School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Collections

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Browsing School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Collections by Author "Agea, Jacob Godfrey"
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    Agroforestry potential of Acacia Senegal in the rangelands of Luwero and Nakasongola Districts
    (National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2005) Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Obua, Joseph ; Namirembe, Sara ; Buyinza, Mukadasi ; Waiswa, Daniel
    Agroforestry potential of Acacia Senegal in the rangelands of Luwero and Nakasongola Districts was assessed between November 2002 and February 2003. Proportion of farmland under A. Senegal was assessed by farm transect walks. A structured questionnaire and interviews were administered to collect information on the socio-economic profile of the farmers and constraints and opportunities to management of A. Senegal. Questionnaire responses were entered in SPSS and logistic regression used to show the effects of socio-economic variable on people’s willingness to plant and manage A. Senegal trees on their farm. The proportion of farmland under A. Senegal and other tree species is 16.78%. Acacia Senegal is a source of firewood, fodder, fencing post, soil fertility improvement, medicine and gum. Education, farm size, gender, occupation, and ownership of domestic animals significantly influenced the local people’s willingness to plant and manage A. Senegal trees. Therefore, local people need to be mobilised and educated in the agroforestry potential and conservation value of Acacia Senegal.
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    Attitudes of out-of-school youths towards tree planting activities in Central Uganda: a case study of Masaka District
    (Academy Science Publishers, 2009) Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Nansereko, Suzan ; Obua, Joseph ; Waiswa, Daniel ; Buyinza, Mukadasi ; Yikii, Fred
    This study assessed the attitudes of out-of-school youths towards tree planting activities in Masaka district, Central Uganda. Data were collected using 104 semi-structured questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to show the influence of demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents on their attitudes towards tree planting. Summative attitudes index varied from 320 for those who liked very much tree planting activities to 6 for those who disliked very much tree planting activities. Opinions on willingness to plant and tender trees also varied widely from summative index of 305 for those who would very much plant and manage the trees to 5 for those who would very much not plant and manage the trees. Sex, age, education, occupation, distance to the nearest trading centre and land ownership significantly contributed to variation in the attitudes. Factors such as lack of capital; land and tree tenure security; long payback period from planted trees; bad beliefs, taboos and superstitions about certain trees hindered out-of-school youths’ efforts. There is a need to develop clear policies and by-laws to guide and induce the out-of-school youths to plant trees as a livelihood opportunity.
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    Attitudes of out-of-school youths towards tree planting activities in Central Uganda: a case study of Masaka District
    (Academy Science Publishers, 2009) Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Nansereko, Susan ; Obua, Joseph ; Waiswa, Daniel ; Buyinza, Mukadasi ; Yikii, Fred
    This study assessed the attitudes of out-of-school youths towards tree planting activities in Masaka district, central Uganda. Data were collected using 104 semi-structured questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to show the influence of demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents on their attitudes towards tree planting. Summative attitudes index varied from 320 for those who liked very much tree planting activities to 6 for those who disliked very much tree planting activities. Opinions on willingness to plant and tender trees also varied widely from summative index of 305 for those who would very much plant and manage the trees to 5 for those who would very much not plant and manage the trees. Sex, age, education, occupation, distance to the nearest trading centre and land ownership significantly contributed to variation in the attitudes. Factors such as lack of capital; land and tree tenure security; long payback period from planted trees; bad beliefs, taboos and superstitions about certain trees hindered out-of-school youths’ efforts. There is a need to develop clear policies and by-laws to guide and induce the out-of-school youths to plant trees as a livelihood opportunity.
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    Commercialization of ruspolia nitidula (Nsenene Grasshoppers) in Central Uganda.
    (Agea, J. G., Biryomumaisho, D., Buyinza, M., Nabanoga, G.N. (2008). Commercialization of ruspolia nitidula (Nsenene Grasshoppers) in Central Uganda. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), 8(3) 319-33, 2008-09) Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Biryomumaisho, Dickson ; Buyinza, Mukadasi ; Nabanoga, Gorettie Nsubuga
    Trade in Ruspolia nitidula commonly known as grasshopper and locally known, as Nsenene is becoming a valuable source of income for many poor people in central Uganda, which although modest in terms of monetary value, could nonetheless form a significant proportion of their annual income. Though eaten by a large proportion of the population in the central Uganda, there is much less documented information on its commercialization and income potential. A study was, therefore, conducted to document consumers’ perceptions about eating these R. nitidula; marketing chain, market locations, and the people trading in R. nitidula; the average price, income generated and the challenges and opportunities for marketing it in central Uganda. Two divisions (Central and Kawempe) of Kampala City and one sub-county (Nyendo-Ssenyange) of Masaka district with high concentration of R. nitidula business were surveyed. Seventy R. nitidula traders and 70 consumers were interviewed. Data were edited, coded, entered and analyzed using Statistical Packake for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results show that R. nitidula is a delicacy and cultural food eaten by the majority of the people in central Uganda. The average retail price per kilogram of R. nitidula was Uganda shillings 5,000 (≈ US $2.80), which compares favourably with that of goat meat, which retails at approximately Uganda shillings 4,000 (≈ US $2.13) per kilogram in Kampala districts. The trade was dominated by men and characterized by wholesalers who buy R. nitidula from collectors and sell to retailers. The average price per kilogram of R. nitidula increases from collectors to wholesale traders and to retailers. Collectors charged the lowest price although their profit margins remained the highest. Several barriers, such as high market dues, hamper the trade in R. nitidula. There is a need to streamline the trade in R. nitidula so as to protect traders from high taxation by the market administrators. The possibility of adding value to the R. nitidula should be investigated because it is mainly being sold in fresh form and yet it has a short shelf life.
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    Contribution of wild and semi-wild food plants to overall household diet in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda
    (Medwell Journals, 2011) Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Kimondo, James Munga ; Okia, Clement Akais ; Abohassan, Refaat Atalla Ahmed ; Obua, Joseph ; Hall, John ; Teklehaimanot, Zewge
    The contribution of Wild and Semi-wild Food Plants (WSWFPs) to overall household diet was assessed in Mutunda and Kiryandongo, sub-counties of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda. The assessments were made using a combination of methods namely: household using semi-structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGDs). A total of 385 households from the two sub-counties were selected for household survey following the method described by Krejcie and Morgan. Each informant was asked to list, the preferred WSWFPs consumed in the area and to estimate the amount harvested by members of his or her household in the previous 12 months period. In addition, they were asked to report whether or not WSWFPs were used by members of the household during the previous 12 months period. They were also asked to respond whether or not the WSWFPs was given away and or received by members of the household during the previous 12 months period. In addition, they were asked to estimate how long in a year their household members depend on WSWFPs. FGDs were held to construct seasonal calendar of availability of different WSWFPs consumed in the area. Contribution of WSWFPs to household diet was computed using two generic types of measures-mean per capita harvest and mean per capita use (consumption). The durations upon which households depend on WSWFPs was computed and presented in a chat. About 62 WSWFPs belonging to 31 botanical families were responded as commonly being consumed in the study area. Their consumption comprised a major part (7-9 months) of the dietary intake of the poor households. Many are almost available throughout the year for gathering with exception of a few species that are gathered mainly in the rainy or dry season. Mean per capita harvests varied substantially by species as high as 31 59 g day-1in Amaranthus dubius to about 0.04 g day-1 as in Lantana camara. Like mean per capita harvest mean per capita consumption also varied from one species to another. Mean per capita consumption of some the WSWFPs such as Hyptis spicigera (107.02 g day-1) and Borassus aethiopum (91.82 g day-1) were higher than the reported vegetable and fruit per capita consumption of 79.45 g day-1 in sub-Saharan Africa although, much although much lower than the world average of 205.48 g consumed per person per day. There is a need for policy-makers and technocrats both at the local (counties, sub-counties, parishes, villages) and national levels ( e g , Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries) to create policies by-laws or any other avenues for mainstreaming, the management of some of the WSWFPs with high per capita harvest and per capita consumption rates into the existing, the fanning systems and or any the programs (e.g., Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture) aimed at addressing household poverty and food insecurity. While wild foods cannot entirely bridge, the existing supply and demand gaps of poor household food requirements without them, the gaps would be much wider.
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    Diversity of indigenous fruit trees in the traditional cotton-millet farming system: the case of Adwari Sub-county, Lira district, Uganda.
    ( 2007) Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Obua, Joseph ; Kaboggoza, John R. S. ; Waiswa, Daniel
    A field survey on indigenous fruit tree species (IFTS) was conducted in Adwari subcounty, Lira district between August 2004 and March 2005. The objectives were to: determine IFTS diversity in the traditional farming system; generate a species priority list, characterize and document the values of IFTS as perceived by farmers; and develop criteria for selecting IFTS for on-farm cultivation. A questionnaire designed to capture socio-economic data was administered to 120 randomly selected respondents. Farm walks were conducted to identify and assess the proportion of farmland under IFTS. Preference ranking was used to generate a species priority list. On-farm diversity of IFTS was analyzed using Shannon–Wiener’s diversity index (H’). DAFOR scale was used to rate occurrence of IFTS onfarm. The diversity of IFTS was relatively high (H’ = 2.164) although the average proportion of farmland under IFTS cover was low (23.3 ± 5%). Vitellaria paradoxa, Vitex doniana, Anona senegalensis and Tamarindus indica were most preferred by local people. The choice of IFTS for on-farm cultivation varied from their food, medicinal to cash values. There is a need to formulate clear policies and by-laws to encourage on-farm cultivation of IFTS.
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    Efficacy of forestry conservation policy on rural livelihoods in Uganda: evidence from Mabira Forest Reserve
    (Medwell Publishing, 2009) Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Obua, Joseph ; Fungo, Bernard
    A study was conducted from 2005-2007 in areas around Mabira Forest Reserve, Central Uganda. The objectives were to assess: awareness of the local communities about the current Forest Policy in Uganda, the local communities’ opinions about the efficacy of the current Forest Policy, and the capacity in terms of training to manage forest resources by local communities. Fifty-two households from 4 villages were interviewed in Najjembe sub-county in Mukono district that surrounding Mabira Forest Reserve. Questions were pre-determined and interviews guided. Individuals were interviewed for about 30-60 min. Primary data were subjected to content analysis, coded and subsequently analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS). About 78% of the respondents were aware of the current Forest Policy in Uganda. About 59% of the respondents said that utilization and socio-economic benefits is strongly supported by the Forest Policy. Half of the respondents disagree that local people have more access to forest products than before under the current Forest Policy. About the same number of the respondents disagree that the forest and tree cover has increased under the present Forest Policy. Capacity to manage forest resources by local communities was weak, majority of the respondents said that none of their household members had received any of training in natural and or plantation forest management. Many institutions including National Forestry Authority (NFA), National Environment Management Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Local Governments and Civil Society Organizations were reportedly playing key roles in conservation and management of the forest. There is a need for campaigns in order to realign policies that allows for full participation of not only the government but also the local communities in forest conservation and management.
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    Estimating fruit yield from Vitex payos (Lour) Merr. In semi-arid Eastern province of Kenya: application of allometric equations.
    (Medwell Journals, 2011) Kimondo, James Munga ; Okia, Clement Akais ; Abohassan, Refaat Atalla Ahmed ; Mulatya, Jackson ; Teklehaimanot, Zewge ; Agea, Jacob Godfrey
    Vitex payos (Lour) Merr. is a common species in the semi-arid areas of Eastern Kenya. It is a favoured species and is frequently maintained in homestead plots and arable fields in an agroforestry situation. Although the abundance and popularity of Vitex payos has led to the commercialisation of its fruits, their quantities to sustainability support cottage industries in the rural areas has not been considered. Vitex payos trees were surveyed during fruit season and the quantity of fruits for 120 trees distributed on farm lands and bushlands in three districts counted per tree. Mean fruit yield was significantly higher from farm trees (>6145 fruits per tree) than trees in bushlands areas (>4154 fruits per tree), even after accounting for differences in tree size. Few cases of trees with over 21,000 fruits were also recorded from both land uses. Although, the majority of the trees produce <5000 fruits per tree per year, though purposeful selection of germplasm in its wide natural range, production could be increased up to four fold. A fairly accurate prediction of fruits per tree and consequently the quantity available from the farms could be achieved through use of a combined logarithmic and inverse transformation equations using the crown diameter and the tree height. However, considering that the Vitex payos grows in more diverse dryland areas in Kenya including the Eastern, Coastal and Central regions, it is prudent to collect more data from all these areas and test the validity of the equation developed in this study for wide-scale application as a management tool.
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    Ethno-nomenclature of the Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) and its products in the Shea zones of Uganda
    ( 2012-10) Okullo, John Bosco Lamoris ; Omujal, Francis ; Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Mulugo, Lucy Were ; Vuzi, Peter California ; Namutebi, Agnes ; Okello, John Bosco Acot ; Okonye, Godman ; Nyanzi, Steven Allan
    A cross sectional survey was conducted in north-eastern Shea zones of Uganda to assess ethnonomenclature of the Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn.) and products. The largely qualitative study that involved a total of six different ethnic groups was analyzed using emerging themes and patterns. Findings collected through individual and group interviews revealed variations and similarities in the ethno names. There was a wide variation in ethno-names of the Shea tree/products across and within the ethnic groups. The variations are explained by differences in languages spoken as well as dialects across the ethnic groups. It could also be a reflection of extensive range of occurrence of the Shea trees. Some ethnic groups e.g. Acholi and Langi; Madi and Lugbara had some similarities in the ethno-names. The similarity seemed to be explained by shared historical background and frequent interactions. Migration, intermarriages and frequent trade interactions had a contribution to the similarities between the ethnic groups. This study, however, did not investigate into the meanings of the ethno names, an area that should be taken up for further research.
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    Farmers’ Attitudes Towards On-Farm Cultivation of Indigenous Fruit Trees in Adwari Sub-County, Lira District, Uganda
    (Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 2010-03) Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Obua, Joseph ; Waiswa, Daniel ; Akais Okia, Clement ; Okullo, J. B. L.
    This study was conducted in Adwari sub-county, Lira district to (i) determine the conservation status and threats to indigenous fruit trees (IFTs), (ii) assess farmers’ attitudes towards IFT cultivation, (iii) documents local knowledge on propagation and management of IFTs, and (iv) identify opportunities and constraints to promotion of IFTs cultivation. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 120 randomly selected respondents. MINITAB statistical package was used to analyze the data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to show the influence of socio-economic characteristics on farmers’ towards their attitudes to plant IFTs. The population of IFTs was found to be generally declining. The major reasons for decline were charcoal burning and firewood collection. Although, majority of farmers had positive attitudes towards cultivation of IFTs, their attitudes were influenced by gender, education level, farm size and occupation status. Lack of clear markets for indigenous fruits, unclear information about their food values, lack of seedlings in local nurseries, and dearth of information propagation techniques were the major hindrance to cultivation of IFTs. There is a need especially by local governments and local councils to formulate clear strategies on conservation of IFTs for example by establishing a community nursery and propagation center for IFTs. There is a need to address the issue of marketing and pricing of indigenous tree fruit products. Lastly, there is a need of further study to analyze the market environment for indigenous tree fruits compared with alternative possibilities such as exotic fruits or agricultural crops.
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    Household firewood consumption and its dynamics in Kalisizo Sub-County, Central Uganda
    ( 2010-08-01) Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Kirangwa, Denis ; Waiswa, Daniel ; Okia, Clement Akais
    This study examined household firewood consumption and its dynamics in Kalisizo sub-county of Rakai district, central Uganda. Fifty households were conveniently selected and administered with semi-structured questionnaires to determine the preferred tree/shrub species for firewood and the socio-economic dynamic of firewood consumption in the households. Direct measurements were made to quantify the daily amount of firewood consumed by the households. Questionnaire responses were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while the volume of firewood consumed per household was computed using the formula, V = (𝜋d2l)/4. Findings indicated a very strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.919) between a household family sizes and the volume of firewood consumed per day. On average, a household with a family size of about seven persons consumed 1.56 m3 of firewood per year. The most preferred tree and shrub species for firewood were Sesbania sesban (85%), Eucalyptus (83%), Calliandra calothyrsus (73%), Ricinus communis (68%), and Ficus natalensis (63%). Most of the species were reported to have good combustion characteristics. Firewood collectors covered 8 to 12 km and spent 4 to 6 hours daily to gather firewood, and on average many households collected 4 to 6 head loads of firewood per week. Most people preferred smaller diameter (13–56 mm) pieces of firewood, as they are easy to cut and transport as headloads. All the households interviewed said they occasionally buy firewood especially during rainy seasons and most (92%) of them spend up to UGX 200,000 (US $ 100) per year on firewood. Ninety percent of households made two fires (traditional three-stone fire) per day and 80% prepared two meals per day. There is a need for continued sensitization of household members about fire management in traditional three-stone fire cooking stoves to reduce firewood consumption and waste. Studies have shown that efficiency of a three-stone fire cooking stoves can be quite high if the fire is closely tended and managed. Use of energy saving stoves should also be promoted to save the already scarce firewood. There is also a need for continued encouragement of households to establish their own woodlots in order to reduce the burden of firewood collection on women and children. Lastly, there is a need to quantify opportunity costs foregone by household members involved in firewood collection to give a better picture of the overall dynamic of firewood in rural household economies
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    On-farm management of Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn. in Amuria District, Eastern Uganda
    (Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2012) Okiror, Paul ; Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Okia, Clement Akais ; Okullo, John Bosco Lamoris
    The population of Shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn.)—a priority tree with enormous economic and cultural values to the parkland communities in Uganda, is rapidly declining due to rapid human population growth, increasing land fragmentation, and high demand for wood fuel especially charcoal. Reversing this trend will depend on the rural community involvement in the planting, facilitating natural regeneration, and tending of Shea trees on farm. As such a survey was conducted in Amuria district, eastern Uganda, to assess local strategies and constraints to on-farm management of Shea trees, and document socio-demographic factors influencing the on-farm conservation. About 93% of the households protected naturally regenerated V. paradoxa trees mainly on farms. V. paradoxa was mostly propagated through coppices and seedlings. Although insecure land tenure, insecurity, pests, disease, and shortage of planting materials were reported as major hindrances, farm size, family size, and gender significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced people’s willingness to conserve V. paradoxa. Bylaws and policies on Shea conservation need to be properly enforced, and further propagation research is required especially towards shortening the juvenile period of V. paradoxa so that more farmers can start propagating the tree other than relying on its natural regeneration.
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    Perennial biomass production in arid mangrove systems on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia
    (Medwell Joumals, 2012) Abohassan, Refaat Atalla Ahmed ; Okia, Clement Akais ; Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Kimondo, James Munga ; Morag M., McDonald
    Above and below biomass production were estimated in two Avicennia marina mangrove stands in Yanbu and Shuaiba region on the Red sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Allometric equations were used to estimate above ground biomasses including stem, branches, leaves and total biomass while aerial and fine roots were estimated using ground plots and random coring, respectively. Linear relationships on log-log scale with tree DBH and height as predictor parameters best described the biomass variation. The total aboveground biomass in Shuaiba, (18.58 ha-1) was significantly higher than that of Yanbu (10.77 t ha-1) (p<0.05). Shuaiba also had significantly higher aerial and fine roots (23.7 and 96.42 t ha-1) than Yanbu (10.1 and 39.1 t had-1, respectively) (p<0.05). Overall, aboveground biomass of the two sites was 14.77 t ha-1whle belowground fine roots was 67.8 t ha-1 and a shoot to root ratio of 0.22 indicating high biomass allocation to roots. These findings are the first reported for the Red sea mangroves and were comparable to estimates reported in other locations at similar extreme environmental condition. In addition, these finding can serve as a baseline study for monitoring annual biomass increment as a function of site productivity and health.
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    Potential for commercialization and value chain improvement of wild food and medicinal plants for livelihood enhancement in Uganda
    (Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012) Akankwasah, Barirega ; Tabuti, John R.S. ; Van Damme, Patrick ; Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Muwanika, Vincent
    Uganda is endowed with a wide diversity of wild plant species that can be commercialized for livelihood enhancement and poverty reduction. These wild plants are increasingly becoming a valuable source of livelihoods for many people through household use as well as trading as medicine, food and craft materials. However existing literature on commercialization of wild food and medicinal plants in Uganda is largely anecdotal and disjointed. In this review, we analyze available literature on importance of wild plants in sustaining people’s livelihoods, value chains as production and marketing approaches in commercialization of wild plants, the demand and supply for wild plants products and its implication for commercialization of wild food and medicinal plants, ecological implications for commercializing wild plants and the potential for wild plant commercialization to contribute to household income. The literature points to gaps in literature, which necessitate further studies to assess the importance of wild plants in the daily life of households, market potential of the wild plants and their contribution to the local people’s livelihoods.
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    Prioritizing wild medicinal and food plants with potential for commercialization and value chain improvement for livelihood enhancement and poverty reduction in Uganda
    (Maxwell Science Publication, 2012-06) Akankwasah, Barirega ; Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Van Damme, Patrick
    Uganda is endowed with a diversity of wild and cultivated plant species that can be commercialized for livelihood enhancement and poverty reduction. These wild plants are increasingly becoming a valuable source of livelihoods for many people through household use and trading as medicine, food or craft materials. However existing literature on commercialization of wild food and medicinal plants in Uganda is largely anecdotal and disjointed. The objectives of this study were to (i) to identify wild food and medicinal plants sold in capital markets in Kampala (ii) To rank wild food and medicinal plants with potential for commercialization (iii) To identify challenges affecting wild medicinal and food plants trade in Uganda. A market survey was conducted in the markets of Kampala Capital City to identify wild and semi wild food and medicinal plants on the market. A total of 48 wild and semi wild food and medicinal plant species were recorded on the market. Using commercialization index, the wild plants were ranked according to their commercialization potential. It is evident from this study that wild plants with commercialization potential do exist on the Ugandan markets. It is recommended that in-depth value chain analysis of potential plants be conducted and business capacity of traders be developed.
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    Relative efficiency of sawmill types operating in Uganda's softwood plantations
    (National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2005) Kambungu, Robert Kyeyune ; Banana, Abwoli Y. ; Zziwa, Ahamada ; Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Kaboggoza, John R.S.
    The overall aim of this study was to determine the appropriate sawmilling technologies that should be promoted for use in Uganda’s softwood plantation. Conversion efficiency, sawing accuracy, and sawing capability of four sawmill categories were evaluated. Data were collected from sawing of 604 good-quality logs using eleven Rolling-Table Sawmills, Dimensional Swivel Sawmills, Band Sawmills, and Locally-fabricated Sawmills. Sawing accuracy data were collected from 165 boards in three timber sizes (75 mm x 50 mm, 100 mm x 50 mm, 150 mm x 50 mm). Sawing capability was assessed from saw blade parameters, merchantable timber size, and size of available logs. ANOVA was used to show differences in recovery and sawing accuracy between and within sawmills. Band sawmills exhibited the most efficient sawmill technology for converting logs into sawn timber while rolling-table sawmills were more efficient than dimensional swivel and locally manufactured sawmills. Band sawmills were more accurate than sawmills in the other categories. Therefore, band sawmills should be promoted in Uganda and mechanical modifications carried out on the swivel and locally-manufactured sawmills operating in softwood plantations to improve their feed-work and set-work mechanisms.
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    Traditional medicine as an alternative form of health care system: a preliminary case study of Nangabo Sub-County, Central Uganda
    ( 2010) Galabuzi, Charles ; Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Fungo, Bernard L. ; Kamoga, Regina M. N.
    This study was conducted in Nangabo sub-county of Wakiso district. The purpose was to document the common Traditional Medicine (TM) practices; assess the local people's preferences for TM versus western medicine (WM) and lastly to determine the awareness about the importance of TM by local people. Data were collected using semi-structured administered face-to-face with respondents. A total of 120 interviewed. Six focused group discussions (FGDs) were held to validate the questionnaire responses. Data were analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicated that most (43%) respondents derive their livelihoods from traditional medicine practices. Three forms of TM were reported herbalism (67%), spiritual counseling (23%) and bone setting (10%). Although the majority (81%) of respondents were quite aware of the importance of TM in the sustenance of health care system, majority (55%) of them shunned TM in preference to WM, largely because of the belief that TM is evil-founded and devilish in nature. Only 45% of the respondents preferred TM to WM. The main reasons given for visiting TM practioners rather than western medical practitioners were that TM is sometimes more effective than WM and that in many instances it has very minimal side effects on the human body. There is, however, a need for Ugandan government to legitimize the practice of TM since it contributes a lot to health care needs in areas where western medicine is insufficiently provided. In addition, there is a need for further research into the efficacy and safety of traditional medicines if it is to be adequately integrated into western medicine.
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    Vitex payos (Lour.) Merr fruit trees in the drylands areas of Eastern Kenya: use, marketing and management.
    (Medwell Journals, 2010) Kimondo, James Munga ; Agea, Jacob Godfrey ; Okia, Clement Akais ; Abohassan, Refaat Atalla Ahmed ; Mulatya, Jackson ; Teklehaimanot, Zewge
    This study explored the local use, marketing and management of Vitex payos in drylands areas of Eastern Kenya. Data were collected through household surveys using semi-structured questionnaires; transect walks, informal discussions and direct observations. Questionnaire responses were analysed to generate descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while graphs were generated using Excel. Vitex payos fruits were found to be used in >90% of the households and the management of the fruit trees was incidental rather than deliberate. A majority of farmers (>80%) pruned the Vitex payos trees found in the farm to reduce shading effects on the associated crop plants. Coppices from cut trees were managed to provide new crops. Some farmers smoked the flowering and fruiting trees to repel the flying insect pests while a few others sprinkled ash at the base of the tree to deter crawling insects. Besides the consumption of Vitex payos fruits as snacks and sale for income generation, fruits were used for making herbal medicine. The wood was used for timber, fuel wood and tool handles. The naturally ripe and fallen fruits were collected on the ground although a few gatherers harvested fruits from climbing and shaking the tree or branches to dislodge the fruits. Within households, the fruits were spread on mats under shade for 1 – 3 days before taking to the market. Traditionally, mature unripe fruits are placed in buckets and covered with wood ash to hasten ripening. Taste of the fruits was the main criteria used by consumers to select the best fruits. Farmers retained on their farmlands trees with high fruit productivity and those that produce sweet fruits. Ripe fruits were sold on farms, roadside stalls, and local markets either by gatherers themselves or through fruit vendors. Gatherers and fruit vendors suffer heavy losses due to fruit damage during transportation to the markets. Lack of storage facilities and low market value lowers the overall income from the sales of the fruits. Small land sizes and lack of planting material negatively affected farmers planting of the trees. There is need to promote the fruits through initiating processing activities to improve on their shelf life and to add value to generate higher income at the farm level. Processing of fruits into high value products like fruit jam and juices should be explored. Increasing the accessibility and availability of good planting material should be explored through vegetative propagation techniques to capture desired traits such as taste, size and high tree productivity