School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Collections
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ItemCharacterizing flood occurrence in Nyamwamba river catchment in Kasese District from 1960-2070(Makerere University, 2025)Floods are the leading cause of fatalities from disasters worldwide and rank among the most common natural hazards, causing significant impacts on lives and property. In 2022, 176 flood events were recorded globally, surpassing the average of 168 incidents per year from 2002 to 2021, with Asia being the most affected region. Uganda, particularly the Kasese district, frequently experiences flooding, with devastating events occurring annually since 2013. The Nyamwamba water catchment, covering 107 km², has faced severe consequences, including loss of life, destruction of property and infrastructure, and community displacement. This study aimed to assess the incidence of flooding in the Nyamwamba River catchment from 1960 to 2070. A cross-sectional approach, utilizing mixed methods for data collection, including qualitative, spatial, and quantitative techniques, was employed to collect data. Qualitative data were gathered from key informants, including technical staff from the Kasese District Local Government and community elders, and site observations along the River Nyamwamba catchment. Secondary quantitative data on climate parameters were sourced from the Department of Meteorology. Flow data was obtained from the Water Resource Monitoring and Assessment Department of the Ministry of Water and Environment. Yet, soil maps were obtained from the Kawanda National Agricultural Research Laboratory. Further literature reviews were conducted to supplement existing knowledge products and enhance the qualitative and quantitative data. Data analysis involved the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Hydrologic Engineering Centers River Analysis System (HECRAS), integrated into ArcMap 10.4. SPI was processed in RStudio to project flood incidents for mid-century and end-century scenarios, while thematic content analysis reconstructed lived experiences related to historical flood occurrences. The findings revealed that flooding in the Nyamwamba catchment is a longstanding issue, with significant historical events recorded in years such as 1962, 1964, 1974, 2009, and 2021. Qualitative data indicated that River Nyamwamba experiences annual flooding, though the severity varies. Projections suggest that flooding will likely continue into the mid-century, with changes in the timing of events attributed to climate change. Between 2016 and 2025, Kasese District and the Nyamwamba River experienced a series of severe flooding events. Notable incidents include the April 2016, May 2017, May 2020, 2022, and 2023 floods, which caused further household displacements, infrastructural damage, and economic hardship for the affected communities and the Kasese District. Subject Keywords: Floods, Flood incidences, Spatio-Temporal, River Nyamwamba water catchment, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Hydrologic Engineering Centers River Analysis System (HECRAS).
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ItemValuation of selected provisioning services from Rufuha Wetland; Ntungamo District-Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)Wetlands are critical ecosystems that provide essential provisioning services to support local livelihoods and environmental sustainability, but are under continued degradation by anthropogenic activities. As result activities have been initiated, worldwide to restore the lost ecosystem services. This study assessed the provisioning ecosystem services of the Rufuha Wetland in Ntungamo District, Uganda, before and after restoration interventions. The objectives were to; (i) identify the major provisioning services, (ii) analyze changes in the flow of products namely grass and fish, and (iii) determine their financial contributions to household incomes. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that, prior to restoration, sand and firewood were the primary resources extracted, driven by community needs during periods of drought. After restoration, grass and fish became the dominant resources, reflecting the wetland's ecological recovery and associated increased productivity. The flow of grass and fish significantly increased, with annual per capita grass harvest rising from 317.2 bundles before restoration to 2457 bundles after restoration. The mean annual percapita fish caught increased from 34.584kg to 140.52kg after restoration. In regards to seasons of harvest, grass harvesting was dominant in dry season where the harvest per individual increased from 530.4 bundles in dry season before restoration to 3978 bundles in the dry season after restoration. Fish harvested peaked in the wet season, with the average catch per individual increasing from 50.16kg to 201.36kg, indicating improved wetland productivity and extended periods of resource availability. After restoration, the average annual income per capita from grass ranged from UGX 430,400 to UGX 1,489,600 with an average income of UGX 960,000, while the annual percapita income from fish ranged from UGX 637,440 to UGX 1,610,880 and averaged to UGX 1,124,160. Overall, grass and fish contributed 15.7% and 18.4% respectively, to the total household income for those engaged in multiple livelihood activities. These results demonstrate the significant role of restoration in enhancing the ecosystem services recovery through increased biomass productivity and associated ecological health and in turn improving community livelihoods. The study therefore recommends for extension of restoration initiatives to other degraded wetlands in Uganda. This will promote alternative income generating activities to alleviate pressure on wetlands, and strengthening community-based resource management systems.
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ItemEvaluation of the potential of Bamboo for riverbank restoration : a case of River Nyamugasani in Kasese District, Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)This study aimed to investigate the potential of bamboo growing as a nature-based solution for stabilising the bank of the River Nyamugasani. It specifically sought to (i) analyse the dynamics of land cover changes along the bank of the River Nyamugasani between 2010 and 2021, (ii) evaluate whether growing bamboo improves soil properties relevant to soil stabilisation, and (iii) assess the perceived implications of bamboo growing on riverbank stabilisation, including the socio-economic benefits and challenges associated with this nature-based solution. A 50-meter buffer was used to represent the bank of the River Nyamugasani, in which thirteen (13) land cover classes (NFA, 2003) were examined to determine the area covered by each land cover class. Targeted sampling was used to select sites along the riverbank with bamboo and comparable control areas to evaluate the direct influence of bamboo growing on riverbank stabilisation. Field surveys were conducted, and soil samples were collected at representative locations along the river with bamboo and control areas. To study the perceived implications of bamboo growing on riverbank stabilisation, several stakeholders at national, district, and local/community levels were interviewed. The interviews were structured and open-ended and explored bamboo's benefits, challenges, community perspectives, and sustainability considerations. The study found that the historical land cover changes along the riverbank have been shown to influence the river's course and flow. The key landcover changes between 2010 and 2021 included a loss of woodland (from 229.6 ha to 36.8 ha), a significant expansion of subsistence farmland (to 307.2 ha), and a decline in wetlands (to 97.1 ha), which reduced natural river buffering and increased the risk of riverbank destabilisation. The analysis of soil properties using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's Test found significant differences in bulk density, sand, clay, and silt percentages between bamboo and the other vegetation types, suggesting that bamboo growing influenced soil properties positively, and it has the potential to contribute to river bank soil stabilisation. The study found that most households were aware of nature-based solutions and recognised bamboo as a viable option for riverbank management. Respondents noted positive impacts such as improved habitat quality and increased species richness. However, challenges like potential invasiveness, competition with other species, debris contamination, and riverbank destabilisation were also mentioned. The study concluded that Bamboo growing was a beneficial nature-based solution for riverbank management, with potential benefits for soil stabilisation and ecological health. The concerns raised highlighted the need for targeted interventions and support to address these issues and ensure the successful implementation of bamboo growing. The study recommends that future research focus on the sustainability of soil stabilisation over time. Policymakers are advised to consider the socio-economic characteristics of the local community when implementing bamboo growing initiatives, including providing financial incentives and technical assistance. Additionally, integrating bamboo growing with other NBS should be explored to maximise the collective benefits for riverbank stabilisation.
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ItemEffects of resin tapping on the visual, physical and strength properties of Pinus caribaea grown in Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)Non-timber forest products, such as pine resin, provide significant economic benefits. In Uganda, resin is harvested by tapping pine stems for uses including adhesives, sealants, fire starters, and incense. However, this practice is relatively new and largely unregulated, raising concerns about potential impacts on tree health and timber quality, such as discoloration, fungal infections, and weakened wood, which may discourage farmers. This study aimed to support the sustainable and profitable development of resin-tapping enterprises in Uganda. Data were collected from mid-northern, southeast, and western Uganda, and Lake Victoria crescent agroecological zones. Random tree samples from tapped stands of two and five years were selected, and timber specimens were air-dried and prepared into small clear samples following ASTM standards. Physical and mechanical properties, including density, volumetric shrinkage, modulus of elasticity (MOE), shear strength, and compressive strength, were measured. The tapped timber was darker (reddish-brown) compared to light-yellow controls. There was no significant difference in the volumetric shrinkage of the tapped and non-tapped pine wood. Five-year tapped trees exhibited the highest strength (MOE: 8843 MPa, compressive: 13.045 MPa, shear: 12.70 MPa, max load: 1344.8 N), while two-year tapped trees were lower, and untapped trees had higher basic density. Among zones, mid-northern trees had the highest density, and southeast trees had the highest strength. Resin tapping did not negatively affect timber strength and may slightly enhance it, making tapped wood suitable for construction and furniture, though finishing is needed to address the darker color. Resin tapping is recommended in the southeast zone under proper silvicultural management. Further research should examine the effects of varying tapping durations across East Africa.
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ItemCommunities perception on the contribution of and challenges faced in the UWA’s benefit sharing scheme around Mt. Elgon National Park(Makerere University, 2025)Benefit-sharing schemes (BSS) are increasingly being implemented as mechanisms to enhance community livelihoods while promoting conservation of protected areas. This study examined the implementation of BSS around Mount Elgon National Park, focusing on local communities’ perception of the scheme’s contributions to household income, and challenges faced in the implementation of the scheme in Bududa and Bukwo districts. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative household surveys and qualitative interviews to collect data on the respondents’ demographic and socio-economic characteristics, participation in BSS activities, income generation, and perceptions of scheme’s administration. The results revealed that men dominated participation in BSS activities in Bududa and Bukwo) with the 31-41 years age group being the most active (34.2% in Bududa, 35.2% in Bukwo). Most households engaged in subsistence agriculture, with livestock and crop farming significantly influencing awareness of the scheme (p < 0.001), indicating that households reliant on natural resources were more attentive to benefit sharing opportunities. Household sizes ranged between four and seven members, and educational attainment varied, with primary education being predominant in Bududa and secondary education being more common in Bukwo. Local communities’ perceptions of the BSS varied. While many respondents acknowledged the scheme’s positive contribution to income and conservation awareness, concerns were raised about equitable benefit distribution, transparency, and accountability. Income generated from BSS activities varied between forest-based and non-forest-based interventions. Forest-based activities, such as fuelwood collection, contributed more significantly to household income in Bududa, whereas non-forest-based activities, particularly tree planting, provided higher incomes in Bukwo. Apiary activities also contributed positively, although to a lesser extent. Regression analyses indicated that the district of residence, gender, age, education level, household size, and occupation significantly influenced income variations across different BSS activities. Males consistently earned more than females, younger households outperformed older age groups, and households engaged in subsistence farming generally earned more from resource-based activities than those in formal employment or businesses. Key challenges in implementing the scheme include limited funding, inadequate community engagement, language barrier and conflicts of interest. The findings show the importance of enhancing participatory governance, ensuring transparent benefit distribution, and fostering collaborative leadership to maximize both socioeconomic and conservation outcomes. This study provides critical insights for policymakers, conservation managers, and local communities seeking to refine benefit-sharing approaches and promote sustainable natural resource management in protected areas.