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ItemScaling out of research innovations in Cassava seed system in Kamuli, Serere and Kiryandongo Districts of Uganda(Makerere University, 2025)In Uganda Cassava (Manihot esculenta L) is the second most important food crop after Banana (Musa SPP). To increase the cassava yield, efforts have been made and several improved cassava varieties NASEs, TMEs and NAROCASSs have been released through formal processes to increase use by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. Despite the efforts of scaling out the improved cassava varieties to reach desired numbers and populations, scaling remains low. This gap is largely attributed to the limited adoption of improved varieties. The study aimed at to explore the spread of improved cassava seed varieties as research innovations for sustainable seed system in Uganda. Specifically, it sought to (1) Assess determinants of the scaling out improved cassava varieties in selected districts, (2) Examine the roles of actors in promoting scaling out of improved varieties in the cassava seed system, (3) Examine incentive practices used in scaling out research innovations, in the cassava seed system. Research was carried out in Kiryandongo, Serere, and Kamuli districts, which represent three agro-ecological zones mid-western (Bunyoro), eastern (Busoga), and north-eastern (Teso), respectively. A mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted to collect data from target population of 170 households, based on intervention and without intervention areas. Primary data were collected through a cross-sectional survey using Kobo Collect and analyzed in STATA18. Qualitative data from key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were thematically analyzed to provide contextual insights into barriers and perceptions. A one-way ANOVA assessed socio-demographic differences among farmers, A multivariate probit model examined the determinants of scaling out of improved seed varieties. While Multinomial logit model was used to understand seed system performance. The distribution of actors and their roles, applied multivariate techniques within Social Network Analysis (SNA) to analyse the formation and structure of seed actors and to identify key actors in seed system. Findings revealed a significant spread of NAROCAS1 and NASE14 even in areas without formal interventions, 85.7% formal, 60% of informal, and 86.4% integrated seed systems with a very thin line between these seed system. Key determinants in the cassava seed system included education level, age, and household size, all statistically significant in both intervention and non-intervention areas (*** p<0.01, ** p<0.05, * p<0.1). NARO experts were identified as key actors, involved in formal seed system across intervention and without intervention areas 50.5% and 52.2%, respectively, alongside private companies (11.2% and 10.5% respectively, both with significance at p < 0.1. Training support was primarily attributed to model farmers (34.8%) and research institutions (47.8%), demonstration plots (52%), radio programs (17%), and noted they are key incentives. In conclusion, while NASE14 and NAROCASS1 demonstrate strong potential to scaling out and well spread in study areas. Major barriers include inadequate financial incentives. Mapping the presence of these varieties and strengthening public-private partnerships with financial incentive mechanisms are essential for large scaling of improved varieties like NASE14 and NAROCAS1 in Uganda.
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ItemCharacterizing purple-fleshed sweet potato genotypes in Uganda for environmental stability of anthocyanin yield and texture profiles(Makerere University, 2025)Purple-fleshed sweetpotato (PFSP) is gaining global attention due to its high anthocyanin content and associated health benefits. Despite its potential, no PFSP variety has been released in Uganda, where sweetpotato is a key food security crop. To accelerate PFSP cultivar development that meets the evolving preferences of farmers and consumers, we characterized 22 PFSP genotypes derived from a polycross population alongside two local checks. The study aimed to identify genotypes with superior anthocyanin yield, environmental stability, and consumer-relevant texture profiles. Field trials were conducted across four diverse agro-ecological zones in Uganda using a Resolvable Row-Column Design, with three replications per site. Storage roots were harvested at four months and assessed for biochemical traits—Anthocyanin Content (AC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and Total Phenolic Content (TPC)—as well as biophysical textural traits using a Texture Profile Analyzer. Significant genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interaction effects (p ≤ 0.001) were observed for all biochemical and textural traits. AC ranged from 0 to 160.3 mg/100g fresh weight (FW), TPC from 185.2 to 263.7 mg GAE/100g FW, and TFC from 10.8 to 23.2 mg QE/g FW. AMMI analysis revealed that genotype and interaction effects significantly influenced trait expression, with IPCA1 highly significant for all traits. Textural analyses identified five genotypes with high hardness and chewiness values, traits suitable for breeding mealy, firm-fleshed varieties preferred by most consumers. On the contrary, eight genotypes showed soft, less chewy textures desirable in juice and pastry industries. These findings highlight the genetic variability and adaptability of PFSP genotypes in Uganda. This work provided vital initial steps towards releasing nutritionally improved and consumer-accepted PFSP cultivars. The integration of anthocyanin yield, environmental resilience, and targeted textural attributes supports the development of superior sweetpotato varieties aligned with market demand, health needs, and farmer acceptance Keywords: Sweet potato genotypes
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ItemPerformance of selected summer flower species under protected and open field cultivation in Uganda: an adaptability study.(Makerere University, 2025)The value of Uganda’s flower industry is currently estimated to be only about 10% of Kenya’s export value. This is attributed to poor quality products, narrow product range as well as failure to adopt the changes in the market. The market is currently shifting from single species to mixed flower species bouquets. For Uganda to remain competitive, the industry needs to diversify its product range to include species that can be grown by smallholder growers in open fields. However, before any new species can be introduced for adoption by farmers, there is need for adaptability studies to determine the suitability of these species to local conditions. This study evaluated the performance of 12 summer flower species under protected (greenhouse) and open field cultivation in the Lake Victoria basin which is the main flower growing region in Uganda. The objective of the study was to determine growth, development, yield and quality; pest and diseases and their severity; and effects of preharvest parameters on quality of selected summer flower species under protected and open field cultivation. The experiment conducted at Makerere University agricultural research institute (MUARIK) using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance was performed to assess growth, development, yield and quality, descriptive, ordinal logistic regression was performed for pest and diseases severity, and Pearson's correlations and path analysis were applied to identify the determinants of quality summer flowers. The results showed that shoot length and head length were longer, shoot diameter was smaller in the protected cultivation than the open field. Pest (aphids, caterpillars, thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies) and diseases (Botrytis, Fusarium wilt, and powdery mildew) severity was higher under protected than open field cultivation. Spray branches had positive relationships (r = 0.53) and direct effect (β = 0.37) on quality and shoot numbers had negative correlations with shoot length (r = -0.48). Fusarium wilt on the other hand showed negative correlations with shoot diameter (r = -0.46) and weight (r = -0.46). the effect of the day and night time temperature and temperature differential (DIF) on quality varied across the summer flower species. In conclusion, the studied summer flowers can be produced under protected cultivation in Uganda, pests and diseases of summer flowers were higher in the greenhouse than in the open field in the open field which indicate the need for the need for integrated pest and disease management. Key determinants of flower quality included temperature, spray branch count, leaf, and internode number, and severity of pests and diseases. The findings of the study will aid in the adaptation and consequently the growth of a unique niche in the flower industry in Uganda.
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ItemEffect of access to agribusiness incentives on irrigation uptake and crop productivity in Abim District, Karamoja Sub-region(Makerere University, 2025)Uganda has one of the highest irrigation potentials in the world, with over 15 percent of its surface area covered by fresh water resources. Yet the Karamoja sub-region has progressively been constrained by the frequent occurrence of droughts, affecting efforts to increase agricultural productivity and fight against hunger and poverty. Under these conditions, irrigation is critical in aiding farmers against the effects of drought and plays an integral role in transitions from subsistence to commercial farming by ensuring year-round crop production. Cross-sectional data collected from 285 households and key informant interviews were used. The key focus of the study was to examine the effect of access to agribusiness incentives on irrigation uptake and productivity of maize, beans, and eggplant. An agribusiness incentive index was computed from the product of the perceived relative importance of the agribusiness incentive and actual level of access by the respondent (weighted scores). The sum of all weighted scores by each respondent was divided by the total weights of agribusiness incentives to normalize the index between 0 and 1. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and t-tests), logistic regression with marginal effects, and the Three-Stage Least Squares Regression model (3SLS) were employed in the empirical analysis. Descriptive statistics revealed a significant association between the occupation of the household head, education level, and uptake of irrigation. Specifically, those whose major occupation is farming are less likely to take up irrigation compared to those in other occupations. Uptake of irrigation was high among the less educated households. In addition, households that took up irrigation had significantly higher farm income compared to households that did not take up irrigation. The result of the logistic regression model showed that agribusiness incentive, measured as agribusiness incentive index and other socio-economic variables, household size, and household non-farm income had positive and significant effects on uptake of irrigation, while gender of household head (female), age of household head, and household farm income had negative and significant effects on irrigation uptake. Results from the Three-Stage Least Squares Regression model show that agribusiness incentives have positive effects on the productivity of maize, beans, and egg plants. The study recommends that the government, especially the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and development partners, facilitate access to agribusiness incentives to increase irrigation uptake and crop productivity of smallholder farmers.
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ItemShocks, coping strategies, and livelihood security in the drylands of Uganda and Kenya(Makerere University, 2025)Recurrent shocks and crises threaten dryland household livelihood security by jeopardizing their income and other means of sustenance. In the absence of social protection and weak institutional support, households resort to problematic coping strategies that have the potential to trap them in a vicious cycle of livelihood insecurity. This study employed a panel data set from 698 households in the drylands of Uganda and Kenya to assess seasonal and country-level variations for 21 shock events experienced by households, coping strategies adopted and their determinants, and the determinants of livelihood security. Shocks and coping strategies were analyzed using student t-tests, while the determinants of coping strategy choices and livelihood security were analyzed using the multivariate probit and Tobit models respectively. Descriptive statistics show that shock incidences are significantly higher in Uganda’s drylands, particularly in the wet season. Results further show that in the event of livestock deaths, livestock illness, and reduced crop harvest, the important factors that determine coping strategies employed by households are gender of the household head, membership to groups, the farmland size that is available to households for crop and livestock farming, the number of income sources, access to extension services and credit, and the proportion of shocks experienced by households. The livelihood security index shows that all households in the drylands of Uganda and Kenya are at precarious livelihood security levels, with economic security being the lowest for both countries. Results further show that households whose heads have higher levels of education, which have more livestock (TLUs), which belong to a group and have access to credit, and those living in the agropastoral region are more likely to have higher livelihood security levels. On the other hand, households with older heads, a higher dependency ratio, access to extension, those that experienced a higher proportion of shocks, and those in the drylands of Uganda are more likely to have lower livelihood security levels. The study recommends strengthening social protection programs, promoting improved livestock management, building resilient agropastoral systems, promoting financial inclusion, strengthening social networks, and complementary investment in human capital and land productivity to build resilient livelihoods.