Faculty of Agriculture and Evironmental Science(FAES)

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Open Access
The Transition from the Stone Age to Iron Age in East Africa: Excavations at Nkuba Rock Shelter, Bussi Island, Lake Victoria, Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Tibesasa, Ruth; Shipton, Ceri; Jennings, Christopher; Karuhanga, Samuel; Crowther, Alison
The Stone to Iron Age transition in northern Lake Victoria Nyanza is typically associated with the spread of Bantu speaking people from Cameroon to east Africa in the first millennium BC. Here we present the results of excavations carried out in 2006 at Nkuba rock shelter on Bussi Island on Lake Victoria, Uganda, where both Late Stone Age lithic materials dating ca. 1411-1275 BC, and Early Iron Age (EIA) Urewe ceramics dating between ca. 1303-1123 BC and ca. 771-887 AD were found. The Urewe horizon is characterised by both ceramics and lithics, and represents an intermediate stage between the lithic dominated. Later Stone Age (LSA) phase of occupation, and the Later Iron Age (LIA) phase that has ceramics but no lithics. Analysis of seeds and bones revealed no evidence of domestic agriculture or pastoralism at the site. The site was dated for the very first time and elements of continuity between occupation phases suggest gradual process of transition rather than abrupt transition / population replacement
Open Access
Progressive Efforts in the Implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Turyasingura, Benson; Akatwijuka, Rogers; Tumwesigye, Wycliffe; Ayiga, Natal; Ruhiiga, Tabukeli Musigi; Banerjee, Abhishek; Benzougagh, Brahim; Frolov, Denis
Worldwide, water is essential in creating the environment and human life. Uganda’s Vision 2040 promises general use and safe access to drinking water for all Ugandans. Today, 14% of the population in Uganda have access to potable managed water, and 78% of rural communities have access to the sanitation system, and by 2040, the number is expected to have doubled.“ If the population is to exercise its constitutional right to receive a dependable, safe, and inexpensive water supply, it is imperative that infrastructure for water supply be provided. We assessed the progressive efforts in the implementation of integrated water resources management in Uganda, challenges, opportunities, and policies for water management.” Explorations for the keywords “water” AND “water resources”, AND “water management” were used in this study. A total of 125 papers were selected for this study from 2013 to 2022, from Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science, that were found relevant for this study and were selected and discussed. According to findings, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and India were the leading publications. In the analysis of sources of journals by publications, the Science of The Total Environment was the leading. According to the analysis by the organizations, the leading was Wageningen University and Research, followed by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. It was concluded that the problems of effectiveness in water resource management are still a global change and little effort has been made. To bridge the gap from science to policymaking in the water resources nexus, it is vital to enhance stakeholder collaboration, water resource tradeoffs, and regional development and preservation by optimizing the ecological water resource pattern.
Open Access
Water Accounting and Productivity Analysis to Improve Water Savings of Nile River Basin, East Africa: From Accountability to Sustainability.
(Kabale University, 2024) Hirwa, Hubert; Zhang, Qiuying; Li, Fadong; Qiao, Yunfeng; Measho, Simon; Muhirwa, Fabien; Xu, Ning; Tian, Chao; Cheng, Hefa; Chen, Gang; Ngwijabagabo, Hyacinthe
Climate change impacts on drylands pose more vexing risks to socio-ecological systems, resulting in food security issues, biodiversity loss, and livelihood shifts in Africa. This study critically reviewed relevant literature to evaluate the complexities and feedback loops between the climate–drylands–food security (CDF) nexus, which helps assess tactics to attain sustainable dryland ecosystem management under the changing environment. Comprehensive CDF frameworks are explored for dryland dynamics, ecosystem services, and food security (FS), and current high-precision ecosystem observation networks are used to detect regional-level climate variability and identify hotspots. In addition, this review also examines challenges and uncertainties for CDF systems and effective agrarian innovations as a way forward. To bridge the gap from science to policy making in the CDF nexus, it is vital to enhance the impacts and feedback of ecohydrological processes on agrarian production, ecosystem service tradeoffs and their effects on livelihoods, and regional development and preservation by optimization of the ecological water security pattern. This state-of-the-art assessment uses acquired information and knowledge to conceptually evaluate the past, current, and future impacts and risks and facilitates decision-making through the delivery of long-term sustainability and socio-ecological resilience.
Open Access
Climate change–Drylands–Food Security Nexus in Africa: From the Perspective of Technical Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities.
(Kabale University, 2024) Hirwa, Hubert; Fadong, Li; Qiao, Yunfeng; Measho, Simon; Muhirwa, Fabien; Tian, Chao; Leng, Peifang
Climate change impacts on drylands pose more vexing risks to socio-ecological systems, resulting in food security issues, biodiversity loss, and livelihood shifts in Africa. This study critically reviewed relevant literature to evaluate the complexities and feedback loops between the climate–drylands–food security (CDF) nexus, which helps assess tactics to attain sustainable dryland ecosystem management under the changing environment. Comprehensive CDF frameworks are explored for dryland dynamics, ecosystem services, and food security (FS), and current high-precision ecosystem observation networks are used to detect regional-level climate variability and identify hotspots. In addition, this review also examines challenges and uncertainties for CDF systems and effective agrarian innovations as a way forward. To bridge the gap from science to policy making in the CDF nexus, it is vital to enhance the impacts and feedback of ecohydrological processes on agrarian production, ecosystem service tradeoffs and their effects on livelihoods, and regional development and preservation by optimization of the ecological water security pattern. This state-of-the-art assessment uses acquired information and knowledge to conceptually evaluate the past, current, and future impacts and risks and facilitates decision-making through the delivery of long-term sustainability and socio-ecological resilience.
Open Access
The complementary Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Landslide Disaster Management in Kanungu District, Uganda
(Kabale University, 2024) Turyasingura, Benson; Ayiga, Natal; Benzougagh, Brahim; Kader, Shuraik; Kumar, Singh Sudhir; Nuwe, John BOSCO; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.; Bojago, Elias
This study aimed to investigate the use and effectiveness of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in managing landslides in Kanungu District, Uganda. The study used the Likert scale and the multivariate probit (MVP) model and found that marginalization was a significant challenge facing local interventions in landslide disaster management. Factors such as farm size, credit availability, social group membership, access to extension services, farming experience, accessibility of weather and climatic information, and perception of climatic changes influenced the adoption of IKS, both positively and negatively. The study concludes that education programs should focus on farmer capacity building to mitigate landslide risks and emphasize the application of IKS in landslide hazard management.
Open Access
A Review of the Effects of Climate Change on Water Resources in Sub-Saharan Africa.
(Kabale University, 2024) Turyasingura, Benson; Ngabirano, Hannington; Wambui, Kinyi Hellen; Fatima, Sule Mohammed; Ayiga, Natal; Bojago, Elias; Benzougagh, Brahim; Abhishek Banerjee; Kumar, Singh Sudhir
Water provides different goods and services like handcraft and fishing materials, water supply for domestic use, businesses, agriculture, transport, washing, drinking, and eco-tourism. However, few studies have assessed the effects of climate change on water resources in recent years. This study investigated the relationship between water resources and climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the first segment, Vos-Viewer was used to map, study the literature, and identify any gaps to evaluate the interdependence between water resources and climate. The study was guided by specific objectives, which include assessing the adaptation and mitigation strategies for the effects of climate on water resources. Searches for the keywords “climate change” and “water resources” were conducted to obtain literature for this study. A total of 125 papers selected for this study from 1945–2022, from Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science, were found relevant for this study and were selected and discussed. Thus, the worldwide literature was used to provide a real understanding of the effects of climate change on water resources, adaptation, and mitigation measures. According to the findings of the study, cooperation networks in developing countries were not as prominent as research networks in developed countries. It was shown that irregular rainfall affects water quality and quantity by giving the water a muddy, acidic, and turbid appearance. Therefore, all stakeholders should facilitate prudent water resource usage by 695 million people who still use unimproved water facilities in sub-Saharan Africa.
Open Access
Wetland Conservation and Management Practices in Rubanda District South-Western Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Turyasingura, Benson; Saturday, Alex; Hirwa, Hubert; Fatima, Sule Mohammed; 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 lawsand procedures should be put in place to ease restrictions on wetland conservation.
Open Access
Content and dynamics of nutrients in the surface water of shallow Lake Mulehe in Kisoro District, South–western Uganda
(Applied Water Science Springer, 2023-03-23) Saturday Alex · Kangume Susan · Bamwerinde Wilson
The purpose of this study was to investigate the content and dynamics of nutrients in the shallow (max. 6 m) Lake Mulehe. We collected 54 water samples from nine sampling stations between the wet season (March–May 2020 and dry season (June–August 2020). Nutrients; ammonia–nitrogen (NH4–N), nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N), nitrite–nitrogen (NO2–N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were investigated in accordance with APHA 2017 standard procedures. Besides, physical parameters: Temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ. The water quality index (WQI) was used to determine the water quality of Lake Muhele using drinking water quality standards developed by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and the World Health Organization. Results indicated that nutrients (TN, NO3–N, TP, NH4-N, NO2–N and SRP) did not difer substantially between study stations (p>0.05) but did reveal significant differences (p<0.05) across study months. Besides, nutrient levels differed significantly between seasons (p<0.05) except for SRP and NH4–N. The WQI values varied from 36.0 to 74.5, with a mean of 58.69. The recorded overall WQI value places Lake Mulehe’s water quality into the ‘poor’ category in terms of worthiness for human consumption. The study, therefore, recommends continuous pollution monitoring and enforcement of local regulations to reduce pollution in the lake as a result of anthropogenic activities.
Open Access
Content and dynamics of nutrients in the surface water of shallow Lake Mulehe in Kisoro District, South–western Uganda
(Springer, 2023-06-13) Saturday, Alex; Kangume , Susan; Bamwerinde, Wilson
The purpose of this study was to investigate the content and dynamics of nutrients in the shallow (max. 6 m) Lake Mulehe. We collected 54 water samples from nine sampling stations between the wet season (March–May 2020 and dry season (June–August 2020). Nutrients; ammonia–nitrogen (NH4–N), nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N), nitrite–nitrogen (NO2–N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were investigated in accordance with APHA 2017 standard procedures. Besides, physical parameters: Temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ. The water quality index (WQI) was used to determine the water quality of Lake Muhele using drinking water quality standards developed by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and the World Health Organization. Results indicated that nutrients (TN, NO3–N, TP, NH4-N, NO2–N and SRP) did not difer substantially between study stations (p>0.05) but did reveal signifcant diferences (p<0.05) across study months. Besides, nutrient levels difered signifcantly between seasons (p<0.05) except for SRP and NH4–N. The WQI values varied from 36.0 to 74.5, with a mean of 58.69. The recorded overall WQI value places Lake Mulehe’s water quality into the ‘poor’ category in terms of worthiness for human consumption. The study, therefore, recommends continuous pollution monitoring and enforcement of local regulations to reduce pollution in the lake as a result of anthropogenic activities.
Open Access
Evaluation of energy generation potential from municipal solid waste in the North-West province, South Africa
(International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 2023-07-28) Mapereka Francis Chagunda , Ruhiiga Tabukeli Musigi , Palamuleni Lobina Gertrude *
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is rapidly becoming a severe environmental problem worldwide. Developing countries, especially African cities, are the most affected due to inadequate resources to cope with increasing magnitude and complexity of the waste generated as well as the scarcity of land for disposal. As such, strategies which include waste- to-energy (WtE) generation to recover the potent energy from municipal waste could be a better option. This study sought to determine the sustainability of WtE projects for energy access to off-grid residents in the North-West province, South Africa. The study used a quantitative research design coupled with field observations and measurement of elements of the waste chain to generate primary data sets. The information was supplemented by secondary datasets on waste information and waste management at local municipalities. Results revealed that some of the classes of waste have the optimum calorific values and moisture content for WtE. The eligibility of a waste class to be used in WtE generation projects is dependent on the quantities generated. The results also indicate that using paper as fuel in the 240 tonnes/day WtE technology would cover more days of operation than plastics and rubber. Based on the 2020 estimated waste quantities, paper would last 234 days of generating about 6,944 GWh while plastics would last 177 days with energy output of 5, 207 GWh. Waste quantities generated in the North-West province could contribute to sustainable energy access to the off-grid informal settlement residents and advance waste management options through WtE. This study contributes to the literature on renewable energy and waste management in the context of green energy in South Africa.
Open Access
Investigation of the Content and Dynamics of Nutrients in the Surface Water of Lake Mulehe in Kisoro District, South-Western Uganda
(Kabale University, 2022-06-08) Saturday, Alex PhD
Water pollution with nutrient-based contaminants is a major concern as it may lead to the eutrophication of freshwater bodies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the content and dynamics of nutrients in the shallow (max. 6 m) Lake Mulehe. We collected 54 water samples from nine sampling stations between the wet season March–May 2020 and the dry season (June–August 2020). Nutrients; ammonia–nitrogen (NH4–N), nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N), nitrite–nitrogen (NO2–N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) were investigated in accordance with APHA 2017 standard procedures. Besides, physical parameters: Temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ. The water quality index (WQI) was used to determine the water quality of Lake Muhele using drinking water quality standards developed by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and the World Health Organization. Results indicated that nutrients (TN, NO3–N, TP, NH4-N, NO2–N and SRP) did not differ substantially between study stations (p > 0.05) but did reveal significant differences (p < 0.05) across study months. Besides, nutrient levels differed significantly between seasons (p < 0.05) except for SRP and NH4–N. The WQI values varied from 36.0 to 74.5, with a mean of 58.69. The recorded overall WQI value places Lake Mulehe’s water quality into the ‘poor’ category in terms of worthiness for human consumption. The study, therefore, recommends continuous pollution monitoring and enforcement of local regulations to reduce pollution in the lake as a result of anthropogenic activities.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
Is Aquaculture a Success? Evidence from Africa
(East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2022-11-22) Okoth, Sharon; Hounsounou, Hilda R.B.; Turyasingura, Benson; Moenga, Kelvin O.; Mwalughali, Thoko B. S.; Lubembi, Sharon Indasi
Globally, human population growth worldwide is something that cannot be controlled, and so there is a need to sustain the needs of a growing population. In Africa, for instance, population projections are made yearly, not even once stagnation is seen. Feeding and nutrition issues, hunger eradication have become a problem with the continuing growth of the population, which in turn is putting a lot of pressure on available resources like capturing fisheries from the lakes, oceans, and rivers, leaving them void. Aquaculture has then proven useful in supplementing the dwindling catch fisheries stocks, which have become incapable of supporting the growing population. Since its introduction in Africa, however, changes have been seen as it has contributed to food security and malnutrition and improved livelihoods by creating jobs and generating income. Currently, diversified products come from aquaculture practices both in inland and freshwaters, ponds, and intensification of aquaculture farming methods, which all put together boost the production to a higher level. Genetics has also been employed to ensure seeds produced for aquaculture are worth being cultured for production. A lot of fisher folks are benefiting both directly and indirectly making a living. Although the contribution of aquaculture is small, sometimes termed insignificant, its growth is steady and it has a promising future as far as its goals (increased protein food production and improved livelihoods of fisher communities) are concerned.
Open Access
Climate change–drylands–food security nexus in Africa: From the perspective of technical advances, challenges, and opportunities
(Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2022-09-06) Hirwa, Hubert; Li, Fadong; Qiao, Yunfeng; Measho, Simon; Muhirwa, Fabien; Tian, Chao; Leng, Peifang; Muhirwa, Fabien; Tian, Chao; Leng, Peifang; Ingabire, Romaine; Itangishaka, Auguste Cesar; Chen, Gang; Turyasingura, Benson
Climate change impacts on drylands pose more vexing risks to socio-ecological systems, resulting in food security issues, biodiversity loss, and livelihood shifts in Africa. This study critically reviewed relevant literature to evaluate the complexities and feedback loops between the climate–drylands–food security (CDF) nexus, which helps assess tactics to attain sustainable dryland ecosystem management under the changing environment. Comprehensive CDF frameworks are explored for dryland dynamics, ecosystem services, and food security (FS), and current high precision ecosystem observation networks are used to detect regional-level climate variability and identify hotspots. In addition, this review also examines challenges and uncertainties for CDF systems and effective agrarian innovations as a way forward. To bridge the gap from science to policy making in the CDF nexus, it is vital to enhance the impacts and feedbacks of ecohydrological processes on agrarian production, ecosystem service tradeoffs and their effects on livelihoods, and regional development and preservation by optimization of the ecological water security pattern. This state-of-the-art assessment uses acquired information and knowledge to conceptually evaluate the past, current, and future impacts and risks and facilitates decision making through the delivery of long-term sustainability and socio-ecological resilience.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
Mapping of land degradation using spectral angle mapper approach (SAM): the case of Inaouene watershed (Northeast Morocco)
(Springer Nature Switzerla, 2023-04-26) Benzougagh, Brahim; Meshram, Sarita Gajbhiye; Fellah, Bouchta El; Mastere, Mohamed; Basri, Mohamed El; Ouchen, Ibrahim; Sadkaoui, Driss; Bammou, Youssef; Moutaoikil, Nassima; Turyasingura, Benson
Soil erosion is one of the most critical hazards adversely afecting both environment and economy for all countries in the world. Several regions of Morocco sufer from the problem of soil erosion, notably the Rif and the Pre-Rif where the study area of this paper is located. The spectacular expansion of soil erosion processes in the Lahdar watershed is a worrying indicator of soil degradation. Geographic information systems and remote sensing are an excellent tool for analyzing and evaluating the risks of the expansion of soil degradation. The main objective of this paper is to assess spectral angle mapper (SAM) method and analyze their properties using geographic information system and image processing techniques in order to map the hazards of soil erosion. Land use and land cover dynamics demonstrate the relationship between human-induced development and the evolution of soil degradation and biodiversity conservation in a watershed. Therefore, an understanding of LULC factors is required for the implementation of environmental policies intended to foster a synergy between humans and the sustainability of their environment. The process of categorizing LULC was completed using the SAM technique, and the role of LULC in the dynamics of soil degradation was investigated using measurements of landscape fragmentation. For this purpose, Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager data (11 bands) with 30-m spatial resolution, 22 August –2017 were used, and classifers for SAM were applied and evaluated. The fndings of the study are seven main land cover categories: arboriculture (0.08%), cereal (35.05%), water (1.03%), forests (3.76%), residentials (4.61%), matorral-course (4.58%), and bare soils (50.89%). It should be noted that the bare soil class occupies half of the watershed area, making it vulnerable to the risks of soil degradation. Moreover, the results from this study will aid decision makers in better conservation planning of soil and water resources.