NRU :: Browsing by Author "Agea, Jacob G."

Browsing by Author "Agea, Jacob G."

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Agroforestry potential of Acacia senegal in the rangelands of luwero and Nakasongola districts
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2005) Agea, Jacob G.; 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 variables on people's willingness to plant and manage A. senegal trees on thei.r farm. The proportion of farm land under A. senegal and other tree species is 16.78 %. Acacia senegal is a source of firewood, fodder, fencing post, soiJ 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 on the agroforestry potential and conservation value of Acacia senegal.
Attitudes of Out-of-School Youths towards Tree Planting Activities in Central Uganda: A Case Study of Masaka District
(Academy Science Publishers, 2009) Agea, Jacob G.; Nansereko, Susan; Obua, Joseph; Waiswa, Daniel; Buyinza, Mukadasi; Yikii, Fred
This study assessed the attitudes of out-of-school youths towards tree planting activities in Masaka district, central Uganda. Data were collected using 104 semi-structured questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to show the influence of demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents on their attitudes towards tree planting. Summative attitudes index varied from 320 for those who liked very much tree planting activities to 6 for those who disliked very much tree planting activities. Opinions on willingness to plant and tender trees also varied widely from summative index of 305 for those who would very much plant and manage the trees to 5 for those who would very much not plant and manage the trees. Sex, age, education, occupation, distance to the nearest trading centre and land ownership significantly contributed to variation in the attitudes. Factors such as lack of capital; land and tree tenure security; long payback period from planted trees; bad beliefs, taboos and superstitions about certain trees hindered out-of-school youths’ efforts. There is a need to develop clear policies and by-laws to guide and induce the out-of-school youths to plant trees as a livelihood opportunity.
The buzz about bees and poverty alleviation: Identifying drivers and barriers of beekeeping in sub-Saharan Africa
(PLoS one, 2017) Amulen, Deborah R.; D'Haese, Marijke; Ahikiriza, Elizabeth; Agea, Jacob G.; Jacobs, Frans J.; de Graaf, Dirk C.; Smagghe, Guy; Cross, Paul
The potential of beekeeping to mitigate the exposure of rural sub-Sahara African farmers to economic stochasticity has been widely promoted by an array of development agencies. Robust outcome indicators of the success of beekeeping to improve household well-being are unfortunately lacking. This study aimed to identify the key drivers and barriers of beekeeping adoption at the household level, and quantified the associated income contribution in three agro-ecological zones in Uganda. Beekeepers were generally the most economically disadvantaged people in the study areas and tended to adopt beekeeping following contact with non-government organisations and access to training. Whilst incomes were not statistically lower than their non-beekeeping counterparts; their mean household well-being scores were significantly lower than non-beekeeping households. The inability of beekeeping to significantly improve well-being status can in part be attributed to a lack of both training in bee husbandry and protective equipment provision such as suits, gloves and smokers. These are critical tools for beekeepers as they provide the necessary confidence to manage honey bees. Rather than focussing solely on the socio-economic conditions of farmers to effectively adopt beekeeping, future research should also attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of development agencies' provision to the beekeeping sector.
Characterizing Land Use Systems within Awoja Watershed
(Energy and Earth Science, 2019) Aben, Charles; Okiror, John J.; Agea, Jacob G.; Hansen, Esbern F.
This manuscript analyses trends in land use changes in Awoja Watershed with the aim of exploring the underlying causes of degradation in this watershed within the context of frequent draughts and floods. Changing trends of land use characteristics were used as indicators of ineffectiveness of control of access to resource use in the watershed. The study was carried out in the districts of Katakwi, Amuria and Sorotiin Eastern Uganda where the watershed is experiencing increasing trends of degradation despite the presence of elaborate watershed management institutions. The study used Remote Sensing, and focus group discussions to acquire relevant data on land use changes and their perceived causes.Perceptions of respondents on the effectiveness of the local governance processes were generated. The findings show increase in built-up areas from 0.21% between 1986-1996; to 3.28 between 2006 and 2016 and a notable decrease in forest cover from 107.48 Km2 in 1,986 to 6.94 Km2 by 2016. The results also show a dramatic increase in small scale farming area from 629.44 Km2 to 2,376.64 Km2 from 1986-2016 while the area of wetland reduced from 2,810.47 Km2 to 1,355 Km2over the same period. Results from focus group discussions revealed that although climatic and demographic factors were responsible for land use changes in Awoja, control of access to natural resources was inadequate to stop degradation. Climatic factors mentioned included increased frequency of floods and draughts that were perceived to have been responsible for changes in vegetation cover, water levels and infrastructure. Socio economic factors driving the changes in land use included increased cultivation of wetlands and communal land, increased sale of fuel wood, charcoal and sand, increased migration of cattle herders into the watershed during draughts and out of it during floods and increased fishing. While climatic factors were important, socio political factors such as displacements of communities, resettlements in the fragile environment brought about by government efforts to demarcate wetlands and wild life conservation areas were cited as drivers of degradation. The study concludes that besides climatic factors, inadequate management of access to resources was contributing to degradation of the watershed.
Community Perception on Weather Variability in the Lake Victoria Basin, Rwanda and Uganda
(International Journal of Humanities, Art and Social Studies, 2011) Bigirimana, Celestin; Omujal, Francis; Isubikalu, Prossy; Bizuru, Elias; Obaa, Bernard; Malinga, Michael; Agea, Jacob G.; Okullo, John B. L.
The study was conducted in districts of Bugesera, Kirehe and Nyamagabe in Rwanda and Buikwe, Busia, Kamuli, Masaka and Namutumba in Uganda to explore community perceptions on weather variability. Household interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to document awareness of traditional ways of weather prediction, local indicators of weather prediction, source of knowledge, effects of weather variability as well as communities’ coping strategies. Traditionally, behavior of birds, insects, moon, clouds, and direction of wind has always been the main indicators of rainfall, drought and flood pattern prediction. The main reported sources of information were parents, elders, friends and experience. Poor crop harvest, pests and diseases, crop wilting and extinction, etc, were effects of weather variability. Coping strategies were tree conservation, irrigation, use of manure and fertilizers, use of insecticide/pesticides and anti-erosion activities, etc. Community knowledge is useful and should be integrated with other conventional methods to predict weather variability.
Distribution and regeneration status of Vitex payos (Lour.) Merr. in Kenyan drylands
(Journal of Horticulture and Forestry, 2014) Kimondo, James M.; Agea, Jacob G.; Okia, Clement A.; Dino, Andrew W.; Ahmed Abohassan, Refaat A.; Mulatya, Jackson; Teklehaimanot, Zewge
We investigated the population structure and regeneration status of Vitex payos (Lour.) Merr. in Kenyan drylands. The study quantified the spatial distribution pattern of V. payos tree populations in their natural range; and assessed their regeneration status to determine the stability of the populationsWoodlands and farm inventories were conducted in Mbeere, Mwingi and Kitui districts of the Eastern Province of Kenya. The nearest-neighbour sampling method was used to determine tree density and distribution of V. payos in the study sites. The number of seedlings and saplings were counted. The diameters, crown diameter, and tree heights of sampled trees were measured. These morphological parameters were summarized on per hectare basis. The patterns of distribution of V. payos trees showed an aggregation of trees on farms and bushes. Tree densities ranged from 1.6 on farmlands to 20.3 trees per ha in the woodlands. The expected mean distances between nearest neighbouring trees were higher than the observed values on all sites, confirming that V. payos trees were more aggregated than randomly dispersed. The mean tree heights varied from < 5 m to > 9 m cross study sites. The sampled populations were dominated by trees (55%) within the range of 10 to 20 cm dbh. Highhest numbers of seedlings from all origins were recorded in the bushes in Kitui and Mbeere districts 101 and 78 seedlings per hectare, respectively. Sapling population densities were generally low.
Ecology and Conservation of Acacia senegal in the Rangelands of Luwero and Nakasongola Districts
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2005) Agea, Jacob G.; Obua, Joseph; Namirembe, Sara; Buyinza, Mukadasi; Waiswa, Daniel
Ecology and conservation status of Acacia senegal in the rangelands of Luwero and Nakasongola Districts were assessed between November 2002 and February 2003. Sixty plots measuring 50 x 50 m were laid at 50 m intervals along six 1,000 m transects, and the diameter at breast height (DBH), of Acacia .fellegal trees measured. Each tree was visually assessed for physical damages as health indicators. Maturity class, terrain types and other trees growing together with Acacia senegal were identified and recorded. A structured questionnaire and interviews were used to collect data on the constr11ints and opportunities of conserving and managing Acacia Senegal. Data on the population structure, maturity class and stock density of Acacia senegal were analysed using MINITAB and DECORANA. The population structure of Acacia setiegal trees was unbalanced, with only 24% young trees (DBH < 8 em). Sixty five percent of trees were old (DBH > 8 em) and 84% physically damaged. Hills bad significantly (P < 0.05) higher tree density than plains and streams. Thirty-two tree species were recorded growing together with Acacia senegal in the rangelands and the most common were Acacia mel/ifera, Acacia hockii, Acacia seyaf, Combretum collillum and Conrhretum mol/e. Grazing livestock, bush fires, land tenure, tree tenure, pests and diseases were the major challenges to conservation of Acacia senegal in the rangelands. Collaborative conservation and management plan should be developed to conserve the species. Impacts of livestock grazing, settlement and farming on regeneration of Acacia senegal should be assessed before developing strategies for management and conservation.
Efficacy of Forestry Conservation Policy on Rural Livelihoods in Uganda: Evidence from Mabira Forest Reserve
(Medwell Publishing, 2009) Agea, Jacob G.; Obua, Joseph; Fungo, Bernard
A study was conducted from 2005-2007 in areas around Mabira Forest Reserve, Central Uganda. The objectives were to assess: awareness of the local communities about the current Forest Policy in Uganda, the local communities’ opinions about the efficacy of the current Forest Policy, and the capacity in terms of training to manage forest resources by local communities. Fifty-two households from 4 villages were interviewed in Najjembe sub-county in Mukono district that surrounding Mabira Forest Reserve. Questions were pre-determined and interviews guided. Individuals were interviewed for about 30-60 min. Primary data were subjected to content analysis, coded and subsequently analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS). About 78% of the respondents were aware of the current Forest Policy in Uganda. About 59% of the respondents said that utilization and socio-economic benefits is strongly supported by the Forest Policy. Half of the respondents disagree that local people have more access to forest products than before under the current Forest Policy. About the same number of the respondents disagree that the forest and tree cover has increased under the present Forest Policy. Capacity to manage forest resources by local communities was weak, majority of the respondents said that none of their household members had received any of training in natural and or plantation forest management. Many institutions including National Forestry Authority (NFA), National Environment Management Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Local Governments and Civil Society Organizations were reportedly playing key roles in conservation and management of the forest. There is a need for campaigns in order to realign policies that allows for full participation of not only the government but also the local communities in forest conservation and management.
Estimating the potential of beekeeping to alleviate household poverty in rural Uganda
(PLoS ONE, 2019) Amulen, Deborah R.; D’Haese, Marijke; D’Haene, Eline; Okwee Acai, James; Agea, Jacob G.; Smagghe, Guy; Cross, Paul
Robust evidence underpinning the role of beekeeping in poverty alleviation is currently lacking. This study estimated the production potential for beekeepers in Northern Uganda by quantifying current production assets (equipment and knowledge) and impact on rural income streams range of proposed interventions. Intervention scenarios evaluated the economic benefits to be derived from different hive types combined with year-round provision of a nectar source (Calliandra calothyrsus) planted at varying density. Findings show that the type and number of beehive combinations used influenced the amount of revenue streams generated by the beekeepers. Addition of 20 log hives increased incomes 10 times, 20 KTBs increased revenues 16 times and Langstroth 18 times. Adding Calliandra trees as a forage source to the baseline scenario yielded revenues up to 17.6 times higher than the baseline. Implying that good management plus the introduction of a reliable nectar source, to off-set dry season challenges (absconding), could improve beekeeping productivity in Northern Uganda. Further research is required to validate in situ the impact of modelled scenarios on both honey yield and other ecosystem service benefits.
Ethno-Nomenclature of the Shea Tree (Vitellaria Paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) and Its Products in the Shea Zones of Uganda
(Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., 2012) Omujal, Francis; Agea, Jacob G.; Mulugo, Lucy W.; Vuzi, Peter C.; Namutebi, Agnes; Okello, John B. A.; Okonye, Godman; Nyanzi, Steven A.; Okullo, John B. L.
A cross sectional survey was conducted in north-eastern Shea zones of Uganda to assess ethnonomenclature of the Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn.) and products. The largely qualitative study that involved a total of six different ethnic groups was analyzed using emerging themes and patterns. Findings collected through individual and group interviews revealed variations and similarities in the ethno names. There was a wide variation in ethno-names of the Shea tree/products across and within the ethnic groups. The variations are explained by differences in languages spoken as well as dialects across the ethnic groups. It could also be a reflection of extensive range of occurrence of the Shea trees. Some ethnic groups e.g. Acholi and Langi; Madi and Lugbara had some similarities in the ethno-names. The similarity seemed to be explained by shared historical background and frequent interactions. Migration, intermarriages and frequent trade interactions had a contribution to the similarities between the ethnic groups. This study, however, did not investigate into the meanings of the ethno names, an area that should be taken up for further research.
Farmers’ Use of Indigenous Fruit Trees to Cope With Climate Variability in the Lake Victoria Basin Districts of Uganda
(Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022) Okullo, John B. L.; Omujal, Francis; Enuru, Thomas; Bigirimana, Celestin; Isubikalu, Prossy; Agea, Jacob G.; Bizuru, Elias; Obua, Joseph
The escalating extreme weather conditions has forced rural farmers in Africa to rely disproportionately on Indigenous Fruit Trees (IFTs) to sustain their household food/nutrition security, employment and income generation. This paper analysed farmers’ use of IFTs to cope with climate variability in selected Lake Victoria Basin Districts of Uganda. Data were collected from farmers using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. From 13 most preferred IFTs, focus was on the most popular and highly ranked five: Garcinia buchananii, Vangueria apiculata, Canarium schweinfurthii, Tamarindus indica and Saba comorensis. Preferences for these IFTs were influenced by their uses for food, medicine, timber, compound shade provision and marketability. Age, sex, education, occupation, family size, land size, non-farming activities, period of stay on the same piece of land, and income level significantly (P≤0.05) influenced choice of the preferred IFTs. Majority of the respondents had IFTs planted on-farms, along the roads to provide various goods/services and in marginal lands unsuitable for farming to diversify agriculture as a strategy to cope with climate variability. Given that the uses of IFTs in the five LVB districts are associated with farmers’ efforts to cope with climate variability, the goal of any climate-adaptive farmer-based project should support sustainable use of IFTs, in the short-term and foster innovations such as on-farm planting of IFTs and other fast-growing tree species to meet household demands
Household Firewood Consumption and its Dynamics in Kalisizo Sub-County, Central Uganda
(2010) Agea, Jacob G.; Kirangwa, Denis; Waiswa, Daniel; Okia, Clement A.
This study examined household firewood consumption and its dynamics in Kalisizo sub-county of Rakai district, central Uganda. Fifty households were conveniently selected and administered with semi-structured questionnaires to determine the preferred tree/shrub species for firewood and the socio-economic dynamic of firewood consumption in the households. Direct measurements were made to quantify the daily amount of firewood consumed by the households. Questionnaire responses were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while the volume of firewood consumed per household was computed using the formula, V = (pd2l)/4. Findings indicated a very strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.919) between a household family sizes and the volume of firewood consumed per day. On average, a household with a family size of about seven persons consumed 1.56 m3 of firewood per year. The most preferred tree and shrub species for firewood were Sesbania sesban (85%), Eucalyptus (83%), Calliandra calothyrsus (73%), Ricinus communis (68%), and Ficus natalensis (63%). Most of the species were reported to have good combustion characteristics. Firewood collectors covered 8 to 12 km and spent 4 to 6 hours daily to gather firewood, and on average many households collected 4 to 6 headloads of firewood per week. Most people preferred smaller diameter (13–56 mm) pieces of firewood, as they are easy to cut and transport as headloads. All the households interviewed said they occasionally buy firewood especially during rainy seasons and most (92%) of them spend up to UGX 200,000 (US $ 100) per year on firewood. Ninety percent of households made two fires (traditional three-stone fire) per day and 80% prepared two meals per day. There is a need for continued sensitization of household members about fire management in traditional three-stone fire cooking stoves to reduce firewood consumption and waste. Studies have shown that efficiency of a three-stone fire cooking stoves can be quite high if the fire is closely tended and managed. Use of energy saving stoves should also be promoted to save the already scarce firewood. There is also a need for continued encouragement of households to establish their own woodlots in order to reduce the burden of firewood collection on women and children. Lastly, there is a need to quantify opportunity costs foregone by household members involved in firewood collection to give a better picture of the overall dynamic of firewood in rural household economies.
Impediments, opportunities and strategies to enhance trade of wild and semi-wild food plants in Bunyoro- Kitara Kingdom, Uganda
(International Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 2011) Agea, Jacob G.; Obaa, Bernard B.; Kimondo, James M.; Okia, Clement A.; Isubikalu, Prossy; Woiso, Dino A.; Obua, Joseph; Teklehaimanot, Zewge
This study examined the impediments, opportunities and strategies to enhance trade of wild and semiwild food plants (WSWFPs) in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Uganda. Semi-structured questionnaire was administered face-to-face to sixty six (66) traders of WSWFPs in the formal markets: five (5) mobile hawkers and eleven (11) home-based/roadside traders. As a result of their small number, all traders that were found selling WSWFPs were interviewed. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics in excel spreadsheet and MINITAB statistical package. A number of challenges including high perishability, market dues, inaccurate consumers’ perceptions, seasonal shortfalls and unreliable supply, unorganized markets, little or no value addition, limited market information, and the inexistence of market promotional activities affected the trade in WSWFPs. However, the growing market demands, increasing focus of most service providers in creating awareness on WSWFPs, ever-changing perception on nutritional values of WSWFPs by the public, current government emphasis on value addition of traded agricultural products, little or no capital requirement for starting up trade in WSWFPs, and absence of restrictive regulations on sale of WSWFPs were regarded as good opportunities that could be exploited to enhance trade in WSWFPs. Key strategies for improved marketing WSWFPs included among other things, training gatherers and traders on value adding activities prior to sale, deliberate investment in promotional and awareness campaigns to expose the hidden benefits of WSWFPs, scrapping market dues levied on traders selling WSWFPs, helping gatherers and sellers to organise themselves to form viable supply and market groups, linking gatherers and sellers to good markets, as well as providing them with available market information. There is thus, a need for concerted efforts to implement some of these feasible marketing strategies to improve on the markets of WSWFPs in the kingdom.
Influence of Political Interests on Management of Resource Access in Awoja Watershed
(International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy, 2018) Aben, Charles; Okiror, John J.; Agea, Jacob G.; Hansen, Esbern F.
This study sought to determine the extent to which local political interests under decentralization influence watershed management. The study was carried out in Soroti, Katakwi and Amuria districts in Eastern Uganda where local governance of watershed resources is being challenged by floods, draughts and mobility of communities. A cross sectional study design using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods was employed. Factor Analysis and a Logistics Regression Model were used to analyze household survey data gathered from 180 randomly selected households; to determine influence of political factor variables on watershed management. Focus Group Discussions and key informants’ interviews were also used to generate qualitative data with the purpose of explaining the relationships among variables and to analyze the extent to which various factors influenced watershed management. From the correlation results the factors that were significantly correlated to watershed management were: Community involvement in implementation was significantly correlated to watershed management (r=0.289, P<0.01), political interests in decisions r=0.187, P<0.05), Reasons for punishment of offenders (r=0.55, P, 0.001. Results from the logit regression showed that dissatisfaction with regulations had an increasing influence on watershed management by 90.8% (OR=1.908, P<0.05). This means that management systems were highly affected by dissatisfaction of communities with rules and regulations. Similarly, community involvement in implementation of rules and regulations significantly influenced watershed management by 3 fold (OR=3.436537, P<0.05). From the focus group discussions and KII interviews the study found that involving communities in policy implementation had led to compromises between communities and watershed governance institutions, which were perceived to have undermined the effective control of access and management of watershed resource use. The study concludes that some political interest factors and divergent activities of local institutions and actors in the watershed constrained the very processes that they should support thereby escalating degradation in Awoja.
Nutritional Potential of Myrianthus holstii Fruit of Rwanda
(Rwanda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2020) Omujal, Francis; Okullo, John B. L.; Bigirimana, Celestin; Isubikalu, Prossy; Agea, Jacob G.; Bizuru, Eias
Myrianthus holstii fruit has been a neglected edible fruit with limited nutritional information. This study evaluated the physical and chemical characteristics of M. holstii fruit of Rwanda. The physical parameters including fruit weight, fruit size, pulp content, seed weight and seed size are reported. The fruit pulp that is acidic pH (3.38±0.04) contained; protein (8.03±0.95 g/100g), dietary fibre (25.64±0.06 g/100g), vitamin C (19.80±2.13 mg/100g), beta carotene (0.99 mg/100g), iron (16.262±0.576 mg/100g), zinc (2.327±0.034 mg/100g) and copper (0.573±0.011 mg/100g). Assessment of these nutrient contribution to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) showed 100g of pulp can meet 42%, 103%, 79%, 233%, 163%, 49% and 143% for children (4-8-year-old); and 18%, 103%, 22%, 133%, 90%, 29%, and 63% for adults (19-50years) respectively. The seeds had an oil yield of 37.67±1.53% with omega 6 fatty acid (78.92) being the most dominant. The total unsaturation in the oil was 90.91% with 78.92% poly unsaturated fatty acids. Based on the nutritional information, M. holstii can be a good source of beta carotene (vitamin A), iron, zinc and omega 6 fats that are essential in nutrition and health. Therefore, the fruit should be promoted for consumption as a snack and also processed into food products like fruit juice, wine, jelly, jam and vegetable oil to enhance the nutrition, health and income of households.
On-Farm Management of Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn. in Amuria District, Eastern Uganda
(International Journal of Forestry Research, 2012) Okiror, Paul; Agea, Jacob G.; Okia, Clement A.; Okullo, John B. L.
The population of shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn.)—a priority tree with enormous economic and cultural values to the parkland communities in Uganda, is rapidly declining due to rapid human population growth, increasing land fragmentation, and high demand for woodfuel especially charcoal. Reversing this trend will depend on the rural community involvement in the planting, facilitating natural regeneration, and tending of shea trees on farm. As such a survey was conducted in Amuria district, eastern Uganda, to assess local strategies and constraints to on-farm management of shea trees, and document socio-demographic factors influencing the on-farm conservation. About 93% of the households protected naturally regenerated V. paradoxa trees mainly on farms. V. paradoxa was mostly propagated through coppices and seedlings. Although insecure land tenure, insecurity, pests, disease, and shortage of planting materials were reported as major hindrances, farmsize, family size, and gender significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced people’s willingness to conserve V. paradoxa. Byelaws and policies on shea conservation need to be properly enforced, and further propagation research is required especially towards shortening the juvenile period of V. paradoxa so that more farmers can start propagating the tree other than relying on its natural regeneration.
Perceived Availability and Management of Garcinia buchananii Fruit Tree Species in the Lake Victoria Basin Districts of Rwanda and Uganda
(Journal of Agricultural Research, 2016) Bigirimana, Celestin; Omujal, Francis; Isubikalu, Prossy; Bizuru, Elias; Obaa, Bernard B.; Malinga, Michael; Agea, Jacob G.; Okullo, John B. L.
This study explored community knowledge on availability and management of Garcinia buchananii in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) districts of Rwanda and Uganda. Specifically, it was conducted in Bugesera and Kirehe districts (Rwanda), and Buikwe and Masaka districts (Uganda). Household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and case studies were conducted to ascertain the availability status, ecological niche(s), propagation techniques as well as management practices of Garcinia buchananii. Garcinia buchananii was reported to be mostly abundant (0.329±0.471) in the garden and wild. The highly reported methods of propagating were by use of seeds (87.8% in Uganda and 85.4% in Rwanda). In Uganda, knowledge on propagation techniques was influenced by occupation (R2 = 0.084; P=0.05) while in Rwanda, none of the socio-demographic characteristics influenced knowledge on propagation of the species. The most common reported practices for managing Garcinia buchananii included weeding, mulching, watering and pruning. Since rural farming communities have always been exploiting indigenous fruit trees for their livelihoods, increased awareness and use of proper extension services plus provision of planting materials could lead to wise use and management of Garcinia buchananii in the LVB districts of Rwanda and Uganda.
Physiochemical and nutritional characterization of Vitex payos (Lour.) Merr. (Verbenaceae): An indigenous fruit tree of Eastern Africa
(Journal of Horticulture and Forestry, 2012) Kimondo, James M.; Agea, Jacob G.; Okia, Clement A.; Abohassan, Refaat A. A.; Nghitoolwa Ndeunyema, Elizabeth T. N.; Woiso, Dino A.; Teklehaimanot, Zewge; Mulatya, Jackson
In the dry areas, indigenous fruits become important staples when cereals harvested are inadequate to support populations. Farmers in these areas have identified many of the handicaps in domestication but there is still need for inputs from the food industry into identification of the desirable traits and characteristics of potentially novel food. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutrient content of one edible wild fruit, Vitex payos that has been identified as a top priority species among the inhabitants of drylands of Kenya for domestication. The proximate, minerals and vitamin content were determined. Results showed that the fruit did contain useful quantities of potassium, manganese, phosphorus and vitamin C. Besides, sodium, magnesium and calcium were also present in minute quantities.
Prioritizing Wild Medicinal and Food Plants with Potential for Commercialization and Value Chain Improvement for Livelihood Enhancement and Poverty Reduction in Uganda
(Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 2012) Akankwasah, Barirega; Agea, Jacob G.; Van Damme, Patrick
Uganda is endowed with a diversity of wild and cultivated plant species that can be commercialized for livelihood enhancement and poverty reduction. These wild plants are increasingly becoming a valuable source of livelihoods for many people through household use and trading as medicine, food or craft materials. However existing literature on commercialization of wild food and medicinal plants in Uganda is largely anecdotal and disjointed. The objectives of this study were to (i) to identify wild food and medicinal plants sold in capital markets in Kampala (ii) To rank wild food and medicinal plants with potential for commercialization (iii) To identify challenges affecting wild medicinal and food plants trade in Uganda. A market survey was conducted in the markets of Kampala Capital City to identify wild and semi wild food and medicinal plants on the market. A total of 48 wild and semi wild food and medicinal plant species were recorded on the market. Using commercialization index, the wild plants were ranked according to their commercialization potential. It is evident from this study that wild plants with commercialization potential do exist on the Ugandan markets. It is recommended that in-depth value chain analysis of potential plants be conducted and business capacity of traders be developed.
Relative efficiency of sawmill types operating in Uganda's softwood plantations
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2005) Kambugu, Robert K.; Banana, Abwoli Y.; Zziwa, Ahamada; Agea, Jacob G.; Kaboggoza, John R. S.
The overall aim of this study was to determine the appropriate saw milling technologies that should be promoted for use in Uganda's softwood plantation. Conversion efficiency, sawing accuracy, and sawing capability of four sawmill categories were evaluated. Data were collected from sawing of 604 good Aquality logs using eleven Rolling ATable Sawmills, Dimensional Swivel Sawmills, Band Sawmills, and Locally Afabricated Snwmills. Sawing accuracy data were collected from 165 boards in three timber sizes (75 mm x 50 mm, 100 mm x 50 mm, 150 mm x SO mm). Sawing capability was assessed from saw blade parameters, merchantable timber size, and size of available logs. AN OVA was used to show differences in recovery and sawing accuracy between and within sawmills. Band sawmills exhibited the most efficient sawmill technology for converting logs into sawn timber while rolling-table sawmills were more efficient than dimensional swivel and locally manufactured sawmills. Band sawmills were more accurate than sawmills in the other categories. Therefore, band sawmills should be promoted in Uganda and mechanical modifications carried out on the swivel and locally-manufactured sawmills operating in softwood plantations to improve their feed A work and setwork mechanisms

Browsing by Author "Agea, Jacob G."

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