NRU :: Browsing by Author "Eilu, Gerald"

Browsing by Author "Eilu, Gerald"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 23

Amending Soils with Hydrogels Increases the Biomass of Nine Tree Species under Non-water Stress Conditions
(Clean–Soil, Air, Water, 2009) Orikiriza, Lawrence J. B.; Agaba, Hillary; Tweheyo, Mnason; Eilu, Gerald; Kabasa, John David; Huttermann, Aloys
The classical aim of the application of super absorbent polyacrylate (SAPs) hydrogels is the prolonging of plant survival under water stress. Their effect on plant growth during non-water stress conditions is not known. This study examined the root and shoot biomass of seedlings of nine tree species; Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus citriodora, Pinus caribaea, Araucaria cunninghamii, Melia volkensii, Grevillea robusta, Azadirachta indica, Maesopsis eminii and Terminalia superba. The seedlings were potted in five soil types; sand, sandy loam, loam, silt loam and clay. These were amended at two hydrogel levels: 0.2 and 0.4% w/w and grown under controlled conditions in a green house. Root and shoot growth responses of the seedlings were determined by measuring the dry weight of the roots, stems, leaves and twigs. The addition of either 0.2 or 0.4% hydrogel to the five soil types resulted in a significant increase of the root dry weight (p a 0.001) in eight tree species compared to the controls after 8 wk of routine watering. Also, the dry weight of stems and leaves and twigs were significantly (p a 0.001) higher in the nine tree species potted in hydrogel amended soil types than in the hydrogel free controls. These results suggested that hydrogel amendment enhances the efficiency of water uptake and utilization of photosynthates of plants grown in soils which have water contents close to field capacity.
Biodiversity Monitoring in Uganda: assessment of Monitoring Programs Report
(NatureUganda, 2008) Eilu, Gerald; Ssegawa, Paul; Olanya, Concy
Countries that are party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including Uganda, are obliged to monitor biodiversity (Article 7.b) but many have yet to establish national monitoring programmes. Many animal and plant species have declined in numbers, geographical spread, or both but quantitative monitoring data are not readily available. Human activity has increased the extinction rate of species worldwide by at least 100 times compared to the natural rate. The main factors directly driving biodiversity loss include, but are not limited to, habitat loss, fragmentation of forests, invasive alien species, overexploitation, pollution and climate change. Biodiversity monitoring data coupled with other environmental data form an important basis for future nature conservation policy and for other policy areas that have a significant impact on biodiversity for example; forestry, agriculture, and wildlife. Biodiversity monitoring can be used to identify negative and positive impacts on biodiversity at an early stage and trigger appropriate action. Distinguishing natural fluctuations from abnormal changes and identifying cause-andeffect relationships between external factors and changes in biodiversity is an important outcome of monitoring. The unique global status of Uganda in terms of biodiversity necessitates that it is properly managed to prevent unprecedented losses. Uganda has a unique occurrence and distribution of biodiversity, attributed to the country’s location within the equatorial belt and the associated physical and climatic features as well as overlap of phytochoria. In Uganda, however, approximately 200 species of plants and animals are red-listed meaning that they are species of global importance for conservation and deserve special attention. However, Uganda lacks a biodiversity monitoring framework through which activities related to biodiversity can be harmonized, and information/data shared to prevent duplication and wastage of scarce resources. Uganda is also obliged to align its biodiversity management goals alongside the 2010 Biodiversity Target and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) particularly Goal 7. The CBD recognizes that national participation towards meeting the 2010 Target must be informed and driven by national priorities, but these are unclear for Uganda.
The biodiversity of the Albertine Rift
(Biological conservation, 2007) Plumptre, Andrew J.; Davenport, Tim R.B.; Behangana, Mathias; Kityo, Robert; Eilu, Gerald; Ssegawa, Paul; Ewango, Corneille; Meirte, Danny; Kahindo, Charles; Herremans, Marc; Peterhans, Julian Kerbis; Pilgrim, John D.; Wilson, Malcolm; Languy, Marc; Moyer, David
The Albertine Rift is one of the most important regions for conservation in Africa. It contains more vertebrate species than any other region on the continent and contains more endemic species of vertebrate than any other region on mainland Africa. This paper compiles all currently known species distribution information for plants, endemic butterfly species and four vertebrate taxa from the Albertine Rift. The literature on fish species richness and endemism is also reviewed to assess the importance of the larger lakes in the Rift for conservation. We use data from 38 protected and unprotected areas to prioritise sites within the Albertine Rift for conservation based upon their numbers of endemic and globally threatened species. Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks and Itombwe Massif in Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable and Kibale National Parks in Uganda, and Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda rank highest in terms of numbers of both endemic and globally threatened species. Six conservation landscapes are described that include most of these sites and it is argued that a focus on these landscapes may be a more holistic method to ensure the safety of the priority areas of the Albertine Rift.
The biodiversity of the Albertine Rift
(Biological conservation, 2007) Plumptre, Andrew J.; Davenport, Tim R.B.; Behangana, Mathias; Kityo, Robert; Eilu, Gerald; Ssegawa, Paul; Ewango, Corneille; Meirte, Danny; Kahindo, Charles; Herremans, Marc; Kerbis Peterhans, Julian; Pilgrim, John D.; Wilson, Malcolm; Languy, Marc; Moyer, David
The Albertine Rift is one of the most important regions for conservation in Africa. It contains more vertebrate species than any other region on the continent and contains more endemic species of vertebrate than any other region on mainland Africa. This paper compiles all currently known species distribution information for plants, endemic butterfly species and four vertebrate taxa from the Albertine Rift. The literature on fish species richness and endemism is also reviewed to assess the importance of the larger lakes in the Rift for conservation. We use data from 38 protected and unprotected areas to prioritise sites within the Albertine Rift for conservation based upon their numbers of endemic and globally threatened species. Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks and Itombwe Massif in Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable and Kibale National Parks in Uganda, and Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda rank highest in terms of numbers of both endemic and globally threatened species. Six conservation landscapes are described that include most of these sites and it is argued that a focus on these landscapes may be a more holistic method to ensure the safety of the priority areas of the Albertine Rift.
Cultural knowledge of forests and allied tree system management around Mabira Forest Reserve, Uganda
(African Journal of Rural Development (AFJRD), 2017) Mulugo, Lucy W.; Galabuzi, Charles; Nabanoga, Gorettie N.; Turyahabwe, Nelson; Eilu, Gerald; Obua, Joseph; Kakudidi, Esezah; Sibelet, Nicole
The cultural universe is sometimes confusing, surprising and murky, so many cultural maps get drawn, discussed and envisioned. A study was undertaken around Mabira Forest Reserve in central Uganda to identify the trees and shrubs culturally managed on-farm, assess the cultural practices of forest and tree system management and determine the relationship between farmer gender and forest and tree system management. We engaged 203 farmers in focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to collect data. Qualitative data were jointly evaluated with farmers; quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS 20.0. The results showed a high likelihood for involvement of local people in tree or forest management for economic gain, as timber and fast-growing species were highly ranked. Food and medicinal species were also regarded as important, suggesting high prospects of integrating them into the local farming system or protecting them in the forest. Numerous cultural practices (including rituals, trenching, bark slashing, ring barking, spot weeding and use of organic manure and pesticides) of forest and tree system management were acknowledged. However, their knowledge was mixed and unclear about distinct cultural and supportive arrangements for natural forest and tree restoration. While gender was not a significant cultural attribute for knowledge of the forest and allied tree system management, age substantially affected farmer propensity for various timber products. Also farmer’s family size influenced the collection of tree wildings and fodder. We encourage considering gender disparities and livelihood needs including income, during selection of cultural practices for forest and tree restoration.
Double jeopardy: bark harvest for malaria treatment and poor regeneration threaten tree population in a tropical forest of Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2015) Galabuzi, Charles; Nabanoga, Gorettie N.; Ssegawa, Paul; Obua, Joseph; Eilu, Gerald
Several forest plants known to supply medicine are under pressure worldwide. We carried out a study of four tree species (Warburgia ugandensis Sprague, Fleroya rubrostipulata (K.Schum.) Y.F.Deng, Syzygium guineense DC. and Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl.) that are highly demanded for malaria treatment. The study was undertaken between 2006 and 2009 in the Sango Bay Forest Reserve, southern Uganda. The aim was to determine the conservation status of trees targeted for malaria treatment. We assessed the level of damage inflicted on trees during harvesting of medicinal parts and determined the population density of target species in the forest. We used 95 plots established along nineteen transects. Survival of the most preferred species, F. rubrostipulata, is of particular concern as its population suffered from a combination of extensive damage due to poor methods of harvesting and poor regeneration. The density of trees with diameter ≥5 cm differed between species and sites, demonstrating different recruitment and survival strategies. Management of Protected Areas should augment strategies to monitor the legal and illegal harvest of medicinal plants, by adopting low impact harvesting methods, and designating the temporal and spatial patterns of harvesting. This might reduce tree damage and mortality.
Fat Content and Fatty Acid Profiles of Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa subspecies nilotica) Ethno-Varieties in Uganda
(Forests, Trees and Livelihoods, 2012) Gwali, Samson; Nakabonge, Grace; Okullo, John Bosco Lamoris; Eilu, Gerald; Forestier-Chiron, Nelly; Piombo, Georges; Davrieux, Fabrice
Fat content and fatty acid composition are important nutritional properties of shea fruits. Farmers in Uganda report the presence of local shea tree ethno-varieties, but it is necessary to investigate their relative fat content and fatty acid composition to evaluate the economic importance of these ethno-varieties. Near infrared spectrophotometry (NIRS) was used to determine the fat content as well as the fatty acid composition of 44 ethno-varieties. Wet chemistry (soxtec petroleum – ether fat extraction and gas chromatography) methods were used to validate the results from NIRS. Fat content ranged from 43.9% to 58.4% while fatty acid composition was dominated by oleic (47–62%) and stearic acid (25–38%). Other fatty acids present were palmitic, vaccenic, linoleic, linolenic and arachidic acids. There was no significant difference in stearic, palmitic and oleic acid composition between ethno-varieties. However, significant variation of fat content, vaccenic and linoleic acids was observed between some ethno-varieties, perhaps due to locality, climatic and tree-to-tree differences. These findings can be utilized for the selection of ethno-varieties that are suitable for commercial production of shea oil in Uganda.
Folk Classification of Shea Butter Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica) Ethno-varieties in Uganda
(Ethnobotany research and applications, 2011) Gwali, Samson; Okullo, John Bosco Lamoris; Eilu, Gerald; Nakabonge, Grace; Nyeko, Philip; Vuzi, Peter
Folk knowledge has been the basis for selection and improvement of many food crops such as potatoes, sorghum, yams, cassava and rice. In Uganda, there is strong potential to utilize folk knowledge to select and domesticate the shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.subsp. nilotica (Kotschy) A.N. Henry & Chithra & N.C. Nair), an important economic tree species. Farmers report high variation in fruit yield, tree form and pulp taste. In this study, we documented shea tree folk classification by interviewing 300 respondents, 15 focus groups and 41 key informants across three farming systems of Uganda. Data were analyzed using Kruskall-Wallis and Spearman’s tests, Chi-square, Multivariate, Factor and Discriminant Function Analyses. Folk classification and nomenclature of shea tree ethno-varieties is based on fruit/nut organoleptic (color and taste) and morphological attributes. Interestingly, despite the socio-cultural importance of shea oil, it does not feature as a factor in the folk classification and nomenclature of shea tree ethno-varieties. There was no significant difference in classification knowledge across the three farming systems (Kruskal – Wallis χ2 = 28, df = 28, p > 0.05; Spearman’s R > 0.8, p < 0.0001) although there was significant influence from ethnicity of the respondents (Pillai’s trace = 0.817, p < 0.001). While this study provides a record of shea tree ethno-varieties and associated classification criteria, there is need to validate these ‘ethno-varieties’ using detailed morphological, biochemical and molecular analyses.
Gap characteristics and regeneration in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2004) Babaasa, Dennis; Eilu, Gerald; Kasangaki, Aventino; Bitariho, Robert; McNeilage, Alastair
Before Bwindi Impenetrable forest, Uganda, became a national park in 1991, there was a high level of human activity in much of the forest, especially cutting of large trees for timber by pitsawyers. This created extensive gaps in this tropical Afromontane rain forest. We quantified and compared tree regeneration in three sites that were logged at different intensities. Gap sizes in Bwindi, even under fairly natural conditions are very large (mean ¼ 4460.1 m2). Logging further enlarged the gap sizes and had a negative impact on tree regeneration. The study shows the strong role of logging disturbance in promoting an alternative successional pathway, where the large gaps created by logging are in a low-canopy state dominated by a dense tangle of herbs, shrubs, and herbaceous or semiwoody climbers. We recommend periodic monitoring of gap size and tree regeneration in the gaps to ascertain the trend of recovery from past logging disturbance.
Genetic Diversity in Shea Tree (Vitellaria Paradoxa Subspecies Nilotica) Ethno-Varieties in Uganda Assessed with Microsatellite Markers
(Forests, Trees and Livelihoods, 2015) Gwali, Samson; Vaillant, Alexandre; Nakabonge, Grace; Okullo, John Bosco Lamoris; Eilu, Gerald; Muchugi, Alice; Bouvet, Jean-Marc
Shea trees (Vitellariaparadoxa C. F. Gaertn.) are classified locally into several folk or ethno-varieties by farmers in Uganda. It is, however, not clear whether this folk classification is supported by genetic differentiation between ethno-varieties. Genetically linked traits from folk classification are useful in conservation and breeding programmes. A total of 118 individual shea trees constituting 28 ethno-varieties sampled from three farming systems of Uganda were analysed using microsatellite markers. The number of alleles amplified per microsatellite locus ranged from 6 to 13 with an average of 9.5, with a total of 106 alleles identified. Observed (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) per locus ranged from 0.366 to 0.934 and 0.580 to 0.840, respectively. Mean Ho and He values for all loci across all ethno-varieties were 0.633 and 0.727, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that most of the variation (86.28%) occurred within individual trees; 11.25% was found among individual trees within ethno-varieties while 2.47% was found among ethno-varieties. The in-breeding index (f = 0.130), fixation index (θP = 0.025), gene flow value (Nm = 6.56) and cluster analysis show that all shea tree ethno-varieties were a single out-crossing population with very low genetic differentiation and high gene flow. The low differentiation in shea tree ethno-varieties was most likely due to the utilization of non-genetic traits in folk classification. However, while ethno-variety genetic structure was very weak, overall spatial population structure indicated the presence of three populations (West Nile, Northern and Teso). The West Nile population was more distantly related to the other two most likely due to isolation barriers such as the Rift Valley, Lake Albert and River Nile.
Integrating local knowledge with tree diversity analyses to optimize on-farm tree species composition for ecosystem service delivery in coffee agroforestry systems of Uganda
(Agroforestry Systems, 2019) Bukomeko, Hannington; Jassogne, Laurence; Tumwebaze, Susan Balaba; Eilu, Gerald; Vaast, Philippe
Coffee agroforestry systems deliver ecosystem services (ES) critical for rural livelihoods like food but also disservices that constrain livelihoods like fostering coffee-pests. Since such ES are tree-based, maximizing ES and limiting constraints requires knowledge on optimizing on-farm tree composition especially trees adapted to local conditions. The study was in three sites along a rainfall gradient in Central Uganda where we: assessed tree diversity in coffee agroforestry; ranked tree suitability for providing ES according to farmers’ knowledge; and then proposed an approach for optimizing on-farm tree composition for delivery of ES. We collected data on tree diversity and, farmers’ knowledge of tree species and the ES they provide. Farmers ranked ES in order of importance to their livelihoods (‘Needs rank’) and ranked trees according to suitability for providing ES. Using Bradley Terry modeling, we grouped trees into ‘ES groups’ according to suitability for providing different ES and ranked ‘ES groups’ according to tree diversity (‘Diversity rank’). Tree-suitability for providing ES and importance of ES to farmers varied with rainfall regime but tree diversity did not match farmers’ needs for ES. We propose the FaD–FaN (matching farm tree diversity to farmers’ needs) approach for optimizing tree species composition with respect to tree-suitability for farmers’ priority ES. Farmers locally prioritize ES needed and identify trees that best serve such ES. The approach then focuses on modifying on-farm tree diversity to match/suit farmers’ priority ES. The FaD–FaN approach caters for varying socio-ecological conditions; it’s adaptable for other coffee and cocoa-growing areas worldwide.
Mineral Composition Of Tamarindus Indica LINN (Tamarind) Pulp And Seeds From Different Agro-Ecological Zones Of Uganda
(Food science & nutrition, 2017) Okello, Jaspher; Okullo, John B. L.; Eilu, Gerald; Nyeko, Philip; Obua, Joseph
Mineral composition of dry Tamarindus indica LINN pulp and seeds was evaluated on samples collected from three different agro-ecological zones of Uganda (Lake Victoria Crescent, and Eastern and West Nile). The objective of the study was to evaluate the mineral composition of T. indica pulp and seed samples from across Uganda’s different agro-ecological zones and land use types. Separately grounded samples of T. indica pulp and seeds were analyzed for Zn, Fe, Mg, P, Na, K, and Ca. The univariate analysis of variance in the General Linear Model was used to compare differences in mineral composition. Treatment means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) in Post Hoc Tests. The results showed that there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.005) in mineral composition levels of T. indica pulp and seed samples between the different agro-ecological zones with the exception of P and Na (for pulp). The T. indica pulp and seeds samples from the Lake Victoria Crescent zone and wild land use type had generally higher mineral levels than T. indica samples from other agro-ecological zones and different land use types. As mineral composition levels were generally higher in the seed than the pulp samples, consumption of T. indica seeds should be promoted. There is also need to conserve individual species both on-farm and in the wild population, but T. indica mineral concentrations (both pulp and seeds) were higher in the samples from the wild population, making them good for human and animal diets.
Morphological Variation among Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica) ‘Ethnovarieties’ in Uganda
(Genetic resources and crop evolution, 2012) Gwali, Samson; Nakabonge, Grace; Okullo, John Bosco Lamoris; Eilu, Gerald; Nyeko, Philip; Vuzi, Peter
Vitellaria paradoxa C. Gaertn. (shea butter tree) is an indigenous African tree species that is widely distributed in the dry areas of northern and eastern Uganda. The species is widely known for its oil which is used in cooking, cosmetics and traditional medicine. Local folk classification recognises the presence of different ethno-varieties on the basis of fruit and nut characters. In the present study, 176 trees representing 44 ethno-varieties from three farming systems of Uganda were assessed to determine the patterns of morphological variation and establish the congruence between morphological variation and folk classification. The results show high variation in pulp weight (CV = 35.9 %), stem diameter (CV = 28.48 %), fruit weight (CV = 27.81 %) and canopy diameter (CV = 26.69 %). There was a strong positive correlation between pulp and fruit weight (r = 0.963, p < 0.001), leaf length and leaf width (r = 0.652, p < 0.001) and between petiole length and leaf length (r = 0.788, p < 0.001). There was no underlying quantitative morphological structuring among the 44 ethno-varieties. Hierarchical cluster analysis using quantitative morphometric data produced three groups without clear aggregation based on ethnographic or geographic separation. However, a combination with qualitative traits as perceived by farmers provided good congruence with folk classification. Quantitative morphological data alone does not resolve any discrete forms of V. paradoxa that are related to folk classification. There is need to utilise biochemical and molecular markers to unravel the underlying variation for use in selection and improvement of shea butter tree ethno-varieties.
Morphological variation among shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica) ‘ethnovarieties’ in Uganda
(Genetic resources and crop evolution, 2012) Gwali, Samson; Nakabonge, Grace; Lamoris Okullo, John Bosco; Eilu, Gerald; Nyeko, Philip; Peter, Vuzi
Vitellaria paradoxa C. Gaertn. (shea butter tree) is an indigenous African tree species that is widely distributed in the dry areas of northern and eastern Uganda. The species is widely known for its oil which is used in cooking, cosmetics and traditional medicine. Local folk classification recognises the presence of different ethno-varieties on the basis of fruit and nut characters. In the present study, 176 trees representing 44 ethno-varieties from three farming systems of Uganda were assessed to determine the patterns of morphological variation and establish the congruence between morphological variation and folk classification. The results show high variation in pulp weight (CV = 35.9 %), stemdiameter (CV = 28.48 %), fruit weight (CV = 27.81 %) and canopy diameter (CV = 26.69 %). There was a strong positive correlation between pulp and fruit weight (r = 0.963, p\0.001), leaf length and leaf width (r = 0.652, p\0.001) and between petiole length and leaf length (r = 0.788, p\0.001). There was no underlying quantitative morphological structuring among the 44 ethno-varieties. Hierarchical cluster analysis using quantitative morphometric data produced three groups without clear aggregation based on ethnographic or geographic separation. However, a combination with qualitative traits as perceived by farmers provided good congruence with folk classification. Quantitative morphological data alone does not resolve any discrete forms of V. paradoxa that are related to folk classification. There is need to utilise biochemical and molecular markers to unravel the underlying variation for use in selection and improvement of shea butter tree ethno-varieties.
Morphological Variations in Tamarindus indica LINN. Fruits and Seed Traits in the Different Agroecological Zones of Uganda
(International Journal of Ecology, 2018) Okello, Jaspher; Okullo, John B. L.; Eilu, Gerald; Nyeko, Philip; Obua, Joseph
An investigation was carried out on variations in the morphological traits of Tamarindus indica LINN. fruits (length, breadth,mass, and pulp mass) and seeds (number and mass) from the different agroecological zones and land use types of Uganda. Fruits were collected from the two land use types in the three agroecological zones and measured for various morphological traits. The study sites were located between 593 and 1,096 meters above sea level. ANOVA was used to test the differences in morphological traits of fruits and seeds between agroecological zones and land use types.The morphological traits relationship was determined using Pearson Correlation Coefficient (R).There were significant (P≤0.05) variations among the T. indica fruits and seed morphological traits within the agroecological zones and land use types. Lake Victoria Crescent agroecological zone recorded higher fruits morphological traits values. Wild and on-farm land use types were superior in fruits and seed traits, respectively. Many seeds per fruit (17) were recorded in Uganda (Eastern agroecological zone) than those recorded elsewhere. Significant uphill positive linear correlations between all morphological traits (P≤0.05) were observed, with the strongest relationships being between seed mass and seed number (R=0.79), fruitmass and fruit length (R=0.75), pulp mass and fruit mass (R=0.73), and seed mass and fruit mass (R=0.73). However, fruit breadth presented slightly weaker positive linear correlations with all other morphological traits. This is the first quantitative evaluation of T. indica morphological traits variation in Uganda. Dispersion/variation and correlation relationships suggest that all the studied morphological traits can be used for selection of plus trees for tree breeding improvement such as yield per tree. The observed variations are probably attributed to influence of agroecological zones’ factors, environmental factors, climate, land use types, and farming systems, a reflection of T. indica adaptation to different conditions showing high genetic and phenotypic differences to be exploited.
Physicochemical composition of Tamarindus indica L. (Tamarind) Fruits in the agro-ecological zones of Uganda
(Food Science & Nutrition, 2018) Okello, Jaspher; Okullo, John B. L.; Eilu, Gerald; Nyeko, Philip; Obua, Joseph
The relationships between the physicochemical composition of Tamarindus indica pulp and seeds, and agro-ecological zones and land use types were assessed in Uganda. The objective was to determine the relationship between the physicochemical composition, agro-ecological zones, and land use types. The samples were processed by manually depulping the T. indica pods, sun-drying the pulp and seeds, and grinding into powder. The powdered samples were analyzed for β-carotenoids, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), calorific value, crude oil, acid, and peroxide values. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in the general linear model (GLM). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to relate the physicochemical properties to the agro-ecological zones and land use types. There were significant differences (p ≤ .05) in the physicochemical composition variables between agro-ecological zones and land use types. Land use types showed strong correlations with physicochemical properties while agro-ecological zones did not show correlations. The results show that in terms of general properties, T. indica pods provide a valuable, rich, and exceptional source of vitamin C, compared to many widely consumed indigenous and conventional fruits and vegetables. The pods from land use types characterized by natural habitats had relatively more nutrient levels than the land use types influenced by anthropogenic activities.
Proximate composition of wild and on-farm Tamarindus indica LINN fruits in the agro-ecological zones of Uganda
(J. Nutr. Health Food Eng, 2018) Okello, Jaspher; Okullo, John Bosco Lamoris; Eilu, Gerald; Nyeko, Philip; Obua, Joseph
Proximate composition of wild and on-farm Tamarindus indica Linn fruits (pulp and seeds) were evaluated from three agro ecological zones and land use types in Uganda. The study objectives were: to compare the proximate composition of T. indica pulp and seeds among agro-ecological zones and land use types, and to determine the relationships between the pulp and seeds proximate composition variables among the agro-ecological zones and land use types in Uganda. Samples were analysed using standard procedures for moisture content, total ash, crude protein, crude fibre, crude oil and total carbohydrates. The results show that there were significant differences (P˂0.05) in the pulp and seeds proximate variables between agro-ecological zones except the seed ash content that showed significant difference between land use types. Only total ash contents showed significant interactions between agro-ecological zones and land use types while samples from the Lake Victoria Crescent agro-ecological zone were rich in proximate contents than other zones. The proximate composition revealed the presence of pulp and seed samples for: moisture content (27.40-31.60; 9.00-13.90%), total ash (4.60-5.00; 2.20-2.40%), crude protein (15.70-16.10; 4.30-4.50%), crude fibre (7.10-8.40; 8.00-9.00%), crude oil (0.27-0.29; 2.64- 2.98%) and total carbohydrates (50.20-56.20; 56.20-61.00%) respectively. There were no significant relationships among the proximate variables with agro-ecological zones and land use types. Both pulp and seeds showed good proximate contents, but the traditionally inedible seeds (thrown away after depulping) have more prospects and are recommended for consumption due to the high proximate contents than pulp, but first need to be processed before incorporation into human and animal diets.
Responses to Malaria Incidence in the Sango Bay Forest Reserve, Uganda
(Human Ecology, 2016) Galabuzi, Charles; Nsubuga Nabanoga, Goretie; Ssegawa, Paul; Obua, Joseph; Eilu, Gerald
Globally up to two billion people live without or with limited access to effective malaria treatment. We studied a malaria-vulnerable forest community in Uganda to assess the harvesting protocols of plants used to treat malaria in order to determine their utilization thresholds. Up to 232 people were involved in interviews, focus group discussions, and forest transects walks during data collection. Data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using SPSS 10.0 and MINITAB 12.0. Out of the 52 anti-malarial plants recorded, a total of 29 species were new to treating malaria in this region. Herbalists living furthest from the forest were of particular concern because they collected higher quantities than those closer. Men and women collected different plant species (Z = 5.36, P < 0.001) and the distances travelled by collectors (Z = 4.542, P < 0.001) affected the amounts gathered per visit. In the event of scarcity of plants for treatment, forest communities explore new alternatives. Retraining herbalists in less destructive harvesting procedures could reduce pressure on target species without restricting utilization
The role of fallowing in the restoration of woody species in the Woodlands of Northern Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2021) Byakagaba, Patrick; Okullo, John Bosco L.; Eilu, Gerald; Mwavu, Edward N.
The study sought to determine the extent to which fallowing can lead to recovery towards an historic woody vegetation of Sudanian woodlands in northern Uganda. Fallow sites of three distinct ages were assessed. Plots were established in crop fields that had been under cultivation for over 10 years, sites that had been under fallow for 3–6 years (young fallow) and fallow sites of at least 9 years (old fallow) in three districts. In each plot, all woody plants were enumerated and species composition, diversity and richness assessed. Young fallow plots were dominated by pioneer species such as Piliostigma thonningii and Annona senegalensis, while old fallow by a mix of late and early successional species such as Vachellia hockii (formerly Acacia hockii) and Combretum collinum. Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea butter tree) was the most abundant in all fallow categories. Species composition in crop field was different from young and old fallow. Species richness increased significantly from abandoned Crop field to Young fallow and then to Old fallow. Simpson's Diversity Index showed similar trends. V. paradoxa contributed most to overall similarity among the fallow categories. Fallowing can facilitate restoration of characteristic species of Sudanian woodlands.
Structuring of genetic diversity in Albizia gummifera C.A.Sm. among some East African and Madagascan populations
(African Journal of Ecology, 2010) Nantongo, Judith S.; Okullo, John B. L.; Eilu, Gerald; Ramonta, Isabelle R.; Odee, David; Cavers, Stephen
The fast-growing, leguminous tree Albizia gummifera C.A.Sm. (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae) is a potentially useful species for ecological restoration of degraded forests. The species has multifunctional benefits such as timber, forage and medicine. However, it also has the potential to restore degraded soils as it forms mycorrhizal and rhizobial symbiotic associations (Hall, 2004), meaning ecological and economic benefits would be obtained simultaneously.A key consideration in forest restoration is ensuring sustainability of the restored habitat, for which maximizing the suitability of planting material is important. In tree species, high levels of within-population genetic diversity and local adaptation are common phenomena. However, the strength and relative extent of local versus regional genetic structuring varies with species and depends on particular characteristics of life history (such as longevity, dispersal mechanisms and successional stage). Therefore if genetic hazards (e.g. maladaptation, inbreeding ⁄ outbreeding depression) are to be taken into account, species must be considered individually.

Browsing by Author "Eilu, Gerald"

Results Per Page

Sort Options