Browsing by Author "Nuwategeka, Expedito"

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    Characterisation of Forest Resources and the Local Communities for the Choice of Sustainable Forest Management Strategies in Uganda
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2023-07-09) Alule, Jimmy Rhombe; Nuwategeka, Expedito; Oriangi, George
    The decline in natural forest resources in the tropics due to ineffective management practices has reached unprecedented levels with the most affected forests being in developing countries. Efforts to manage these resources sustainably have proven futile. Understanding the nature and status of the forest resources and the communities is crucial for devising effective management strategies. The study was designed to characterise forest resources and the local communities to aid in the choice of effective management strategies for forest resources. The study was conducted in Yumbe district, northwestern Uganda, using a cross-sectional research design. It targeted communities living in the sub-counties of Kei, Kerwa, and Midigo. Data were collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, and remote sensing. Pearson correlation and regression were used to analyse quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The correlation p-values (Sig.) of less than .05 were statistically significant, implying a strong relationship between socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of households and the choice of forest management strategies. The results further showed that the local communities were poor, illiterate, and dependent on subsistence farming and forest resources. The forest resources both in public and communal lands were in a state of serious decline. They were non-timber-based, accessible to the local community and dominated by woodland and other grassland mosaics. The local community used sustainable management practices, such as selective harvesting, tree planting, and gazetting some sites as sacred places. The management strategies used were forest type-specific, e.g., traditional for community forests and modern for public forests. The most important factor influencing the choice of management strategy was the level of education with an R Square value of .112. The study, therefore, recommends an improvement in the education of the local communities and the integration of local skills and practices to promote community-based approaches in sustainable forest resource management.
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    Effects of Climate Change on Fort Patiko Historical Site in Northern Uganda
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2025-01-15) Kabwijamu, Patrick; Alidri, Agatha; Nuwategeka, Expedito; Omara, John Christopher; Ochen, Patrick
    This study investigated the effect of climate change on Fort Patiko in Gulu District, in Northern Uganda from 1972 to 2023. Archaeological and historic sites are under threat of climate change, characterised by global warming, heavy rains and flooding, drought and extreme weather events. Fort Patiko may not be an exception. The study established that Fort Patiko's originality and physical appearance have been impacted by climate change. Due to rain and heat waves, the rock's colour and structures have changed over time. Wind, rain, and humidity agents of erosion are weakening the rock structures.  There are fewer studies which have tried to explore the effect of climate change on Fort Patiko, therefore, this study will fill the gap. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed for this study to understand the diversity and intensity of the effect of climate change on the Fort Patiko historical site. The ethnohistorical research design was used to extract historical narratives and events pointing to the effects of climate change on Fort Patiko. Data was collected through, a review of documents and reports on climate change in the region; direct observation, and interviews with local community members to explore the nature and effects of climate change on Fort Patiko. A total of 55 participants were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify key characteristics and effects of climate change on the Fort Patiko historical site
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    Relevance of Indigenous Knowledge in Sustainable Management of Forest Resources in the 21st Century Uganda
    (East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 2023) Alule, Jimmy Rhombe; Nuwategeka, Expedito; Oriangi, George; Lajul, Wilfred
    Sub-Saharan Africa is endowed with indigenous knowledge systems and natural forest resources critical to supporting several forms of development. However, the region has experienced rapid population growth and demographic changes, which may lead to a decline in forest resources. Sustainable management of these resources is critical for a healthy forest ecosystem that should continue to provide goods and services to the present and future generations. Of the variety of management strategies employed in the sustainable management of forest resources, indigenous knowledge provides a plausible alternative. To ascertain the relevance of this knowledge, the Lugbara community in Yumbe district, northwestern Uganda, was considered. Data were collected from 371 respondents using questionnaires and 19 key informants using interviews; others included participatory GIS and remote sensing. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, thematic and content analysis, and a forest cover change matrix. The results indicated a highly significant correlation between IK availability and usefulness of 0.703 at 0.01 level, and the socioeconomic and demographic variables tested statistically significant with sub-county of origin alone accounting for 11.7% of the variations in utilisation of IK in forest management. Indigenous knowledge was mostly used in the management of community forest resources, while modern scientific approaches were used in managing public forests. The forest resources were not sustainably managed despite the relatively high prevalence of IK. The linear model summary results were marginally significant, indicating that the prevalence of IK accounted for only approximately six% (R2 = .059) of the variations in SMFR. However, there was a resurrected interest in the use of IK since some forests managed using strict customary laws were the most biologically diverse. The resurrected interest implies that the IK remains relevant in the 21st century. The study therefore, recommends that IK practises be documented, promoted, and integrated into modern formal approaches to achieve SMFR