Browsing by Author "Jarvis, Devra I."

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    Heterogeneity in Nutritional and Biochemical Composition of Cassava Varieties in Uganda
    (Journal of Agriculture and Sustainability, 2022) Matovu, Moses; Nankya, Rose; Lwandasa, Hannington; Isabirye, Brian E.; Santis, Paola De; Jarvis, Devra I.; Mulumba, John Wasswa
    Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has been prioritized by the New Partnership for African Development to spur development in Africa. However, the nutritional and biochemical composition of the cassava diversity has not been adequately assessed to inform the various user needs. Comparative analysis of macro, micro nutrients and biochemical composition of sixteen varieties of cassava in Uganda was undertaken following standard analytical techniques. Results showed significant differences in macro nutrients (p ≤0.000) except carbohydrate, starch and amylose contents. With the exception of Calcium and Iron, the varieties were significantly different (p ≤0.000) in micronutrient composition. The Cyanide and dry matter content were also significantly different (p ≤0.000) among the varieties. Overall, Mukibi, Juguja, Bao, Nigeria, ranked highest in dry matter, cyanide, macro and micronutrients content, respectively. Therefore varieties differ in nutritional and biochemical composition; information crucial in the development of new varieities and deployment of cassava diversity in various value chains.
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    Yield Perceptions, Determinants and Adoption Impact of on Farm Varietal Mixtures for Common Bean and Banana in Uganda
    (Sustainability, 2017) Nankya, Rose; Mulumba, John W.; Raimondo, Maria; Gotor, Elisabetta; Kikulwe, Enoch; Jarvis, Devra I.
    Crop variety mixtures (different varieties of a crop grown together in a single plot) have been successfully deployed in pathogen and pest management for several crops including wheat, common bean and rice. Despite the available evidence, promotion of this approach has remained limited in many countries, including Uganda. The factors that influence farmers’ adoption of varietal mixtures for common bean and banana were assessed, as well as the perceptions of farmers on the effects of mixtures on yields, through household surveys and statistical modelling. A three-year yield increase in both common bean and banana varietal mixtures in farmer fields, of 5.2% and 28.6%, respectively, is realized using robust OLS estimates. The study reveals that accessing knowledge on the importance of crop varietal mixtures and the skills relating to the approach are crucial for their adoption. Location of the farm significantly determined the perceived yield change, which calls for more research into mixtures’ suitability under particular contexts in respect to compatibility of genotypes, management practices and appropriate acreage for maximum impact. The positive effects of mixtures on yields make it an effective bioeconomy strategy. Policies that minimize the adoption barriers could improve the adoption of crop varietal mixtures on a wider scale.