Faculty of Science (FSC)

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Open Access
Agricultural sustainability through Smart Farming Systems: A comparative Analysis Between the Republic of Korea and Republic of Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Happy, Kenneth; Gang, Roggers; Ban, Yeongjun; Yang, Sungyu; Rahmat, Endang; Okello, Denis; Komakech, Richard; Cyrus, Okello; Okello, Kalule David; Kang, Youngmin
Smart farming involves the integration of information and communication technologies into machinery and sensors for use in agricultural systems. It is expected to potentially enhance the sustainability of agriculture and global food security. The need for smart farming arises from the increasing adverse environmental, ecological, social, and economic impacts on food systems. The potential impact of smart farming solutions on different countries is less known. Therefore, we comprehensively analyzed the role of smart farming solutions in sustaining agricultural production in the context of comparing a developed (Republic of Korea), and an emergent (Republic of Uganda) country. We scrutinized the agricultural assets, natural resources, approaches, technologies, policy interventions, achievements, challenges encountered, and reasons of smart farm pursuit for each country. Information presented in the paper indicated that both countries have similar objectives in the pursuit for smart farming: response to climate change and sustaining food security. However, the Republic of Korea employs a holistic approach of revolutionizing agriculture via smart farms. In contrast, distinct smart farming interventions implemented by government institutions, competing private sector, and non-governmental organizations are shaping the development of a smart farm concept in the Republic of Uganda. In conclusion, the application of smart farming solutions appears to be promising in enhancing the stability of the whole food system in both countries.
Open Access
Analysis of Bacteriological Quality of Domestic Water Sources in Kabale Municipality, Western Uganda
(Scientific Research Publishing Inc., 2019) Alex, Saturday; Johnson, Runyonyozi
In the present study, we assessed the bacteriological quality of water of drinking water sources in Kabale Municipality. A total of 28 water samples were collected from 14 water springs during the dry and wet season and analyzed for determination of Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB) using the membrane filtration method. Most water springs located in less than 20 meters away from residential areas were associated with bacterial contamination. The mean concentrations of E. coli, total coliforms, and THB were 24.07 CFU/100 ml, 85.71 CFU/100 ml, and 197.07 CFU/100 ml, respectively in the wet season. While in the dry season, the mean concentrations were 2 CFU/100 ml, 10 CFU/100 ml, and 91 CFU/100 ml for E. coli , total coliforms, and THB, respectively. There were significant differences between CFU of total coliforms, HTB, between wet and dry seasons (p = 0.026). Samples collected and analyzed during the wet season for total coliforms did not conform to WHO drinking water quality guideline value of no detection per 100 ml. The study concludes that the majority of spring water sources are located in less than 20 meters away from residential areas with significant paved areas, the presence of septic tanks and pit latrines. Wet season significantly affects the quality of domestic water sources than the dry season. The study recommends that spring water should be treated before drinking due to high bacteria concentrations which makes it unsafe for consumption.
Open Access
Animal-Plant Interaction:
(Exclusive Journal Publishing House, 2017) Ndizihiwe, Daniel R.; Achille, E Assogbadjo; Sylvestre, C. A. M. Djagoun; Barthélémy KASSA
The study was based on 107 studies and data concerning disperser species, plant species and family, fruit type and size, seed size plant life form and the habitat, were presented in matrix form. Data from this matrix were used in determining the disperser species diversity considering large taxonomic groups (mammals, birds and reptiles) and selection pattern based on the fruit and seed size. The diversity of mammals was high followed by birds and then reptiles with 65%, 30% and 5% respectively. Mammal taxonomic group dominated and was sub divided into primates, ungulates, carnivores, rodents and bat sub-groups which accounted for 45%, 22%, 17%, 9% and 7% respectively confirming the dominance of primates. Simple correspondence analysis showed that ungulates dispersed very small fruits while carnivores, primates, bats and reptiles were categorized together for both small and medium sized fruits. Ungulates, birds and bats dispersed the smallest seeds while others dispersed both small and large sized seeds. The study revealed high diversity of mammals particularly primates therefore playing a huge role in structuring and restructuring terrestrial ecosystems, with a warning that the loss of ungulates may have catastrophic impacts on the structure and composition of small fruited and seeded plants.
Open Access
Antibacterial Properties of Phytochemicals Isolated from Leaves of Alstonia boonei and Aerial Parts of Ipomoea cairica.
(Kabale University, 2024) Gumula, Ivan; Kyarimpa, Christine; Nanyonga, Sarah Kiwanuka; Kwesiga, George; Busulwa, George; Opio, Boniface; Heydenreich, Mathias; Omara, Timothy
The leaves of Alstonia boonei and aerial parts of Ipomoea cairica are used for treatment of microbial infections among other ailments in African traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial phytochemicals in A. boonei leaves and Ipomoea cairica aerial parts to validate their traditional use in Ugandan herbal medicine. Methods: The plant materials were separately extracted using a dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) solvent system and subjected to repeated chromatographic separation to isolate pure compounds. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined through 1 H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC and HMBC). The antibacterial activity of the extracts and pure compounds were assessed using the agar well diffusion method. Results: Chromatographic fractionation of the extracts yielded trans-fagaramide and a pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoid, lupeol, from A. boonei, and friedelin from I. cairica. Trans-fagaramide was identified for the first time in the Alstonia genus while friedelin was identified for the first time in I. cairica. The isolated compounds demonstrated antibacterial activity, with trans-fagaramide showing a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 250 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. Friedelin exhibited a MIC of 125 μg/mL against Escherichia coli and 250 μg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. Conclusion: The antibacterial activities observed in this study support the traditional use of A. boonei and I. cairica by indigenous communities in Uganda for treating microbial infections.
Open Access
Antiplasmodial Compounds from Millettia Dura.
(Kabale University, 2022) Buyinza, Daniel; Derese, Solomon; Ndakala, Albert
Malaria still poses a big challenge to the health care of many tropical countries. The plasmodium resistance to the conventional drugs is the major hitch in its treatment. Higher plants have produced single line antimalarials and given important lead molecules. On this basis, flavonoids isolated from millettia dura by chromatographic techniques were screened againest W2 and D6 strains of plasmoduim falcipalum. Both, the crude and pure compounds tested showed mild activities against the test organisms. The crude extract of the stem bark had the highest respective activity of 63.7±8.6 and 46.1±4.5 μg/ml against W2 and D6. Of the pure compounds, milletosin was active towards both W2 and D6 with a respective IC50s of 87.9±8.9 and 66.70±30.3 μg/ml. Synergistic effect might have contributed to the relative high activity of the crude than the pure compounds. Basing on the structure activity relationship of the tested compounds, suitable structural modification could be ideal to enhance the antiplasmodial activity. Keywords: Antiplasmodial, Compounds, Millettia Dura.
Open Access
Application of Discrete-time semi-Markov Model to the Stochastic forecasting of Capital assests as stock.
(Far East Journal of theoretical Statistics, 2021) Nafiu, Lukman Abiodun; Patrick, Weke; Alieu Jallow, Mamadou; Carolyne, Ogutu
In this paper, we developed and applied a stochastic model based on Discrete-time Semi Markov chain approach and its generalizations to study the high frequency price dynamics of traded stocks. Semi Markov is a stochastic process that generalizes both the Markov chain and the Markov renewal processes. it is well known that the performances of the stock market or factors that move stock prices are technical factors, fundamental factors and market sentiments.
Open Access
Characterizing absolutely irreducible integer-valued polynomials over discrete valuation domains
(Journal of Algebra 633 (2023) 696–72, 2023-08-12) Hiebler, Moritz; Nakato, Sarah; Roswitha,Rissner
Rings of integer-valued polynomials are known to be atomic, non-factorial rings furnishing examples for both irreducible elements for which all powers factor uniquely (absolutely irreducibles) and irreducible elements where some power has a factorization different from the trivial one. In this paper, we study irreducible polynomials F ∈ Int(R) where R is a discrete valuation domain with finite residue field and show that it is possible to explicitly determine a number S ∈ N that reduces the absolute irreducibility of F to the unique factorization of F S . To this end, we establish a connection between the factors of powers of F and the kernel of a certain linear map that we associate to F . This connection yields a characterization of absolute irreducibility in terms of this so-called fixed divisor kernel. Given a non-trivial element v of this kernel, we explicitly construct non-trivial factorizations of F k , provided that k ≥ L, where L depends on F as well as the choice of v. We further show that this bound cannot be improved in general. Additionally, we provide other (larger) lower bounds for k, one of which only depends on the valuation of the denominator of F and the size of the residue class field of R.
Open Access
Characterizing absolutely irreducible integer-valued polynomials over discrete valuation domains
(2024) Hiebler, Moritz; Nakato, Sarah; Rissner, Roswitha
Rings of integer-valued polynomials are known to be atomic, non-factorial rings furnishing examples for both irreducible elements for which all powers factor uniquely (absolutely irreducibles) and irreducible elements where some power has a factorization different from the trivial one. In this paper, we study irreducible polynomials F ∈ Int(R) where R is a discrete valuation domain with finite residue field and show that it is possible to explicitly determine a number S ∈ N that reduces the absolute irreducibility of F to the unique factorization of F S. To this end, we establish a connection between the factors of powers of F and the kernel of a certain linear map that we associate to F. This connection yields a characterization of absolute irreducibility in terms of this so-called fixed divisor kernel. Given a non-trivial element v of this kernel, we explicitly construct non-trivial factorizations of Fk, provided that k ≥ L, where L depends on F as well as the choice of v. We further show that this bound cannot be improved in general. Additionally, we provide other (larger) lower bounds
Open Access
Citrus fruit farmers’ adaptation capacities to climate variability in Ngora district, Eastern Uganda
(Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal (KURJ), 2022) Simon Peter, Achuu; Sarah, Nachuha; Joweria, Nakizito; Henry Musoke, Semakula; Hosea Enos, Opedes
Over the past three decades the government of Uganda prioritized fruits growing in Teso sub-region as a means to promote socioeconomic development. However, climate variability threatens the realization of this initiative and yet inadequate research has been done to address this gap. This study assessed citrus fruit farmers’ adaptation capacities to climate variability in Ngora district, eastern Uganda. Longitudinal and cross-sectional research designs were adopted in which 135 randomly selected farmers were interviewed. Findings indicated that 82% of the respondents attested that rainfall amounts and temperature patterns had changed with the highest rainfall of 1686 mm received in 1991, and the lowest amount of 785mm received in 2009. Average annual temperatures in the same period varied between 23.8ºC and 25.7ºC. These variations contributed to a drop in orange fruit yields from 90% in 2015 to below 54% in 2016. Overall, 94.8% of citrus farmers were aware of the term climate variability and they associated it to variation in rainfall amounts and distribution, rise in surface temperature and occurrence of droughts; 73.3% of the farmers had positive attitude towards climate variability adaptation especially in instances where it directly affected their livelihoods. Only 21% of the farmers did something to adapt to climate variability through irrigating young orange trees. Conclusively, citrus growing provided an option to poverty eradication, however climate variability threatens farmer’s efforts. In a short-run farmers may be encouraged to work in groups. Overall capital investment on irrigation technology by government and or other stakeholders will offer lasting solution
Open Access
Citrus Fruit Farmers’ Adaptation Capacities to Climate Variability in Ngora District, Eastern Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2022) Achuu, Simon Peter; Nachuha, Sarah; Nakizito, Joweria; Musoke, Semakula Henry; Opedes, Hosea Enos
Over the past three decades the government of Uganda prioritized fruits growing in Teso sub-region as a means to promote socioeconomic development. However, climate variability threatens the realization of this initiative and yet inadequate research has been done to address this gap. This study assessed citrus fruit farmers’ adaptation capacities to climate variability in Ngora district, eastern Uganda. Longitudinal and cross-sectional research designs were adopted in which 135 randomly selected farmers were interviewed. Findings indicated that 82% of the respondents attested that rainfall amounts and temperature patterns had changed with the highest rainfall of 1686 mm received in 1991, and the lowest amount of 785mm received in 2009. Average annual temperatures in the same period varied between 23.8ºC and 25.7ºC. These variations contributed to a drop in orange fruit yields from 90% in 2015 to below 54% in 2016. Overall, 94.8% of citrus farmers were aware of the term climate variability and they associated it to variation in rainfall amounts and distribution, rise in surface temperature and occurrence of droughts; 73.3% of the farmers had positive attitude towards climate variability adaptation especially in instances where it directly affected their livelihoods. Only 21% of the farmers did something to adapt to climate variability through irrigating young orange trees. Conclusively, citrus growing provided an option to poverty eradication, however climate variability threatens farmer’s efforts. In a short-run farmers may be encouraged to work in groups. Overall capital investment on irrigation technology by government and or other stakeholders will offer lasting solutions. Keywords: Citrus Fruits - Climatic Factors, Climatic Changes, Agriculture - Environmental Aspects , Ngora District, Uganda.
Open Access
Conservation of forest biomass and forest–dependent wildlife population: Uncertainty quantification of the model parameters
(Heliyon, 2023-07-06) Ibrahim, M. Fanuel; Silas, Mirau; Damian, Kajunguri; Francis, Moyo
The ecosystem is confronted with numerous challenges as a consequence of the escalating human population and its corresponding activities. Among these challenges lies the degradation of forest biomass, which directly contributes to a reduction in forested areas and poses a significant threat to the survival of wildlife species through the intensification of intraspecific competition. In this paper, a non–linear mathematical model to study the conservation of forest and wildlife species that are reliant on forest ecosystem within the framework of human population dynamics and its related activities is developed and analysed. The study assessed the impacts of economic measures in the form of incentives on reducing population pressure on forest resources as well as the potential benefits of technological efforts to accelerate the rate of reforestation. Qualitative and quantitative analyses reveals that economic and technological factors have the potential to contribute to resource conservation efforts. However, these efforts can only be used to a limited extent, and contrary to that, the system will be destabilised. Sensitivity analysis identified the parameters pertaining to human population, human activities, economic measures, and technological efforts as the most influential factors in the model.
Open Access
Determining Bandgap of Thermochromic Phosphor Films via Reflectance Measurements under Controlled Heating
(Kabale University, 2024) Katashaya, Steven Rwabona
In this article, we present a method to determine the bandgap of a thermochromic phosphor film by simple reflectance measurements under controlled heating. The phosphor is illuminated by a light-emitting diode while being heated continuously. The reflected light is detected using a calibrated photodiode circuit based on an operational transconductance amplifier. We apply the Schuster Kubelka-Munk function to deduce the absorbance over temperature and thus the bandgap. We show, for the first time, that the thermochromic phosphor's color change follows Arrhenius's Law and therefore involves activation energy. We estimate the bandgap to be between 1.1 eV and 1.9 eV and find an activation energy of 46.67 ±1.6 kJ/mol. The simplicity of the approach will appeal to undergraduate teachers and students of physics and materials science. The technique can be used to investigate other thermochromic materials as well.
Open Access
Effects of Seasonal Variations in Physical Parameters on Quality of Gravity Flow Water in Kyanamira Sub-County, Kabale District, Uganda
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2016) Hannington, Ngabirano; Denis, Byamugisha; Emmanuel, Ntambi
The effect of seasonal variations in physical parameters on quality of gravity flow water was investigated in Kyanamira Sub-County, Kabale District, Uganda. The seasonal variations in the physical parameters (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, colour, total dissolved solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS)) were determined during wet and dry seasons. Composite samples from gravity flow water sources were collected monthly from March to August, 2014 and then analyzed. Temperature was measured using thermometer; pH, EC and TDS were determined using a multimeter, turbidity, colour and total suspended solids were determined by spectrophotometric method. TDS, pH and temperature were the most contributing parameters to water quality variations in both seasons. The mean pH values varied between 3.78 - 4.84 from March to August, 2014 at all study sites. These pH values were consistently below the WHO permissible range of 6.5 - 8.5. Similarly, total suspended solids varied between 0.66 - 2.17 mg∙L−1 and were well above the recommended WHO limit of zero mg∙L−1 at all study sites. Turbidity mean values varied between 0.83 - 3.7 NTU and were outside the recommended limits of 3 NTU at Kigata (3.7 NTU) only. Temperatures (20.3˚C - 21.15˚C) for all the study sites were within the recommended limit of 20˚C - 30˚C in water for domestic purposes. The mean values of physical parameters for the wet season were: temperature (21.12˚C), colour (12.5 PtCoU), turbidity (3.4 NTU), TDS (76.76 mg∙L−1), TSS (2.13 mg∙L−1), pH (4.19) and EC (152.7 μS∙cm−1) were different from those of the dry season (temperature (20.99˚C), colour (0.93 PtCoU), turbidity (0.53 NTU), TDS (77.33 mg∙L−1), TSS (0.67 mg∙L−1), pH (4.86) and EC (158.65 μS∙cm−1). Basing on these findings above, it was evident to justify discouraging the use of gravity flow water at these study sites for domestic purposes without proper treatment.
Open Access
Estimation of Radiological Effects from Consumption of milk from Volcanic areas of Kisoro, South-western Uganda.
(Journal of Radiation and Nuclear Applications An International Journal, 2023-01-01) Vianney, Habakwiha,; Bosco, Oruru; Winston, Tumps Ireeta
Abstract: Determination of activity concentrations of Naturally Occurring Radionuclides in foodstuffs and Radiological Effects from consumption such foodstuffs is very important in assessing internal radiation hazards like cancer to population. The concentration of Naturally Occurring Radionuclides depends on geological formations of specific areas. The aim of this study was to estimate the Radiological effects from consumption of milk from volcanic areas of Kisoro, South-western Uganda. The Radiological Effects that were determined in this study were Radium Equivalent, Annual Effective Dose Equivalent, and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk. Seventy nine (79) samples of milk were collected from cattle farms in seven sub counties where geological formation was volcanic eruption. Radiological Effects due to Naturally Occurring Radionuclides U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in milk samples were determined. The average activity concentrations were determined using NaI(Tl) detector. The activity concentrations were used to determine the Radiological Effects. The average activity concentrations in milk for U-238, Th-232, and K-40 were; 1.058 Bq l-1, 1.369 Bq l-1, and 19.679 Bq l-1 ,respectively. Average Radium Equivalent was 4.531 Bq l-1, the annual Effective Dose Equivalent was 0.014 mSv y-1 and the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk was 3 0.041 10 . Samples that were collected from cattle farms that were relatively flat and at lower altitudes had relatively higher activity concentrations hence higher Radiological Effects. The Radium Equivalent, annual Effective Dose Equivalent and, ELCR were all lower than the safe value from consumption of milk by 0.099 Bq l-1 , 0.0019 mSv y-1, and 3 0.005 10 , respectively hence from the results, it is concluded that the milk is safe for human consumption. Since the differences from the safe values are very small, the quantity of milk to be consumed was estimated to be 0.105 litres per day (0.74 litres per week) in order to keep the Radiological Effects low.
Open Access
Experimental investigation of a cooking unit integrated with thermal energy storage system
(Journal of Energy Storage, 2020) Pamella, K. Kajumba; Denis, Okello; Karidewa, Nyeinga; Ole, J. Nydal
The thermal performance of a newly developed cooking unit integrated with a thermal energy storage (TES) system suitable for solar thermal applications has been tested and analysed. The experimental set-up consisted of a TES tank, connecting pipes, a manual control valve and a cooking unit. Sun flower oil was used as both the heat storage material and heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer was such that hot oil flowed by gravity from the TES tank through a pipe to the bottom of the cooking unit, which was in contact with the oil. The flow of the oil was controlled by a manual valve fixed on the connecting pipe to the cooker unit. Cooking experiments were carried out by boiling known quantities of water and food items at different flow rate settings. The results showed that the heating rate increased with increasing flow rates, and the efficiencies of the cooking unit were obtained as 40%, 43% and 52% for flow rates settings of 4 ml/s, 6 ml/s and 12 ml/s respectively. The rate of heat loss in the cooking unit was determined, and the overall heat loss coefficient was found to be about 0.54 W/K. Energy balances were used to estimate the heat transfer coefficients between the hot oil and the water in the cooking pot at different flow rates. The results showed that a high flow rate setting of 12 ml/s gave the highest heat transfer rate while a very low flow rate setting of 4 ml/s reduced the heat transfer rate, but also retained heat for longer periods. The heat transfer rate was found to be on the average 120 W/m2K. The manual valve makes it possible to control the heating rate and adjust the flow rate to suit the needs of a particular food. With a well-insulated cooker, a very low flow rate can be used for foods that require longer cooking times.
Open Access
Factors Influencing the Uptake and Sustainable Use of Soil and Water Conservation Measures in Bubaare Micro-Catchment, Kabale District, South Western Uganda
(OMMEGA PUBLISHERS, 2019) Willbroad, Byamukama; Ssemakula, E; Kalibwani, R
Soil erosion and declining soil productivity still continue to manifest in most of the agricultural systems found in Sub-Sahara Africa. As a consequence, this has threatened the agricultural productivity, biodiversity, water quality and availability as well as the livelihoods of the poor who depend on land. In Uganda, this has been attributed to poor land use practices with inadequate SWC measures and persistent nutrient mining of the soils with little or no replenishment. Highland areas of Kabale are reported to be severely affected by soil erosion and declining soil fertility despite continued efforts by farmers to conserve soil and water resources. The study examined the Soil and Water Conservation measures in Bubaare micro-catchment. The study was conducted to assess factors (i) physical (ii) institutional and (iii) socio-economic influencing adoption and sustainable use of soil and water conservation measures in Bubaare micro- catchment in Kabale district. The study was cross sectional in nature employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to capture data from a sample of 397 respondents using semi-structured questionnaires interviews and observation. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics that aided in presentation and interpretation. It was found that 22.9% of the farmers in the area were conserving soil and water using mulches and cover crops, 21.9% agroforestry, 16.8% terraces, 11.3% surface drainage ways, 8% contour bunds, 8% grass bunds, 11% trenches/ditches and 3.3% woodlots. Factors that were statistically determined to significantly influence the adoption and sustainable use of soil and water conservation implementation in Bubaare micro-catchment were physical, institutional, and socio-economic factors. In this regard, several key recommendations were made which involved extending financial services to the farmers, communication and information access, training and experience sharing, strengthening research and development, education and awareness, providing technical and financial support.
Open Access
Farmers’ Perception of the Impacts of Climate Variability and Change on Food Security in Rubanda District, South Western Uganda
(OMMEGA Publishers, 2018) Willbroad, Byamukama; Bello N.J; Omoniyi T.E
Climate variability adversely impacts crop production and imposes a major constraint on farming planning, mostly under rain fed conditions across developing countries. Considering the recent advances in climate science, many studies are trying to provide a reliable basis for climate, and subsequently agricultural production forecasts. Rainfall and temperature variability from season to season greatly affects soil water availability to crops, and thus poses crop production risks to agriculture which is a major economic activity in Rubanda District, Southwestern Uganda. It was observed that farmers tend to rely on their accumulated experience about weather conditions in the schedule of their farm operations. Therefore this study was designed to examine farmers’ perception of the impacts of climate variability and change on food security in Rubanda District of Southwestern Uganda. Primary data were obtained through questionnaire administration and field observations among the farmers in Rubanda district. Secondary data was obtained from Kabale Meteorological center (rainfall and temperature) between 1976 and 2016. Simple random sampling technique was employed in the selection of sample size and a total of 200 farmers were randomly selected for the study. The selection of the sample size was based on the procedure of Yamane (1967). Microsoft Excel office 2013 was used to show trends of climate variability and change and SPSS version 20 for descriptive analysis. The results of the analyses showed that temperature increased significantly whereas a decreasing trend of rainfall was observed. Farmers perceived the variability of the climate to have led to the decline of agricultural production hence impacting on food security. The chi-square analysis showed that Climate variability and change has significant relationship with food availability (p < 0.05), food access (p < 0.05), food consumption (p < 0.05) and food stability (p < 0.05). The test also showed that there is variation in the perception of climate variability and change among the farmers in Rubanda District (p < 0.05). Climate variability and change factors have the potential for climatic stress on food security according to the observed agricultural production decline and farmers are seasonally faced with problems of food deficits due to unpredicted extreme weather events. The study established that policies, improved access to climate forecasting and dissemination and accessible extension service should be directed toward interventions to improve agriculture productivity by addressing issues concerning aspects of climate variability and change that constantly affect the dimensions of food security.
Open Access
Foraging Behaviour of the Black-Headed Heron at Kibimba Rice Scheme, Eastern Uganda
(Advances in Research, 2020) Sarah, Nachuha; M. Polycarp, Mwima
Variations in the factors affecting prey availability directly impact on the spatial dispersion of foraging birds. The feeding success and efficiency of the Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) was examined in the different growth stages/phases of paddy rice, namely: Ploughed fields, Phase 1 fields (2 weeks-1 month after sowing) and Harvested fields. Feeding success of the Black-headed Heron varied significantly across the rice growth stage. This variation was explained by a combination of factors such water depth, waterbird abundance, Nearest Neighbor Distance (NND) and food or prey abundance (except amphibian abundance). Statistical analysis were conducted using Genstat Version 8.1 (VSN Intl.2003, in which a General Linear Mixed Model were used to examine the variation in each behavioural measure. Foraging in aggregations on rice paddies seems to be more beneficial to the Black-headed Heron. The closeness to a conspecific had a positive effect on the feeding efficiency of the Black-headed Heron as they foraged on fields with abundant prey (Phase 1) and a negative effect on fields with less abundant prey (Ploughed fields). Generally, the data seem to suggest that there is a functional relationship between the Black-headed Heron, and prey abundance, and the absence of interference competition on rice fields.
Open Access
Household Water Treatment Technologies for Microbial Removal in Kabale District, Southwestern Uganda
(OMMEGA Publishers, 2016) Alex, Saturday; George Lukoye Makokha; Anthony Macharia
Health problems associated with the consumption of untreated drinking water is one of the greatest concerns in Kabale District in spite of government’s efforts to provide safe drinking water to the people. The objective of the study was to examine household water treatment technologies (HWTS) and evaluate their ability to improve the microbial quality of drinking water. We analyzed 20 paired samples (source and treated) of drinking water from four sources of drinking water in close proximity to homesteads. Samples were analyzed for total coliforms and Escherichia coli, the indicators of faecal contamination, to measure effectiveness of HWTS. The parameters were determined using membrane filtration method. Laboratory data was statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA from SPSS software version 17.0. All HWTS improved the microbial quality of drinking water under laboratory conditions. Mean log10 total coliforms reductions were 2 log10 (99.5%) for boiling, 0.9 log10 (84.8%) for biosand filtration, 1.9 log10 (99.5%) for application of Water Guard tablets and 2 log10 (98.1%) for application of aqua safe tablets. The mean log10 Escherichia coli reductions were 1.2 log10 (100%) for boiling, bio sand filtration, application of Water Guard tablets and application of aqua safe tablets. The microbial removal effectiveness of HWTS was significantly high and the differences in the mean total coliforms reductions by different HWTS were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Water Guard, bio sand filtration, boiling and aqua safe tablets significantly remove total coliforms and Escherichia coli and should therefore is promoted at local level.
Open Access
Identification of Soil and Water Conservation Technologies Used on Different Landscape Positions in Maziba Sub-catchment
(Kabale University, 2016) Ndemere, Julius; Mary makokha; Tenywa Moses
Abstract. Soil and water resources are important for sustaining life on earth since they are the main components of sub-catchments. Despite the technologies that have been introduced in Maziba sub-catchment, farmers have variations in technology acceptance due to over cultivation of land, population pressure, and deforestation that accelerate soil erosion. The objective of the study was to characterize soil and water conservation technologies used at different landscape positions by farmers in Maziba sub-catchment. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze soil and water conservation technologies practiced in the study area. Probability sampling technique was used to select research respondents, who were selected to obtain predominantly used soil and water conservation technologies data, using semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the data collected was done using special packages for social scientists (SPSS 17.0) statistical software and Microsoft Excel 2007. The study revealed that terracing (35%), mulching (21%) and trenching (13%) were the predominant soil and water conservation technologies reported. The study recommended formal education for non-educated farmers since the level of education influenced the use of soil and water conservation technologies in the study area