Journal Articles (Agriculture)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12280/215

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Potential of neem (azadirachta indica) extract in managing fall armyworm on maize
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2024-06-15) Okello, Tom Richard; Wacal, Cosmas; Wadria, Denis Peter; Obonyom Tekkara, Allan; Gumisiriya, Costa; Kanahe Kagorora, John Patrick
This research assessed the effect of neem leaf extract on the larval population of the fall armyworm and the level of damage, growth, and yield of maize. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments (Control, 50 g per L, 100 g per L and 200 g per L of neem leaf extract) applied within the two seasons of 2022A and 2022B. The findings showed that a higher concentration (200 g per L) of neem leaf extract-treated maize plants registered the least leaf damage (0.15), severity (0.15), and larvae population (0.1). This effect was most attained during the 1st season of maize production and at the earliest vegetative weeks of maize growth (3 WAP to 5 WAP, i.e., weeks after planting). The higher neem leaf extract concentration of 200 g per L produced the most significant (p < 0.001) effect on maize growth traits. A higher plant height (162.51 cm), longer leaf length (112.5 cm), wider leaf width (11.7 cm), and broader stem girth (11.91 cm) were attained under 200 g per L of neem leaf extract treated plots during the 1st season of maize production and 11 WAP. The findings of this showed that a relatively high concentration of neem leaf extract produced a higher cob weight (200 g per L = 180.1 g) followed by 100 g per L (174.1 g), 50 g per L (140.9 g) and control (139 g). The weight was optimised during the 1st season of maize production (163.8 g). The grain yield was higher under 200 g per L (153.7 g) of neem extract. The above findings demonstrated that a high concentration of neem leaf extract reduced fall armyworm infestation and increased maize plant growth and yield. Farmers should, therefore, be encouraged to apply 200 g per L of neem leaf extract in the management of fall armyworms and improve plant growth and yield because it contains antifeedant and insecticidal properties against the fall armyworm.
Combined effect of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on growth, yield potential of maize (Zea mays L.) varieties and economic benefits
(Academic Journals, 2024-08-22) Wadria Peter Dennis; Wacal, Cosmas; Okello, Tom Richard
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biofertilizers, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and urea fertilizer treatments on maize growth, yield, and economic benefits. The experiment, carried out over two consecutive seasons in 2022, included five treatments: control without fertilizers (T1), biofertilizers only (T2), DAP + urea (T3), biofertilizers + DAP (T4), and biofertilizers + DAP + urea (T5), arranged in a randomized complete block design. Three maize varieties—UH5355, Longe 10H, and Longe 5—were evaluated. The results indicated that the combined application of biofertilizers + DAP + urea (T5) led to the highest plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem girth, and grain yield. Among the varieties, Longe 5 showed optimal growth, while Longe 10H achieved the highest yield under the T5 treatment. The integration of biofertilizers with DAP and urea (T5) produced the best results in terms of maize growth and yield, although it incurred higher costs. However, compared to the use of DAP + urea alone, integrating biofertilizers helped reduce overall production costs while maintaining optimum yield. Therefore, adopting an integrated application of biofertilizer with DAP and urea fertilizers is recommended for achieving optimal maize yield.
Evaluating the spatiotemporal dynamics of agrometeorological droughts in semi-arid Gwayi agroecosystems (1990–2020) using multiple indices
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-10-10) Chisadza, Bright; Gwate, Onalenna; Musinguzi, Simon Peter
Climate variability poses a significant threat to smallholder farmers in the Gwayi catchment, Zimbabwe. This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of agrometeorological droughts from 1990 to 2020 using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), and Vegetation Health Index (VHI). The triangulation of these indices provided a comprehensive understanding of drought dynamics. Severe to extreme drought events were identified in 1995, 1998, 2005, 2016, 2018, and 2020, while moderate droughts were consistently detected across all indices. Favourable conditions were observed in 2000 and 2006. A strong positive correlation (r¼0.88) between VHI and VCI suggests their similar effectiveness in reflecting vegetation health. In contrast, moderate correlations between VHI and SPI (r ¼0.30), VHI and SPEI (r¼0.39), VCI and SPI (r¼0.28), and VCI and SPEI (r¼0.40) indicate that these indices capture complementary information, reflecting not only precipitation deficits but also the impacts of temperature, soil moisture, and land cover changes. The SPI and SPEI displayed a strong positive correlation (r ¼0.78), aligning in their sensitivity to precipitation and evapotranspiration. Spatial analysis revealed a pronounced north-south drought gradient, with the southwestern region being particularly vulnerable, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
Advancing malaria prediction in Uganda through AI and geospatial analysis models
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2024-04-09) Komugabe, Maria Assumpta; Caballero, Richard; Shabtai, Itamar; Musinguzi, Simon Peter
The resurgence of locally acquired malaria cases in the USA and the persistent global challenge of malaria transmission highlight the urgent need for research to prevent this disease. Despite significant eradication efforts, malaria remains a serious threat, particularly in regions like Africa. This study explores how integrating Gregor’s Type IV theory with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) improves our understanding of disease dynamics, especially Malaria transmission patterns in Uganda. By combining data-driven algorithms, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analysis, the research aims to determine the most reliable predictors of Malaria incident rates and assess the impact of different factors on transmission. Using diverse predictive modeling techniques including Linear Regression, K-Nearest Neighbor, Neural Network, and Random Forest, the study found that; Random Forest model outperformed the others, demonstrating superior predictive accuracy with an R2 of approximately 0.88 and a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.0534, Antimalarial treatment was identified as the most influential factor, with mosquito net access associated with a significant reduction in incident rates, while higher temperatures correlated with increased rates. Our study concluded that the Random Forest model was effective in predicting malaria incident rates in Uganda and highlighted the significance of climate factors and preventive measures such as mosquito nets and antimalarial drugs. We recommended that districts with malaria hotspots lacking Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) coverage prioritize its implementation to mitigate incident rates, while those with high malaria rates in 2020 require immediate attention. By advocating for the use of appropriate predictive models, our research emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making in malaria control strategies, aiming to reduce transmission rates and save lives.
Drivers of urban agriculture and their influence on the socio-economic status of the urban farmers in Uganda: a case study of Kampala and Mbarara Cities
(Mr Naresh Reddy, 2024-05-04) Ninsheka, Leonard; Ssemakula, Edward; Tiyo,Christopher; Kalibwani, Rebecca; Murongo, Marius
The study analyzed the influence of forms and drivers of urban Agriculture on the socio-economic status of the farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. The specific objective of the study was to examine the influence drivers of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using multiple data collection methods. A multistage cluster sampling technique involving simple random sampling to get both primary and secondary sampling units, snowball to get target respondents and purposive sampling for key informants and focus group members was used. Data were collected using social survey questionnaires for households, focus group discussions checklist (FGDs), key informant interview guides and observations, from a sample of 384 respondents. The study found a strong association between drivers of UA and the socioeconomic status of the urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. Household socio-economic status has substantially correlated with the drivers of the urban farmers and out of 9 items considered only 5 was significant which include access to capital(x2= 1.175, p< 0.047), accessto agriculture extension services(x2= 3.634, p< 0.026), access to financial grants (x2= 5.190, p<0.001), access to markets (x2= 6.993, p< 0.001), value addition(x2= 3.718, p<0.014). The study confirmed a significant relationship between drivers of urban agriculture and the socio-economic status of urban farmers. Urban agriculture drivers like accessto capital and financialgrants, nature of market accessand value addition had a significant influence on household socio-economic status.
Unravelling the potential benefits of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) incropping systems, nutritional, health, and industrial uses of its seeds –a review
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-05-23) Wacala, Cosmas; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Ewaju, Emmanuel; Atibo, Christopher; Alowo, Docus; Alipa, Jorem; Basalirwa, Daniel
Sesame (Sesamum indicum l.) is considered as one of the important oilseed crops produced throughout the world especially in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. Sesame crop is grown mainly for its highly nutritious seeds that also offer medicinal value. Sesame seed is rich in edible oil, fatty acids mainly linoleic acid and oleic acid, lignans, tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolic acids, and minerals. Due to these essential contents, the consumption of sesame seeds promotes good health not only in humans but also in livestock. Hence, sesame crop has gained significant attention throughout the world due to its several benefits. Although the global production of sesame is increasing, there is need to understand its various uses right from benefits in cropping systems to nutritional, health and industrial level. Several reviews have been conducted with the central focus on sesame nutritional and health promoting benefits but none has provided a holistic review of its benefits in cropping systems such as intercropping sesame with other crops, inclusion in crop rotation, utilization of its crop residues as nutrient recycling, and nutritional, health and industrial uses of sesame seeds, which this study sought to address.
Agronomic potential of maize stover biochar under cowpea–maize sequential cropping in Northern Uganda
(Springer Nature Link, 2024-09-12) Basalirwa, Daniel; Wacal, Cosmas; Murongo, Marius Flarian; Tsubo, Mitsuru; Nishihara, Eiji
Biochar is a nature-based solution for sustainable agriculture but its potential adoption in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa is still minimal. In this study, we evaluated the agronomic potential of maize stover biochar in cowpea-maize sequential cropping in Uganda under field conditions. The treatments included; the common farmer practice of no inorganic fertilizer and no biochar (CTR), inorganic fertilizer (F), 10 t ha−1 biochar (B10), 40 t ha−1 biochar (B40), 10 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB10), and 40 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB40), arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that cowpea seed yield was not significantly affected by biochar and fertilizer application but the haulm yield was significantly improved only in FB40 treatment. Maize grain and stover yield was significantly improved only in the FB40 treatment but biochar showed a high potential to also improve yield even without inorganic fertilizer. The potential for biochar to improve maize yield either in the presence or absence of fertilizers could be attributed to the residual soil fertility from cowpeas. In both seasons, biochar significantly improved soil pH, EC, SOC, total N, available P, exchangeable K and Ca, irrespective of fertilizer application. However, exchangeable Mg did not significantly vary among the treatments. This study further revealed that in cowpea-maize rotation, optimum yield could also be possible with sole biochar application. Therefore, instead of burning the maize stovers after harvest, farmers should convert the residues into biochar and return it to the soil so as to achieve sustainable food systems.
Factors influencing adoption of organic matter management on smallholder farms in the Rwenzori region of Uganda
(Springer Nature Link, 2024-04-26) Ekyaligonza, Deous Mary; Tibasiima, Thaddeo Kahigwa; Bwambale, Bosco; Kagorora, Kanahe, John Patrick; Freyer, Bernhard
Context specific studies on the factors influencing the adoption of organic matter management (OMM) practices on smallholder farms could be crucial for soil fertility improvement. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the adoption of OMM practices by smallholder farmers. A hybridized theoretical framework was used to map the farmers’ adoption process. This framework states: the adoption process of OMM practices can be facilitated if an individual’s characteristics and the institutional-related factors can support it; information about the OMM practices and the required inputs are available, and he/she can apply the required technology with ease. Data collection involved observations on 100 smallholder farms, interviews with 10 smallholder farmers and 18 experts, as well as two focus group discussions with 10 farmers each. The results indicated that a composite of technical, social, cultural, and economic-driven factors influence farmer adoption of OMM strategies. These factors included the farmer characteristics of age, education status, gender, culture, and knowledge about the use and application of an OMM practice; availability of labor and inputs; availability of appropriate equipment; the existence of supportive policy framework and social support. The factors cut across the adoption components of the hybridized theoretical framework: nature of technology, farmer characteristics, and input-related, information transfer-related and institutional-related adoption factors. The study findings can inform decision-makers to make investment decisions. Future studies should assess the feasibility of the hybridized theoretical framework before experts can apply it in devising strategies for the adoption of OMM practices on smallholder farms.
Determinants of adoption of improved agronomic practices of (Sesamum indicum L.) production, challenges and opportunities in Lango sub region of Northern Uganda
(Academic Journals, 2024-06-30) Wacal, Cosmas; Obala, Jimmy; Agole, David; Basalirwa, Daniel; Masereka, Joseph; Buwa, Ronald; Alipa, Jorem; Ewaju, Emmanuel; Andaku, Jordan
Sesame is a key oilseed crop predominantly cultivated in Northern and Eastern regions of Uganda. Despite efforts to promote sesame production, adoption of improved agronomic practices remains low. This study assesses adoption intensity, determinants of improved agronomic practices, and opportunities for enhancing sesame production in Northern Uganda. The study employed multi-stage and purposive sampling to survey 123 sesame farmers in Lira and Kole districts. Results indicate a 50% adoption intensity for ten critical agronomic practices. Highly adopted practices included early planting (91.9%), weeding (88.6%), crop rotation (72.4%), timely harvesting (90.2%), and proper post-harvest handling (96.7%). Conversely, the least adopted practices were use of improved sesame varieties, recommended spacing, pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. A Tobit regression model revealed that young, unmarried farmers with lower education levels, but farming as their primary occupation and having 4-6 years of production experience, exhibited higher acceptance and adoption rates of improved agronomic practices. Overall, addressing challenges such as drought, declining soil fertility, pests and diseases, limited market access, and constraints in inputs and credit is crucial for increasing adoption of improved agronomic practices in sesame production.
Formulation and bio-efficacy of different isolates of Beauveria bassiana against adults and third nymphal instar of desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria Forskål)
(Elsevier, ScienceDirect, 2024-10-28) Mwikali, Pamela C.; Mwamburi, Lizzy A.; Musinguzi, Simon Peter
Recently, the Horn of Africa witnessed a swift increase in the incidence of desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) invasion. During outbreaks, pesticides are applied through aerial or ground spraying to kill the insects, and/or to prevent their spread to new grounds. However, after decades of extensive use, many drawbacks such as contamination of the environment, toxicity to non-target organisms, harmful residues on food, pest resistance, and bioaccumulation in the food chains emerged. Entomopathogenic fungi offer viable alternatives to chemical pesticides against many insect invasions, but few studies have tested their bio-efficacy in desert locusts. Therefore, the current study aimed at isolating, formulating local isolates 231, 334, 333, 341, 349, 351, 339 of Beauveria bassiana, and testing their bio-efficacy against larval and adult desert locusts. The 21-day experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in a greenhouse. Soil samples were collected from two agroecological zones in Isiolo and Laikipia Counties in Kenya. B. bassiana was isolated from the soil samples using the Galleria bait method and cultivated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar Yeast (SDAY). The isolates were identified based on molecular techniques (DNA and PCR amplification). The conidia of the isolates were screened and bioassays on 30 locusts was conducted for 14 days. The best isolates eliciting over 90 % mortality during screening were used for formulations using three carrier materials (liquid paraffin, Diatomaceous Earth, and whey) which were again tested against adult and 3rd nymphal instars of the locusts. The stability of the formulations was also tested after 1 and 2 months. All the tested isolates of B. bassiana significantly outperformed the control and thus pathogenic to the adults and 3rd nymphal instars of S. gregaria under laboratory conditions. They caused mortality ranging from 57.8–100 % after 14 days post-incubation. The isolates 341, 231, and, 334 elicited 50 % mortality responses at concentrations 1.1 × 105 conidia/ml, 2.5 × 105 conidia/ml and 1.7 × 106 conidia/ml respectively in adults and 1.1 × 105 conidia/ml, 2.5 × 105 conidia/ml and, 1.7 × 106 conidia/ml respectively in 3rd nymphal instars. Formulations with 341–1, 341–2, and, 334–1 had the highest efficacy (>99 %) against the adult locusts. There was a significant 3-way interaction (P < 0.05) of isolate for the formulation, carrier material and, time in determining the Cfu of the B. bassiana formulations. After 1 month, the best Cfu occurred in formulation with isolates 231 and 341 formulated using Diatomaceous Earth, while the highest Cfu was observed in formulation with isolate 334 formulated with either liquid paraffin or whey. After 2 months, the highest Cfu occurred in formulation with isolates 231, 341, and, 334 formulated using liquid paraffin. This study provides encouraging data for the development of potential biopesticides formulated with different carrier materials against desert locusts.
From organic farming to agroecology farming, what challenges do organic farmers face in Central Uganda?
(Springer Nature Link, 2024-07-16) Dagoudo, Akowedaho, Bienvenu; Ssekyewa, Charles; Ssekandi, Joseph; Ngom, Khady; Naigaga, Hellen; Moumouni, Ismail M; Noba, Kandioura
Revealed as a production system that does not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, organic farming is recognized as ecological production and has been institutionalized in Uganda. Organic production continues to face the challenges of what is considered agroecology farming, which is viewed nowadays as an opportunity for creating new value chains and food systems for agricultural production based on protecting the environment and supplying nutritious and safe foods to society. This paper focuses on agroecology farming indicators to assess organic farming in order to highlight the challenges organic farmers face in implementing agroecology practices. The data collection was carried out in 5 districts in Central Uganda: Wakiso, Masaka, Bukomansimbi, Ssembabule, and Kyotera. A multiple-stage stratified sampling was used to select 310 organic farmers in 5 districts. Various representations and correlation analyses of agroecology indicators have been conducted using descriptive statistics and correlation tests. The findings show that 51.9% of organic farmer respondents have at least three crops produced in the local climate for a long time, and 58.71% of organic farming has medium integration (animal feed is mostly self-produced and grazed, and their manure is used for compost and fertilizer). It highlights that seeds and animal genetics are self-produced, neighbor farms exchange them, and some specifics are purchased at local markets for 51.61% organic farming. The results revealed that 61.61% of organic farms visited had half of the arable soil covered with organic residues. The correlation test revealed that there is a significant positive correlation between diversity animal genetics and crop and livestock integration (r = 0.674, p < 0.01), between harvesting and saving water systems and resilience and adaptability to climate variability (r = 0.546, p < 0.01), and between diversity crops and diversity activities and services (r = 0.523, p < 0.01). Despite the interdependence of organic farming's agroecology practices, most residues and waste are not recycled or reused as organic fertilizer, and organic farmers have limited equipment to harvest and save water for production. This is an opportunity for organic stakeholders to invest in organic residues and waste recycled equipment in order to create a new value chain for organic production by producing organic fertilizers and biopesticides.
Effect of animal manure on population dynamics of indigenous soil Bacillus spp.
(Cerrado Publishing, 2024-07-22) Baryakabona, Silver; Ssekandi, Joseph; Turyagyenda, Laban
Bacillus spp. are soil inhabitants, many of which play vital roles as biofertilizers and biopesticides in plant production. These bacteria derive their nourishment from soil organic carbon and nitrogen provided by organic matter. Reports indicate that animal manure increases the population and diversity of Bacillus spp. in the soil. However, there is limited information on which of the three commonly used animal manure (cattle, goat, and chicken) is more effective in multiplying Bacillus cells. This study evaluated the effectiveness of cattle, goat, and chicken manures, standard nutrient broth, and soil, as growth media, on the multiplication of 22 indigenous soil Bacillus spp. strains previously isolated from the cabbage rhizosphere. A Completely Randomized Design with five treatments replicated three times was used and the conditions were kept at room temperature. Both standard nutrient broth and sterilized soil media were used as controls. Colony-forming unit counts of Bacillus spp. were subjected to Log (x+1) transformation. One-way analysis of variance was used to generate mean differences and means separated using Duncan’s LSD test (p = 0.05). Linear curves were drawn to compare the growth trends for each Bacillus strain. The findings indicate that the growth of Bacillus spp. strains in animal manure were significantly higher than in the soil media. Growth in the soil media was significantly lower than in standard nutrient broth media growth. Results further show that the growth of the Bacillus spp. in all the media followed the normal growth curve of bacterial cells. Results from this study, therefore, suggest that amendment of soil with cattle, goat, and chicken manures enhances the growth and multiplication of soil Bacillus spp. and this has a positive effect on soil fertility. These manures can also be used in the commercial production of the bacillus bacteria as a biofertilizer and biopesticide. Biofertilizers are cheap, have long-term effects on soil fertility, and are health-friendly to the environment and the user.
Perspectives on the integration of agri-entrepreneurship in tertiary agricultural education in Africa: insights from the AgriENGAGE project
(Frontiers, 2024-09-16) Ngonidzashe, Chirinda; Bisan Abdulkader; Hjortso, Nico Carsten; Aitelkadi, Kenza; Salako, Kolawole, Valere; Taarji Noamane; Mhada, Manal; Lamdaghri, Zidane; Romanova Gergana; Assogbadjo, Ephrem Achille; Chadare, Josiane, Flora; Saidi, Mwanarusi; Sassi, Marja; Mugonola, Basil; Gogo, Otieno, Elisha; Ssekandi, Joseph; Okalany, Emmanuel; Egeru, Anthony; Mshenga, Mlongo, Patience; Chfadi Tarik
The underperformance of agricultural education systems in Africa is evident through various indicators such as increased unemployment among recent agricultural graduates, inefficiencies in agricultural product value chains, and a decline in enrollment in agricultural schools. The AgriENGAGE project, which included eight African universities, was supported through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education program funded by the European Commission to address these challenges. The project aimed to contribute toward revitalizing agricultural education systems to stimulate agricultural transformation and enhance the sector’s competitiveness while meeting the labor market’s demands. This article draws on lessons learned at eight universities to provide a perspective on agri-entrepreneurship education integration in African universities. We provide descriptions, experiences, and insights on agri-entrepreneurship education integration in partner universities in Kenya, Benin, Morocco, and Uganda. Based on these experiences, we provide perspectives on reducing youth unemployment and improving the effectiveness of agricultural education in contributing to the development of sustainable food systems.
Diversity and prevalence of indigenous soil bacillus spp. in the major cabbage growing agroecological zones of Uganda
(East African Nature and Science Organization, 2024-09-25) Baryakabona, SIlver; Ssekandi, Joseph; Turyagyenda, Laban
Different species of genus Bacillushave been reported from different environments of the world. They are reported to play a role of soil fertility improvement, plant growth promotion and disease and pest management. Most of these reports on Bacillus species are from studies conducted outside Uganda and therefore information on the prevalence and diversity of bacillus species in Ugandan soils is scanty.This study aimed at determining the prevalenceand diversity of Bacillusspp. isolated from the cabbage rhizosphere in the four major cabbage-growingagroecological zones of Uganda. The experimentwas conducted in a laboratory at the Collegeof VeterinaryMedicine, Animal Resourcesand Biosafety Makerere University for morphological and biochemical identification of the Bacillusbacteria.DNA extraction and PCR were conducted at the College of Natural Resources Makerere University while sequencing was done at Macrogen laboratories in Korea and Inqaba Biotec in South Africa. Morphological, biochemical and genomic analyses revealed five Bacillusspp. (22 Bacillus strains) grouped as B. cereus, B. mycoides, B. thuringiensis, B. megaterium and B. bingmayongensis. B. cereus andB. megaterium were the most dominant and widely spreadBacillus spp. A phylogenetic tree indicated three major clads, showingthatB. thuringiensis was closely related toB. cereus whileB.bingmayongesis was closely relatedto B.megaterium. TheB. mycoides were closely related to someB. cereus strains and B. bingmayongensis. The phylogenetic tree further showed that some Bacillus strains of the same species were distantly related.It was therefore concluded thatmost abundant and prevalent Bacillusspp. in Ugandan soils were B. cereus andB. megaterium. The presence and abundanceof these bacillus species in the Ugandan soil presents an opportunity for soil scientists to innovatively manipulate them for use as biofertilizers and biopesticides for crop production and management. Such innovations would reduce the reliance of farmers on synthetic fertilizers that are pollutants to the environment and unhealthy to the users and consumers.
Farmers’ intentions to adopt Triple S for sweetpotato seed conservation
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-04-16) Mayanja, Sarah; Mwende, Janet; Okello, Julius; Hareau, Guy; Ssekandi, Joseph
In Uganda, farmers in arid and semi-arid areas lack sweetpotato seed after dry spells. This constrains the crop’s potential to contribute to food security. Triple S (sand, storage, sprouting) is a root-based technology addressing seed scarcity. Despite the technology’s efficacy, a systematic assessment of its demand has not been done. A study was undertaken to assess how Knowledge, Attitudes, Norms and Perceptions influence farmers uptake of the Triple S, using a structured questionnaire with 255 farmers stratified into users (n = 132) and non-users (n = 123). Sex-disaggregated focus groups were conducted with 40 farmers. The Theory of Planned Behavior and Technology Adoption Model were used to test hypotheses on Triple S adoption. Perceived Behavior Control, Perceived Usefulness and Knowledge positively predicted Behavior Intention (BI) only for non-users, while Attitude, Subjective Norms and Agency predicted BI for users. Gender Norms negatively influenced Agency for both groups. Gender-responsive adoption strategies may enhance technology uptake.
Unlocking potential: an assessment of small‑scale aquaculture viability in the Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda
(Springer Nature Link, 2025-03-22) Byabasaija, Syliver; Limuwa, Moses; Semyalo, Ronald
Despite small-scale pond aquaculture being a vital component of the Lake Victoria Basin communities, its viability is not known. In this study, we examined the viability of small-scale pond aquaculture in the districts of Mpigi, Buikwe, and Wakiso in Uganda, focusing on social-economic and technical aspects. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including household surveys and focus group discussions with 169 fsh farmers, the study assessed the efectiveness and sustainability of small-scale pond aquaculture in 2023. Despite challenges such as market access, low input quality, and environmental impacts, small-scale pond aquaculture is economically viable and plays a crucial role in fsh production. The Buikwe and Wakiso districts demonstrated greater productivity and efciency than did the Mpigi district, with notable variations in fsh production and pond sizes. The study further highlights the need to improve market access, input quality, and income diversifcation through targeted interventions within the basin. Additionally, eforts should be made to optimize technical practices such as pond management, efcient feed management, optimal stocking and harvesting techniques as well as disease management and biosecurity.
Impact of integrating annual and perennial legumes under Coffea arabica on sloping land
(MDPI Company, 2023-01-30) Kahigwa Tibasiima, Thaddeo; Ekyaligonza, Deous Mary; Kanahe Kagorora, John Patrick; Friedel, Jürgen Kurt; Melcher, Andreas; Bwambale, Bosco; Akugizibwe, Edwin; Freyer, Bernhard
Above-ground biomass cover under Coffea arabica on sloping land is beneficial but difficult to sustain. Interplanting annual and perennial legumes can sustain the above-ground biomass cover, and improve soil fertility, yield, and profitability. This was tested on 26 sloping farms in a four-growing season experiment on undersowing C. arabica with new crop combinations: Mucuna pruriens var. utilis (T1); Millettia dura Dunn (T2); a combination of M. pruriens and M. dura (T3); and the control with a no-cover legume (T4). On each farm, all treatments followed a randomized single-block design. T3 produced 8.7 mt/ha/yr above-ground biomass that was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than other treatments and was increasing with the seasons. Under T3, plant-available nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) increased more than in other treatments. During the fourth season, coffee yield in T3 was 54%, 22%, and 11% higher than in T4, T2, and T1, respectively. The gross profit under T3 was 86% higher than in T4 in the fourth season. This indicates that interplanting a combination of M. pruriens and M. dura under C. arabica on sloping land can sustainably increase above-ground biomass cover, soil’s plant-available N and K, coffee yield, and profitability. Based on the results, the combination of M. pruriens and M. dura is recommended to optimize coffee production under the described conditions.
Re-assembling land degradation: toward a nature-society-inclusive soil erosion management strategy: a case of the Rwenzori region, Uganda
(Frontiers, 2023-05-02) Kahigwa Tibasiima, Thaddeo; Bwambale, Bosco; Ekyaligonza, Deous Mary; Dietrich, Phillipp; Jumba, Francis; Freyer, Bernard; Kanahe Kagorora, John Patrick
Tackling land degradation, particularly soil erosion, remains a challenge due to the gap between science, policy, and practice which hampers the adoption of control measures by farmers. Bridging this gap requires understanding land degradation as an assemblage of the natural/biophysical and anthropogenic aspects; but also, rethinking epistemologies that level the grounds between scientists, policymakers, and farmers whose farm livelihoods are at-risk due to soil erosion. This study aimed to clarify how these requirements can be met through the lens of the recently proposed hylomorphic framework. This framework structures, in three steps, the procedure of bridging real-life experiences of farmers at risk of soil erosion with the knowledge of scientists and policymakers through the embracement of diversity in ontological realities and values, self-critiques, and coalescing overlaps in theorizations. We selected a qualitative design as most appropriate using one of the cases—the Rwenzori region—where soil erosion is high. We conducted nine focus group discussions with participants selected purposefully from three stakeholder groups including scientists, policymakers, and farmers. Following the hylomorphic framework procedure, we carried out the content analysis. Drawing on insights from this study, we elaborate on how the hylomorphic framework supports deconstructing land degradation and soil erosion, and also further offers insights into a more nature-society-inclusive soil erosion management strategy.
Foundations of indigenous knowledge on disasters due to natural hazards: lessons from the outlook on floods among the Bayira of the Rwenzori region
(Wiley Online Library, 2023-01) Bwambale, Bosco; Muhumuza, Moses; Tibasiima Kahigwa, Thaddeo; Mbalibulha Bakahinga Baluku, Stanley; Kasozi, Humphrey; Nyeko, Martine; Kervyn, Matthieu
The role of indigenous knowledge in increasing context specificity and exposing blind spots in scientific understanding is widely evidenced in disaster studies. This paper aims to structure the processes that shape indigenous knowledge production and its optimisation using the case of floods. An inductive analytical approach is applied among riparian indigenous communities ( focus on the Bayira) of the Rwenzori region of Uganda where plenty of indigenous flood practices have been recorded. Indigenous knowledge of floods is found to be based on intimate comprehension of local hydrometeorological regularities. Insofar as these regularities follow natural dynamics, indigenous socio-epistemic processes are noted to be consistent with the laws of nature. Coupled with regular open sociocultural deliberations, the conceptualisation of hydrometeorological regu-larities induces an indigenous ontology and empiricist epistemology. This, together with the techniques used, is the driver of crucial epistemic virtues which enable indigenous knowledge to provide disaster solutions that are adapted, pragmatic, and holistic.
Politicizing disaster governance: can a board game stimulate discussions around disasters as matters of concern?
(Sage Journals, 2022-01-17) Mertens, Kewan; Bwambale, Bosco; Delima, Gina
The disaster risk reduction (DRR) community tends to treat disasters and risks in a managerial and technocratic way, thereby disregarding the highly political nature of DRR. An alternative epistemology of disasters, as “matters of concern”, is proposed and tested. Mobilizing concepts from Chantal Mouffe and Bruno Latour, this paper illustrates how DRR can be transformed into a public issue. It is argued that education and policymaking on DRR would benefit from a recognition of the hybrid nature of disasters. A serious game is used to investigate proposed epistemology. The board game simulates political decision-making on the reduction of risks due to floods and landslides in South-West Uganda. It is hypothesized that the game can generate an ideal speech scenario that fosters discussions among players and possibly even creates a space of political confrontation. Discussions during ten gameplays have been recorded, transcribed and analyzed (1) to understand how the dominant epistemology facilitates an apolitical approach to disasters and (2) to understand the process of politicization and de-politicization brought about when playing the board game in order to derive recommendations for future tools to facilitate a political appreciation of disasters. Our results indicate that participants effectively experience affects, power relations and confrontations during the game, but that a call for consensus and technical solutions is used by the players to close the discussions and move on with concrete solutions. Insights from this paper contribute to understanding why DRR is frequently treated as a technical issue in local and international disaster governance. Epistemology and approaches proposed in this paper are expected to stimulate innovative experiments towards a more political approach to DRR education and policy.

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