Browsing by Author "Ojelel, Samuel"
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Comparative analysis of foristic richness and diversity in six central forest reserves of north eastern Uganda(BMC Ecology and Evolution, 2025) Ojelel, Samuel; Katuura, Esther; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Kalema, JamesAs the extinction risk of plants increases globally, there is need to prioritize areas with high floristic richness and diversity to inform the design of evidence-based conservation interventions. As such, this study aimed to comparatively analyse floristic diversity in six central forest reserves (CFR) of north eastern Uganda. This was guided by two objectives namely; (i) to determine the floristic richness and diversity in the CFRs and (ii) to evaluate the similarity and complementarity of floristic composition. Data was collected from nested quadrats (20 × 20 m for trees, 10 × 10 m for shrubs and 5 × 5 m for herbaceous climbers, forbs and grasses) placed at intervals of 100 m along a transect of 1000 – 1500 m. Species richness, diversity and evenness were determined for each CFR. Binary similarity coefficients were computed because only presence/absence data of plant species was recorded. A sum of 417 plant species in 76 families were recorded representing 8.7% of known vascular plants reported in Uganda. The CFRs have significantly variable Shannon–Wiener diversity indices ranging from 4.2 in Kano CFR to 4.47 in Bululu hill CFR (t = 85.291, df = 4, p = 0.00). The CFRs cluster into two groups namely Onyurut and Ogera hills and Akur, Kano, Bululu hills and Mount Moroto. The lowest similarity index was between Ogera hills and Moumt Moroto CFRs (0.37 or 37%) while the highest was between Akur and Kano CFRs (0.63 or 63%). The CFRs complement one another by supporting plant species not recorded elsewhere with three CFRs (Bululu hills, Mount Moroto and Onyurut) accounting for 81.53% of the plant taxa. The CFRs in NE Uganda have richness and floristic diversity with up to 8.7% of the known plants in Uganda present. The conservation status of these species is Vulnerable (4), Near Threatened (4), Least Concern (137), Data Deficient (1) and Not Evaluated (271). The two similarity clusters depict variation in altitudinal, proximity and climatic conditions. Five CFRs are required to conserve 95% of the species recorded. Therefore, the CFRs investigated play a complementary role in conserving the floristic diversity in north eastern Uganda.Item Unravelling taboos and cultural beliefs associated with hidden hunger among pregnant and breast-feeding women in Buyende district Eastern Uganda(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024) Tugume, Patience; Mustafa, Abubakar Sadik; Walusansa, Abdul; Ojelel, Samuel; Nyachwo, Evelyne B; Muhumuza, Emmanuel; Nampeera, Maria; Kabbale, Fredrick; Ssenku, Jamilu EAbstract Background Food taboos and cultural beliefs among pregnant and breast-feeding women influence their food consumption patterns and hence the health of women and unborn children. Cognizant of their neglect in programs aimed to ameliorate hidden hunger among pregnant and breast-feeding women in Buyende and other resource-poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa, we opted for a study to unravel them to inform program design. Methods We documented food taboos and beliefs amongst pregnant and breast-feeding women from six sub-counties of Buyende district in Eastern Uganda. A mixed-methods approach was used, which was comprised of questionnaire interviews with 462 women, eight focus group discussions with 6–10 participants in each and a total of 15 key informant interviews. Results The present study revealed that 129 (27.9%) of the respondents practice food taboos and adhere to cultural beliefs related to their dietary habits during pregnancy and breast-feeding that are fuelling the prevalence of hidden hunger. The most tabooed foods during pregnancy were sugarcane (17.8%), fishes which included lung fish, catfish and the Lake Victoria sardine (Rastrineobola argentea) (15.2%), oranges (6.6%), pineapples (5.9%), eggs (3.3%), chicken (3.3%) and cassava, mangoes and Cleome gynandra (each at 3%). Most foods were avoided for reasons associated with pregnancy and labour complications and undesirable effects on the baby. Most women learnt of the taboos and beliefs from the elders, their own mother, grandparents or mother-in-law, but there was also knowledge transmission in social groups within the community. Conclusions The taboos and cultural beliefs in the study area render pregnant and breast-feeding women prone to micronutrient deficiency since they are denied consumption of a diversity of nutritious foods. There is a need to educate such women about consumption of nutrient-rich foods like fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables in order to improve their health, that of the unborn and children being breast fed. Additionally, culturally appropriate nutrition education may be a good strategy to eliminate inappropriate food taboos and beliefs with negative impact on the health of pregnant and breast-feeding women.Item Wild edible plants used by communities in and around selected forest reserves of Teso-Karamoja region, Uganda(Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2019) Ojelel, Samuel; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Katuura, Esther; Kakudidi, Esezah K.; Namaganda, Mary; Kalema, JamesBackground The consumption of wild plants is an ancient tradition which serves multiple purposes. Cognizant that Teso-Karamoja region is frequently affected by food scarcity and is not adequately surveyed for its flora, this study sought to establish an inventory and use of wild edible plants by the communities living in and around the forest reserves. Methods Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 240 respondents living in and around eight forest reserves between November 2017 and May 2018. One focus group discussion (8–12 members) per forest reserve and field excursions to collect the plant voucher specimens were also conducted. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative frequency of citation (RFC), and the factor of informants’ consensus (FIC). Results A total of 100 plant species in 47 families were reported as edible. Carissa spinarum, Strychnos innocua, Balanites aegyptiaca, Tamarindus indica, and Ximenia americana presented the highest RFC, while the families Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Moraceae had more than five species each. Grasses (Poaceae) comprised only 1% of the edible species and trees 35%, while shrubs were the most important source of wild food (RFC = 0.47). The fruits contributed 63% while leaves (29%), seeds (9%), tubers (5%), and gum (1%). The fruits were considered as the most important use category (RFC = 0.78). Respondent homogeneity was none for gum but very high for seeds (FIC - 0.93). Only 36% of species are cooked, while 64% are eaten in raw. Harvesting is done rudimentarily by digging (5%), collecting from the ground (fruits that fall down) (13%), and plucking from mother plants (82%). Only 9% of the species were collected throughout the year, 27% in the dry season, and 64% in the rainy season. The consumption of these plants is attributed to food scarcity, spicing staple food, nutri-medicinal value, cultural practice, and delicacy. Conclusion A high diversity of wild edible plant species exists in the forest reserves of Teso-Karamoja region. The shrubs and fruits are the most locally important life forms and use category, respectively. These edible plant species are important throughout the year because their consumption serves multiple purposes.