School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Collections
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ItemAssessing perceptions and response mechanisms of Kampala residents to urban heat risks(Makerere University, 2026)Climate change and rapid urbanization are intensifying extreme heat in many African cities, yet little is known about how residents perceive and respond to these conditions. This study examined perceptions of urban heat and related health risks, and the coping mechanisms used by residents of three settlements (Kibuye I, Kibuye II and Makindye II) in Makindye Division, Kampala City. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study, combining household and business surveys (n = 358) with key informant interviews and focus group discussions; quantitative data were analysed descriptively and using Poisson regression, and qualitative data were examined thematically. Most respondents reported frequent and severe heat, including at night during the January–March dry months. They linked hot conditions to symptoms such as headaches, excessive sweating and fatigue, and to the worsening of respiratory, skin and cardiovascular problems, particularly among people with pre-existing illness. Perceptions of heat risk and reported impacts varied by settlement type, work environment and health status, reflecting spatial and socio-economic inequalities in exposure and vulnerability. Residents relied mainly on low-cost individual responses, including drinking more water, changing clothing and adjusting daily routines, while opportunities for collective measures such as tree planting were uneven across settlements. The findings reveal that urban heat is already a tangible health concern in Kampala and that local responses remain largely reactive and fragmented. Strengthening climate and health communication, protecting vulnerable groups and incorporating heat-risk considerations into urban planning and greening initiatives are critical for building resilience in rapidly growing cities like Kampala.
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ItemOpportunities and constraints in Uganda’s policy framework for agroforestry development(Makerere University, 2026)Agroforestry is increasingly becoming recognised as a sustainable land-use system that integrates trees within agricultural landscapes to enhance ecological stability, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. Despite its potential, adoption in Uganda remains limited due to the weak operationalisation of land-use policies and fragmented institutional coordination. This study determined the extent to which Uganda’s land-use policies support the strategic priorities of the Uganda National Agroforestry Strategy (2025/2027 – 2034/2035), evaluated the coherence of these policies in relation to agroforestry promotion, and examined stakeholder perspectives on interventions required to strengthen agroforestry development in Uganda. The study employed a descriptive and interpretive research design, using qualitative techniques, and conducting document analysis of the ten (10) land-use policies, which are anchored to the key global frameworks. The study also involved conducting semi-structured interviews with sixteen key informants drawn from government Ministries, Departments, & Agencies, Academia/Research organisations, Civil Society Organisations, and Development Partners. Data were analysed using manifest content analysis to determine Uganda’s land use policy–national agroforestry strategy alignment and a thematic analysis to synthesise cross-cutting narratives from participants. Findings show that Uganda’s policy framework conceptually supports agroforestry, although the degree of support varies across policies. Capacity Building emerged as the most strongly supported priority of the national agroforestry strategy, whereas Research was the least supported. The Uganda Forestry Policy (2001) demonstrated the highest alignment with the strategy, while the Climate Change Policy (2013), Energy Policy (2023), Wetlands Policy (2015) and Wildlife Policy (2014) provided minimal supportive provisions. Policy coherence was moderate but characterised by horizontal fragmentation across the agriculture, environment, land, and forestry sectors, and by weak vertical alignment with government structures. Stakeholders highlighted important interventions, including tree-tenure rights, fiscal incentives, extension systems, institutional capacity, and the mainstreaming of agroforestry in national programs. The study concludes that while agroforestry is conceptually recognised in Uganda’s land-use policy environment, implementation remains weak due to limited coordination, inadequate financing, and the absence of enforceable mechanisms. To strengthen agroforestry development, the study recommends establishing an inter-ministerial coordination platform, integrating agroforestry into sectoral and istrict planning frameworks, strengthening extension and training systems, enhancing research investment, securing tree-tenure rights, and developing value chain strategies supported by fiscal incentives. Effective translation of policy commitments into coordinated, evidence-based, and well-financed action is essential for Uganda to fully harness the ecological and livelihood benefits of agroforestry.
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ItemSurface water quality and usage in Rwamwanja refugee settlement and adjacent villages.(Makerere University, 2026)This study assessed the quality and utilization of surface water sources in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement and the adjacent villages within Kamwenge district in Uganda. Field sampling was carried out at the surface water sources used for domestic and livelihood purpose. Water quality parameters were analyzed and the results compared against the WHO water quality standards. Structured questionnaires were also used in capturing the water usage patterns and preferences. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical difference between the water quality parameters in the refugee camp and the host community was determined using t- tests. Chi-square tests were used to determine any relationships between the surface water uses and the different social categories, Cramer’s V tests values were also used to determine the association strength and the significant variables. Binary logistic model was used in analyzing the influence of the social categories on water usage. The temperature in host community sources exceeded those in refugee settlements (Ponds: 24.4 ± 2.7 °C > 17.85 ± 2.65 °C, Swamps: 22.75 ± 0.42 °C > 20.8 ± 0.63 °C, and streams: 23.04 °C > 21.53 °C). The host sources were neutral in pH (Ponds: 7.08 ± 0.14; Swamps: 7.15 ± 0.08), while the ones in the refugee settlement had a variation (7.84 ± 0.87). EC levels ranged between 107.87 μS/cm-264.20 μS/cm. TDS in the swamps within refugee swamps was higher than those in the host community (634.95 ± 510.05 mg/L > 355.95 ± 171.05 mg/L. Turbidity levels were significantly higher in refugee sources (Ponds: 290 ± 8 NTU in refugee settlement > 53.2 ± 34.5 NTU in host communities, and streams: 134.07 NTU in refugees > 24.50 NTU in host communities). The refugee swamps and streams had higher TP levels (Swamps: 1.13 ± 1.07 mg/L; Stream: 2.05 mg/L). Nitrogen concentrations were more balanced with swamps in refugee settlement having 3.02 ± 1.72 mg/L while swamps in the host community having 3.06 ± 2.04 mg/L. COD levels ranged between 17 mg/L (swamp 3) and 164.17 mg/L (stream 1) while BOD ranged from 0.65 mg/L (pond 2) to 50.32 mg/L (stream 1). Mean T. Coli count between settlement refugee and host community was almost identical (136 ± 16 and 135 ± 15 CFUs/100 mL). E. coli levels were substantial within the host community (pond 3: 12 CFUs/100 mL and stream 2: 129.33 CFUs/100 mL). Sex, household numbers and education level influenced water usage. Most physico-chemical properties of the water sources were relatively similar between the refugee settlement and the host villages. The study recommends water treatment before usage, protection of the water sources and improvement of water infrastructure within the area.
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ItemEffects of water absorbent polymers on early growth performance of Eucalyptus grandis X urophylla clones in Kiboga district(Makerere University, 2026)This study assessed the soil chemical properties at different planting sites, examined effects of amending different planting sites with hydrogel brands on growth of Eucalyptus grandis x Urophylla (GU) clonal seedlings and determined the optimum amount of hydrogel amendments that support field growth of GU clonal seedlings in Kiboga district. A 3 by 3 factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with three treatments and a control, and four replications was used to collect the data at two planting sites. Sixty sub soil samples were randomly collected from the planting sites at 30cm soil depth. Ten composite samples from two sites were taken to the laboratory for analysis of chemical properties. Soils at the planting sites were amended with different hydrogel brands (Prisma SPA and Altretgel) and GU clonal seedlings planted in soil amended with 0 g, 2 g, 4 g and 6 g hydrogel. Survival percentage, root collar diameter, height, number of leaves and branches were recorded after three months of planting. The study was conducted from November 2024 to February 2025. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression in R studio. Results showed that site A and site B had high base saturation (>80%). Site A had sandy clay loam soils while site B had clay loam soils with high Cation Exchange Capacity (20.9%). Ca, pH and ECE, showed significant linear relationship with survival percentage and number of leaves of GU clonal seedlings. GU clonal seedlings planted in soil amended with hydrogels registered higher survival (>65%) than seedlings planted in soils not amended with hydrogels. Hydrogel brands showed significant differences in growth of GU seedlings (p<0.05). Prisma hydrogel performed better than Altretgel in root collar diameter, height, number of leaves and number of branches. Treatment levels showed significant differences in growth parameters of GU seedlings (p<0.001). GU clonal Seedlings in soils amended with 4 g of Prisma hydrogel showed higher growth of GU seedlings at both planting sites. Overall, GU clonal seedlings planted in soil amended with hydrogels grew better than those planted in soil without hydrogel amendments (controls). Water absorbent polymers can enhance growth of GU clonal seedlings and improve overall above ground biomass (root collar diameter, height, number of leaves and number of branches) in semi-arid (Northern region) and dry subhumid (Central region) areas of Uganda. The study recommends Prisma hydrogel to be applied to enhance establishment of commercial plantation forests and On-farm tree growing. Soils should be amended with 4 g of Prisma hydrogel to enhance growth of GU clonal seedlings.
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ItemCommunity-level management strategies for small central forest reserves in Uganda. A case study of Nakunyi Central Forest Reserve.(Makerere University, 2026)Forests play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining the livelihoods of the dependent communities (MEA, 2005; FAO, 2020). In Uganda, forest management is divided into Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) managed by NFA and other PFE areas such as the National Parks managed by the UWA or Local Forest Reserves (LFRs) on private and customary land. NFA classifies CFRs based on their size, ecological significance, and intended use. The classification system aids the NFA in strategic planning, resource allocation, and implementing appropriate management practices tailored to each reserve's characteristics and needs. implementation of management measures however, predominantly targets larger, ecologically significant CFRs during strategic planning, and resource allocation hence neglecting small yet critical forests. Realisation of the long-term management outcomes of small forests with little attention from the mainstream NFA management interventions owing to their perceived small sizes and the limited ecological benefits necessitates a community centered bottom-up approach. The study sought to the understanding of the community efforts that can be employed in the management of the small forests in Uganda.specifically, the study Estimated the land use/land cover changes of Nakunyi CFR from 2010-2015-2020-2024, determined the level of Household dependency on the Nakunyi CFR and assessed the possible community-level management interventions for Nakunyi CFR and the factors that influenced co-management interventions for Nakunyi CFR. The study was conducted in Buvuma district, Buvuma town council and Nairambi sub-counties. Data was collected using participant interviews, KIIs and FGDs and downloading satellite images. Image classification was conducted to obtain the LULC maps and estimate the LULC changes for Nakunyi CFR. Forest inventory was conducted to assess the forest status. Descriptive statistics was used to compute the Relative Forest Index (RFI) to ascertain the household dependency on Nakunyi CFR. Binary Regression was used to determine the factors that influenced the household dependency on Nakunyi CFR. Cross tabulations were used to analyse the possible community level management intervention and the factors that influenced the co-management interventions by the community. Nakunyi CFR was characterized by four (4) LULC classes, including THF (well stocked), THF (low stock), Croplands, Grasslands and Water. The most prevalent LULC change from 2010-2024 period was from THF (well stocked) to THF (stock) accounting for 10.14ha (67.4%) decrease in area. The drivers of the LULC changes included Charcoal making, logging, firewood harvesting and crop growing. The communities around Nakunyi CFR were dependent on the forest given a Relative Forest Index (RFI) of 17.8%. Respondents aged, distance from the forest and household size were the significant factors that influenced dependency. Alternative income activities were the most reported co-management intervention for male and respondents aged between 36-45 years. Respondents closest to the forest (0.5-1km) preferred training and training while majority of the women reported restoartaion planting. The study concludes that Nakunyi CFR is experiencing LULC conversion due to illegal logging, firewood extraction and Charcoal making that have affected the forest status. The study therefore recommends more enforcement of deterrent measures for illegal forest dealers, integrating forest resource use into forest management strategies objectives and Gender, age and distance segregated management interventions should be employed by NFA.