practised in Mbarara district.

Problems faced by dairy farmers

It is expensive to set up. Dairy farms require large capital to purchase the cattle and other requirements. 
Poor storage facilities make the milk to go bad quickly. Many farmers can not afford modern facilities.

Dairy animal such as Friesian cows 
Tropical diseases such as anthrax and East coast fever easily attack the exotic breeds. Diseases make it difficult to manage the farms. It requires large pieces of land. Today, land is scarce due to the increase in population. Therefore large land to establish a dairy farm is difficult to get.

A MAP OF UGANDA SHOWING THE MAJOR CROPS AND CATTLE AREAS

Nomadic pastoralism

Nomadic pastoralism is the movement of cattle keepers with their animals from one place to another.Nomads are people who move with their cattle from one place to another to search of water and pasture. Nomadic pastoralism is carried out in places that experience semi - arid climatic conditions. These places do not receive reliable rainfall to support sufficient growth of pasture and availability of water for animals. People are forced to move with their animals looking for water and pasture. This practice is carried out in the North Eastern Uganda in places such as Moroto, Kotido,Nakapiripirit and Napak districts. The practice is mainly carried out by the Karimojong, Pokot and Jie.

Ways in which the government can assist nomadic pastoralists to live a settled life

Constructing valley dams and water points which can provide water through out the year. Ensure that veterinary services are provided on time to the people who practice nomadic pastoralism. Constructing cattle dips to control ticks. These can be used for dipping animals in order to control animal diseases. Sensitising people about modern ways of pasture management and other farming practices.

Plantation Farming.

Plantation farming is the growing of one Perennial crop on a large scale for commercial purposes. Crops grown on plantations in Uganda include; coffee, tea, sugarcane, cocoa and oil palm. These crops are usually grown in areas which experience wet climatic conditions.

Tea

This is a beverage crop. It requires heavy rainfall, warm temperatures and fertile soils. It is mainly grown in places such as Kasaku in Mukono, Igara in Bushenyi and Nakigala Estate in Wakiso. It is also grown in Mubende, Mityana, Kabalore and Rukungiri .Districts. It is harvested by plucking buds.

Coffee

Coffee is also a beverage crop. It grows best in areas with high amount of rainfall. There are two types of coffee grown in Uganda, these are; Arabica coffee grown in highlands, and Robusta coffee grown in lowlands. However, clonal coffee is an improved variety got from Arabica and Robusta coffee. Coffee is harvested by hand picking the ripe berries. Arabica Coffee is grown in districts of Sironko, Mbale, Manafa, Kapchorwa and Bududa while Robusta is grown in some parts of the East and Central Uganda, in the districts of Masaka, Kayunga, Mukono, Jinja and Iganga.

Activity

1. Discuss any three conditions that favour tea growing. 
2. Explain how farmers benefit from coffee growing in your local area. 
3. In small groups discuss why dairy farming is not commonly practised in most parts of Uganda.