NRU :: Browsing by Author "Egeru, Anthony"

Browsing by Author "Egeru, Anthony"

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Abundance and Diversity of Native Forage Species in Pastoral Karamoja Sub-Region, Uganda
(African study monographs, 2015) Egeru, Anthony; Wasonga, Oliver; MacOpiyo, Laban; Mburu, John; Majaliwa Mwanjalolo, G.J
Low input pastoral production systems rely exclusively on natural forage resources in space and time. Information on the abundance and diversity of such pastures is vital in improving livestock production and managing the biodiversity of grazing landscapes. This study documented grass and browse forage species utilised in pastoral Karamoja, and determined their relative abundance by district, season and grazing land cover. Up to 65 grass and 110 browse species were utilised in Karamoja Sub-region. In-situ assessments revealed that Chloris, Hyparrhennia, Sporobolus, Pennisetum, Aristida, Cynodon, Eragrostis, Setaria, and Panicum grasses had higher relative abundance. Triumfetta annua, Indigofera erecta, Acacia drepanolobium, Grewia holstii, Acacia kirkii, Acacia mellifera, Acacia tortolis, Maerua pseudopetalosa, Acacia oerfota, and Ocimmum canum woody species were the most abundant. From the community assessment, Hyparrhennia, Chloris, Panicum, Bracharia, Eragrostis, and Setaria grasses and Acacia mellifera, Cadaba farinose, Acacia oerfota, Acacia drepanolobium, Caparis tormentosa, Maerua pseudopetalosa and Hisbiscus micrantha woody plants were identified as the most abundant among the grazing land cover. The grass and browse forage species varied by season, location, and land cover type. The study also found detailed local knowledge of grass and browse forage species in the community. This study has shown the existence of high diversity among grass and browse forage species with differentiated relative abundance across space and time. This, and the detailed communal cultural knowledge, form a basis for the improvement of livestock production as well as biodiversity conservation in Karamoja sub-region.
Adoption of Sustainable Agriculture Intensification in Maize-Based Farming Systems of Katete District in Zambia
(Land, 2022) Hamazakaza, Petan; Kabwe, Gillian; Kuntashula, Elias; Egeru, Anthony; Asiimwe, Robert
Sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) has been hailed as the solution to increasing crop productivity among farmers. Despite the significant promotion, there still remains a dearth of information on the adoption and intensity of SAI in Zambia. This study sought to identify factors that influence farmers’ adoption of SAI practices and intensity of use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 smallholder farmers of Katete district in Zambia. The Cragg’s double hurdle model was used to assess the key decision factors for SAI adoption and intensity of use. Empirical estimates revealed that limited years of farming and smaller total cropped field size were statistically significant decision factors that led to a reduced likelihood of SAI adoption. The results of the truncated model showed that smaller farm sizes and limited access to farmer extension services reduced the adoption intensity of SAI practices, whereas farmer affiliation with farmer associations and farmer training in crop production increased SAI adoption intensity. We recommend an increase in farmer training on and sensitization to the benefits of SAI practices aligned to their respective landholdings.
Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic: A review of the nature of the virus, impacts and implications for preparedness [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]
(AAS Open Research, 2020) Badu, Kingsley; Thorn, Jessica P.R.; Goonoo, Nowsheen; Dukhi, Natisha; Fagbamigbe, Adeniyi Francis; Kulohoma, Benard W.; Oyebola, Kolapo; Abdelsalam, Sara I.; Doorsamy, Wesley; Awe, Olawale; Sylverken, Augustina Angelina; Egeru, Anthony; Gitaka, Jesse
COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in different countries across the world, claiming thousands of lives, increasing morbidity and disrupting lifestyles. The global scientific community is in urgent need of relevant evidence, to understand the challenges and knowledge gaps, as well as the opportunities to contain the spread of the virus. Considering the unique socio-economic, demographic, political, ecological and climatic contexts in Africa, the responses which may prove to be successful in other regions may not be appropriate on the continent. This paper aims to provide insight for scientists, policy makers and international agencies to contain the virus and to mitigate its impact at all levels. Methods: The Affiliates of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), came together to synthesize the current evidence, identify the challenges and opportunities to enhance the understanding of the disease. We assess the potential impact of this pandemic and the unique challenges of the disease on African nations. We examine the state of Africa’s preparedness and make recommendations for steps needed to win the war against this pandemic and combat potential resurgence. Results: We identified gaps and opportunities among cross-cutting issues which is recommended to be addressed or harnessed in this pandemic. Factors such as the nature of the virus and the opportunities for drug targeting, point of care diagnostics, health surveillance systems, food security, mental health, xenophobia and gender-based violence, shelter for the homeless, water and sanitation, telecommunications challenges, domestic regional coordination and financing. Conclusion: Based on our synthesis of the current evidence, while there are plans for preparedness in several African countries, there are significant limitations. Multi-sectoral efforts from the science, education, medical, technological, communication, business and industry sectors as well as local communities is required in order to win this fight.
Assessing the spatio-temporal climate variability in semi-arid Karamoja subregion in north-eastern Uganda
(International Journal of Environmental Studies, 2014) Egeru, Anthony; Osaliya, Richard; MacOpiyo, Laban; Mburu, John; Wasonga, Oliver; Barasa, Bernard; Said, Mohammed; Aleper, Daniel; Majaliwa Mwanjalolo, Gilbert-Jackson
Semi-arid areas show climatic variability on a spatio-temporal scale. There are few studies on the long-term trends and intensity of this variability from East Africa. We used National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration re-analysis climate data (1979–2009) in this study. Rainfall exhibited a non-significant long-term trend. The climate of the area is variable (coefficient of variation-CV >35.0%) with spatio-temporal oddities in rainfall and temperature. A rise in minimum (0.9 °C), maximum (1.6 °C) and mean (1.3 °C) temperature occurred between 1979 and 2009. There were more months with climate variability indices below the threshold (<1.0) from 1979 to 1994 than between 1995 and 2009, with wetness intensity increasingly common after 2000, leading to the observed reduction in the recurrence of multi-year drought events. More extreme wet events (rainfall variability index >2.6) were experienced between 2004 and 2009 than between 1984 and 2003. We consider that the use of spatio-temporal climatic information for timely adjustment to extreme climate variability events is essential in semi-arid areas.
Carbon Stock and Change Rate under Different Grazing Management Practices in Semiarid Pastoral Ecosystem of Eastern Ethiopia
(Land, 2022) Gebremedhn, Haftay Hailu; Zewdu Kelkay, Tessema; Tesfay, Yayanshet; Tuffa, Samuel; Workeneh Dejene, Sintayehu; Mensah, Sylvanus; Mears Devenish, Adam John; Egeru, Anthony
Grazing management strategies tend to have different effects on rangeland plant production. Changes in grazing management can, therefore, affect the carbon stock potential of rangelands. Despite rangeland ecosystems being important global sinks for carbon, we know relatively little about the effect of traditional grazing management practices on their potential to store carbon. In this study, we evaluated the carbon stock and change rate of rangelands using three traditional grazing management practices in the semiarid pastoral ecosystem of eastern Ethiopia. By comparing data on vegetation and soil carbon stocks, we found that there was a strong significant difference (p < 0.001) between these different management practices. In particular, the establishment of enclosures was associated with an annual increase in carbon stocks of soil (3%) and woody (11.9%) and herbaceous (57.6%) biomass, when compared to communal open lands. Both enclosure and browsing management practices were found to have the highest levels of soil organic carbon stocks, differing only in terms of the amount of woody and herbaceous biomass. Thus, modest changes in traditional grazing management practices can play an important role in carbon storage and sequestration. Further research is required on a wider range of traditional pastoral management practices across space and time, as understanding these processes is key to combating global climate change.
Characterisation of ecosystem-based adaptations to drought in the central cattle corridor of Uganda
(African Journal of Range & Forage Science, 2020) Nanfuka, Susan; Mfitumukiza, David; Egeru, Anthony
Ecosystems provide climate-change adaptation opportunities including ecosystem services, adaptation benefits and livelihood improvement especially for natural resource dependent communities. To contribute to the understanding of location specific adaptation processes of predominantly agro-pastoralists, a study was carried out in the central cattle corridor of Uganda to characterise ecosystem-based drought Adaptations. A cross sectional survey using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were employed among 183 randomly selected households. The ecosystem-based adaptations (EbAs) to perceived drought impacts were characterised basing on ecosystem services, adaptation benefits to drought and livelihood improvement categories unveiling the different proportions of each EbA under each category. Water shortage and intense heat were the major perceived drought impacts. The use of drought resistant shade trees, water reservoirs and dams, and alternative ecosystem-based livelihoods were the majorly utilised EbAs. The alternative ecosystem-based livelihoods were the mostly used EbA dominating all the three categories. The utilisation of drought resistant shade trees dominated the ecosystem services and adaptation benefits categories, whereas the use of water reservoirs and dams were the mostly used EbA for livelihood improvement. These EbAs should be incorporated in climate-change adaptation policies and initiatives, while considering their subsequent dominating categories to enhance farmers’ resilience.
Choice Options to Meet Household Food Security in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda
(Environment and Natural Resources Journal, 2017) Mbolanyi, Betty; Egeru, Anthony; Mfitumukiza, David
This study identified the major options adopted by households in the rangelands of Uganda to meet their food needs, the factors that affect their choices and barriers to making use of various choices. A cross-sectional survey using semi-structured questionnaires was administered among 180 pastoral households in selected rangeland area of Uganda. The options identified include restocking animals, changing planting dates, soil conservation, harnessing new technologies, planting trees and buying food stuffs. Analysis of results from the multinomial logistic model indicated that age, level of education, size of household, years in current location, farm income, non-farm income, livestock ownership, access to extension services and climate and weather information were key determinants of farmers’ choice of options to realize household food security. The major perceived barriers to choice options were lack of information on alternative options, poor technologies, climate variability, inadequate land, high food prices and low income. The analysis of choice of options to meet household food security suggests a number of different policy options such as strengthening production facilitation options available to pastoral communities including among others access to affordable credit, investing in yield-increasing technologies, introduction of livestock species that are better suited to drier conditions, raising awareness on climate related variations, creating opportunities for off-farm employment, encouraging pastoralists to grow more crops, and investing in irrigation.
Climate Change and Agriculture Nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Agonizing Reality for Smallholder Farmers
(International Journal of Current Research and Review, 2016) Kanyama Phiiri, George; Egeru, Anthony; Ekwamu, Adipala
Climate change is one of the potent challenges facing smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa in the recent past owing to the pattern and magnitude with which it presents the extreme events such as floods and drought. This review finds a general consensus that climate change is already happening in the region and the projections in the early, mid and end century all point to a much warmer future with highly variable rainfall across the region. These patterns in climate parameters is expected to trigger a negative trend in agricultural production for most food and cash crops in SSA. However, a few locations particularly the highland locations over eastern Africa will be expected to become more suitable for the production of some cereals such as maize leading to increased production. Overall, at present and in the future unless strategic interventions are judiciously implemented smallholder farmers in SSA produce below the optimal levels with considerable yield gaps in nearly all the cereals, legumes and tubers grown. Efforts to unlock the potential of smallholder farmers under the current and projected climate change situation ought to focus on strategic and systemic implementation of; options that yield multiple benefits such as climate smart agriculture, investing in capacity building at both technical and farmer level, creating multiple opportunities for investment capital including availing smallholders with credit as well as mobilizing private financing. Further, investing at the development of functional early and early warning systems, investing in agricultural value chains through a strategic focus on agribusinesses and gaining and strengthening political commitment through a focus on policy and governance in agricultural frameworks and processes. Finally, a no-one fit for all paradigm ought to be upheld at all time while dealing with smallholder farmers in SSA owing to the dynamic and complex farming systems under which they operate.
Climate Change Effect on Water Use Efficiency under Selected Soil and Water Conservation Practices in the Ruzizi Catchment, Eastern D.R. Congo
(Land, 2022) Bagula, Espoir M.; Majaliwa, Jackson Gilbert M.; Mushagalusa, Gustave N.; Basamba, Twaha A.; Tumuhairwe, John-Baptist; Mondo, Jean-Gomez M.; Musinguzi, Patrick; Mwimangire, Cephas B.; Chuma, Géant B.; Egeru, Anthony; Tenywa, Moses M.
Concerns have been raised on the effectiveness and sustainability of Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) practices as adaptation options to climate change and high intra– and inter–annual rainfall variabilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study was conducted in the Ruzizi Plain, a dryland area, to assess the performance of maize (Zea mays L.) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) and two SWC practices (tied ridges and conventional tillage). The AgMIP’s Regional Integrated Assessment (RIA) approach was used to simulateWater Use Efficiency (WUE) under the Cropping System Model–Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CSM–CERES–Maize) of the Decision Support System for Agro–technology Transfer (DSSAT). The model was calibrated using experimental data from nine cropping seasons (2011–2018) and 100 farms. The model sensitivity was assessed as a function of temperature, water, and SWC practices for the same environments. Initial conditions of crop management practices were used as input data for CSM–CERES–Maize. Current climate data were extracted from AgMERRA datasets corrected with local data for the period of 1980 to 2021. Future climate projections (2022–2099) were obtained after down􀀀scaling the data from the 29 General Circulation Models (GCMS) of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) and subsetted to five GCMs based on climate regimes. GCMS results were a strong indicator that climate change in this DRC dryland will result in an increase in average annual temperatures for both RCP 4.5 and 8.5, with the highest increase (3.05 C) under hot/dry conditions for RCP8.5 and the lowest (1.04 C) under cool/dry conditions for RCP 4.5. All the models selected for five climate regimes for 2022–2099 showed no change in the rainfall trends for RCP 4.5 (p > 0.05). The models projected yield declines of 5–25%, with less yield losses under tied ridges as an adaptation practice. The use of efficient SWC practices could therefore be a promising strategy in reducing potential losses from climate change in drylands of eastern DRC.
Comparison of extreme weather events and streamflow from drought indices and a hydrological model in River Malaba, Eastern Uganda
(International Journal of Environmental Studies, 2013) Barasa, Bernard,; Kakembo, Vincent,; Mugagga, Frank; Egeru, Anthony
The study examined the applicability of the Combined Drought Index (CDI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and IHACRES (identification of unit hydrographs and component flows from rainfall, evaporation and streamflow data) model in characterizing extreme weather events in relation to streamflow variations of the River Malaba. The results showed that the extreme weather events return period had reduced from 4–10 to 1–3 years over the catchment. The CDI was a better predictor of drought events (2005–2006) than the SPI, which was better for flood events (2006, 1997 and 2008) in the catchment. The performance of the IHACRES model with a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.89 comparatively corresponded with the results obtained from the SPI and CDI drought indices especially during recorded events of severe drought (2005) and flood (1997). These results coincided with the La-Nina events that were recorded over the catchment and Uganda at large.
Contribution of Rangelands to Household Food Basket and Income in a Pastoral Area in Uganda
(Journal of Food Security, 2016) Mbolanyi, Betty; Egeru, Anthony; Mfitumukiza, David
Rangelands are important ecosystems as they offer livelihood options and food security to many people in Uganda. There is barely any study that has analyzed the intricate relationship between household food basket, income and rangelands in Uganda. This study determined the contribution of rangelands to household food basket and income in Nakaseke district, Uganda. A cross-sectional survey using semi-structured questionnaires was conducted among 180 randomly selected households. The survey was aimed at determining the relationship between rangeland resources, food basket and income. Results showed that rangeland resources contribute significantly (p<0.05) to household food basket and income during both dry and wet seasons. Water, grass and shrubs were the most important rangeland resources in the area. On average, a household expended US$ 4.29 and US$ 4.04 daily on milk during the wet and dry seasons respectively. This accounted for the largest household expenditure on household food items. The household food basket is constituted by milk, meat from cattle and goats, posho, cassava, beans, vegetables, fruits, honey, sugar and oil. Four months; January-March and July-August were observed to have the lowest resource availability during the year. On average, households earned US$ 20.07 per month translating to US$ 240.84 annually. This average is lower than the US$571.9 national estimated per capita income. The average monthly income of the households during the wet and dry seasons was US$ 22.4 and US$ 17.7 respectively. Seasonal differences in income were however non-significant (p>0.05). The logistic regression results showed that size of land owned significantly influences cattle numbers and income at household level but does not influence the number and type of crops cultivated and available food reserves. Seventy three percent (73%) of the households attributed their livestock herd sizes to the presence of vast expanses of the rangeland. These findings show that rangelands are the most important contributors to household food basket as well as household assets such as livestock that have influence on household food security.
Coping with Firewood Scarcity in Soroti District of Eastern Uganda
(Open Journal of Forestry, 2014) Egeru, Anthony; Kateregga, Eseza; Mwanjalolo Majaliwa, Gilber Jackson
This study investigated how rural households cope with firewood scarcity in dryland areas of Eastern Uganda. A household survey was conducted in December 2008 to January 2009, where 490 respondents were randomly interviewed. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also held with community elders and women. Responses were analyzed both descriptively and qualitatively. Findings indicated that 99% of the households used firewood for cooking with a per capita consumption of 542.32 Kilograms. Commonly used tree species included Combretnum molle (42.7%) and Acacia polyacantha willd (18.2%). Over 78% of the households have a preference for acacia tree species for firewood. In particular, Acacia polyacan-tha willd (60.3%), Acacia hockii (16.9%) and Combretum collinum (9.6%) were the most preferred tree species. The scarcity of firewood supply was eminent from the average distance (2 ± 7 Km) traveled by collectors in search of them. Firewood collectors spent 1 to 10 hours with an average of 3 hours weekly in firewood collection activities. This resulted in per annum estimated opportunity cost of Shillings 432,000 (US 232 dollars) for those who collected on weekly basis and Shillings 1,080,000 shillings (US 580 dol-lars) for those who collected on daily basis. The frequency of collection decreased as distance increased among 89% of the households. Minority of households (1%) have resorted to deliberately planting trees on their own farms to ease problems of firewood shortage, and to modification of biomass stove so as to use less firewood. Households in their endeavour to circumvent the problem of continued scarcity have resorted to poorer quality tree/bushes for firewood (71.2%), alongside other coping strategies such as cooking meals once a day, avoidance of cooking some food types (70%), and using crop residues as fuel source (60%). There is a need for scaling-up on-farm tree planting as well as the use of improved biomass cook stoves in the region.
Crop calendar optimization for climate change adaptation in yam farming in SouthKivu, eastern D.R. Congo
(Public Library of Science, 2024-09) Mondo, Jean M; Chuma, Géant B; Matiti, Henri M; Kihye, Jacques B; Bagula, Espoir M; Karume, Katcho; Kahindo, Charles; Egeru, Anthony; Majaliwa, Jackson-Gilbert M; Agre, Paterne A; Adebola, Patrick A; Asfaw, Asrat
The traditional crop calendar for yam (Dioscorea spp.) in South-Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is becoming increasingly inadequate given the significant climatic variability observed over the last three decades. This study aimed at: (i) assessing trends in weather data across time and space to ascertain climate change, and (ii) optimizing the yam crop calendar for various South-Kivu agro-ecological zones (AEZs) to adapt to the changing climate. The 1990–2022 weather data series were downloaded from the NASA-MERRA platform, bias correction was carried out using local weather stations’ records, and analyses were performed using RClimDex 1.9. Local knowledge and CROPWAT 8.0 were used to define planting dates for yam in different AEZs. Results showed the existence of four AEZs in the South-Kivu province, with contrasting altitudes, temperatures, and rainfall patterns. Climate change is real in all these South-Kivu’s AEZs, resulting either in rainfall deficits in some areas, or extreme rainfall events in others, with significant temperature increases across all AEZs. Suitable yam planting dates varied with AEZs, September 15th and 20th were recommended for the AEZ 2 while October 15th was optimal for AEZ 1, AEZ 3, and AEZ 4. However, none of the planting date scenarios could meet the yam water requirements in AEZ1, AEZ3, and AEZ4, since the effective rainfall (Pmm) was always inferior to the plant water demand (ETc), meaning that soil water conservation practices are needed for optimum plant growth and yield in these AEZs. This study does not recommend planting yam during the short rainy season owing to prolonged droughts coinciding with critical growth phases of yam, unless supplemental irrigation is envisaged. This study provided insights on the nature of climate change across the past three decades and suggested a yam crop calendar that suits the changing climate of eastern DRC. Agricultural Science Database
Determinants of ecosystem-based adaptation to drought in the central cattle corridor of Uganda
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2020) Nanfuka, Susan; Mfitumukiza, David; Egeru, Anthony
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is widely recognised as an important strategy for strengthening climate change resilience. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence on the factors that facilitate or impede EbA for ecosystem services, adaptation benefits and livelihood improvement. In this study, the determinants of EbA to drought were assessed. A mixed quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional survey among 183 farmer households was undertaken in the central cattle corridor of Uganda. The majority of the interviewed respondents were female (60.1%) who mainly carried out agro-pastoral farming (63.4%), a practice 83.2% of them learned through indigenous knowledge transfer. A multinomial logit (MNL) model based analysis was used to establish the determinants of EbA to drought. Ecosystem services, adaptation benefits and livelihood improvement were each made a base category thus yielding three MNL models. The significant (p<0.05) factors from all the three MNL models for EbA to drought were access to extension services, time (hours) spent daily on farm by farmers, land size under crop farming, type of major agricultural activity, average annual income, membership to farmer organisation and use of indigenous knowledge. These factors provide a vital knowledge base for fostering EbA policy formulation and implementation among agro-pastoral farmers to increase their resilience to drought. Climate change adaptation initiatives, institutions and governments should support education and information dissemination about EbA to farmers particularly in rangeland areas.
Differentiated Spatial-Temporal Flood Vulnerability and Risk Assessment in Lowland Plains in Eastern Uganda
(Hydrology, 2022) Erima, Godwin; Kabenge, Isa; Gidudu, Antony; Bamutaze, Yazidhi; Egeru, Anthony
This study was conducted to map flood inundation areas along the Manafwa River, Eastern Uganda using HECRAS integrated with the SWAT model. The study mainly sought to evaluate the predictive capacity of SWAT by comparisons with stream flow observations and to derive, using HECRAS, the flood inundation maps. Changes in Land-use/cover showed by decrease in forest areas and wetlands, and conversions into farmlands and built-up areas from 1995 to 2017 have resulted in increased annual surface runoff, sediment yield, and water yield. Flood frequency analysis for 100-, 50-, 10-, and 5-year return periods estimated peak flows of 794, 738, 638, and 510 m3/s, respectively, and total inundated areas of 129, 111, 101, and 94 km2, respectively. Hazard classification of flood extent indicated that built-up areas and commercial farmlands are highly vulnerable, subsistence farmlands are moderately to highly vulnerable, and bushland, grassland, tropical high forest, woodland, and wetland areas are very low to moderately vulnerable to flooding. Results demonstrated the usefulness of combined modeling systems in predicting the extent of flood inundation, and the developed flood risk maps will enable the policy makers to mainstream flood hazard assessment in the planning and development process for mitigating flood hazards.
Drivers of forage availability: An integration of remote sensing and traditional ecological knowledge in Karamoja sub-region, Uganda
(Pastoralism, 2015) Egeru, Anthony; Wasonga, Oliver; Mburu, John; Yazan, Elhadi; Majaliwa, Mwanjalolo G. J.; MacOpiyo, Laban; Bamutaze, Yazidhi
Low-input pastoral production systems provide up to 90 % of livestock and livestock products consumed in Uganda. However, pastoral communities are increasingly faced with the challenge of meeting their livestock needs in terms of forage, a situation exacerbated by climatic variability. The study identified the patterns of forage availability and quality, compared perceived patterns of forage availability with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and determined drivers of forage availability in Karamoja sub-region. Over a 12-month period, 75.3 % of the respondents perceived forage to be sufficiently available with differentiated availability in the livelihood zones and between livestock species (goats, sheep, cattle, donkeys and camels). A similar pattern was observed with regard to perceived forage quality. A significant relationship between perceived forage availability and long-term mean monthly NDVI dynamics was observed. A lag time of 2.9 months existed between rainfall and vegetation response peak periods. Mean monthly rainfall pattern was found to be correlated with perceived forage availability. The length of residence by a livestock keeper, frequency of grazing, number of kraals, presence of governing rules, and presence of conflicts and knowledge of pasture locations, restricted movement and ease of access to grazing areas significantly (P ≤ 0.05) were the major perceived drivers of forage availability. Therefore, we find that pastoral communities in Karamoja have detailed traditional ecological knowledge of forage status and their perceived determinants. There is a need to conduct nutritional analysis of key forage species available in the different livelihood zones. Finally, there is a need to constantly monitor socio-political conditions that have potential of creating ‘artificial’ forage shortage in the sub-region.
Drivers of value addition and product upgrading to shea nuts by collectors in northern Uganda
(African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 2022) Akatwetaba, Deborah; Mugonola, Basil; Kasharu, Appolo; Okello, Daniel M.; Egeru, Anthony
This study assessed the factors associated with value addition and product upgrading of shea nut in northern Uganda. We adopted a cross-sectional research design using a multi-stage sampling approach and a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect data from 252 respondents. The results show that 84% of shea nut collectors practise some level of value addition with 11.5% adding value to all of the shea nuts collected. Over 50% of the shea nut collectors had at least one value-added product with about 3% having four value-added products, the most common products being roasted kernel and crude butter (37.3%). Regression analysis revealed that level of value addition was significantly influenced by gender, age, land under shea cultivation, income, information access, association membership and spot marketing, while the number of value-added products was significantly influenced by age, household size, extension access, information access, association membership, informal marketing, formal marketing and location of shea collector. The findings imply that increasing shea value addition in terms of both proportions allocated to value addition and the number of value-added products require adopting a group approach to provision of value addition and shea processing information. Therefore, we recommend the need to encourage shea actors to form associations focused on value addition.
Dynamics of Land Use/Cover Trends in Kanungu District, South-western Uganda
(Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 2010) Barasa, Bernard; Egeru, Anthony; Patrick, Okello; Fridah, Mutuzo
Like other countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda is not an exception to the effects of land use/cover changes on the environment. Specifically the study intended to; determine the magnitude and trend of land use/cover changes in Kanungu District for the last 35 years. A series of Landsat TM/ETM orthorectified satellite imagery of 1975, 1987 and 1999 were classified using unsupervised classification procedures in ILWIS 3.3 software to determine the magnitude and trend of land use/cover changes. A total of 65 local residents were randomly selected for questionnaire administration with the help of village leaders to examine the underlying drivers of land use/cover change. The results showed that the magnitude of small scale (Non-uniform) farming largely increased by 5% from 1975 to 1999 while areas covered by Tropical high forest relatively decreased by 16% between 1975 and 1987 but slightly increased by 1% in 1999. The areas covered by wetlands comparatively increased by 4% from 1975 to 1987 and by 1999 they slightly decreased by 3%. The woodland areas decreased by 3% from 1975 to 1987 and to some extent also increased by 2% in 1999. Household size, type of crops grown, customary land tenure system, availability of agricultural extension workers, weak environmental laws and policies are significant predictors of land use/cover change in Kanungu District.@
Effect of drought early warning system on household food security in Karamoja subregion, Uganda
(Agriculture & Food Security, 2017) Akwango, Damalie; Bonton Obaa, Bernard; Turyahabwe, Nelson; Baguma, Yona; Egeru, Anthony
Drought is regarded as a leading cause of food insecurity affecting about 220 million people in sub- Saharan Africa. Drought early warning systems (DEWSs) have the potential to strengthen capacity of communities in managing and reducing drought effects through building preparedness and providing coping strategies. The Karamoja subregion is the only region with a functional DEWS in Uganda. The subregion suffers from effects of recurrent episodes of drought with negative impacts on food security. Despite having DEWS in place, the subregion remains the most food insecure in the country. The extent to which DEWS has contributed to household food security in the subregion remains unclear. This study determined the effect of DEWS on agro-pastoral household food security in the subregion. The study was conducted in Nakapiripirit and Kotido districts of the Karamoja. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 305 participating and non-participating households in DEWS. The effect of participating in DEWS on food security was analyzed using the generalized linear model. The level of food security and nutrition were measured using the household food insecurity access score and household dietary diversity score (HDDS), respectively. Results: Findings showed that all respondents had experienced food insecurity during the course of the year. Drought was indicated as the main cause of food insecurity in the households. Participation in DEWS significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the threat of food insecurity by 23.7% and increased the level of household nutrition by 30%. Better nutrition was realized in DEWS participating households (HDDS = 9.0) compared to non-participating households (HDDS = 6.6). Conclusion: Owing to intermittent drought events in the Karamoja subregion, DEWS contributes to household food security and nutrition by providing households with information on timely planting, crop diversification, farm equipment, drought management and drought-tolerant crop varieties. There is need for DEWS practitioners to focus on information dissemination, provision of drought-tolerant crops and provision of training opportunities to communities for increased production in semi-arid areas.
Impact of Landscape Management Scenarios on Ecosystem Service Values in Central Ethiopia
(Land, 2022) Assefa Biratu, Abera; Bedadi, Bobe; Gebreyohannis Gebrehiwot, Solomon; Melesse, Assefa M.; Hordofa Nebi, Tilahun; Abera, Wuletawu; Tamene, Lulseged; Egeru, Anthony
This study aimed at modeling scenarios of future land use and land cover (LULC) change and estimating ecosystem service (ES) values for the year 2051 compared to 2021 in Central Ethiopia. The future LULC changes for the year 2051 were simulated for four scenarios, namely Businessas- Usual (BAU), Rapid Agricultural Expansion (RAE), Ecosystems Protection and Agricultural Development (EPAD) and Landscape Ecosystems Restoration and Conservation (LERC). The four LULC change scenarios were simulated based on anticipated assumptions that were derived from existing spatial policies, a consultation workshop report on scenarios of agricultural development in Ethiopia, suitability analysis, population growth analysis and expert knowledge of the study area characteristics. We used a Multi-Layer Perceptron–Artificial Neuron Network (MLP–ANN) modelbased projected LULC for the BAU scenario and the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model to generate RAE, EPAD and LERC scenarios in the study landscape. The benefit transfer method was used to estimate the total ES values and for trade-off analysis. The result showed that LULC changes in the study area varied across simulated scenarios compared to the base year 2021. Under the BAU and RAE scenarios, cultivated land increased by 146,548 ha (22%) and 193,965 ha (29%), whereas forest, water body, wetland and shrub-bush land were reduced. However, forest cover increased by 31,725 ha and 100,080 ha but bare land was reduced by 8466 ha (21%) and 10,379 ha (25%) under the EPAD and LERC scenarios. The forest cover annual rate of change was 3.2% and 6% under the EPAD and LERC scenarios. As a result, the total ES value increased by USD 24.5 and 78.5 million under the EPAD and LERC scenarios for the year 2051, whereas the total ES value was reduced under the BAU and RAE scenarios by USD 27.1 and 73.2 million. The trade-offs among ecosystem services were significantly synergized under the LERC scenario compared to RAE. Therefore, EPAD and LERC could be used as a reference for sustainable landscape planning and management. Landscape ecosystems restoration integrated with a sustainable agricultural intensification approach would enable us to ensure the sustainability of both agricultural production and ecosystem service synergies without negatively affecting the natural environment.

Browsing by Author "Egeru, Anthony"

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