Faculty of Agriculture and Evironmental Science(FAES)

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Food Safety Analysis of Milk and Beef in Southwestern Uganda
(Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2018) Phyllis Candy, Natabo; Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Sarah, Namubiru; Dickson Stuart, Tayebwa; Andrew, Tamale; Pwaveno H., Bamaiyi
Inorganic pollutants in milk and beef are of major public health concern; however, information in Africa is still limited due to low food safety monitoring practices. In this study, we established levels of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) in milk and beef and obtained the estimated daily intake (EDI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) as measures of risk to the Ugandan population. Materials and Methods. +is was a cross-sectional study in which a total of 40 samples of milk and beef were collected from Bushenyi district in southwestern Uganda. Samples were analyzed by atomic absorbance spectrophotometer, and the EDI and ILCR were computed using the US EPA reference values. Results and Discussion. Heavy metal concentrations were highest in the order of Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu in milk samples, while in beef samples, concentrations were highest in the order of Zn > Pb > Fe > Cu and no Cd was detected. Furthermore, beef had significantly higher (P < 0.05) Pb and Fe concentrations than milk. +e EDI was highest in children, and this was followed by very high ILCR levels, showing that milk and beef are not safe for children in Uganda. Bearing in mind that a high HI was shown, beef and milk from these regions are not recommended for consumption especially by children although more studies remain to be conducted. Conclusion. Heavy metals in milk and beef of Uganda may predispose the indigenous community to cancer and other health-related illnesses, showing a need for improved food safety screening to promote food safety
Molecular epidemiology of anaplasmosis in small ruminants along a human-livestock-wildlife interface in Uganda
(Heliyon, 2020) Keneth Iceland, Kasozi; Susan Christina, Welburn
Background: Information as regards the epidemiology of the Anaplasmataceae in small ruminants in several lowand middle-income countries is scarce. Methods: In this study a total of 712 DNA samples collected from small ruminants were analyzed for Anaplasmataceae and Anaplasma ovis using the 16S rRNA and MSP4 genes respectively. Infection risk was assessed by location, sex and age of the animals and qGIS® was used to construct spatial maps. Results: The prevalence of Anaplasmataceae spp was 89.1% (95% CI: 77.5–95.9) and 79.1% (95% CI: 75.9–82.1) in ovines and caprines respectively (RR ¼ 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0–1.3); higher than those previously reported in other eastern African countries. The prevalence of A. ovis was 26.1% and 25.4% for both ovines and caprines respectively with ovines showing significantly higher levels of infection than caprines (P < 0.05). The risk of Anaplasma ovis infections was not affected by age (OR ¼ 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9–1.7) or sex (OR ¼ 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6–2.0). Small ruminants located at the forest edge (<0.3 km) showed higher A. ovis prevalence than those found inland with infections present in the midland regions associated with increased agricultural activity. Conclusion: Anaplasma ovis remains a major challenge for small ruminant husbandry in Uganda and infections are under-reported. Policy efforts to prioritize management of Anaplasmataceae for small ruminant health would promote livestock productivity in vulnerable communities, improving livelihoods and ecosystem health.
Shaping interaction among improved cowpea’s farming: Do Institutions have a role to play? A case of Oyam district in Uganda
(Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 2021) Tobby, Akecha; Prossy, Isubikalu; Losira, N. Sanya; Narisi, Mubangizi; Jacob, G Agea; Eton, Marus
This paper examines the roles played by institutions in shaping the interactions among improved cowpea farmers in Oyam district. A cross sectional research design and qualitative approach was used. Focus Group discussions were held and members were purposely selected. The study found out that the cowpea farmers normally provide and share farm saved seeds preserved from the previous harvest with fellow farmers while these seeds are un-inspected by a technical person. Cowpea farmers believe in trust and rely on fellow farmers for source of seeds or technical information on the agronomic and post-harvest practices and potential market opportunities. Cowpea farmers remained vulnerable to unreliable supply of certified input (seeds), and resorted to own farm saved seeds and make them more susceptible to counterfeit cowpea seeds and other input. The poor performance of counterfeit input (seeds) supplied to cowpea farmers by fellow farmers and other counterfeit input dealers made farmers loose trust on formal input supplies and depended more on the on-farm saved seeds from fellow farmers recycled over time. The study recommends that the district local government should put in place the formal institutions that would ensure other actors understands the incentives and disincentives so as to re-align individual interests, create actors’ inter-dependence in a bid to improve on the competitiveness of improved cowpea. The concerned agencies should strengthen the registration of actors engaged in the development and promotion of innovation at the lower local government and ensure traceability of input used by farmers to stream line actors’ roles.
Spatial and temporal variations of faecal indicator bacteria in Lake Bunyonyi, South‑Western Uganda
(SN Applied Sciences, 2021) Alex, Saturday; Thomas, J. Lyimo; John, Machiwa; Siajali, Pamba
Background Microbial water quality serves to indicate health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. Nevertheless, little is known about the microbiological characteristics of water in Lake Bunyonyi. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the spatial and temporal variations of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in relation to physicochemical parameters in Lake Bunyonyi. Result The FIB concentration was consistently measured during sampling months and correlated with each other showing the presumed human faecal pollution in the lake. The highest concentration values for E. coli (64.7 ± 47.3 CFU/100 mL) and enterococci (24.6 ± 32.4 CFU/100 mL were obtained in the station close to the Mugyera trading centre. On a temporal basis, the maximum values were recorded during the rainy season in October 2019 (70.7 ± 56.5 CFU/100 mL for E. coli and 38.44 ± 31.8 CFU/100 mL for enterococci. FIB did not differ significantly among the study stations (p > 0.05) but showed significant temporal variations among the months (p < 0.05) with concentrations being significantly high in wet season than dry season (U = 794, p < 0.0001 for E. coli; U = 993.5, p = 0.008 for enterococci). Spearman’s rank correlation revealed that FIB concentrations were significantly positively correlated with turbidity and DO concentration levels (p < 0.05). Approximately 97.2% of the water samples had E. coli and enterococci concentrations levels below USEPA threshold for recreational waters. Likewise, 98.1 and 90.7% of samples recorded E. coli and enterococci counts exceeding the UNBS, APHA, WHO and EU threshold values for drinking water. Conclusion The FIB counts show that the Lake Bunyonyi water is bacteriologically unsuitable for drinking unless it is treated since the FIB pose health risks to consumers. Besides, the water can be used for recreational purposes.
Influence of informal financial literacy training on financial knowledge and behavior of rural farmers: Evidence from Uganda
(Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics, 2021) Proscovia, Ntakyo Renzaho; Johnny, Mugisha; Robert, Bangizi; Diana, Namwanje; Robert, Kalyebara
Financial literacy plays an important role in influencing financial behavior and knowledge of individuals. In this study, the impact of informal financial literacy training on rural smallholder farmers was assessed. Propensity score matching approach was used to assess training effects on distinct dimensions of financial knowledge. The study used a sample of farmers who are members of village savings and loans associations. Findings indicate higher scores (70.6% for training beneficiaries and 68.5% for the control group) in financial goals and the lowest scores (48.0% for training beneficiaries and 43.0% for control group) in planning and managing finances. Although the descriptive statistics show higher scores for the trained farmers, overall financial literacy scores in the different dimensions for trained farmers were not significantly different from those that were not trained. The result was attributed to spillover effects through networks given the period between training and evaluation. More financial education programs could be useful to empower communities with knowledge for informed financial decision making.
Spatio‑temporal variations in physicochemical water quality parameters of Lake Bunyonyi, Southwestern Uganda
(SN Applied Sciences, 2021) Alex, Saturday; Thomas, J. Lyimo; John, Machiwa; Siajali, Pamba
The current study was carried out to examine the spatial and temporal variations of physicochemical water quality parameters of Lake Bunyonyi. The observations were made on the surface water of Lake Bunyonyi for 1 year to determine the water quality. The basic 12 variables used to determine the quality of water were measured monthly at nine stations. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, electric conductivity (EC), pH and Secchi depth (SD) were measured in the field, while parameters like total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), nitrite-nitrogen ( NO2-N), nitratenitrogen ( NO3-N), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were determined following APHA 2017 standard guidelines for physicochemical analysis. Taking into account standard guidelines for drinking water by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the water quality index (WQI) was used to determine the water quality. Temperature, DO, pH, turbidity and EC did not differ significantly among the study stations (p > 0.05) but showed significant temporal variations among the study months (p < 0.05). Likewise, TN, TP, NO2- N, NO3- N and SRP did not differ significantly among the study stations (p > 0.05) but showed significant temporal variations among the study months (p < 0.05). The WQI values ranged from 28.36 to 49 across and from 28.2 to 56.2 between study months with an overall mean value of 36.9. The measured water quality variables did not exceed the UNBS and WHO standards for drinking water in all months and at all stations. According to these values, the water quality of Lake Bunyonyi generally belongs to the ‘good’ class in terms of drinking water quality based on the WQI classification. The study findings are fundamentally important for policy makers in setting guidelines for effective lake management.
A global agenda for advancing freshwater biodiversity research
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2021) Aventino, Kasangaki
Global freshwater biodiversity is declining dramatically, and meeting the challenges of this crisis requires bold goals and the mobilisation of substantial resources. While the reasons are varied, investments in both research and conservation of freshwater biodiversity lag far behind those in the terrestrial and marine realms. Inspired by a global consultation, we identify 15 pressing priority needs, grouped into five research areas, in an effort to support informed stewardship of freshwater biodiversity. The proposed agenda aims to advance freshwater biodiversity research globally as a critical step in improving coordinated actions towards its sustainable management and conservation.
Spatial and temporal variations of phytoplankton composition and biomass in Lake Bunyonyi, South‑Western Uganda
(Springer, 2022) Alex, Saturday; Thomas, J. Lyimo; John, Machiwa; Siajali, Pamba
The purpose of this study was to examine the spatial and temporal variations of phytoplankton species composition and biomass in Lake Bunyonyi, South-Western Uganda. Samples were collected monthly from nine fixed stations in the lake from October 2019 to September 2020. Based on the morphological characterization, 52 different species of phytoplankton were recorded. These were dominated by cyanobacteria (21 species) and chlorophytes (15 species) followed by diatoms (10 species), euglenophytes (4 species), dinoflagellates (2 species), and cryptophytes (1 species). The biomass (Chl-a concentration) ranged from 0.019 ± 0.009 mg/L at Heissesero station to 0.045 ± 0.013 mg/L obtained at Nyombe station. On a temporal basis, the highest mean Chl-a concentration of 0.044 ± 0.03 mg/L was recorded in March 2020 while the least concentration of 0.015 ± 0.011 mg/L was obtained in September 2020. Significant differences existed in the Chl-a concentration values between stations and across sampling months. Chl-a concentration was significantly positively correlated with dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity but negatively correlated with temperature. The Shannon–Wiener index and evenness put it clear that the distribution of phytoplankton species in the lake is inequitable. Besides, 94.2% of the phytoplankton species revealed had never been reported by the previous studies in the study area. The dominance of species cyanobacteria (such as Microcystis spp., Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, Anabaenopsis sp., and Anabaena sp.) presents potential future challenges to water quality management. Therefore, the establishment of a strong and committed committee dubbed “Lake Bunyonyi Water Management Committee” to oversee the activities and avert potential water quality challenges is strongly recommended. The existence of some toxic phytoplankton species calls for regular monitoring and careful use of the lake and its food products.
Spatial and temporal variations of trophic state conditions of Lake Bunyonyi, south‑western Uganda
(Springer, 2022) Alex, Saturday; Thomas, J. Lyimo; John, Machiwa; Siajali, Pamba
The study was conducted to assess the spatial and temporal variations of the trophic state condition of Lake Bunyonyi between October 2019 and September 2020. Secchi depth (SD), total phosphorus (TP) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration were measured to aid the quantification of trophic state condition of the lake using Carlson trophic state index (CTSI). The trophic state index (TSI) values based on SD, TP and Chl-a values were 60.82 ± 5.35, 68.99 ± 11.04 and 61.74 ± 7.51, respectively. March 2020 recorded the highest mean CSTI value (70.14 ± 4.04), while in September 2020, the lowest mean value (58.03 ± 6.22) was obtained. Based on CTSI values, the lake was eutrophic in both dry and wet seasons albeit with differences in the values. The eutrophic state of the lake is possibly attributed to nutrients inflow into the lake via runoff and drainage from farmlands. The negative value of TSI-Chl-a–TSI-TP deviation pointed out that the lake is not phosphorus limited, while the positive TSI-Chl-a–TSI-SD mean deviation value revealed the effect of Chl-a and TP on the lake’s transparency. The study recommends the necessity to develop guidelines for the trophic status monitoring of Lake Bunyonyi since results suggest the deteriorating lake condition.
Reverse logistics and environmental sustainability in selected manufacturing entities in Kampala district, Uganda
(Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal (KURJ), 2022) Rugasira, Jack; Moses, Agaba; Jotham Mbiito, Byarugaba; Rita, Makumbi; Kyatuheire, Jill; Asiimwe, Jane
The purpose of this study was to empirically establish the relationship between reverse logistics and environmental sustainability in Uganda, focusing on selected manufacturing entities in the Kampala district. The study employed a cross-sectional design. The study also used quantitative approaches in collecting and analysing the data both descriptively and inferentially. The study population was 675 manufacturing entities. Using the purposive sampling technique, the study took a sample of 248. Data were obtained from 186 usable questionnaires. The researcher applied Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) to test all four hypotheses. The results are presented in terms of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics in terms of correlation analysis, simple regression and multiple regression analysis models. Results indicate that Pearson’s correlation results indicate a relatively moderate, positive and significant association between Green manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability in Kampala industries. The findings show that there was a low but positive correlation (r= 0.480, sig .000, p< .01) between Reverse Logistics and Environmental Sustainability. This implies that any improvements made in reverse logistics can be associated positively with environmental sustainability in Kampala. The study, therefore, concludes that findings are partially supportive of The National Environment Act, 2019; specifically concerning the prohibition of littering, Trans boundary movement of waste and classification and management of hazardous waste. It is therefore recommended that National Environment Management Authority and Uganda revenue Authority work out a rewards system for firms that actively practice Reverse Logistics as this undercuts pollution as reduces waste dumped in water bodies and the environment
Modelling nitrogen transformation in the Lake Bunyonyi ecosystem, South‑Western Uganda
(Springer, 2022) Alex, Saturday; Thomas, J. Lyimo; John, Machiwa; Siajali, Pamba
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the major resources of social-economic potential in the districts of Rubanda and Kabale, South- Western Uganda. The lake’s sub-catchment faces environmental problems because of intensive agriculture, settlement, business and tourism activities, which consequently cause pollution of water in the lake’s system. This study, therefore, intended to determine the processes that govern nitrogen dynamism using a numerical model that takes into account various processes in the system using STELLA® 8.1.1 software. From the model simulation, it was found that mineralization, microbial uptake and nitrification were the major processes governing nitrogen transformation in the water phase, accounting for 47.8% (0.49 g/d m−2), 44.2% (0.45 g/d m−2), and 7.8% (0.05 g/d m−2), respectively. The developed model predicted reasonably well the behaviour of the lake evidenced by the validation results of observed and simulated data that showed good linear regression coefficients (R2) of organic nitrogen (0.48), ammonia–nitrogen (0.68), and nitrate–nitrogen (0.61). The model has proven suitable for application on lakes with characteristics similar to that of Lake Bunyonyi. The study recommended that a compressive investigation that puts into consideration all the possible sources of nutrient and water inflow into the lake system be done on Lake Bunyonyi.
Classifying the Involvement of Men and Women in Climate Smart Agricultural Practices in Kayonza Sub-county, Kanungu District, Uganda
(International Journal of Energy and Environmental Science, 2022) Benson, Turyasingura; Ayiga, Natal
Globally, climate change is currently recognized as one of the most serious risks to communities' socio-economic activity, health, and livelihood. Climate Smart Agriculture is an essential tactic to developing the technical, policy, and investment conditions that enable actions aimed at achieving sustainable agricultural development for food and nutrition security in a changing climate. The purpose of this study was therefore classifying the involvement of men and women in climate smart agricultural practices in Kayonza sub-county, Kanungu district, Uganda. The study was guided by the specific objectives which include investigating the engagement of both men and women in climate-smart practices, establishing different climate-smart practices that are being used and assessing the climate smart agricultural practices adopted in in Kayonza sub-county. The study used descriptive research design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses methods. Using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, a total of 374 respondents were selected to participate in the study. Questionnaires,key informant interviews, observation methods of data collection were used in this study. It was found out that both men and women were involved in the planting of trees and crops on farms that are typically used for fruit, fodder. Improved cooking stoves, fisheries and aquaculture, pasture management and planting of plant tolerant verities were among the CSA practices. The study recommends that the government should develop a strategy plan for gender quality based on goals that reflect an awareness of the economic and social implications of compromised climate smart agriculture. It was also concluded that both men and women were active in climate-smart farming methods.
Diversity at Landscape Level to Increase Resilience. A Review
(East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 2022) Benson, Turyasingura; Ayiga, Natal; Majaliwa, Mwanjalolo
Tree species increases the number of ecological niches and associated species such as understory plants and animals hence, increased landscape ecosystem diversity. Rapid environmental and economic changes are posing serious dangers to ecosystems and economic systems around the world. This has resulted in the extinction of species, droughts, and price fluctuations in agricultural products. The aim of this review is to document landscape diversity and ecosystem resilience as a tool for natural resources management. The species from one ecosystem's functional group may temporarily support a functional group in another ecosystem, significant variety can help to maintain ecological stability. Hence, building on these insights, diversity at landscape level is paramount to promoting resilient livelihoods as a means of improving the health and functioning of socio-ecological systems, as well as a mechanism for achieving food security. The study concludes that there should be involving many actors in a landscape management aspect to stimulate knowledge exchange and training.
Modelling nitrogen transformation in the Lake Bunyonyi ecosystem, South‑Western Uganda
(Applied Water Science, 2022) Alex, Saturday; Thomas, J. Lyimo; John, Machiwa; Pamba, Siajali
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the major resources of social-economic potential in the districts of Rubanda and Kabale, South- Western Uganda. The lake’s sub-catchment faces environmental problems because of intensive agriculture, settlement, business and tourism activities, which consequently cause pollution of water in the lake’s system. This study, therefore, intended to determine the processes that govern nitrogen dynamism using a numerical model that takes into account various processes in the system using STELLA® 8.1.1 software. From the model simulation, it was found that mineralization, microbial uptake and nitrification were the major processes governing nitrogen transformation in the water phase, accounting for 47.8% (0.49 g/d m−2), 44.2% (0.45 g/d m−2), and 7.8% (0.05 g/d m−2), respectively. The developed model predicted reasonably well the behaviour of the lake evidenced by the validation results of observed and simulated data that showedgood linear regression coefficients (R2) of organic nitrogen (0.48), ammonia–nitrogen (0.68), and nitrate–nitrogen (0.61). The model has proven suitable for application on lakes with characteristics similar to that of Lake Bunyonyi. The study recommended that a compressive investigation that puts into consideration all the possible sources of nutrient and water inflow into the lake system be done on Lake Bunyonyi.
An Interface-Based Method for Performance Improvement of the Municipal Solid Waste
(MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2022) Tabukeli, Musigi Ruhiiga; Virginia, Nthavheleni Mudau
The municipal waste stream is evaluated within an operations context for the purpose of deploying interface management to improve performance. Using a set of nine municipalities in Limpopo Province, South Africa, stratified random sampling produced 225 observations made up of collection, treatment, and landfill sites. Field observation and repeated measurement of eight predictors and one response variable were used to collect data, followed by an experimental set of 29 sites where a three-cycle treatment of loadings was used to record changes in the response variable. A primary data set was initially entered into Excel to generate descriptive statistics. Multiple linear regression and correlation were performed using the stepwise option after testing for normality and collinearity. The results show statistically significant final models (F (1,221) = 1093.23, 105.77, p.001), with an adjusted R2 of.040 and a 95% confidence level. Technical and managerial problems in waste management are critical at interfaces that provide ideal sites for targeted interventions to accelerate the rates of waste flow to landfills. The contribution of the study lies in the development of an interface-based method for improving the performance of the waste stream. The implications speak to issues of waste management that feed into concerns about sustainable urbanisation today.
Integration of local knowledge systems and decision on land use allocation among rural households in South Africa
(Present Environment and Sustainable Development, 2022) Muhammad, Mubbin; Lobina G, Palamuleni; Tabukeli, Musigi Ruhiiga; Syed, Atif Bokhar
The systematic information based on concepts, interpretations, ideas, observations, and judgments is known as knowledge. The present study portrayed that the focus of scientific investigations is growing towards assessments based upon environmental knowledge system. The study aimed to understand the interactions between local knowledge systems and decision on land use allocation among rural households in South Africa. Decisions about land-use, resource access, determinants of land-use allocation and environmental knowledge were analysed using descriptive statistics. SPSS was employed to calculate a two-tailed Pearson correlation, multiple regression and ANOVA two-way of variance. Landform condition has a strong impact on the distribution of ecosystems through variation of the climate and controlled land-use. The allocations of land-use as related to landforms reveal both effortless and multifaceted results. A more multifaceted model of land-use allocation occurs on stripping slopes, hills, and foot slopes, which are difficult to access and are covered by forests and scrubland. The study detected a strong linkage between land-use patterns and environmental knowledge. The environmental knowledge acquired either from a formal or an informal resource has significant bearings on land-use patterns, thus being useful for sustainable land-use planning and management. Besides that, how the community allocates land for different purposes is dependent on a multitude of socio-economic factors like land ownership (public or private), economic gains, education, access to credits and other resources.
Residential Density and Illegal Waste Dumping In Cities
(HSOA Journal of Environmental Science Current Research, 2022) Mahamba C; and Ruhiiga TM
Background and Objectives: For developing countries in general and for Sub-Sahara Africa in particular, little is documented in the lit- erature about the location and size of illegal waste dumps in relation to urban residential areas and how this may introduce an alternative explanation for the prevalence of illegal waste dumping using Hara- re, Zimbabwe as a study area. The objectives were to characterize waste in the context of class, volume, source and distance, to anal- yse location and waste volume in relation to residential areas and, to generate management lessons for Sub-Sahara Africa. Methods: Primary data was collected through field observation and measurement was input into multiple linear regression and correla- tion using the SPSS™ programme. Tests for normal distribution and for multicollinearity were carried on a set of predictor variables on size and location attributes, waste collection service, residential housing density, waste volumes and disposal practices. Finding: The results indicate a concentration of illegal waste dumps in low-income high density residential districts, an adjusted R2=0.186 and, a 2-tailed p-value at alpha 0.05 of 0.006 and 0.040 which are statistically significant. The a p-value of 0.000 being less than al- pha 0.05 shows that the model is a good fit for the data indicating a statistical significance between predictor variables and the size of IWD’s. Given an F-value of 15.305 and a significance at 0.000, it can be concluded that the predictor variables deployed in the study can reliably predict the response of Y1. Conclusion: The novelty of the study is in developing an alternative explanation for the apparent contradiction between low income dis- tricts and high volumes of waste dumping. Implications of the finds are discussed with reference to urban planning in Sub-Sahara Africa
Classifying the Involvement of Men and Women in Climate Smart Agricultural Practices in Kayonza Sub-county
(International Journal of Energy and Environmental Science, 2022-02-25) Turyasingura, Benson; Ayiga, Natal
Globally, climate change is currently recognized as one of the most serious risks to communities' socio-economic activity, health, and livelihood. Climate Smart Agriculture is an essential tactic to developing the technical, policy, and investment conditions that enable actions aimed at achieving sustainable agricultural development for food and nutrition security in a changing climate. The purpose of this study was therefore classifying the involvement of men and women in climate smart agricultural practices in Kayonza sub-county, Kanungu district, Uganda. The study was guided by the specific objectives which include investigating the engagement of both men and women in climate-smart practices, establishing different climate-smart practices that are being used and assessing the climate smart agricultural practices adopted in in Kayonza sub-county. The study used descriptive research design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses methods. Using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, a total of 374 respondents were selected to participate in the study. Questionnaires, key informant interviews, observation methods of data collection were used in this study. It was found out that both men and women were involved in the planting of trees and crops on farms that are typically used for fruit, fodder. Improved cooking stoves, fisheries and aquaculture, pasture management and planting of plant tolerant verities were among the CSA practices. The study recommends that the government should develop a strategy plan for gender quality based on goals that reflect an awareness of the economic and social implications of compromised climate smart agriculture. It was also concluded that both men and women were active in climate-smart farming methods.
Water Accounting and Productivity Analysis to Improve Water Savings of Nile River Basin, East Africa: From Accountability to Sustainability
(agronomy, 2022-03-28) Hirwa, Hubert; Zhang, Qiuying; Li, Fadong; Qiao, Yunfeng; Measho, Simon; Muhirwa, Fabien; Xu, Ning; Tian, Chao; Cheng, Hefa; Chen, Gang; Ngwijabagabo, Hyacinthe; Turyasingura, Benson; Itangishaka, Auguste Cesar
Complete water accounting (WA) and crop water productivity (CWP) analysis is crucial for evaluating water use efficiency (WUE). This study aims to evaluate the contributions of hydro meteorological factors to the changes of WA and CWP and subsequent WUE based on the data from 2009–2020 in the Nile River Basin (NRB), East Africa (EA). The Mann-Kendall (MK) statistical test and Sen’s slope estimator were applied to detect the trends of climatic factors, and the AquaCrop model was used to simulate the crop yields in response to water balance and consumption based on crop physiological, soil water, and salt budget concepts. For the years 2012 and 2019, the mean of climatic water deficit P − ETa was 71.03 km3 and 37.03 km3 , respectively, which was expected to rise to ~494.57 km3 by 2050. The results indicated that the basin water budget was unbalanced due to the coupled impact of year-to-year hot and dry conditions and increase in water abstraction, an indication of water deficit or stress. CWP and WUE increased during the study period with different changing patterns. CWP was also found to correlate to the yield of major crops (p-value > 0.05). It was concluded that climatic factors influenced the crop yield, CWP, and WUE in the study area. Thus, the improvement of CWP and WUE should rely on advanced water-saving innovations. The findings of this study could help water managers to improve water productivity by focusing on water account potentials and creating regional advantages by deploying water in combination with surplus flow from upstream to downstream consumption.
Diversity at Landscape Level to Increase Resilience. A Review
(East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 2022-06-25) Turyasingura, Benson; Mwanjalolo, Majaliwa; Ayiga, Natal
Tree species increases the number of ecological niches and associated species such as understory plants and animals hence, increased landscape ecosystem diversity. Rapid environmental and economic changes are posing serious dangers to ecosystems and economic systems around the world. This has resulted in the extinction of species, droughts, and price fluctuations in agricultural products. The aim of this review is to document landscape diversity and ecosystem resilience as a tool for natural resources management. The species from one ecosystem's functional group may temporarily support a functional group in another ecosystem, significant variety can help to maintain ecological stability. Hence, building on these insights, diversity at landscape level is paramount to promoting resilient livelihoods as a means of improving the health and functioning of socio-ecological systems, as well as a mechanism for achieving food security. The study concludes that there should be involving many actors in a landscape management aspect to stimulate knowledge exchange and training.

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