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

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    Above-ground biomass and carbon stocks of different land cover types in Mt. Elgon, Eastern Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2014) Buyinza, Joel
    This research applied selected allometric models to estimate the Total Above Ground Biomass and Carbon stocks in three land cover types in Mt. Elgon National Park. The land cover types identified for the study included the Tropical High Forest (THF)- Normal and Degraded and Grassland fields. The vegetation in each land cover type was assessed at four category levels i.e. the mature trees (dbh >10cm), poles (5<10cm dbh), saplings (collar diameter less than 5cm) and undergrowth/ herbaceous layer (height<50cm). For tree density estimation, a 10 inch increment borer was used to extract a small cylindrical sample (4-5cm) at 140cm above the ground, from all the woody species (dbh>10cm) and poles and saplings (dbh 5-10cm) in the temporary plot. Following the extraction of wood core samples, diameter (dbh), height and crown width of each sampled tree were also measured as independent variables for calculating biomass. Tree biomass was derived using three allometric equations developed by Velle, (1997), Ketterings et al., (2001) and Brown et al., (1989). The equations were selected based on their independent variables and the land cover type where the equation was developed from. Calculation of the Mean Squared Error (MSE), the Prediction Sum of Squares (PRESS) statistic and the Predicted R2 values of the three equations used was done, to establish the most appropriate equation for biomass and carbon estimation. For saplings of diameter less than 5cm, one sapling was uprooted and sub-samples of the foliage, bole and root components were collected and their fresh weight determined from the field. The sub-samples from the saplings and the undergrowths were oven dried to constant weight at 80°C to determine dry-to-wet matter ratios. These ratios were then used to convert the entire sample to oven-dry matter and for analysis of carbon. This study estimated the wood densities of 22 common tree species in Mt. Elgon in Kapchorwa district. The overall average wood density of 0.54 g cm-3 reported in this study is comparable to the reported values for trees in Africa which range between 0.58 and 0.67g cm-3. A comparison between the wood densities obtained from the wood samples collected from Mt. Elgon National park in this study and the published wood densities indicated an insignificant difference between the two data sets (P>0.05). The Brown et al., (1989) equation gave the least Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Prediction Sum of Squares (PRESS) and a high Predicted R2. Therefore, the best model for estimating biomass and carbon in all the land cover types is Y= exp {-2.4090 + 0.9522 ln (D2HS)} developed by Brown et al., (1989). The results indicate that the Total Above Ground Biomass (TAGB) was 652.15t/ha, 55.16t/ha and 41.7t/ha in the THF-Normal, THF-Degraded and Grasslands respectively. The TAGC in the THF-Normal was 293.65tCha-1, 25 tCha-1 in the THF-Degraded and 18.76 tCha-1 in the grassland fields. The choice of an allometric equation in any particular biomass and carbon study is important, as different equations can give rise to very different estimates when applied to the same forest inventory data. This study also revealed that over 90% of sequestered Carbon is lost due to land cover change from THF-Normal to THF-Degraded. This calls for policy makers to come up with interventions to address forest degradation. There is need for local community sensitization on the likely negative impacts of biomass and carbon losses arising from deforestation.
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    Above-ground biomass and carbon stocks of different land cover types in Mt. Elgon, Eastern Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2014) Buyinza, Joel
    This research applied selected allometric models to estimate the Total Above Ground Biomass and Carbon stocks in three land cover types in Mt. Elgon National Park. The land cover types identified for the study included the Tropical High Forest (THF)- Normal and Degraded and Grassland fields. The vegetation in each land cover type was assessed at four category levels i.e. the mature trees (dbh >10cm), poles (5<10cm dbh), saplings (collar diameter less than 5cm) and undergrowth/ herbaceous layer (height<50cm). For tree density estimation, a 10 inch increment borer was used to extract a small cylindrical sample (4-5cm) at 140cm above the ground, from all the woody species (dbh>10cm) and poles and saplings (dbh 5-10cm) in the temporary plot. Following the extraction of wood core samples, diameter (dbh), height and crown width of each sampled tree were also measured as independent variables for calculating biomass. Tree biomass was derived using three allometric equations developed by Velle, (1997), Ketterings et al., (2001) and Brown et al., (1989). The equations were selected based on their independent variables and the land cover type where the equation was developed from. Calculation of the Mean Squared Error (MSE), the Prediction Sum of Squares (PRESS) statistic and the Predicted R2 values of the three equations used was done, to establish the most appropriate equation for biomass and carbon estimation. For saplings of diameter less than 5cm, one sapling was uprooted and sub-samples of the foliage, bole and root components were collected and their fresh weight determined from the field. The sub-samples from the saplings and the undergrowths were oven dried to constant weight at 80°C to determine dry-to-wet matter ratios. These ratios were then used to convert the entire sample to oven-dry matter and for analysis of carbon. This study estimated the wood densities of 22 common tree species in Mt. Elgon in Kapchorwa district. The overall average wood density of 0.54 g cm-3 reported in this study is comparable to the reported values for trees in Africa which range between 0.58 and 0.67g cm-3. A comparison between the wood densities obtained from the wood samples collected from Mt. Elgon National park in this study and the published wood densities indicated an insignificant difference between the two data sets (P>0.05). The Brown et al., (1989) equation gave the least Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Prediction Sum of Squares (PRESS) and a high Predicted R2. Therefore, the best model for estimating biomass and carbon in all the land cover types is Y= exp {-2.4090 + 0.9522 ln (D2HS)} developed by Brown et al., (1989). The results indicate that the Total Above Ground Biomass (TAGB) was 652.15t/ha, 55.16t/ha and 41.7t/ha in the THF-Normal, THF-Degraded and Grasslands respectively. The TAGC in the THF-Normal was 293.65tCha-1, 25 tCha-1 in the THF-Degraded and 18.76 tCha-1 in the grassland fields. The choice of an allometric equation in any particular biomass and carbon study is important, as different equations can give rise to very different estimates when applied to the same forest inventory data. This study also revealed that over 90% of sequestered Carbon is lost due to land cover change from THF-Normal to THF-Degraded. This calls for policy makers to come up with interventions to address forest degradation. There is need for local community sensitization on the likely negative impacts of biomass and carbon losses arising from deforestation. 1
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    Abundance and nutritional compositions of ruspolia differens polymorphs from Masaka District: Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2016-11) Oipio, Moses
    This study was conducted to determine the abundance and nutritional compositions of Ruspolia differens polymorphs. The objectives of the study were: 1) to compare relative abundance of different polymorphs and males and females during the first and second swarming season and; 2) to compare the nutritional values among different polymorphs and sexes. A generalized linear model of negative binomial distribution was used to test whether abundance in the different polymorphs and insect sexes were significantly different in each of the swarming seasons. One way ANOVA in SPSS was used to test whether significant differences exist in the nutritional values of (i) different polymorphs; and (ii) between sexes. Eight polymorphs were encountered in the study. Four of which were reported 46 years ago while the other four polymorphs had never been reported in Uganda. A significant difference in the relative abundance of R. differens polymorphs (P<0.05) was observed in each swarming season and not between the two swarming seasons (P>0.05). A non-significant difference in relative abundance between males and females was observed between the two swarming seasons (P>0.05). Proximate analysis showed significant differences in protein and ash (P<0.05), but not in fat, fiber, and moisture content (P>0.05) among polymorphs. Between sexes, fiber content differed significantly (P<0.05), while protein, fat, ash, and moisture content (P>0.05) did not. Ruspolia differens color and sex did not significantly influence the fatty acids detected: myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. Calcium, zinc and iron did not significantly differ among polymorphs, while sodium, potassium and phosphorous differed significantly. Between sexes, no significant difference existed among the minerals studied: calcium, zinc, iron, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. The occurrence of polymorphs detected 46 years ago demonstrates the aspect of polymorphism maintenance, while the existence of new polymorphs suggests that this insect species is undergoing the process of evolution. The non significant difference in the relative abundance of R. differens polymorphs and insect sexes between the two swarming seasons can be attributed to the permanent adaptation of this insect species to specific environmental conditions. The nutritional composition of polymorphs most likely reflects the food sources, while that of the insect sexes is possibly influenced by the morphological and physiological differences that always occur between sexes.
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    The abundance, distribution and community utilization of Loeseneriella apocynoides and Manilkara Obovata species in Sango Bay Forest, Rakai District
    (Makerere University, 2002-09) Namara, Justus
    The study examined the abundance, distribution and community utilization of the two woody species Loeseneriella apocynoides and Manikara obovate in Sango Bay forests. The two species are used for making fishing baskets by the people living adjacent to these forests. The objectives of the research were:- 1. To assess the abundance and the distribution of Loeseneriella apocynoides and Manikara obovate species. 2. To determine who harvests these species and their quantities. 3. To document present methods used in harvesting these species. 4. To find out the awareness of local people towards conservation of these species. The study consisted of two surveys, the village surveys and the forest surveys. The forest surveys were carried out in two forest reserves, Malabigambo and Namalala. The assessment involved use of 2 transects of length 1000m in Malabigambo and 2 transects of length 750m in Namalala. Plots of size 20 x 20m were established and in total there were 48 plots established with 28 in Malabigambo and 20 in Namalala Forest Reserves. The abundance and distribution was assessed in order to know what is available in the forest and where the location where harvesting can be done. For village surveys four villages neighbouring these forests were assessed which, are Mujanjabula, Mugamba, Nalubega and Mutegombwa using a questionnaire. In total 65 respondents were interviewed. From the forest surveys it was found out that these species are sparsely distributed and they generally increase with increase in distance from the edge of the forest a factor attributed to over harvesting at the edge of the forest. L. apocynoides was abundant in the diameter class <1 cm that are seedlings while M. obovate species was abundant in diameter class >5 cm which is the harvestable size. Malabigambo had more individuals of both species than Namalala. From village surveys it was found out that men are the only ones involved in harvesting these species and they have low levels of education. The methods of harvesting included cutting stems or branches in case of M. obovate and for L. apocynoides only stems were harvested. It was concluded that these species abundance is low and the distribution is not uniform but clumped. The methods of harvesting were not sustainable and therefore species are being depleted. It is recommended that a monitoring program should be started for these species so that the harvesting is controlled and regulated.
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    Abundance, population structure, distribution and socio-economic value of medicinal plant resources to the Tepeth community, Moroto district, Uganda
    (Makerere University., 2003-07) Mugabi, David
    The study aimed at determining the distribution, abundance, population structure and the socio-economic value of medicinal plant resources to the rural Tepeth community living in and adjacent to Mt. Moroto forest reserve. The study involved a survey of the ecological and socio-economic factors affecting the growth and sustainability of medicinal plants in the forest reserve. The ecological aspect, involved a study of the diameter size class distribution of medicinal plant species. In the socio-economic aspect. A detailed questionnaire was conducted to get information on common diseases to humans and livestock, medicinal plant species used to treat them and quantities of plant materials harvested. In the process therefore, medicinal resources from the forest reserve commonly harvested by the community and the diseases they treat were documented. Methods of harvesting were investigated and quantities harvested assessed. The economic value and use of these resources to the community were calculated. Investigated also was the awareness of the community towards conservation of resources. The results indicate that for most of the common diseases in humans and livestock, the Tepeth community relies on medicinal plant resources from Mt. Moroto forest reserve for treatment. They harvest the plant materials with pangas and iron rods. These resources are however increasingly becoming scarce. It was also found out that the community has cultivated a big sense of indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, some of which are centered on some of these resources. Interestingly, those plant species with cultural values, such as Ficus vesta and Ficus sycomorus are enjoying substantial levels of conservation from the community. Other plant species, such as Olinia usambarensis, Pappea capensis, Berberis holstii and Olea Africana have been found to be rare and yet they are harvested in substantial quantities, hence, threatened. Other species such as Terminalia brownie, while abundant, were being harvested in very large volumes, not only for medicines, but also for other uses such as building, charcoal and brick burning. The study revealed that medicinal plants are central in the life style of the Tepeth community residing in and around Mt. Moroto forest reserve, not only as a source of treatment for humans, but also for treating their livestock. The estimation of the economic value of these resources to the community, based on the value of alternatives and labour costs has been found to be about Ushs. 371 million. This and other benefits from natural resources are not captured in the National Planning and budgeting process, a factor which has tremendous implications in setting national priorities and allocation of funds for development programs.
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    Adaptation to climate change amongst small holder crop farmers in Wanale sub county – Mbale district
    (Makerere university, 2022-10-20) Nakayenze, Anna
    Adaptation to climate change is a prerequisite for agricultural production to be a reliable source of livelihoods. This study examined the influence of climate change on crop-based livelihood activities and the adaptation practices among small holder farmers in Wanale Sub county, Mbale district. A cross sectional survey using a closed structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 331 respondents. Using the Weighted average index, crop growing livestock keeping and farm labor were the most important livelihood activities. A PCA on the results revealed three major livelihood typologies thus Cluster (PC1) categorized as on farm, off farm and non-farm livelihood typology explained 30.38% of the households. Cluster (PC2) labeled as the on farm and non-farm livelihoods typology accounted for 16.54% of the households while cluster (PC3) explained 12.98% of the households and was categorized as the non-farm livelihoods typology. Crops considered important for livelihood support were bananas, beans, coffee and onions. The main influence of climate change on crop livelihoods pointed to increased pest and disease prevalence (78.1%), premature ripening of fruits (66.7%), increased post-harvest losses (55.9%), food scarcity (55.3%) and reduced crop yields (55%). Application of PCA generated three impact clusters thus cluster (PC1) labeled influence of climate change on crops for consumption and sale accounted for 20.02% of the households. Cluster (PC2) named influence on food availability explained 15.1% of the households and cluster (CP3) classified as influence on crops for sale explained 11.9% of the households. The main adaptation measures practiced were soil and water conservation (98.2%), mixed cropping (67.3%) agroforestry (51.7%) and fertilizer and chemical application (51.1%). A PCA on the results generated five adaptation typologies thus cluster (PC1) named crop water management practices explained 18.6% of the households. Cluster (PC2) labeled sustainable farming practices explained 15.1% of the households. Cluster (CP3) named as technological improvements explained 13.4% of the households. Cluster (CP4) labeled sustainable crop management explained 11.2% of the households then Cluster (CP5) categorized soil and water conservation explained 10.8% of the households. Climate adaptation typologies generated can be used to guide interventions aimed at increasing the adaptive capacity of the smallholder farmers in Wanale Sub county
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    Adaptation to climate change in agro-based livelihood systems in Katakwi District, Uganda
    ( 2014-08-06) Chono, Jane
    Climate change is one of the most serious global problems affecting many sectors in recent decades. In particular, the agriculture sector is most at risk to climate change impact more than ever. The impact is even stronger in Africa where agriculture is truly important for the daily subsistence and where adaptive capacity is low. The main objective of this research study was to examine the impact and adaptation to climate change in agro-based livelihood systems. A cross-sectional survey design was used, employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Furthermore, a multistage sampling strategy was used to purposively select the Sub-County for the research investigation. Three villages were selected to participate in the study. A total of 90 households were selected and studied. Data from the household was obtained using a questionnaire with both closed and open ended questions. The study also used structured interviews to obtain information from key informants and focus group discussions to obtain information on coping and adaptation to climate change. The results of the study show that extreme weather events including high rainfall variability, extended droughts and unexpected heavy rainfall causing floods have become more persistent over time. These have impacted on crop yields and livestock production which are the major sources of household livelihood. On coping and adaptation strategies to the effects of climate change, the study reveals that agro-based households have responded to climate change stress by changing emphasis on crops cultivated over time. Specifically, farmers shift emphasis to crop verities that show resilience in terms of yield and reduce their interest in those that register failing yields. Coping mechanisms used by farmers include changes in crop varieties, adjusting planting dates and mixed cropping, walking long distances in search for water for livestock and substitution of water demanding animals with small ruminants. In conclusion, the study notes that the impact of climate change on agro-based livelihood is enormous as evidenced by factors such as the decline in crop production due to rainfall variability. The study concludes that more emphasis should be put in setting up coping and adaptation strategies such as the growing of early maturing and high yielding crops and constructing small reservoirs based on trapping water at household levels. Key words: Adaptation, Agro-based, climate change, drought, floods, Katakwi District, livelihood systems.
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    Agricultural modernisation interventions, livelihoods and sustainable land management in Nakisunga Sub-County, Mukono District
    (Makerere University, 2021-09-25) Kazibwe, Joseph
    Agricultural modernization has been identified as a key driver of socio-economic development in Uganda that has seen several interventions implemented to that effect. However, these have not been evaluated in respect to their role in improving livelihoods and land management. This study therefore, examined the contribution of agricultural modernization through the NAADS and OWC programs to livelihoods and sustainable land management in Nakisunga Sub-County, Mukono District. The specific objectives were to; (i) establish the nature of agriculture in Nakisunga Sub-County, (ii) establish the agricultural modernization strategies that NAADS and OWC have applied and (iii) evaluate the contribution of NAADS and OWC to livelihoods and sustainable land management in Nakisunga Sub-County, Mukono District. A cross-section survey design was adopted with a mixed research approach where both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed. Data were collected from 198 farmers and 10 key informants using self-administered structured questionnaires, key informant interviews supplemented by review of secondary data and field observation. Data processing and analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and subjected to the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results indicate that agriculture in the area is dominated by mixed farming, largely carried out on small-scale using family labour, traditional tools and equipment. A comparison of the two programs with regards to agricultural modernization strategies reveals that OWC has performed better than NAADS in applying these strategies in the area except training of the farmers. However, NAADS contributed more than OWC to the improvement of livelihoods and land management practices in the area through increasing the farmers’ physical, social, human, financial and natural capital assets. In view of the above findings, the following have been recommended: OWC should consider providing quick and high yielding inputs to enable the farmers increase their productivity even with on a small scale. Moreover, there is need for OWC to provide targeted training to the farmers in better farming and land management practices. OWC also ought to consistently provide enough and good quality seeds and seedlings so as to improve livelihoods of the farmers through increased food security and income. This should be accompanied by a suitability analysis of the local soil and climatic conditions so as to enable OWC supply inputs that can thrive in area. Additional effort is needed for OWC to increase access to marketing opportunities and financial credit for the farmers. There is also need for OWC to procure more processing equipment to add value on the farmers’ produce as well as reducing post-harvest losses.
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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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    Agroforestry practices for enhancing food security and climate change resilience in Rajaf county, South Sudan
    (Makerere University, 2019-10-18) Mayele, Joseph Mayindo
    Agroforestry (AF) is being practiced traditionally as a sustainable land- use option, in many agro-ecological zones of Sub-Saharan Africa. Agroforestry is important as incorporating trees and shrubs in food crop systems can help address food insecurity issues and reduce vulnerability of agricultural systems to climate change. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current agroforestry practices and their relevance to enhancing food security and climate change resilience among rural communities in Rajaf County. Household surveys using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, Key informants interviews (KIIs) and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were used as tools to collect survey data in which 332 household respondents were sampled and interviewed. Results indicated that most people practiced agrisilvicultural and agrisilvopastoral AF systems with scattered trees on farms, boundary plantings, homegardens, and woodlots as their on-farm arrangements. While goats and chicken were most reported domestic animals; sorghum, beans, groundnuts, cassava, maize, and simsim were the most reported food crops. The most preferred tree species were Mangifera indica, Azadiractha indica, Balanites aegyptiaca, Mahogany spp, Acacia spp, etc for distinguished uses. Over 350 trees were inventoried by non-destructive methods through systematically established line transects and circular sample plots. The tree species parameters (DBH, H & CR) were measured and used to determine their diversity, abundance and carbon sequestration potentials. It was found that average DBH of trees in AF farms was 12.68cm with a minimum and maximum DBH of 5.0 cm and 62.9 cm respectively. Densities for respective species were calculated and above-ground biomass (AGB) equations or models were then used to generate results to estimate carbon sequestration potential of AGB. Chave 2014 was taken as the baseline model to compare among the other models used and select the best fitting model for computation of aboveground carbon (AGC). From the calculated AGB, it is revealed that most carbon sequestration stock accrued from boundary planting (183.1 tons/ha), homegardens spp (142.5 tons/ha), scattered trees in farms (132.2 tons/ha). Tree diversity was not uniform as few species are found in other AF sites although there was abundance of some species such as citrus spp, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, Acacia spp and Tectona grandis. The values of Shannon diversity indices varied among the sites: Kolye west (2.211), Gumbo (1.726), Kolye East (2.268) and Tokiman Island (1.699). Agroforestry practices have the potential to food security and climate change because it holds more components as compared to conventional Agriculture and Forestry, resulting into diversified alternative sources despite its intensive labour requirements i.e there is always a secured next component in case of failure of one component. Therefore, farmers should be encouraged to practice AF that results to food availability and accessibility.
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    Agroforestry practices in the buffer zone area of Mt Elgon National Park, Eastern Uganda
    (Wiley-Blackwell, 2007) Buyinza, Mukadasi ; Kaboggoza, John R. ; Nabalegwa, M.
    In this study, we investigated the attitude of local people towards the contribution of agroforestry practices to socioeconomic development in the buffer zone area of Mt Elgon National Park, Uganda. Primary data were collected through formal household survey conducted during June–October 2004 with the use of questionnaires administered to 120 households selected randomly from Mutushet and Kortek Parishes. Data were analysed using chi-squared test and logistic regression model. The results support the hypothesis that the attitude of people towards agroforestry practices is independent of existence of collaborative forest management, ethnic group, sedentary farming experience and family size but depends on main occupation, education status, distance from park boundary, damage caused by wild animals, landholding size and total livestock units owned. Factors that significantly influenced adoption of agroforestry technologies were age of the household head, education status, extension contact, family labour force and gender. There is need to intensify extension programmes in those areas where the majority of people have negative attitude towards agroforestry practices.
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    Allometric growth relationships of East Africa highland bananas (Musa spp., AAA-EAHB) cv. Kisansa and Mbwazirume
    (Association of Applied Biologists, 2009) Nyombi, Kenneth ; van Asten, P. J. A. ; Leffelaar, P. A. ; Corbeels, M. ; Kaizzi, C. K. ; Giller, K. E.
    Highland bananas are an important staple food in East Africa, but there is little information on their physiology and growth patterns. This makes it difficult to identify opportunities for yield improvement. We studied allometric relationships by evaluating different phenological stages of highland banana growth for use in growth assessment, understanding banana crop physiology and yield prediction. Pared corms of uniform size (cv. Kisansa) were planted in a pest free field in Kawanda (central Uganda), supplied with fertilizers and irrigated during dry periods. In addition, tissue-cultured plants (cv. Kisansa) were planted in an adjacent field and in Ntungamo (southwest Uganda), with various nutrient addition treatments (of N, P, K, Mg, S, Zn, B, and Mo). Plant height, girth at base, number of functional leaves, and phenological stages were monitored monthly. Destructive sampling allowed derivation of allometric relationships to describe leaf area and biomass distribution in plants throughout the growth cycle. Individual leaf area was estimated as LA (m2) = length (m) x maximum lamina width (m) x 0.68. Total plant leaf area (TLA) was estimated as the product of the measured middle leaf area (MLA) and the number of functional leaves. Middle leaf area was estimated as MLA (m2) = −0.404 + 0.381 height (m) + 0.411 girth (m). A light extinction coefficient (k = 0.7) was estimated from photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) measurements in a 1.0 m grid over the entire day. The dominant dry matter (DM) sinks changed from leaves at 1118 οC d (47% of total DM) and 1518 οC d (46% of total DM), to the stem at 2125 οC d (43% of total DM) and 3383 οC d (58% of total DM), and finally to the bunch at harvest (4326 οC d) with 53% of total DM. The allometric relationship between above-ground biomass (AGB in kg DM) and girth (cm) during the vegetative phase followed a power function, AGB = 0.0001 (girth) 2.35 (R2 = 0.99), but followed exponential functions at flowering, AGB = 0.325 e0.036 (girth) (R2 = 0.79) and at harvest, AGB = 0.069 e0.068 (girth) (R2 = 0.96). Girth at flowering was a good parameter for predicting yields with R2 = 0.7 (cv. Mbwazirume) and R2 = 0.57 (cv. Kisansa) obtained between actual and predicted bunch weights. This papers shows that allometric relationship can be derived and used to assess biomass production and for developing banana growth models, which can help breeders and agronomists to further exploit the crop’s potential.
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    Amending Soils with Hydrogels Increases the Biomass of Nine Tree Species under Non-water Stress Conditions
    (WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, 2009-07) Orikiriza, Lawrence J. B. ; Agaba, Hillary ; Tweheyo, Mnason ; Eilu, Gerald ; Kabasa, John David ; H, Aloys
    The classical aim of the application of super absorbent polyacrylate (SAPs) hydrogels is the prolonging of plant survival under water stress. Their effect on plant growth during non-water stress conditions is not known. This study examined the root and shoot biomass of seedlings of nine tree species; Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus citriodora, Pinus caribaea, Araucaria cunninghamii, Melia volkensii, Grevillea robusta, Azadirachta indica, Maesopsis eminii and Terminalia superba. The seedlings were potted in five soil types; sand, sandy loam, loam, silt loam and clay. These were amended at two hydrogel levels: 0.2 and 0.4% w/w and grown under controlled conditions in a green house. Root and shoot growth responses of the seedlings were determined by measuring the dry weight of the roots, stems, leaves and twigs. The addition of either 0.2 or 0.4% hydrogel to the five soil types resulted in a significant increase of the root dry weight (p a 0.001) in eight tree species compared to the controls after 8 wk of routine watering. Also, the dry weight of stems and leaves and twigs were significantly (p a 0.001)higher in the nine tree species potted in hydrogel amended soil types than in the hydrogel free controls. These results suggested that hydrogel amendment enhances the efficiency of water uptake and utilization of photosynthates of plants grown in soils which have water contents close to field capacity.
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    Analysing the implications of COVID-19 pandemic on vegetation conditions and resource utility in Kasese District.
    (Makerere University, 2023-11) Malinga, Aggrey Augustine
    In Uganda, there is paucity of studies addressing the effects of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the environment, however, a knowledge gap still exists on what the effects were on vegetation, especially for the rural and disaster prone ecosystems. Putting into context both the ecological and socioeconomic responses, the gist of this study was to assess the implications of the pandemic on vegetation conditions and utility of vegetation resources in Kasese District. A mixed approach constituting of both longitudinal and cross-sectional designs was employed to realize the objectives of the study. Vegetation conditions before and during the COVID-19 period were assessed using time series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data for the period 2002-2021. To distinguish human activities from climate-induced signatures, precipitation data for Kasese District for the period of 2002-2021 was also used. A Breaks for Additive Season and Trend (BFAST) analysis was conducted to detect any abrupt changes in vegetation conditions and precipitation during the COVID-19 period. To analyse the household utility of vegetation resources before and during the pandemic period, a household survey was conducted. To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on disaster and environmental management, Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant interviews were carried out and complemented by the household survey. Results show that no breakpoints were identified in the NDVI and precipitation trends during the COVID-19 period. This implies that the pandemic did not significantly alter the vegetation conditions in Kasese District. With P-Value = 0.6013, there was no significant difference between the total usage of vegetation products before and during the pandemic. Apart from medicinal herbs, all the other individual vegetation products did not have a significant change in their usage during the pandemic period. Results also show that the attention given to COVID-19 management in Kasese left a vacuum in the management of the re-current natural hazards. The pandemic and its restrictions did not directly change the rate of environmental detoriation in Kasese district but generated some environmental management challenges. From the study, I recommend further research to understand the exact medicinal herbs that were being used, how they were harvested and utilized in Kasese district during the pandemic. I also recommend the establishment, activation and maintenance of multi-disaster response and management structures to handle co-occurrence of multiple disasters including natural and bio-hazards rather than handling them separately.
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    Analysis of actors in the plastic waste value chain in Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso Districts Central Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2024-11) Twinamatsiko, Confidence
    Plastic recycling is a complex process involving several activities and the waste material undergoes multiple changes of ownership before reaching the consumer as a new product. The study sought to analyse the actors in the plastic waste value chain. The study was conducted in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono Districts in central Uganda. The study applied exploratory, descriptive, and interpretive research designs with both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. Primary data was collected from 161 plastic waste value chain actors through the plastic waste actors’ participant survey. The study revealed three main actors in the plastic waste value chain including; collectors, bulkers, and recyclers. The plastic waste collectors are mostly male, with education level of up to primary, aged between 19 to 24 years, operating within Wakiso District, collecting plastic waste on full time as a source of income, indecently operating on a medium scale. These collect, clean and sort the plastic waste. The bulkers are mostly male and aged between 35 to 40 years, with education level of up to primary, operating in Wakiso and Kampala Districts. These often work in collaboration with recyclers, and operate on a medium scale. Their main roles after bulking include sorting plastic waste into various polymer materials, with some also sorting plastic waste according to colour. The recyclers are mostly male aged between 40 to 45 years, with education of up to a degree and above level, are mostly foreigners, operating as primary to secondary recyclers at large and medium scales. Within the plastic waste collectors, there is a weak linkage among the small independent collectors, small to medium collectors employed by cleaning service companies, large independent collectors, and large collectors who collaborate with bulkers. Among the bulkers, there is a weak horizontal linkage among small and medium independent bulkers, large independent bulkers, and large bulkers who have a partnership with recyclers. Recyclers also a strong horizontal linkage among themselves, with secondary recyclers primarily acting as the recipients of plastic waste materials. There is a weak vertical linkage among all actors across the plastic waste value chain. The plastic waste value chain actors are faced with barriers including; competition amongst themselves, high operational costs and low returns obtained from engaging in plastic waste enterprises. However, the study did not reveal the economic efficiency for the plastic waste value chain actors. A comprehensive study employing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is essential to evaluate the business potential of engaging in the plastic waste value chain. This approach would provide detailed insights into the environmental, social, and economic impacts of plastic waste management activities, from collection to recycling.
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    An analysis of methods and trends of poaching, stakeholders in anti-poaching, their coordination and synergy mechanisms in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
    (Makerere University, 2022-01) Kato, Raymond Rukeijakare
    Poaching of wildlife is one of the greatest challenges faced by managers of protected areas worldwide including the National Parks of Uganda. The United Nations has identified the current magnitude and scale of illegal and criminal exploitation of natural resources as an environmental crime crisis. The study explored the types and trends of poaching around BINP in the past ten years, investigated the extent of local community engagement in anti-poaching programs and assessed the different categories and roles played by stakeholders in addressing anti-poaching strategies around BINP. It also assessed the extent of synergies and coordination roles/efforts amongst stakeholders’ in combating of poaching around BINP. Individual interviews, KII, FGDs as well as GPS tracking were used to obtain the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics including the Logistic Regression, Chi Square, and content analysis were employed for data analysis. There was a sharp increase in the trends of hunting activities especially poaching from 2013 to 2014 as evidenced by the slaughter remains and snare trap recovery and confiscations found in the park especially towards the end of 2014 and early 2015. The intensified UWA patrols as a result of support from the IGCP also caused a decline in duiker poaching in BINP. Poaching tools especially the spears significantly reduced between 2016 and 2018. Although communities around the park had significant limited interest in coordinating with UWA and the Local Government authorities to curb poaching activities, local people who belonged to organized social groups significantly had positive willingness to engage in anti-poaching activities (Coef=2.066, P-value=0.011). More sensitization and patrolling should be intensified in areas of Kanungu District where majority of the local people were not willing to coordinate with other stakeholders to curb hunting as revealed by a regression analysis Coef -2.516, P- value = 0.036. The stakeholders engaged in anti-poaching activities included the Local Government whose major activities were collaboration and implementation, Community Associations providing intelligence and implementation. Government Agencies such as UPDF and UWA would enforce and share intelligence, research institutions contributing majorly research information and dissemination (ITFC), Local conservation Organizations that would majorly support through mobilization. Some other stakeholders included the international conservation organizations such as IGCP and WWF that participate through collaboration and co-funding the anti-poaching activities. This information can aid in improving the conservation of National Parks especially in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South Western Uganda.
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    Analysis of observed and projected spatiotemporal patterns of rainfall and temperature changes over lake kyoga basin
    (Makerere University, 2023-11-03) Nanyonjo, Samalie,
    The changes in climate manifest as prolonged hotter and drier seasons, changes in the length of seasons, and more frequent to severe droughts. In order to understand these changes, this study was conducted with the main objective as examining the spatiotemporal patterns of observed and projected rainfall and temperature. Lake Kyoga Basin was used as the case study. The study analyzed rainfall and air temperature observations for the period 1990 to 2020 and projections for the period 2021 to 2060. It analyzed the rainfall and sea surface temperatures teleconnection signals over the period 1990 to 2020. Various methods including homogeneity test, interpolation, Mann-Kendall trend test (MK-test), Standard Precipitation Index (SPI)1 , derivation of climate indices, spatial and statistical correlation, and simple linear regression were used. The study found that the Lake Kyoga Basin has a bimodal rainfall regime with peaks in April (average rainfall of 184.9mm) and October (average rainfall of 157.6mm). SPI showed that Buginyanya and Namulonge had the highest wet periods while Kotido, Lira and Apac had the highest incidences of dry periods. The MK-tests presented an insignificant reduction of the March to May (MAM) and December to February (DJF) rainfall at 95% confidence interval with z= -0.63, z=-0.50 and p-values of 0.53 and 0.62 respectively. The study further noted an insignificant increase in rainfall during the June to August (JJA) and September to November (SON) season, according to the positive z and the Sen’s slope values; although, the p-values for JJA (0.09) and for SON (0.48) are not significant at 95% confidence interval. The models, CNRM-CM6-1 and CanESM5 indicated a significant rise in both temperature and rainfall across the Lake Kyoga Basin. Further analysis of Consecutive Dry Days (CDD) and Consecutive Wet Days (CWD) using historical rainfall from 1990 to 2020 showed that Apac had comparatively more CDD (p-value: 0.05) whereas Buginyanya had comparatively more CWD (p-value: 0.02). Analysis of projected rainfall (2021 to 2061) revealed that Karamoja region, mostly Kotido is projected to have more CDD reaching up to 76 days per year compared to Kituuza, Jinja and Namulonge with about 65 CDD days per year. Tororo, and Buginyanya The MAM and JJA seasons are projected to have a reduction in the rainfall percentage changes of CNRM_CM6_1 model for both SSP4342 (26.2% and 46.5%), SSP585 (12.1% and 12.1%) respectively. The SON and DJF seasons exhibits a positive percentage change of (22.9% and 10.7%) for CanESM5 SSP434. The DJF season exhibits an increment of 10.7% and 31.6% for both SSP434 in both models and a negative change of 65.4% and 36.6% for the SSP585 in both models. The study further found a significant correlation for annual average rainfall (r = 0.44, p-value 0.01) and SON seasonal rainfall (r=0.51, p-value 0.003) for the and over the Lake Kyoga Basin with Western Indian Ocean Dipole (WIOD) at 95% confidence intervals. Additional analysis using simple linear regression to examine the predictability of rainfall using WIOD showed that annual average rainfall and SON regression models were considered basing on the model goodness of fit R-square values. (r 2 = 0.35, and r=0.48). The Model output showed that given the slope and X-intercept, Y-intercept (average SON, DJF rainfall) can be successfully predicted. The study recommends that wetter areas like Buginyanya, Tororo, Kituuza, Jinja, and Namulonge always to clear drainage channels, establish early warning systems and pay attention to the timely weather and climate information disseminated via different channels in order to initiate early action and reduce vulnerability. Drier areas like Kotido, Apac, Soroti should advocate for water harvesting tools like tarpaulin, and irrigation schemes. Practice tree planting and introduction of new resistant crop varieties to cope with changing rainfall and temperatures.
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    Analysis of spatial access to safe water by households in the Kampala Metropolitan region
    (Makerere University, 2021-04) Ochieng, Daniel Ologe
    Several studies that have been conducted on safe water access in Uganda only looked at access to water in terms of cost and types of water sources and thus, little work has been documented on spatial access to safe water by households in terms of quantity demanded, end-user cost, availability, and quality of water. This study sought to analyze spatial access to safe water by households in Kampala Metropolitan Region. The specific objectives were to; i) assess the spatial distribution of effective water demand among households, ii) assess end-user costs and their effect on availability and access to safe water, iii) to determine the physicochemical parameters of water quality at multiple stages in water use. Using 438 household surveys, information on effective water demand and cost were obtained. GPS coordinates of each household were taken to map spatial access to safe water. Water quality of taps, boreholes, protected and unprotected wells were determined through experiments. The study employed a geospatial analytical research approach to understand the variation between neighborhoods and uses descriptive statistics, hotspot analysis, Ordinary least square (OLS) regression model, geographically weighted regression model, and Spatial Autocorrelation to analyze effective water demand, cost, and water quality. Water quality analysis was based on WHO and Ugandan standards. The results show that there is a spatial variation of effective water demand with households demanding an average of 157.59L/HH per day which also translates to about 4.3% of their income. The factors accounting for the household effective water demand include average monthly income, water cost, household size, average age, and education level. Water quality varied with water source across the area with tap water being the best in terms of Turbidity, pH, Electrical Conductivity, and Temperature. In conclusion, there is a spatial variation of effective household water demand in the Kampala Metropolitan Area which also is associated with high access cost for safe water, especially tap water. Therefore, this study recommends tap water be extended to most households to reduce the cost of accessing safe water.
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    Analysis of the climate change adaptation practices in the coffee-banana system in Lwengo district
    (Makerere University, 2023) Mwanje, Denis
    This study examined climate change adaptation practices in the coffee-banana farming system in Lwengo district of Uganda. The study aimed at determining the impacts of climate change shocks in the coffee-banana system, assessing the drivers of smallholder coffee-banana climate change adaptation practices employed by smallholder coffee-banana farmers in Lwengo district, and establishing the effectiveness of the adaptation practices in making the coffee- banana farming system and farmers climate resilient. A cross-sectional study design involving qualitative and quantitative approaches was deployed, and data was collected using a questionnaire from 136 randomly selected smallholder households. In addition, ten (10) key informant interviews and four (4) Focus Group Discussions were conducted to obtain qualitative data. Majority of the responses (94%) perceived droughts with no significant association as the main climatic shock facing the banana coffee farming system. 66% of the responses perceived late rainfall onset with a significant association to age X 2 (n=136, df=2) = 6.846, P-value = 0.03 and monthly income X 2 (n=136, df=3) =8.776, P-value= 0.01. Early rainfall cessation (56%) was also reported as one of the climate change shocks in the area and this perception differed significantly across household size with X 2 (n=136, df = 2) = 6.1, P- value = 0.05. The perceived effects of climate change impacts across farm households were reported as crop failure at the flowering and filling stages for especially coffee coupled with reduced soil fertility, water shortage and prevalence of crop pests and diseases. The main adaptation responses to climate shocks were growing of drought resistant crop species – hybrid ‘’Fhia’’ banana, use of retention trenches and application of fertilizers which greatly varied across socio-economic characteristics with the most significant socio-demographic characteristics. For example, farmers whose farming experience was above 20 years were less likely to plant drought resistant crops (β,-3.6, P = 0.016) but were rather more likely to use retention trenches (β, 2.78, P= 0.007) and fertilizers (β, 2.32, P= 0.033). Further, farmers aged 30 years and above were less likely to use fertilizers (β, -1.67, P= 0.02) while those aged 65 years and above were less likely to harvest water (β, -3.6, P= 0.017). Farmers whose land for crop cultivation was insufficient, were less likely to use mulching (β, -1.16, P= 0.022). The effectiveness of these adaptation practices varied greatly across climate shocks and farm households’ productivity. The application of fertilizers was perceived to be highly effective against early rainfall onset (30%), water harvesting and retention renches were highly effective against too much rainfall and flood (67%). Growing of drought resistant crop varieties was highly effective against droughts (56%). Results from a binary logistic regression suggest that farmers aged 60 years and above were less likely to adapt to early rainfall cessation than those aged below 60 years (β, -3.77, P = 0.04). In addition, farmers with a household size of seven (7) people and above were more likely to adapt to late rainfall onset (β, 0.42, P = 0.039). The study recommends further studies focusing on investigating the barriers to effective adaptation amongst the coffee-banana smallholder farmers in Lwengo district and investigating their spatial vulnerabilities to the current and projected climate shocks. The study also recommends that Lwengo district local government should encourage effective locational specific practices such as drought resistant crops, retention trenches and application of fertilizers that support small-holder farmers to build their resilience to climate change.
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    Analysis of the implementation and enforcement of the Fish Act, CAP.197 (2000) on Lake Victoria in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2010-09) Nadiope, Eric
    The study conducted from 1964 to 2008 examined the adequacy of the implementation and enforcement of Uganda’s Fish Act, Cap. 197 of 2000 in controlling the exploitation and conservation of fisheries resources of Lake Victoria (Uganda). The study examined the impact of the implementation of the Fish Act and/the inadequacy of the Fish Act in conservation and ensuring effective exploitation of fisheries resources in Lake Victoria; the factors affecting implementation and enforcement of the Fish Act; the relationship between implementation and enforcement of the Fish Act; and the relationship between the implementation of the Fish Act and level of malpractices and resource destruction in Lake Victoria (Uganda). The primary data were collected using interview schedules, questionnaires and observation checklist while secondary data were obtained from relevant reports including frame surveys and reports from implementing agencies to assess the implementation and enforcement of the Fish Act. A cross sectional survey design was conducted and a sample of 163 respondents were interviewed including the fisher folk, fisheries law enforcement personnel, fish processors and exporters, members of Beach Management Units (BMUs), LVFO officials and Commissioner for Fisheries. The secondary data was used in assessing the impact of enforcement regime on fisheries conservation and effective exploitation. Results indicated that fisher folk and fisheries managers knew about the existence of the Fish Act (Cap.197 of 2000). Despite this, several practices that breached the Fish Act continued on Lake Victoria implying that implementation and enforcement of the Fish Act on Lake Victoria was inadequate to ensure sustainable exploitation and conservation of fisheries resources. The study showed high incidence of fishing illegalities on Lake Victoria which was probably due to both gaps in the Fish Act as well as failure to implement and enforce provisions of the Fish Act. There was a significant negative relationship between implementation and enforcement of the Fish Act (r = 0.152; p < 0.05). Implementation of the Fish Act was shown to have had a negative effect on exploitation and conservation of fisheries resources on Lake Victoria as fishers exploited the loopholes/gaps in the Fish Act. The study also found that a number of subsidiary legislations are not provided for in the existing principal Fisheries Act, and presented legal challenges at implementation. In order to improve the effectiveness of implementation and enforcement of the Fish Act to control the exploitation and conservation of fisheries resources on Lake Victoria (Uganda), it’s recommended that a review of the existing Fish Act be undertaken to plug the gaps exploited by unscrupulous fishermen and illicit traders. It is also recommended that legal provisions be made in the principle Act for key subsidiary legislations that are not catered for in the current Fish Act including the community involvement in enforcement provided in the BMU Instrument; instrument on prohibited fishing gears; closed fishing area rules instrument; and the instrument concerning protected fisheries areas. The revision of the existing Fish Act must provide for increase in the capacity of the Department of Fisheries Resources to enforce fisheries regulations, sensitizing of the fisher folk and utilizing BMUs in enforcement of the Fish Act.