Faculty of Agriculture

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The African Centre of Agro-Ecology and Livelihood Systems (ACALISE):
(The World Bank, 2016-10-17) Mwine, Julius
Africa in general and East Africa in particular is faced with problems of low production and productivity, little or no value addition to the few products but also lack of ethical values in management of business. These overarching problems have of late been compounded by effects of climate change, all of which have made peoples’ livelihoods a dilemma. It is no doubt therefore that Agricultural research and technology development, which is a component of the agricultural production and productivity enhancement intervention, is fundamental for enhanced agricultural sector growth and performance. To generate high returns of investment, each link in the production and value chains of agricultural enterprises needs to be accompanied by effective agricultural research and technology generation programs. Well-designed innovation systems with a component of climate smart initiative like Agro-ecology and endowed with ethical values will help to generate the desired shift from the present poverty cycle to better livelihoods. This will eventually bring in the aspect of sustainability that has been glaringly lacking in African/small scale enterprises.
Women involvement in use of ethnomedicinal products in Masaka and Mpigi Districts, Uganda
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03) Njoroge, Njeri Grace; Bwogi, Vianney Godfrey; Murongo, Marius Fabian
Introduction - Cooked bananas, also known as matooke, are the main source of food in Uganda’s Central, Western, and Mt. Elgon regions. Recently, the production of bananas has been seriously threatened by numerous pests and illnesses. Nematodes and banana weevils are major pests, and bacterial infections and panama wilt are the most common diseases. There hasn’t been sufficient research that address women’s engagement in the usage of biorationals in the study area. A study that was conducted in the Central Ugandan districts of Masaka and Mpigi assessed the extent to which women used biorationals to treat pests and diseases that affects bananas, as well as farmers’ assessments of how efficient these treatments were. Methodology - Using both quantitative and qualitative data, social economic approaches were applied. A structure questionnaire and key informant interviews were used. A logistic model was used to determine the farmers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of biorationals in getting rid of banana weevils. The survey’s sample size was 144 house-holds, or one hundred forty-four. Organic farmers were identified using snow ball sampling, while the remain-ing farmers were chosen using a random sampling technique. The sample was chosen using an undisclosed population sampling method Results & Discussion - According to the logistic model, women were more likely than men to consider biorationals to be effective. Knowledge (awareness) of the product played a key role in farmers’ perception of and use of biorationals goods. Farmers with a secondary education embraced and evaluated the usage of biorationals as being extremely important Conclusion - According to this approach, women’s participation, farmers’ training in banana production, and the usage of livestock products are all crucial issues that need to be addressed in order to increase the use of biorationals in banana production.
Sim-Sim (Sesamum Indicum L.) bio-Ash efficacy determination on tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) shelf life in Central Uganda
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03) Nankuta, Dorothy; Murongo, Marius Fabian; Kalanzi, Keefa; Tumwizere, Collins
Introduction - Tomato (Lycopersicon solanum) is a vegetable crop which belongs to a family Solanaceae and is dicotyledonous plant.Despite its nutritional, economic, and health value, tomato production is hampered by post-harvest losses, which limit the longevity of storage and the number of high-quality products available to customers. This study investigated the effect of sim-sim (Sesamum indicum L.) bio-ash efficacy determination on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) shelf life in central Uganda. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the effect of different rates of sim-sim ash on decay incidence and weight loss of tomatoes stored at room temperature, to assess the effect of sim-sim ash and their effect on textural characteristics (hardness, softness soggy and spoilt) of tomatoes stored at room temperature and to examine the effect of different rates of sim-sim ash on the sensory attributes (half ripe and full ripe) for the tomatoes stored at room temperature. An experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture of Uganda Martyrs University in Nkozi Sub County, Mpigi district during the months of March-July 2022 cropping season. A Methodology - An experimental design used was completely randomized design (CRD) in the study with four treatments. The factors studied included 0.5kg (P2), 1.0kg (P3) and 1.5kg (P4) of sim-sim bio-ash and control (P1) in which tomatoes were stored for a period of 55 days. Different parameters were assessed, decay incidence, weight loss, hardness, softness, sogginess of tomatoes and number of spoilt tomatoes, half ripe and full ripe tomatoes .Data collected was subjected to statistical technique of analysis of variance (ANOVA) at (P<0.05) to ascertain the Fishers probability (Fpr), grand mean, Least signifi-cance differences (L.S.D and percentage co-efficient of variations (% CV). Means were compared using the least significance difference best (L.S.D) and was analysed using Genstat a statistical package version 14. Results & Discussion - The results of the study indicated that there were highly significant differences (P<0.001) recorded with the different rates of sim-sim bio ash on decay and weight loss of tomatoes, The results indicated that 1,5kg of sim sim ash gave the lowest percentage decay of 79% and lowest weight loss. Further the results revealed that 1.5kg of sim sim ash gave the lowest number of soft, soggy and spoilt tomatoes but with the highest number of hard tomatoes. Finally 1.5kg of sim sim ash gave the highest number of full ripe tomatoes and lowest number of half ripe tomatoes during the storage period. Conclusion - Basing on the results of the study ,It was also concluded that storing tomatoes in 1.5kg of sim-sim ash gave the lowest percentage decay and weight loss, increased number of hard tomatoes and reduced number of soft, soggy, spoilt tomatoes as well as increasing tomato ripening faster than the other counter parts treatments. Therefore farmers are recommended to store tomatoes in 1.5kg of sim-sim ash.
Efficacy Of eucalyptus ash (Eucalyptus Globules L) on the tomatoes’ (Solunum Lycoperscum) shelf life under room temperature storage conditions In Central Uganda
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03) Tumwizere, Collin; Kalanzi, Keefa; Murongo, Marius Fabian
Introduction - The cultivated tomato, (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the world’s most highly consumed vegetable due to its status as a basic ingredient in a large variety of raw (Wu et al., 2022), cooked or processed foods. It belongs to the family Solanaceae, (Lima et al., 2022) which includes several other commercially important species. Tomato is grown worldwide for local use or as an export crop. In 2014, the global area cultivated with tomato was 5 million hectares with a production of 171 million tons (Camara et al., 2022), the major tomato-producing countries being the People’s Republic of China (hereafter “China”) and India (FAOSTAT, 2017). Tomatoes can be grown in a variety of geographical zones in open fields or greenhouses, and the fruit can be harvested by manual or mechanical means (Masetti et al., 2020). Methodology - he researcher used a Completely Randomized Block Design which was a plan, strategy and investigation structure in a certain element, so this was used as a tool for obtaining the answers to research questions and problems. This was used in obtaining an operational plan in executing a few required steps for completing the research and ensures that the chosen research design was as sufficient and adequate as possible for seeking the authentic findings, answering the objective of the study and pointing sharply on research questions. The treatment which was replicated into three different quantities; this treatment was eucalyptus ash under measurements of 0.5g, 1g and 1.5g and the control where no ash was added to the tomatoes. Results & Discussion - Analysis of variance showed that different quantities of eucalyptus ash based storage media significantly (P<0.05) influenced decay percentage in stored tomatoes (Table 2 and Figure 4). The results indicated that the first two weeks of storage and data collection, tomatoes stored in the different eucalyptus ash based storage media showed no significant differences (P<0.00) in decay percentage. The results also indicated that the different eucalyptus ash based storage media and control gave the same decay percentage of 0.00% in week one and week two. This could be attributed to the fact that in the first two weeks, tomatoes had not fully under gone physiological changes which can lead to rotting. On another hand, in the first two weeks of storage, tomatoes had not yet started losing water to the surrounding which could favor microbial attack. The results indicated that tomatoes stored in 1.5kg of eucalyptus ash gave the lowest significant (P<0.00 and <0.003) decay percentage of 7% and 79% in week three and eleven of data collection respectively. The results further indicated that there were no significant differences in same weeks among tomatoes stored in1.5kg of eucalyptus ash for instance in week three and four which gave a decay percentage of Conclusion - It was concluded that 1.5 kg of eucalyptus ash gave the lowest decay of tomatoes, this further gave the lowest weight loss and also the lowest level of softness of the tomatoes.
Effects of selected concentrations of Bidens pilosa on the production and productivity of the black soldier fly (Hermetiaillucens) larvae
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03) Khainza, Jane
Introduction- BSF ( Hermetia illucens) are small harmless insects belonging to the sub family of Hermetiinae. They are native to the American continent but has now spread to the rest of the world. These insects have been found to possess the potential in providing promising solutions to the modern agriculture’s growing problems. Much as it is a good alternative to the use of silver fish as protein animal feed however it’s feeding had remained a threat to food security since most farmers were feeding it on maize bran and left over human foods. This had limited it’s adoption by local farmers living in a developing country like Uganda whose citizens struggle to get what they eat. According to Paz et at., 2015, BSFL are saprophogous at the larval stage and therefore have the ability to feed on various products including vegetables. Meanwhile Bidens pilosa is a notorious weed which when fermented provided an alternative feed to the saprophytic BSF larvae. However the effect different concentrations Bidens pilosa had on the production and productivity of BSF larvae remained questionable thus hence the call for the study. Methodology - The study was carried out in Mpigi district, Nkozi sub county in Central Uganda. The study employed a complete randomised research design which involved an intensive analysis of research variables. Different ratios of feeds and water were used, that is 3kgs of feed substrate mixed with 3litres of water (1:1), 3kgs of feed substrate mixed with 6litres of water (1:2) and 6kgs of substrate mixed with 3litres of water (2:1) as treatments R1, R3 and R2 respectively. The study used used a sample size of 100 BSF larvae from every treatment for every week. The larvae were randomly selected for data collection. The growth parameters were measured each week on the selected larvae, the yield parameter measurements were collected at the end of the four weeks. Results & Discussion - There was a high significant (P<0.05) difference in the growth parameters ( larvae length and larvae circumfer-ence) in the treatments R3 and R1 compared to the R2 treatments. The highest average larvae length and larvae circumference was observed in R3 followed by R1 and then R2 which had the least larvae length. This was so because feed substrate that was originally solid was converted to liquid slurry before ingestion. A high signif-icant (P<0.05) effect was observed in the larvae mass weight for the different feeding ratios where R3 showed the highest mass weight. Conclusion - The study found out that a ratio with more water than the feed substrate is more effective for attraction and breeding of the BSF larvae. It was concluded that the selected concentration of Bidens pilosa had an effect on the production and productivity of the BSF larvae and therefore the amount of water added to Bidens pilosa as a feed substrate should be considered so as to maximize profits. This study provides base line information for future development of Bidens pilosa as a feed substrate to BSF larvae.
The role of agroforestry systems in improving farmlands and livelihoods in Agroecological highlands zones of Buberuka-Rwanda
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03-30) Mubashakwaya, Isaac
Introduction - Agroforestry systems are recognized as key factors to contribute to the farmlands and livelihoods improvement through soil protection and soil fertility that lead to the increase of income from agroforestry products and services for small-scale farmers in rural areas in Rwanda. However, soil degradation and infertility remain one of the underlying causes of low agricultural production in some areas of Rwanda, especially in high mountains regions. This study analyses different agroforestry systems adopted by farmers and highlights their effect on farmlands management and livelihoods improvement in the Agroecological highlands zones of Buberuka. Methodology • Agroecological highlands zones of Buberuka are located in Northern part of Rwanda and is generally dominated by small scale farming systems. • Out of 1650 agroforestry farmers, 64 were selected as sample size. This sample technique was able to give us a global vision of the field realities. The farmers used as respondents in the study were selected randomly with their respective various farm sizes. • A questionnaire consisting of structured items was designed, administered and conducted for the collection of primary data from the field. • Qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied using the research techniques, use value matrix, free listing, priority ranking and preference-ranking to gather data sets. • The data were entered and analyzed using the Statistics Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results & Discussion - Agrosilvopastoral system (combination of trees, livestock and crops) occupy the first place with 71.8%. It is highly practiced by farmers because it plays many purposes of producing food and increasing soil fertility. Most agroforestry species used in this system are Grevillea robista , Calliandra , Alnus acuminate and Leuceana leucocephala. For Agrisilviculture system (combination of crops and trees), 64% of agro forestry farmers used to mix big trees with some leguminous trees (Leuceana leucocephala, Leuceana leucocephala) for feeding their animals, mainly cattle in zero grazing system. Trees also act as windbreaks, preventing crop damage. In silvopastoral system (combination of livestock and trees), 18.7% of small agro forestry species are mainly used for fodder production to animals. During the study, the researchers found that beekeeping is applied by few farm-ers (7.8%).Therefore it seems logical, compatible, and pragmatic to accept the components as the basic criteria in the hierarchy of agro forestry classification (P.K. Ramachandran Nair, 1993). Conclusion - The findings of this study confirmed that there are four (4) main different agroforestry systems applied in Agroecological highlands zones of Buberuka which are Agrisilvicultural system, agrosilvopastural system, silvopastural system and Agrohorticultural systems. Most of agroforestry species are intercropped with plants such as Leguminous (calliandra spp, Leuceana leucocephala), no Leguminous (Alnus acuminata, Cedrella ser-ata, Grevillea robusta) and fruit (Avocado, Mangoes, Citrus, carca Papaya). Agroforestry systems contribute to the farm land improvement for the population through soil protection and soil fertility. Agroforestry systems contribute to the livelihood improvement for the population of Agroecological highlands zones of Buberuka through crop and animal production improvement. Agroforestry trees products make increase of income gen-erations, improvement of education, health, insurance, and assurance of food security
Effect of corncob biochar on selected soil chemical properties and performance of maize
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03-30) Muli, Gideon; Apori, Samuel
Introduction - A study was conducted to investigate the effect of corncob biochar or its combination with farmyard manure compost or NPK fertilizer on selected soil chemical properties and maize growth and yield on a ferralitic soil in Central Uganda. Methodology - A field experiment was carried out with biochar treatment at 10 tons/ha or co-applied with FYM compost at 10 tons/ha and NPK fertilizer. The test crop was maize variety DH 04. It involved six treatments( Control, Biochar, FYM compost, NPK, Biochar+ FYM compost and Biochar+ NPK) within a period of two seasons and used Complete Randomized Block (CBD) experimental design. Results & Discussion - In season 1, the soil pH was 5.2 at the control and 5.78 after biochar application. Solely applied corncob biochar increased the soil pH by 0.58 units compared with the control. In season 2, the pH ranged between 5.2 at control to 6.05 solely applied biochar. The solely applied biochar increased the soil pH by 0.85 units compared with the control. Biochar combined with farmyard manure compost recorded a soil pH of 5.97 while solely applied biochar recorded a soil pH of 6.05, a difference of 0.08 units. During season one, the soil organic carbon differed significantly (P <0.01) after the treatment application. The SOC varied from 1.58% at the control to 1.91 % at solely applied biochar treatment. In the second season, the SOC ranged between 1.5% at the control to 1.98% at biochar treatment. This means that biochar addition increased the SOC by 0.48 units. Biochar combined with farmyard manure compost recorded a SOC of 2.31 while solely applied biochar recorded a SOC of 1.98. During the first season, the maize yield ranged from 4625 to 9475kg/ha. There was a significant (P<0.01) difference among the recorded average total weights within the treatments. Biochar combined with NPK treatment recorded the highest average total weight of 9475kgs while the control recorded the least average total weight of 4625kgs. During the second cropping season, the maize yield differed significantly (P<0.001) ranging from 3325 to 8550kgs/ha. Biochar combined with NPK treatment recorded the highest average total weight of 8550kgs while the control recorded the least weight of 3325kgs. The maize yield registered an increment in the two cropping seasons. This can be attributed to biochar’s im-provement of base cation retention in the rooting zone (Palansooriya et al., 2019). Biochar also acts as a soil conditioner which improves water holding capacity and enhances soil nutrient retention (Mensah et al., 2018). Conclusion - This study demonstrated that solely applied corncob biochar or in combination with farmyard manure compost or NPK avails the potential to enhance soil pH, soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, soil Nitrogen and exchangeable bases (K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Na2+). Moreover, it improves the growth and yield of maize crop. These findings indicate that solely applied corncob biochar or in combination with farmyard manure compost or NPK can be used to improve maize yield which contributes to food security enhancement in the wake of climate change.
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.
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.
Evaluating the effect of different organic manures on the performance of black eye cowpea variety
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03-30) Oya, Richard; Murongo, Marius Fabian
Introduction - Cowpea (Vignaunguiculata,L.Walp) is one of the key legume food crops produced worldwide for its grains, fresh green seeds, fresh leaves and pods which are consumed as fresh cooked vegetable. The research study, to evaluate the effect of bio-manures on the growth and yield performance of black eye cowpea variety was in central Uganda.Specifically, the study examined the growth, and yield parameters of black eye cowpea variety in relation to application of (chicken manure, pig manure, cow dung control treatment. It was hypothesized that biomanure application has a significant effect the growth and yield performance of black eye cowpea variety. Methodology - The treatments were laid in complete randomized block design (CRBD) in a 0.0004ha size, replicated four times. The plots were blended with 5 kgs of bio-manure except the control plot. The plants were planted at the spacing of 50×20cm. 5kgs of each manure type was applied. Observations were done on 4000 plants/ha selected from 100000plants/ha total number of plants in the 16 plots. The data was collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, number of branches, and the grain weight and wet bio mass of cowpea.The data collected was analyzed with GENSTAT(VSN,version14,2012)for(ANOVA). Results & Discussion - Results indicated that cowpea under chicken manure had the highest mean of plant height 21.3cm and 21.82cm in season one and two respectively, wet bio mass of 5995kg/ha and 4745kg/ha in season one and two respec-tively, number of branches of 7.58 and 7.1 in season one and two respectively and number of leaves of 38.7 and 38.3 in season one and two respectively. compared to cowpea treated with pig manure and then cow dung and the least was under the control. The highest mean of grain weight under pig manure with 612.75kg/ha and 587.75kg/ha in season one and two compared to chicken manure, cow dung manure and the least was from con-trol treatment. The ANOVA results indicated that there were highly significant differences on the plant height of cowpea black eyed variety among treatments at (p<0.001). The cowpea treated with chicken manure and pig manure performed better than those with cow dung and those without (control), therefore the recommenda-tion is that famers to fetch high yields they should use chicken manure and plant early in time during the first rains and also crops to pick the Nitrogen flash for their vegetative growth. Conclusion - The cowpea treated with chicken manure and pig manure performed better than those with cow dung and those without (control). Recommendation is that farmers to fetch high yields they should use chicken manure and pig manure and plant early in time during the first rains and also crops to pick the Nitrogen flash for their vegetative growth.
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
Integrated weed management in conservation agricultural systems
(Ecological Organic Agriculture - Growing Sustainability, 2023-03-30) Anyoni, Godfrey Otim; Tumwebaze, Susan; Obia, Alfred; Obong, Samson; Abdoulaye, Fofana Fall; Mudde, Barnabas; Turyagyenda, Laban F.
Introduction - Weeds cause a significant economic impact more harmful than insects and fungi. An integrated weed management approach is more effective than a single control. Decades of herbicide use as a single weed control method have caused the rise of herbicide-resistant weeds. Weeds are more difficult to manage in Conservation Agriculture (CA) than in conventional agriculture. In Uganda farmers only adopted crop rotation and minimum tillage. Leaving out mulching as a soil cover practice. Therefore, Weed management is perceived by smallholder farmers, extension workers and researchers as one of the main limiting factors for the widespread adoption of CA Hence, knowledge on integrated weed management in conservation agriculture is needed as farmers adopt reduced tillage and soil cover practices Methodology - Weed management practices were evaluated using a split-plot experimental design with two main plot tillage practices (T1=Conventional tillage with animal drawn moldboard plough, and T2=Minimum tillage with G5 animal drawn ripper (Magoye)). The subplot treatments had five soil cover Practices (SC 1= Mulched Maize, SC2=Control no mulch, SC3= Two lines of soybean in between one line of maize, SC4= One line of soybean in between one line of maize, SC5= Pure soybean). The trials were established for 4 rainy seasons on a sandy loam texture (ferrosols) in Lira, Uganda. Maize crop acted as the test crop and soybean provided soil cover (inter-crop). Data on weed density and diversity collected using a wooden square of 100 x 100cm, placed randomly in each plot and weeds enumerated. Diversity Index “H” and “D” were computed. ANOVA was used for analysis. Results & Discussion The diversity of weed species was high in plots treated with T2 under minimum tillage, 2019B (Shannon Weiner diversity index H= 2.1, Simpsons index D=6.2), 2020A (H= 1.8, D=4.9) compared to T1 under conventional tillage, 2019B (H= 1.78, D=4.25) and, 2020A (H= 1.78, D=4.67). However, the weed density (N) was higher in T1 compared to T2, 2019B (N=207.6/ m2 V’s N=127.3/ m2), 2020A (N=156.2/ m2 V’s 69.9/ m2). Tillage practice had significant differences in 2019A, 2020A (P<0.005) and no significant difference in 2020B and 2020A(P>0.05). The effect of the five soil cover practices had a significant difference only in 2020B and no significant difference in 2019A, 2020B and 2021A seasons. Conclusion - It’s important to note that the weed diversity and density depended not just on the amount of rainfall per month, but most importantly on the number of rainy days per month. The higher the number of rainy days per month the higher the weed density and diversity. The number of rainy days per month decreased along the 2019A, 2020A, 2020B and 2021A seasons, hence greatly influencing the weed density and diversity in these seasons. Use of Mulching suppressed weed density but led to high weed diversity, soil cover through intercropping soybean in maize significantly influenced weed density, but did not significantly influence weed diversity. Broad leaved weeds constituted 60% in 2019B, but increased to 80% by the end of the trial in 2021A
What controls physical vulnerability to geo-hydrological hazards?: a contribution to quantitative assessment of landslide and flood risk in western Uganda
(European Geosciences Union, 2023-05) Sekajugo, John; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Mutyebere, Rodgers; Kabaseke, Clovis; Mubiru, David; Namara, Esther; Kanyiginya, Violet; Bwambale, Bosco; Jacobs Jacobs, Liesbet; Dewitte, Olivier; Kervyn, Matthieu
Geo-hydrological hazards (landslides and floods) are often associated with significant damages on physical infrastructure like buildings and roads. Understanding the factors controlling the extent of damage is a prerequisite for quantitatively estimating risk and its spatial distribution, and advising on measures to reduce vulnerability. In this study we document the impact of 64 landslide and six flood events in four selected districts in western Uganda for the period May 2019 - March 2021 through extensive fieldwork. We quantify in economic value the physical damage of landslide and flood hazards on exposed buildings, roads and bridges. We then analyse the physical vulnerability based on damage ratios and determine the factors (building material, hazard characteristics and age of the building) that control the degree of damage using fractional logistic regression. Out of the 91 buildings affected by landslides, 54% were totally destroyed, and only 10% not or minorly damaged, for an average damage cost of 3,179 USD/building. For the 212 documented buildings affected by floods, 35% were totally destroyed, 28% had severe to moderate damage and the rest were minorly or not affected, with an average damage costs of 1,755 USD/building. The physical vulnerability of buildings to landslides depends on the size of the landslide, age of the building, type of building wall material and the steepness of the slope cut to establish an artificial foundation platform. On the other hand, the physical vulnerability of buildings to flood hazards is largely controlled by the flood depth, the distance from the river channel, slope, size of flooded area and type of floor material. The physical vulnerability functions developed in this study are being used as a new inputs into a regional quantitative model of geo-hydrological risks. Combining the hazard estimates with the most accurate information on exposure of physical infrastructure, will facilitate the identification of the types of events and the locations that require most attention for risk reduction.
The study comparison was between the Small East African Zebu and the Tyrolean Grey cattle crosses in Uganda
(African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), 2023-12-10) Acila, Mary Goretti; Nakimbugwe Nalume, Hellen; Kato, Habib
This study was conducted to assess farmers’ perception of the performance of indigenous Small East Africa Zebu (SEAZ) and Tyrolean Grey (TG) x SEAZ cattle cross. TGZ cattle is indigenous to the alpine region of Austria. Cross-sectional survey was carried out among 45 respondents comprising 37 farmers, three (03) artificial insemination technicians, three (03) extension workers, and two (02) farm managers in the Ugandan districts of Kole, Nakapiripirit and Kayunga. Source of labour (χ2=6.042, p<0.05) influenced farmers’ preference of cattle. Traits such as better draft power (χ2=6.943, p<0.01), resistance to parasites and diseases (χ2=4.477, p<0.05) were significantly associated with SEAZ. On the other hand, docility (χ2=4.847, p<0.05), better milker (χ2=13.976, p<0.001), good mothering ability (χ2=10.174, p<0.001), fast growth (χ2=11.242, p<0.001) and hard hooves to withstand muddy places better (χ2=4.498, p<0.05), were significantly associated with TGZ. More than three quarters (78.8%) of the farmers preferred the TGZ because they felt that it performed better than the SEAZ.

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