Faculty of Agriculture and Evironmental Science(FAES)

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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.
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.