Faculty of Agriculture and Evironmental Science(FAES)

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Open Access
Spatiotemporal variability of surface water quality in tropical agriculture-dominated catchments: insights from water quality indices
(Scientific Reports, 2025) Saturday, Alex; Herrnegger, Mathew; Kangume, Susan; Stecher, Gabriel
Surface water quality in tropical, agriculture-dominated catchments faces intense pressure from human activities, yet comprehensive, index-based assessments for these regions remain limited. This study aimed to use an index-based assessment to examine the spatial and temporal changes in water quality within the Maziba catchment in southwestern Uganda, characterised by increasing land-use pressures. Monthly surface water samples were collected from 16 stations between July 2023 and June 2024 to analyse physicochemical parameters. The study employed the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) for assessing drinking water suitability, the Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) for evaluating aquatic ecosystem health, and a new combined risk framework to deliver an integrated, stakeholder-oriented assessment. WAWQI results ranged from “good” to “unfit for consumption”, with 69% of stations classified as “poor” to “unfit”. CPI indicated “slight pollution” on average. Notably, the integrated risk assessment did not classify any stations as “Low Risk”, while most were classified as “High Risk” (50.0%) or “Severe Risk” (18.8%). Human activities and seasonal changes have a significant impact on water quality deterioration in the Maziba catchment. The simultaneous decline in water suitability for drinking and ecosystem health underscores the need for integrated management strategies that target both diffuse and point-source pollution to protect public health and aquatic ecosystems.
Open Access
Yield and Agronomic Performance of CIMMYT Improved Wheat Nurseries in South Western Uganda
(Springer, 2025) Arinaitwe, Ivan Kabiita; Akatwijuka, Rogers; Natukwasa, Dianah; Mucunguzi, Jonasi; Aula, Lawrence; Moyin-Jesu, Emmanuel Ibukunoluwa; Bamwerinde, Wilson Mwetonde
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production levels in Uganda are very low and do not meet the huge national demands. This is partly attributed to the lack of improved and end user acceptable varieties. To meet the demand, most of the wheat is imported, costing Uganda valuable foreign exchange. This import burden could potentially be addressed by increasing access to improved varieties among farmers. This study evaluated the performance of three CIMMYT improved wheat nurseries (18TH STEMRRSN, 15TH HZAN, 41ST SAWSN) alongside two locally grown varieties (Kyehure Mixed and Kacumu) at Kabale University in Southwestern Uganda for three growing seasons between 2024 and 2025. Apart from spike circumference, nurseries had a significant effect on yield and other agronomic traits evaluated (P ≤ 0.05). The nursery 18TH STEMRRSN had the highest yield of 7.9 t/ha. This yield was 64.8% hgiher than the yield of local varieties, but there was no difference among improved nurseries.The nursery 18TH STEMRRSN had the highest 1,000-grain weight, was stable in terms of yield across the three seasons, was resistant to lodging because of their short height, and had mod erate field resistance to wheat stem rust. Therefore, 18TH STEMRRSN has the potential to improve wheat production in Uganda. More studies on improved wheat genotypes across seasons and in different locations in Uganda are necessary before recommendations for widespread adoption are made.
Open Access
A Review of ICT Integration in Agricultural Extension Services. A Global Perspective
(East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2025) Byamukama, Willbroad; Ssemakula, Edward; Ssekandi, Joesph; Arinda, Shaman; Businge, Phelix; Kalibwani, Rebecca; Atukunda, Christian; Turyasingura, Benson
The integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agricultural extension services is transforming knowledge dissemination, addressing challenges of accessibility, efficiency, and inclusiveness. Traditional extension systems, constrained by resource limitations and outdated methods, struggle to meet modern agricultural demands. ICT tools such as mobile phones, internet-based platforms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain provide real-time, localised, and cost-effective solutions. This review examines the impact of ICT in enhancing agricultural extension services, highlighting initiatives like India’s mKisan, Africa’s e-Agriculture programs, and the global Digital Green initiative. These platforms have improved access to timely information on weather, pest management, and market trends, boosting productivity and resilience. However, several barriers hinder ICT adoption, including the digital divide, limited smartphone and internet access, unreliable electricity, and socioeconomic inequalities, particularly affecting women and marginalised groups. Low digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and weak policy support further constrain scalability. Addressing these challenges requires investments in rural connectivity, affordable technology, and capacity-building initiatives. Public private partnerships, ICT funding, and participatory, farmer-centred approaches are crucial for long-term success. Future prospects include AI-driven predictive analytics, blockchain for transparent supply chains, and augmented/virtual reality for training.
Open Access
Leveraging ICT to Enable Value Addition and Comprehensive Value Chain Participation for Smallholder Farmers in Kigezi Region: A Case Study of Potato Growers
(International Journal of Research in Sociology and Anthropology (IJRSA), 2025) Byamukama Mpora, Eliab; Sunday,Arthur; Mugalul,George; Turyahebwa,Abanis; Kaaya, Siraj; Turyasingura, Benson; Nakero, Sarah
The study of economic development and the well-being of smallholder potato growers in the Kigezi region was illustrated well to the benefit of readers and the magnitude of the outcome. The study was guided by the following objectives, identifying the main ICT technologies used within the agriculture domain; estimating the value addition of potatoes at different stages in the potato supply chain; identifying the constraints and opportunities in the potato supply chain, and recommending measures for improvement. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Using simple random and cluster sampling techniques, a total of 285 respondents were selected to participate in the study. The findings reveal varying levels of ICT adoption across the Kigezi region and on value adding the study revealed increasing engagement in direct sales, which could foster stronger market linkages and improve profitability. The constraints limiting ICT adoption among farmers were limited access to affordable internet and low levels of digital literacy among farmers. The regression analysis highlighted significant factors influencing ICT adoption among smallholder farmers. Age (Adjusted R² = 0.713) affected tailored information access; farm size (Adjusted R² = 0.697) impacted ICT infrastructure access; and digital literacy (Adjusted R² = 0.527) with the age. Cost perceptions were influenced by farm size (Adjusted R² = 0.8701), stressing the need for age-inclusive solutions, infrastructure investment, and affordable ICT tools for small farmers. The study highlighted the need for the government of Uganda, in collaboration with the institutions of higher learning, to design digital platforms that cater to diverse age groups, ensuring usability and relevance for younger and older farmers.
Open Access
Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis,Financial Losses and Risk Factors Associated with the Disease in Lira and Gulu Districts, Northern Uganda
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2025) Ogwal, Anthony; Okello, Daniel Micheal; Aliro, Tony; Owiny, David Okello; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
Bovine fasciolosis (BF) is a parasitic disease of cattle that causes significant economic impacts to cattle farmers. The physical loses include weight loss, drop in productivity, liver condemnation and mortalities. Tis study assessed the prevalence, financial losses and risk factors associated with the disease in Lira and Gulu Districts, northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study of 720 slaughter cattle from the abattoirs was conducted by macroscopic examination of the animals and carcasses during routine slaughter. In the farms, 120 rectal faecal samples were taken to a laboratory for Fasciola egg detection by simple microscopy, while risk factors were assessed by administering a questionnaire to farm owners. Prevalence of BF was highest (38%) within cattle in the age group of 1–3years and lowest (18%) in those over 5years. The overall BF prevalence was 48% and 26% by postmortem examination and coprology, respectively. The cattle body condition had a significant association (p<0.01) with prevalence of BF, in which emaciated cattle were most affected (59%), while fat ones had the least prevalence (15%). The annual financial loss due to BF infection was USD 89,099. The major risk factors associated with the disease at the farm level were communal grazing in swampy areas (82%) and watering cattle in swamps (71%). Farms where the source of drinking water was swamp water had higher chances (p<0.05) of their cattle having BF. An integrated approach using routine deworming programs, improvement of cattle management practices and control of snail intermediate hosts is recommended to effectively control the spread of BF.
Open Access
Adoption of sustainable agricultural intensification practices: assessing the role of institutional and socio economic factors amongst smallholder farmers.
(Taylor & Francis Group., 2025) Kule, Enos Katya; Agole, David; Obia, Alfred; Okello, Daniel Micheal; Odongo, Walter
Sustainable agricultural intensification practices (SAIPs) are highly recommended for smallholder farmers due to their positive impact on farm production and productivity. However, farmers remain reluctant to adopt SAIPs resulting in low agricultural productivity in Uganda. This study assessed the institutional and socio-economic factors affecting the adoption and adoption intensity of SAIPs amongst smallholder maize farmers in Eastern Uganda. Primary data were collected from 320 maize farmers in Kamuli and Jinja districts using a pretested questionnaire. The binomial logistic and generalized Poisson regression models were used to compute the predictor variables of adoption and adoption intensity of SAIPs respectively. Results showed that improved maize varieties, conservation tillage, legume intercrop, integrated soil fertility management (ISFM), and integrated pest management (IPM) were adopted by 58, 36, 44, 52, and 56% of the farmers. Institutional factors i.e., group membership, access to all-weather roads, credit, and extension information were the significant predictors of the adoption and the adoption intensity of SAIPs. Socio-economic factors i.e., market-oriented farming influenced both the adoption and adoption intensity of SAIPs, age of family head, family labour use, household size, and dependence ratio, only positively influenced the adoption intensity of adoption of SAIPs. The policy implications of this study include the need to strengthen agricultural extension institutions and streamline extension information disseminated to farmers to enhance the adoption of SAIPs. Farmers should be advised to utilize cheap credit services such as village savings and loan associations to facilitate the adoption of SAIPs.
Open Access
Application of geographic information system in ecotourism: a global bibliometric analysis
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2025) Amadua, Festus O.; Nhamob, Luxon; Benzougagh, Brahim; Turyasingura, Benson
The application of geographic information system (GIS) has significantly increased in ecotourism across diverse contexts. For example, GIS application is increasingly important in tourism through novel technologies like machine learning and remote sensing. Such applications can enhance sustainable tourism. However, analyses of the scope of GIS application in the overall ecotourism sector remain limited. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of global research trends in GIS application to ecotourism through a bibliometric review of the literature. This study asks: to what extent is the application of GIS in ecotourism? An answer to this question can help researchers and policymakers to develop appropriate GIS programs and policies that can enhance sustainable ecotourism across context. To answer this question, we used VOSviewer to undertake a bibliometric literature review across scientific databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. We analyzed 789 publications from 1960 to 2022. Our search topics included authorship, co-authorship, countries, institutions & organizations. Results show an increased trend in global GIS applications in ecotourism, with useful implications for sustainability. It contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in terms of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on land (SDG 15).
Open Access
Innovation and market orientation in smallholder pig production:
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2024) Okello, Daniel Micheal Okello; Odongo, Walter; Aliro, Tonny; Owiny, David Okello; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
Purpose – This study aims to assess the relationship between market orientation and innovation while accounting for the use of purchased feeds and access to veterinary services. Design/methodology/approach – This study used primary data collected from a cross-section of smallholder pig farmers in northern Uganda. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression. Findings – Results show that having improved breeds and providing housing to pigs improve system-focused innovation but reduce customer-focused innovation. The use of purchased feeds was associated with higher levels of both dimensions of innovation, while access to veterinary services was only associated with higher levels of system-focused innovation. Customer orientation is positive for both dimensions of innovation, while competitor orientation is positive forsystem-focused innovation, but negative for customer-focused innovation. Lastly, interfunctional innovation was only associated with higher levels of customer-focused innovation. Access to veterinary services and the use of purchased feeds influence the magnitude of the effect of market orientation on innovation. Research limitations/implications – The findings of this paper suggest that improving smallholder pig farmers’ market orientation could lead to a higher level of farm innovation. Similarly, improving access to veterinary services and better feeds could be linked to higher levels of market orientation, as well as farm-level innovation.
Open Access
Linkages with Practice for Higher-Education Curriculum Innovation.
(Kabale University, 2024) Nampala, Paul; Kalule, Stephen W.; Mshenga, Patience M.; Okello, Daniel M.; Egeru, Anthony; Ekwamu, Adipala
This article is inspired by the debate on curriculum innovation for graduate training, emerging out of linkages between universities and agribusiness development actors, targeting entrepreneurial action and employability of graduates. Experiences from the implementation of a three-year joint project are enriched by a desk review, stakeholder feedback, and interpretative analysis of process documents during the development of the regional graduate curriculum on Agri-Enterprise Development for Egerton and Gulu Universities in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. The graduate curriculum at the two universities in East Africa integrated the approaches of roundtable engagement and research as well as value chain cluster mapping and development through interactive sharing with agribusiness development facilitators. Simultaneously, the two implementing universities showcased the feasibility of integrating community engagement and entrepreneurial skills into a new curriculum. They achieved this by adopting two training approaches from their previous, more limited curriculum, which lacked student entrepreneurial experiential learning. The outcome from the first cohort of students in the innovative programs demonstrates significant institutional change in teaching and learning approaches. These changes prioritize a blend of action research and theoretical exposure. At the university-wide level, a student-centered teaching and learning approach has been established, facilitated by models like Student Farm Attachment, Student Enterprise Scheme, and Student Community Engagement. Additionally, university-based research teams have honed their skills in community action research, leading to the identification of relevant challenges and plausible solutions. Furthermore, students’ skill sets have increasingly enhanced employability. Strengthening linkages between universities and community development actors can enhance curriculum orientation toward problem-solving and entrepreneurial capacity building for young graduates. Purposeful engagement with communities by university faculty and students serves as a complementary extension approach and advisory service. Implementing an innovative curriculum has the potential to boost research uptake and foster innovation. This article demonstrates how university actors’ collaboration can be exploited for curriculum (re)design, review, and up-dating for (a) enhanced relevance of universities to community needs and employability of graduates; and (b) improvements in the research uptake pathways that facilitate research-into-use for desired impacts at community level.
Open Access
Determinants of Shea Nut Marketing Arrangements in Northern Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Akatwetaba, Deborah; Okello Daniel, Micheal; Kasharu, Apollo; Egeru, Anthony; Mugonola, Basil
This study assessed factors influencing shea nut actors’ choices of shea nut marketing arrangements in northern Uganda. An understanding of these factors is vital in influencing the choice of the different marketing arrangements. Cross-sectional data was collected from a sample of 325 shea nut actors. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multinomial logit model. The shea nut actors in this study were composed of 78% collectors, 16% traders, and 7% processors. About 73% and 43% of shea collectors and traders, respectively, sold their shea nuts and/or products through spot markets, while, 45% of the processors sold their shea nuts and/or products through informal contracts. A formal contract was the least common marketing arrangement among all the actors. The probability of choosing each marketing arrangement was influenced by several factors including experience, education, income level, access to extension, training, access to credit, awareness of innovations in the shea value chain, awareness of value addition supporting institutions, main occupation (farming), distance to the market, access to information and means of transport used (head portage). Efforts to increase formal contract participation should focus on providing extensions and creating awareness about institutions that support value addition. There is a need for a location and actor-specific approach in promoting the different market arrangements in shea products marketing.
Open Access
Experiences of Participants in An Agricultural Livelihood Support Initiative for People Living With HIV In Central Uganda.
(Kabale University, 2024) Tumwine, Christopher; Addo, Isaac Yeboah; Zakumumpa, Henry; Seeley, Janet; Oucul, Lazarus
This study aimed to assess the experiences of people living with HIV who participated in an agricultural livelihood support initiative in selected districts of Uganda. The initiative, implemented from 2017 to 2018, involved the provision of agricultural inputs such as beans, cassava cuttings, goats, chickens, and pigs to participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with 37 people (28 women and 9 men) from the districts of Kampala, Masaka, and Wakiso (specifically Entebbe) in central Uganda, who had participated in the project. Data were analyzed thematically focusing on facilitators, challenges, and outcomes from the project. The following themes emerged as facilitators: access to land and animal feed, prior farming experience, and supportive family and friends. Some participants experienced challenges including animal/poultry diseases, livestock theft, “low quality” agricultural inputs, unfavorable weather conditions, limited finance and land to support livelihood activities, and difficulties working in groups. Several participants reported positive livelihood outcomes including improved food security, better nutrition, increased income, and improved mental health. However, some participants reported negative outcomes which took the form of a loss of money and time invested when their livestock died from disease. Although participants in the agricultural livelihood initiative faced challenges that reduced the profitability of their projects, the initiative was regarded as beneficial and worthwhile. These findings have relevance to the broader field of livelihood programming. Future interventions can draw from the experiences of our participants while also taking seriously into consideration the different circumstances of individuals in a targeted population so as to increase the chances of producing more positive outcomes.
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.