Faculty of Agriculture and Evironmental Science(FAES)

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    Wetland Conservation and Management Practices in Rubanda District, South-Western Uganda
    (East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 2022-07-17) Turyasingura, Benson; Saturday, Alex PhD; Hirwa, Hubert; Mohammed, Fatima Sule; Ruhiiga, Tabukeli Musigi; Ayiga, Natal
    Worldwide, wetlands cover about 9% of the land surface and are recognized as bio networks that offer living prospects when managed properly. Despite the present resource management regime, many wetlands in Uganda are being degraded due to mining, construction, agricultural and industrial activity, and little attention has been paid to the effectiveness of wetland conservation. The goal of this research was to evaluate Nyamuriro wetland conservation and management practices in Muko Sub-County, Rubanda District, in south-western Uganda. The study was guided by specific objectives, which included investigating the management approaches used in Nyamuriro wetland conservation, identifying the management challenges preventing Nyamuriro wetland conservation, and evaluating sustainable solutions to the challenges preventing Nyamuriro wetland conservation. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design that included qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis techniques. A total of 109 people participated in the study using simple random and purposive sampling approaches. In this study, data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observational approaches. Most respondents strongly agree that wetland restoration is the best management approach for Nyamuriro wetland conservation (Mean = 4.87, SD = 0.547). Corruption was the most significant hindrance to the conservation of Nyamuriro wetland among the management problems (Mean = 3.41, SD = 0.467). Overall, the data showed that there was a significant positive association between conservation management techniques but not between viable Nyamuriro wetland conservation measures. The study recommended that strict laws and procedures should be put in place to ease restrictions on wetland conservation.
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    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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    Salicornia as a salt-tolerant crop: potential for addressing climate change challenges and sustainable agriculture development
    (Turkish Journal of Food and Agriculture Sciences, 2023-05-30) Shambhu, Katel; Yadav, Shubh Pravat Singh; Turuyasingura, Benson; Mehta, Aman
    Halophyte plant Salicornia has potential uses in farming and environmental management. Salicornia is one of the most important families of halophytes and known for its exceptional salt tolerance. It thrives well in saline habitats near coastal areas. A comprehensive review paper provides an overview of Salicornia, including details on the impact of temperature and salinity on the germination of different ecotypes, as well as the influence of day length and salinity on seedling establishment. Salicornia L. presents a promising opportunity for sustainable agriculture and economic development as it may improve the lives and livelihoods of underprivileged groups while also benefiting the environment through carbon sequestration, soil preservation, and biodiversity preservation.
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    Water Hyacinth, an Invasive Species in Africa: A Literature Review
    (East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 2023-07-18) Lubembe, Sharon Indasi; Okoth, Sharon; Turyasingura, Benson; Oyugi, Timothy; Ibarasa, Hillary; Moenga, Kelvin; Chavula, Petros; Tumushabe, Jennifer Turyatemba
    Water hyacinth is without a doubt the water invader that causes the most harm to water bodies. Water hyacinths originated from Eastern Mediterranean, West Asia, and Central Asia; they are cultivated and loved worldwide. According to reports, water hyacinth has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. The plant extracts can also be used to treat cholera, sore throats, and snake bites, as well as to scent hair. Water hyacinth Pontederia crassipes (Eichhornia crassipes) has proliferated rapidly in African inland waters, posing numerous threats to fisheries by reducing the existence of some species; water quality by lowering levels of dissolved oxygen; human health and the environment by introducing various disease causing pathogens and harbouring dangerous animals. The hyacinths further impact human activities by blocking waterways for fishing and destroying habitat for some fish to bread properly. Tourism and navigation are also affected by limiting access to recreational areas, especially for boat cruising. Fishing; effects on fishing activities and effect on plankton production, which is the main food. Different control methods have been utilised and others suggested in Africa, although it has not been fully controlled as it is highly reproductive and still a menace in African inland waters. The most commonly used control measures are biological and physical controls. As a recommendation, all methods should be used in water bodies to reduce its spread as quickly as possible although with caution on chemical methods. In relation to water hyacinth and its effects on terrestrial animals, there is still a need for much research to still be done; however, it is an aquatic plant that is not wanted in many places does not mean it should be eradicated. Its use to produce biogas could be helpful in reducing the challenges that come with it.
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    Landscape Diversity Enhances Climate Change Resilience: A Review
    (Int. Res. J. Multidiscip. Technovation, 2022-09-29) Tumwesigye, Wycliffe; Kishoin, Viola; Turyasingura, Benson; Mwanjalolo, Majaliwa; Gilbert, Jackson
    The review aimed at understanding landscape diversity in the face of global population pressure, agricultural land shortages, food insecurity, and climate insecurity. We used published literature to determine whether landscape diversity improves resilience to climate change. Literature searches were performed using the Science Direct database, Google Scholar search engine, and the professional network ResearchGate using keywords. Land degradation, soil resilience, and natural resources from 2000 to 2019. 120 publications were searched, including journal articles, reports, and book chapters. Of these, 68 were considered more relevant and all were read and considered in writing this review. Climate change, food insecurity, and land degradation have been established to be major challenges for developing countries leading to the loss of genetic diversity. Our results show that the loss of proper habitat may allow fast-growing invaders to occupy the remaining limited resources. Therefore, alien species may accelerate invasion under human-induced land-use changes during times of global change. The time lag between range expansion and habitat loss has been thwarted. A golden window to prevent the spread of alien species established in the habitat.