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ItemAssessing the effects of cattle enterprises on household welfare in Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)The livestock sector's growing economic importance and its impact on livestock-keeping communities' welfare are increasingly recognised. While recent policies prioritise beef and dairy value chains for poverty eradication and economic growth, there's limited evidence on how this translates to household-level improvements. This study analyses Uganda National Panel Survey (2015, 2018, 2020) to assess the economic effects of dairy, beef, and dual-purpose cattle enterprises on household welfare. The analysis employs panel multinomial endogenous switching regression and panel estimator methods to investigate the factors influencing household cattle enterprise choices. To address selection bias and endogeneity, the study utilises approaches developed by Mundlak (1978) Murtazashvili and Wooldridge (2016).The primary focus is on understanding how different cattle enterprises impact household consumption expenditure, a key indicator of household welfare. The results reveal significant differences in household welfare across various cattle enterprises. The Average Treatment Effects (ATEs) show an increasing trend from beef to dairy to dual-purpose enterprises, indicating that more specialised cattle enterprises have the potential to substantially improve household welfare. However, the Average Treatment Effects on the Treated (ATTs) are relatively similar across all enterprises, suggesting that while cattle keeping households in these enterprises experience welfare benefits, they are not fully realising the potential advantages, particularly in dairy and dual-purpose enterprises. This discrepancy highlights the presence of barriers that may prevent households from fully capitalising on the welfare-enhancing potential of these enterprises. This analysis provides new insights into the relationship between livestock enterprises and household welfare in Uganda, offering important implications for policymakers. It underscores the need for targeted interventions to help cattle-keeping households overcome barriers and maximise the welfare benefits associated with their enterprises.
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ItemEstimation of tier 2 enteric methane emission factors for cattle in past oral and agro-pastoral production systems in Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)Three inter-related studies (Papers 1, 2 & 3) were conducted to develop enteric methane (CH4) emission factors (EFs) for pastoral and agro-pastoral cattle in Uganda using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 EF model based on gross energy (GE) intake. For Paper 1, 16 sites of Uganda’s pastoral and agro-pastoral natural pasturelands were sampled during the dry and rainy seasons, and herbage examined for yield, as well as chemical composition and energy content. For Paper 2, herbage dry matter (DM) intake of cattle in the two production systems was estimated using internal and external markers, and subsequently enteric CH4 EFs were developed using the IPCC Tier 2 EF model based on GE intake. Finally, for Paper 3, empirical equations for prediction of pasture herbage DM intake of cattle were developed based on live body weight (BW), diet chemical composition, and animal-diet interaction data of Papers 1 & 2. The results showed no effects (P > 0.05) of production system, season or their interaction on herbage DM yield (averaging 1.78 ton DM/ha. No effects (P > 0.05) of production system or its interaction with season on chemical and energy content existed, except for CP composition, which was higher (P < 0.05) in agro-pastoral than in pastoral in the rainy season (8.5 versus 6.1% DM) but not in the dry season (4.0 versus 3.8% DM). The estimated average DM intakes for mature females, mature males, heifers, young bulls and calves in the two production systems ranged from 1.0 to 6.67 kg/head/day. As a % of BW, average DM intake was 42.3% greater in the rainy than in the dry season (1.69 versus 1.18% BW) for “other” cattle in the pastoral system. In the agro-pastoral system, DM intake was 24.6 and 117.0% greater in the rainy than in the dry season for “dairy” (1.52 versus 1.22% BW) and “other” (2.30 versus 1.06% BW) cattle, respectively. Regarding Tier 2 EFs, the averages derived from estimated GE intake ranged from 10.5 to 30.7 kg CH4/head/year for the different “other” cattle sub-categories in pastoral and agro-pastoral systems, as well as 9.6 to 43.0 kg CH4/head/year for “dairy” cattle sub-categories in the agro-pastoral system. The weighted average EFs (population-weighted mean based on the average % contribution of each each sub-category to the herd) for “other” cattle in pastoral (19.1 kg CH4/head/year) and agro-pastoral (19.7 kg CH4/head/year) systems were lower than that for “dairy” cattle in the agro-pastoral system (25.0 kg CH4/head/year). The percentage differences between the weighted average EFs and the IPCC Tier 1 default values proposed for low productivity systems in Africa were 47.5% (19.1 vs. 31 kg CH4/head/year for “other” cattle under pastoral), 44.6% (19.7 vs. 31 kg CH4/head/year for “other” cattle under agro-pastoral), and 59.2% (25.0 vs. 46 kg CH4/head/year for “dairy” cattle under agro-pastoral). Finally, seven linear empirical regression equations were developed for prediction of herbage DM intake from the variables of CP, Fat, Ash, DM digestibility (DMD), digestible energy (DE), and DE as a percentage of GE (DE%), with BW as the primary predictor. However, only the equation: DM intake (kg/head/day) = 0.0073 × BW (kg) + 0.093 × CP (%) + 0.22 × DE (%) – 0.078 × Ash (%) + 0.32 × Fat (%) – 0.48 (R2 = 0.71) had an acceptable prediction accuracy (with a relative prediction error (RPE) value of 23.3%). Using BW as the sole predictor: DM intake (kg/head/day) = 0.0076 × BW (kg) + 0.80 (R2 = 0.56) values gave the least satisfactory prediction (RPE = 28.7%). The use of metabolic body size (BW0.75) did not improve the prediction accuracy neither did quadratic polynomial regression. In conclusion, the Tier 2 enteric CH4 EFs estimated in this study for all sub-categories of the “other” cattle type in the pastoral production system are comparable to those in the agro-pastoral system, but not with the “dairy” cattle type in the agro-pastoral system. When compared with the Tier 2 enteric CH4 EFs estimated in this study, the 2006 IPCC Tier 1 default enteric CH4 EFs overestimate Uganda’s enteric CH4 emissions from cattle in pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems by over 44%.
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ItemPost-harvest storage and market performance in Eastern Uganda: a case of ware-potato value chains(Makerere University, 2025)The Eastern region of Uganda is characterized by two potato cropping periods and highly seasonal market supply of ware-potatoes. The region has prevalent distinct periods of potato supply gluts and scarcity which may affect market performance along the value chain. There are suggestions that volatility in potato market supply can exacerbate the problem of price fluctuations and post-harvest losses (PHL) throughout the year. The use of post-harvest (PH) storage practices across ware-potato value chain can provide diverse marketing opportunities. The extent to which different value chain actors are embracing the use of PH storage is however not well understood. There is limited information on the use of ware-potato PH storage practices, level of post-harvest losses, and how PH storage helps to reduce market inefficiencies across ware-potato value chains in the country. This study therefore assesses the extent to which PH storage helps to guarantee consistent market supplies, higher prices, profits for potato Value Chain (VC) actors throughout the year. The study was conducted in four purposively selected districts of Kapchorwa, Kween, Mbale, and Kampala. Using a multi-stage sampling procedure and a semi-structured questionnaire, four quantitative cross-sectional data-sets were collected between the months of July and September 2015. Respondents were randomly selected and include: 116 ware-potato farmers, 72 ware-potato traders (including 34 wholesalers and 38 retailers), 34 processors, and 85 consumers. Descriptive statistics of key variables and market performance indicators were computed for each category of value chain actors basing on PH storage. A probit model was adopted to assess determinants of value chain actors’ decision to participate in the potato PH storage. The impact of participating in ware-potato PH storage on market performance of farmers was assessed using an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model. However, due to few observations, the ordinary least squares (OLS) model was adopted to estimate the effect of participation in ware-potato storage among traders and processor. The findings of the study show that ware-potato business was profitable for farmers, traders, and processors. Farmers in particular created an average added value of UGX 168 (USD 0.05) per kg when they are sold at farm gate. Farmers earned on average a gross margin of UGX 1,046,021 per acre. Relatedly, the value added by traders was on average UGX 212 (0.065) per kg, while their gross margin was estimated at UGX 671,293 (USD 204.663) per each trading route. The value added by processors was on average UGX 4999.5 (USD 1.515) per kg, and a gross margin of UGX 1,427,258 (USD 432.502) per each weekly processing operation. The value chain actors that engaged in ware potato PH storage added a higher value per kg of ware potatoes compared to their counterparts that did not participate in ware potato storage. Engaging in the practice of ware potato storage therefore creates opportunities for different actors to sell at higher prices. More than half of the farmers (56 percent) participated in ware potato storage, compared to 37 percent of traders and 41 percent of processors. The methods of storage used were mainly indigenous innovations with average storage periods of up to four weeks in case of farmers, six days for traders, and only four days for processors. Farmers stored up to one metric ton of ware-potato per each growing season, representing about 35 percent of total annual potato output. The study findings indicate that the likelihood to engage in ware-potato post-harvest storage at farming value chain node was negatively correlated with prior experience of post-harvest losses. Variables that are positively correlated with ware potato storage across farmers are land allocated to potato production, household size, distance to the market and group membership. At the trader node of the value chain, the study findings indicate that age of the household head, quantity of ware potato purchased, ware potato purchase price, ware potato selling price and economic losses significantly affected trader participation in ware-potato storage. The age of the household head, marital status, quantity of ware potato purchased, ware potato purchase price and physical loss incurred affected the participation of processors in ware-potato PH storage. In addition, results from the endogenous switching regression model for the effect of PH storage on market performance show that PH storage had a significant impact on gross margins of farmers. The findings show that farmers that stored ware-potato earned higher gross margins from ware potato production than those that do not participate in storage. The results confirm that ware-potato storage significantly increases the gross margins earned by farmers, traders and processors. The study findings highlights the need for widespread use of PH storage for ware potato to reduce Post-harvest losses, enhance market performance and stabilize incomes for VC actors along the potato value chains in Eastern Uganda. Notice the exchange rate was conducted at 1 US DOLLAR = UGX 3300.
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ItemFinancial innovations and their implications for consumption of agricultural finance among smallholder farmers in Uganda: the case of Centenary Bank(Makerere University, 2025)Agricultural finance consumption in Uganda is evolving as innovations address barriers for smallholder farmers' use of financial services. The application of financial innovation was expected to improve the development process, enhance the quality of innovations, and streamline delivery to smallholder farmers. It was also intended to increase understanding of the life goals of smallholders that influence their consumption. Although financial innovations aimed at improving agricultural finance to 25% of industry lending, smallholder farmers still account for a relatively small share of agricultural finance. Low usage is attributed to several factors, including a one-size-fits-all product approach, inflexible and discriminatory policies by FIs, high sector risks, dispersed demand, high service costs, land rights issues, and inefficient delivery processes. The study holistically assessed the agricultural finance consumption of smallholder farmers. It examined agricultural finance innovation pathways, product types, delivery mechanisms, and life goals shaping product usage. The study was anchored in agricultural innovation system theory and actor-network theory. These frameworks generated insights into processes, delivery structures, and actor-network interactions. Marketing theory (7Ps Market mix framework) clarified how product nature and delivery influence use. Expectancy-value theory helped elicit product characteristics, developing hierarchical value maps linking products to outcomes and life goals sought through agricultural finance. The study employed a qualitative design, utilising case studies to provide contextual, in-depth knowledge of Centenary staff and smallholder farmers. Data was collected through focus groups and key informant guides. Results showed that the development of financial innovations followed a non-farmer-led, complex, six-stage process handled by diverse actors, with gaps in research representation. The nature of the product, pricing, and inefficient processes hindered the use of finance by smallholder farmers. Goals like financial security, love and belonging, social security, and self-esteem drove decisions to use agricultural finance.
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ItemControl of the banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa) using botanicals and soap(Makerere University, 2025)Pentalonia nigronervosa is an important aphid in banana production as a vector for the Banana bunchy top virus. Management of the aphid through chemical means has been detested due to its cost, negative impact on humans, animals and environment at large, and possible development of insect resistance. Therefore, the need for eco-friendly and economically sound strategies for controlling the aphid such as biorationals is crucial. Laboratory experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) to compare the effect of treatment by selected botanical preparations (neem oil, garlic, fermented garlic, chili pepper, fermented chili pepper, peppermint, fermented peppermint) and soap solutions (bathing soap, laundry bar soap and liquid soap) and some of their mixtures on the mortality of P. nigronervosa. Commercial insecticides i) insecticidal soap, ii) nimbecidine® and iii) a synthetic chemical (aceta-mectin Force®) served as positive control treatments while distilled water served as a negative (water) control treatment. Aphid mortality was observed over a 4-day period. All the tested treatments singly and in mixtures caused aphid mortality; with most of them significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different from the water control. Most importantly, single applications of nimbecidine, garlic, chili pepper and fermented chili pepper botanicals; and insecticidal, bathing and laundry bar soaps at highest concentration caused higher aphid mortalities (31.1% to 87.2%) at 24 hours post spray (HPS). Mixed applications of nimbecidine®, neem oil, garlic, fermented garlic, chili pepper, fermented chili pepper, fermented peppermint with insecticidal soap and nimbecidine® with bar soap (71.0% to 93.8% mortality at 24 HPS) were promising in vitro. Screenhouse experiments based on in vitro promising mixtures with greater than 50% aphid mortality were conducted in a CRD. Of the 12 treatments evaluated, seven caused the greater aphid mortality (proportion of 72.9% to 97.1% after fourth sprays); with three greatly reducing the aphid population abundance to less than 2 (≈ 5 aphids/plant) compared to water control of 5.4 aphid abundance (≈ 140 aphids/plant) at eighth week. Among the seven treatments, mixtures of neem oil, garlic, fermented garlic and fermented chili with insecticidal soap were promising in vivo. These findings revealed the potential use of botanical plant fermentation and botanical mixtures with soap for biorational control of P. nigronervosa. This implies that biorationals can be considered as an eco-friendly and economically alternative approach in pesticides science and technology.