Browsing by Author "Ssekandi, Joseph"

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Assessment of Mobility Dynamics and Re-settlement Outcomes of Land Evictees in Uganda’s Oil Exploration Areas; the Case of Hoima and Buliisa Districts
(Global Advanced Research Journals, 2017-08) Ssekandi, Joseph; Mburu, John; Wasonga, Oliver
Land evictions present a compelling global challenge to food production and food sovereignty. Uganda’s promised oil potential came along with the risk of marginalizing thousands of indigenous people evicted from their lands and threatened livelihoods of the affected households. This chapter investigated the post-eviction resettlement options by households and the livelihood outcome of the resettlement decisions. The study used a socio economic survey to collect data from land evictees; the data was used to determine the resettlement options and outcomes of the resettlement decisions. Results indicate three distinct resettlement options: national park, urban area, and re-integration into the community commons. Results indicate a significant drop in income for small holder farmers, decrease in per capita land holding and integration of the small holder farmers into nearby communities when compared to the other livelihood groups. The study concludes that resettlement options and outcomes are significantly determined by pre eviction livelihood patterns. Pastoralist retained pre eviction livelihood activities more than any other livelihood group. Small holder farmers had a higher risk of dropping out of this livelihood. The study recommends developing a deliberate strategy for resettling evictees that takes into consideration their previous livelihoods.
Assessment of the Contribution of Home Gardens to Plant Diversity Conservation in Thies Region, Senegal
(Springer Link, 2021-08-10) Naigaga, Hellen; Ssekandi, Joseph; Ngom, Ablaye; Diouf, Ndongo; Diouf, Jules; Dieng, Birane; Mbaye, Mame Samba; Noba, Kandioura
Home gardens are reservoirs of biological diversity. This study assessed plant diversity conservation in home gardens of Thies region (Senegal) with the aim of documenting species composition and diversity in the home gardens. A sample of 30 home gardens was selected from the three main departments of the region and was used to collect plant species data. Data were collected from home gardens which were selected based on recommendations from the village leaders. Techniques used were plant inventory, participatory observations and individual interviews. Species classifcation and nomenclature were based on Angiosperm Phylogeny Group IV botanical classifcation system, Senegal analytical fora and the world plant list. Microsoft Ofce excel was used for some calculations, tabulation and drawing graphs. Comparison of efect between diferent variables was analysed in analytical software R using simple linear regression, and plant diversity was calculated using the Shannon diversity index. A total of 96 plant species belonging to 86 genera, and 43 families were identifed. Out of these, 34 were trees, 33 were shrubs, and 29 were herbs. 95 were angiosperms with 79 dicotyledonous and 16 monocotyledonous, and only one (1) was a gymnosperm. Species from Fabaceae family were the highest in number (9 species) whereas Citrus limon was the most frequent (80%) species in the home gardens. The results of the Shannon index indicate that there is high species diversity in the home gardens of Thies region (H1=3.9365) with moderate equitability (E=0.5968). The gardeners were 73% men and 27% women. At department level, 66 species (38 families) were recorded in Mbour, 54 species (33 families) in Tivaoune and 50 species (26 families) in Thies department. The study indicates that home gardens are agriculture systems ecologically important for plant diversity conservation, they have a higher potential for ex-situ conservation of plants in the agro ecosystem.
Combined effects of indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and NPK fertilizer on growth and yields of maize and soil nutrient availability
(MDPI Company, 2023-01-25) Fofana Fall, Abdoulaye; Nakabonge, Grace; Ssekandi, Joseph; Founoune-Mboup, Hassna; Badji, Arfang; Ndiaye, Abibatou; Ndiaye, Malick; Kyakuwa, Paul; Anyoni Otim, Godfrey; Kabaseke, Clovis; Kipkemoi, Amos Ronoh; Ekwangu, Joseph
The excessive application of mineral fertilizers in maize cultivation leads to progressive soil contamination in the long term and increases the cost of production. An alternative to reduce over-fertilization is to perform a partial replacement with microbes that promote nutrition and growth, such as Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). A pot experiment which was followed by two field experiments was performed with and without the application of indigenous AMF in combination with five nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) fertilization rates (100% NPK = N120P60K60; 75% NPK = N90P45K45; 50% NPK = N60P30K30; 25% NPK = N30P15K15; control = N0P0K0). The objective was to investigate whether the soil application of indigenous mycorrhizal fungi inoculum combined with NPK fertilization can provide higher maize yields and soil-available N, P, and K than chemical fertilization can alone. The greenhouse results showed that the application of AMF with a 50% NPK treatment significantly increased the plant’s growth, root colonization, leaf chlorophyll content, and N, P, and K tissue content. The results from the field conditions showed that there was a highly significant yield after the treatment with AMF + 50% NPK. The study also revealed that mycorrhizal fungi inoculation increased the available soil N and P concentrations when it was combined with a 50% NPK dose. This suggests that the inoculation of fields with AM fungi can reduce the chemical fertilizer application by half, while improving soil chemistry. The results suggested that AMF inoculation can be used in integrated soil fertility management strategies.
Contribution of Backyard Farming to Food and Income Security: Case of Kampala Metropolitan
(ProQuest, 2020) Kirungi, Macklean; Sseremba, Godfrey; Tugume, Katarimpika Joab; Murongo, Marius Flavian; Ssekandi, Joseph; Tedson Julius Mwine
Food insecurity, poverty, environmental degradation and climatic change are some of the major challenges facing the world. The urban poor are among Ugandans facing food insecurity and malnutrition due to several causes such as job insecurity, low wages and limited farming opportunities. Agriculture has been reported as the biggest contributor to poverty reduction and food security. This study aimed at estimating the contribution of backyard farming to household food provision and income and the sustainability of such practice in Kampala Metropolitan. The study was conducted in the urban (<10Km) and peri-urban areas (10-20Km) area of Kampala metropolitan area. The study found that Backyard farming significantly affected household food consumption scores, coping strategy index and income but not household dietary diversity scores (HDDS). However, these benefits were found to accrue less among the poor and less privileged.
Effect of Co-applied Corncob Biochar with Farmyard Manure and NPK Fertilizer on Tropical Soil
(Science Direct, 2021-09) Aporia, Samuel Obeng; Byalebeka, John; Murongo, Marius; Ssekandi, Joseph; Noel, Gordon Logura
Biochar has shown a positive impact on degraded soils. However, the effect of co-applied biochar with farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer on soil chemical characteristics, yield, nutrient constituent and economic analysis of cucumber did not receive adequate research attention in sub-Saharan Africa. A field experiment was conducted on sandy clay loam soil with biochar at 10 t/ha individually or combined with farmyard manure and NPK using cucumber as a test crop. The co-applied biochar with the 5t/ha farmyard manure and NPK significantly increased soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, total organic carbon and effective cation exchangeable capacity than the sole application of the NPK fertilizer and the farmyard manure. Cucumber yield, net income, nutrient content such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were significantly higher in the co-applied biochar with farmyard manure and NPK than the sole application of the NPK and the manure. Co-applied biochar with inorganic NPK showed higher soil available phosphorus, nitrogen, cucumber yield and net income than the co-applied biochar with farmyard manure. Similarly, co-applied biochar with NPK plots observed higher macronutrient constituents than the co-applied biochar with farmyard manure. These findings revealed that combined biochar with NPK proved to be an effective reclamation strategy to improve low fertile soils in the tropics than the co-applied biochar with farmyard manure.
Effect of linear view approach of weed management in agro-ecosystem: A review
(Academic Journals, 2020-12-18) Muli, K. Gideon; Apori, O. Samuel; Ssekandi, Joseph; Murongo, Marius; Hanyabui, Emmanuel
Weeds are considered a pest that is detrimental to human interest. Weeds compete with cultivated and desirable plants for space, soil nutrient, and sunlight and soil moisture thereby reducing crop productivity. Weeds also serve as a host for pests and pathogens that cause plant diseases. Weeds typically produce large numbers of seeds, assisting their spread, and rapidly invade disturbed sites. Seeds spread into natural and disturbed environments, via wind, waterways, people, vehicles, machinery, birds and other animals. To prevent the effect of weeds on crop productivity, farmers mostly use a linear approach for weed management. The linear view approach aims at eradicating weeds without concern about the environment. This paper reviews the effects of the linear view approach of weed management in the agro-ecosystem. A review using forty-one articles reveals that herbicides application, bush burning and soil tillage are the most often used linear view approach for controlling weeds in the farm ecosystem. The paper highlights the contribution of these weed control methods to climate change through loss of biodiversity, pollution of water bodies, soil degradation, deterioration of fruit quality and release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
Effect of sisal (Agave Sisalana) and sweet thorn (Acacia Karroo) ethno-medicinal extracts on prevalence of selected pests and diseases in assila F1 tomato Variety
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03-30) Maganda, Farouk; Acero, Miria; Byalebeka, John; Ssekandi, Joseph; Murongo, Marius Fabian
Introduction - This study compared the efficacy of sisal (Agave sisalana) and sweet thorn (Acacia karroo)ethno-medicinal extracts on prevalence of selected pests and diseases in Assila F1 tomato variety was carried out in order to provide cheap and safe alternative in controlling tomato pests and diseases. Methodology - A 13x13m complete randomized block design with nine replicates was used to determine the prevalence of tomato pests and diseases. The assessment was done at organic demonstration site of Uganda martyrs university using three treatments; sisal extracts, sweet thorn extracts and control. Healthy tender leaves of sisal and sweet thorn were harvested and 10kgs of each treatment were measured and chopped into small piece, crushed then 5litres water was added. The prepared mixtures were then shaken and sprayed uniformly onto the tomato plants in the plots to which they were assigned to at a 4 days interval starting from one to eight weeks 8interval after transplanting for 8 times. Meanwhile control plants were not sprayed. Each replicate had 20 plants and 10 plants were selected for data collection in each replicate. Agronomic traits were evaluated by measuring plant height, stem girth,leaf length,leaf width, leaf length using ametre rule. Final fruit yield was measured by weighing mature tomatoestomatoes. Pests were assessed as follows; whiteflies were assessed by counting the adult white flies. Aphids were assessed using a pest scoring scale of 0-5;African bollow worm is assessed using a scoring scale of 1-5. Disease severity was assessed as below; early blight and late blight severity was assessed using ascale of 1-4 .Bacterial spot severity was scored using the scale of 1-6 and then powdery mildew severity was estimated using a disease scoring scale of 0-5. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) at(P<0.05) was carried and means were compared using LSD. Results & Discussion - The results of the study indicated thet there was significant (P<0.05)diferences recorded between sisal and sweet thorn ethno medicinal extracts for pest prevalence. The lower mean for white flies (0.78), tomato fruit borer (1.3) and aphids (0.86) and red spider mites(0.3) prevalenece score were recorded for sisal ethno medicinal extracts than sweet thorn extracts but lower than the control plots. There was significant differences (P<0.05) observed between of application of sisal and sweet thorn ethno medicinal extracts for disease prevalence. The lower mean for early blight (1.1), late blight (1.6), bacterial spot (1.1)and powedery mildew severity (1.8) severity scores were recorded for sweet thorn ethno-medicinal extracts than sisal extracts but lower than the control plots. The results of the study revealed that application of sisal extracts significantly (P<0.05) increased plant height, stem girth, leaf length, leaf width and final fruit yield. Application of sisal and sweet thorn ethno- medicinal extracts significantly (P<0.05) showed an effect on the yield components and yield of tomatoes. The higher final
Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Home Garden Plant Species and its Effect on Home Garden Plant Diversity in Thies Region of Senegal
(Springer Link, 2020-08-13) Naigaga, Hellen; Ssekandi, Joseph; Ngom, Ablaye; Sseremba, Godfrey; Mbaye, Mame Samba; Noba, Kandioura
Home gardens are the frst source of immediate contact between people and plants since the gardens are within homesteads. Most home garden studies in Senegal concentrate on food security and economic benefts; no research has been carried out on the social and ecological contexts of home gardening in Senegal. It is therefore necessary to evaluate the way people interact with the home garden plants and how such an interface infuences plant diversity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ethnobotanical knowledge associated to home garden plants and its efect on plant diversity conservation in home gardens. A sample of 30 home gardens was selected from the three main departments of the region and was used to collect plant species data. Data were collected from informants who were selected basing on recommendations from village leaders. Techniques used were plant inventory, participatory observations and individual interviews. Species nomenclature was based on Senegal analytical fora and the world plant list; comparison of efect between different variables was analyzed in analytical software R using simple linear regression analysis. A total of 96 plant species were identifed; all species were found to be useful plants divided into eight functional groups. Fifty-four percent (54%) were food species, 40% medicinal, 32% ornamental, 14% commercial, 7% fodder, 4% sacred, 4% ceremonial and 3% cosmetic. Citrus limon was the most frequent (80%) and preferred species in the home gardens. Food plant species are the most diversifed, abundant and rich use category. There is a relationship between uses of species and species diversity (P value<0.001). Species diversity in the home gardens increases as the spectrum of use increases; thus, species with more than one use were highly diversifed; people prefer multipurpose species for multiple benefts. This study expresses home gardens as diversifed agroecosystems for sustainable biodiversity conservation of useful plant species.
From organic farming to agroecological farming, what challenges do organic farmers face in central Uganda?
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03-30) Akowedaho, Dagoudo Bienvenu; Ssekyewa, Charles; Ssekandi, Joseph; Ngom, Khady; Moumouni, M. Ismail
Introduction - Based on environmental protection and providing healthy and safe foods to the population, organic agricultural production is considered an opportunity to create new agri-food systems for agricultural production. Agroecological farming is considered sustainable agriculture which focuses on ecological production for agrobiodiver-sity protection and food sovereignty through using multiple and diverse crops or animals, relying on biological processes for building soil fertility and controlling pests and diseases, etc. Does organic agricultural production entail agroecological farming? This paper explores the challenges faced by organic farmers in agroecological practices through agroecological principles. Methodology - The study was carried out in Central in Central Uganda mainly in 5 districts: Wakiso, Masaka, Bukomansimbi, Ssembabule, and Kyotera. These districts belonged to the agroecological zone called Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI). The multiple-stage stratified sampling procedure was used to select 310 organic farmers by proportional random sampling in the 8 counties. The visit to the farm is essential for gathering fieldwork material that is generated through qualitative interpretive methods like interviews and participant observation. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the respondents, agroecological variables, and the Pearson correlation coefficient as a measure of the significant relationship between agroecological variables. Results & Discussion - The study focuses on organic farming analysis through an agroecological approach that emphasizes four agroecology principles: diversity, synergies, recycling, and resilience. The finds highlighted that the majority (52,9%) of organic farmers respondents have more than 3 crops adapted to local and changing climatic conditions and 58.71% of organic farming has Medium integration (animals are mostly fed with feed produced on the farm and grazing, their manure is used as fertilizer). The seeds and animal genetic resources are self-produced or exchanged, although some specific seeds are purchased from the market by 51.61% of organic farming. The re-sult revealed that the local environment can suffer from climatic shocks, but the system has a good capacity to adapt to climate change in 40.65% of organic farming. In organic farming that participates in this research, 50%of the soil is covered with residues or cover crops, with the majority at 61.61%. Most residues and by-products are recycled, with a little waste discharged or burned in 37.1 % of organic farming. In organic farming, 34.52%of organic farming have one type of equipment for water harvesting or saving (e.g., drip irrigation, tanks). Ac-cording to the findings, 47.74% of organic farmers’ income is declining, production varies from year to year (with constant inputs), and income and production mostly recover after shocks or perturbations. The correla-tion test revealed that the diversity crops affect positively diversity activities, products and services (r =+ 0.523, p<0.01), the diversity animals affect positively crop-livestock integration (r = +0.674, p<0.01), and the water har-vesting and saving influence positively the environmental resilience and capacity to adapt to climate change (r = +0.546, p<0.01). Conclusion - This empirical research addressed the agroecological principles implemented by organic farmers in Central Uganda. It focuses on diversity, synergies, recycling, and resilience, which are the agroecological principles that contribute to producing healthy and safe food for society and building resilient and sustainable local food systems through agrobiodiversity protection, food sovereignty, adaptation to climate change, and participation in the green economy.
Genetic Diversity of Aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus Flavus Isolated from Selected Groundnut Growing Agro-ecological Zones of Uganda
(BMC Microbiology, 2020-08-14) Acur, Amos; Arias, Renée S.; Odongo, Steven; Tuhaise, Samuel; Ssekandi, Joseph; Adriko, John; Muhanguzi, Dennis; Buah, Stephen; Kiggundu, Andrew
Groundnut pre- and post-harvest contamination is commonly caused by fungi from the Genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus flavus is the most important of these fungi. It belongs to section Flavi; a group consisting of aflatoxigenic (A. flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius) and non-aflatoxigenic (A. oryzae, A. sojae and A. tamarii) fungi. Aflatoxins are food-borne toxic secondary metabolites of Aspergillus species associated with severe hepatic carcinoma and children stuntedness. Despite the well-known public health significance of aflatoxicosis, there is a paucity of information about the prevalence, genetic diversity and population structure of A. flavus in different groundnut growing agroecological zones of Uganda. This cross-sectional study was therefore conducted to fill this knowledge gap. Results: The overall pre- and post-harvest groundnut contamination rates with A. flavus were 30.0 and 39.2% respectively. Pre- and post-harvest groundnut contamination rates with A. flavus across AEZs were; 2.5 and 50.0%; (West Nile), 55.0 and 35.0% (Lake Kyoga Basin) and 32.5 and 32.5% (Lake Victoria Basin) respectively. There was no significant difference (χ 2 = 2, p = 0.157) in overall pre- and post-harvest groundnut contamination rates with A. flavus and similarly no significant difference (χ 2 = 6, p = 0.199) was observed in the pre- and post-harvest contamination of groundnut with A. flavus across the three AEZs. The LKB had the highest incidence of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus isolates while WN had no single Aspergillus isolate with aflatoxin-producing potential. Aspergillus isolates from the pre-harvest groundnut samples had insignificantly higher incidence of aflatoxin production (χ 2 = 2.667, p = 0.264) than those from the post-harvest groundnut samples. Overall, A. flavus isolates exhibited moderate level (92%, p = 0.02) of genetic diversity across the three AEZs and low level (8%, p = 0.05) of genetic diversity within the individual AEZs. There was a weak positive correlation (r = 0.1241, p = 0.045) between genetic distance and geographic distance among A. flavus populations in the LKB, suggesting that genetic differentiation in the LKB population might be associated to geographic distance. A very weak positive correlation existed between genetic variation and geographic location in the entire study area (r = 0.01, p = 0.471), LVB farming system (r = 0.0141, p = 0.412) and WN farming system (r = 0.02, p = 0.478). Hierarchical clustering using the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) revealed two main clusters of genetically similar A. flavus isolates. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that genetic differentiation in A. flavus populations is independent of geographic distance. This information can be valuable in the development of a suitable biocontrol management strategy of aflatoxin-producing A. flavus.
Impacts of COVID 19 Total Confinement on Rural Youth Food Security
(Science Publishing Group, 2021-07-13) Fofana, Abdoulaye Fall; Ssekandi, Joseph; Kipkemoi, Amos Ronoh; Obeng Apori, Samuel; Ndiaye, Abibatou; Wamuyu Mbugua, Beatrice
Uganda is amongst the countries in Africa which have experienced total confinement during the COVID 19 outbreak. The impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic will have disproportionate effects on populations with higher existing vulnerability. Youth consistently experience higher levels of food insecurity than adults and are more likely to be dependent upon informal employment. The present study aimed to understand the impact of COVID 19 total confinement on youth food security in the rural Mpigi District of Uganda. The study targeted rural youths and questions were asked as to whether the COVID 19 pandemic led to food insecurity. Using self-administered questionnaires, data were collected from 380 respondents selected randomly from Nkozi sub-county. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze collected data. Nested binary logistic regressions was used to examine the relationship between food security-sex-education levels. The study established that 75% of youth were classified as food insecure. Female youths were more likely to be food secure than males. The study also revealed that a high level of education significantly contributes to youth food security. This study reinforces the importance of including social determinants of food security, such as sex and level of education in the policies targeting youth food security. Giving food relief, reduce food taxes and allowing the business to open are three of the major recommendations from this study.
Implementation of COVID-19 Control Measures: Effect on Fertilizer Supply and Soil Fertility in Africa
(Academic Journals, 2021-07) Hanyabui, Emmanuel; Apori, Samuel Obeng; Akaba, Selorm; Ssekandi, Joseph
The unexpected outbreak of novel COVID-19 in late 2019 and continual spread across the world has disrupted the agricultural value chain. The World Health Organization (WHO) prescribed border closure, lockdown, social distancing, wearing a mask, and handwashing to combat the pandemic. These control measures, especially the closure of borders, have affected the importation and supply of fertilizer for crop production. The current study presents potential expectations for the adverse effects of coronavirus pandemic on fertilizer supply and application, soil fertility, and crop yield. The study indicates that the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has made the delivery of fertilizers to farmers very difficult. Hence, the application of fertilizer on time by farmers was problematic. It was also discovered that the COVID-19 control measure enforced can delay crop planting on time and the use of optimum quality and quantity of fertilizer. Therefore, crop yield will be affected and the quantity of crop produced will be reduced.
Land Use Practices in the Rural and Urban Sub Catchments of River Rwizi, Western-Uganda; Their Effect on Its Ecological Characteristics
(Science Publishing Group, 2018) Atwongyeire, Doreen; Ssekandi, Joseph; Tumwesigye, Wycliff; Ndihiziwe, Daniel; Nagawa, Goretty
The water quality of river Rwizi has increasingly become a concern at community, district and national levels, serving a wider catchment in the south western part of Uganda. With the increasing national human population, there has been an increase in land use activities posing a risk of degradation. This study assessed the land use practices around river Rwizi and the effects they have on the ecological situation of the river. Cross sectional and descriptive research designs were employed in studying the effects of land use practices on the ecological characteristics of the river. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were used in analyzing the field data. The findings indicate that several land use practices are done around the river and adverse effects have also resulted from these activities. Existing policies and laws on the management of water resources need to be strengthened. Collaborative management should be emphasized to ensure effective management of this river.
Meteorological information utilization and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices; modifying factors and mediating effect
(Science Direct - Elsevier, 2023-04-14) Nantongo, Beckie; Ssekandi, Joseph; Ngom, Ablaye; Dieng, Birane; Diouf, Ndongo; Diouf, Jules; Noba, Kandioura
There is increasing attention towards understanding the modifying factors influencing the relationship between meteorological information utilization and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices. Much as several studies have established that meteorological information is vital for adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, not much research has been conducted to contextualize the influence of modifying factors in that relationship. The study is derived from a sample of 341 households. Adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and modifying effects were understood through a series of univariate, bivariant, and linear regression analyses. Findings from the study indicate that the climate-smart agriculture practices adopted most are; intercropping (71.8%), cover cropping (71%), and crop rotation (69.5%), while the least adopted are mulching (2.3%) and minimum tillage (4.1%). The relationship between meteorological information utilization and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices is influenced by peers’ or community influence, indigenous knowledge or cultural beliefs, and trust. Trust in weather forecasts scored highest in the relationship between meteorological information utilization and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (x2=0.01, P = 0.002**). After accounting for the mediating role of trust, meteorological information utilization positively impacted the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (B = 0.376, t = 2.045, p < 0.05). The Sobel test results indicate that the mediation effect was also significant (Z = 6.45369270, p < 0.000001). Therefore, trust in meteorological information partially accounts for the relationship between meteorological information utilization and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. It can be recommended that there is a need for integration of indigenous knowledge in the scientific meteorological information and provision of finer grain forecasts that can be trusted by the end-users in a timely fashion. This will promote meteorological information utilization in the climate-smart agricultural practices adoption decision.
Review paper: The role of agroecology in combatting hunger and food insecurity among smallholder farmers
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03-30) Mubashakwaya, Isaac; Ssekandi, Joseph
Introduction - The term agroecology emerged more than 80 years ago and originally referred to the ecological study of agricultural systems (Gliessman, 2007). The term agroecology was first used in the 1930s by Bensin (Schaller, 2013), a Russian agronomist, initially in reference to applying ecological methods to research on crops. In 1965, Ger-man ecologist and animal scientist Tischler published what is most probably the first book titled Agroecology (Tischler, 1965). Yet, some controversy about the definition of agroecology remains. Agroecology is a concept that inspires more and more people, but also means different things to different people. There is no single way to define or practice agroecology, but the concept unifies different groups of scientists, practitioners in the food systems, and social movements. Initially, Altieri (1983) defined agroecology as the application of ecological prin-ciples to agriculture. Twenty years later, agroecology was enlarged to the whole food system linking production with the food chain and consumers. This new definition allows for the analysis of the socio-economic and po-litical dimensions of food systems. Agroecology became an interdisciplinary method that put to test scientific and social borders. Methodology Review paper - Results & Discussion 2. Principles of agroecology in relation to food security As the definition of agroecology is rather wide, a better understanding of the concept can be obtained by exploring the principles that guide researchers, practitioners and social actors involved in the field of agroecology. 3. Agroecology versus Green Revolution Long before the era of Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, agriculture was dependent on the local resources of land, water, and other resources, as well as local varieties and indigenous knowledge. 4. Hunger and Food status on the planet The vast majority of hungry people live in lower-middle-income regions, which witnessed a 42 percent reduc-tion in the prevalence of undernourished people between the periods 1990 - 1992 and 2012-2014. Despite this progress, in 2016, the global prevalence of undernourishment surged (FAO et al., 2017). 5. Potential interventions of agroecology for food security 5.1 Agricultural practices improvement 5.2 Increased agricultural production and productivity 5.3 Reducing inputs expenses and diversifying income sources 5.4 Agroecology and resiliency to climate change 5.5 Agroecology and gender 5.6. Agroecology and health promotion 81 eoai-africa.org Transforming Food Systems for Responsible Production, Consumption and Social Wellbeing Conclusion - As it is mentioned in this paper, many researchers demonstrate that agroecology offers the possibility to increase agricultural production and productivity through agroecological practices and local available resources. Agroecology is therefore increasingly being looked at as the best option to sustain food security and combat hunger without destroying the environment at small scale farming levels due to its advantages. It is healthy and offers long lasting and fully sustainable solutions to rural employment, environmental and climate chal-lenges, today and for the future. However, if this is to be wholesomely accepted and embraced by all, a lot more empirical evidence pointing to positivity must be provided.
Roles of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on soil fertility and its importance in phytoremediation of polluted soil
(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology & Research Education Network of Uganda, 2021) Fofana Fall, Abdoulaye; Nakabonge, Grace; Ssekandi, Joseph; Founoune, Hassna; Obeng Apori, Samuel; Ndiaye, Abibatou; Badji, Arfang; Ngom, Khady
A single paragraph Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish symbiotic relationships with many crops. These soil microbiotas improve the soil fertility through the soil physical, chemical and biological properties. extending the root absorbing area. In return, the symbiont receives plant carbohydrates for the completion of its life cycle. AMF also helps plants to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses such as extreme temperature, heavy metal, diseases, and pathogens. For soil physical properties, the mechanisms used by AMF are the production of a glycoprotein, glomalin, which creates a high quality of soil macro-aggregations. These macro-aggregations control soil erosion, nutrients and organic matter losses. For soil chemical properties, AMF produce acids and an enzyme called phosphatase. This enzyme hydrolyzes the inorganic phosphorus and the rock phosphate (RP) hence making P available in the soil for plant uptake. AMF also are involved in soil nitrogen, carbon and trace element cycling. Regarding the biological component of the soil, AMF influence the composition, diversity and activity of microbial communities in the hydrosphere. They also work in synergy with others soil microorganisms to improve soil fertility, plant growth and resistance against some diseases. In this review, we present the contribution of AMF on soil fertility and importance in polluted soils.