NRU :: Browsing by Author "Okello, Collins"

Browsing by Author "Okello, Collins"

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Agriculture 4.0: The Promises for Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems
(Busitema University Science, Technology and Innovation Symposium, 2012) Bongomin, Ocident; Okello, Collins; Ocen, Gilbert Gilibrays; Tigalana, Dan
The transformative power of industry 4.0 in agricultural and food systems (Agri-food) can be attested from the explosive disruption of agricultural production infrastructures such as connected farms, new farm equipment, and connected tractors and machines which is well-known today as Agriculture 4.0 or Agri-food 4.0. The driving force behind the emergence of Agriculture 4.0 is the dire need to increase efficiency, productivity and quality in agri-food systems, and environmental protection. This has gained attention of many researchers in the recent past and thus, making Agriculture 4.0 a buzzword among the academic literature today. Despite the fact that a number of studies have covered the applications of several disruptive technologies in agri-food, the key technologies that are transforming the agri-food have been ill-defined. Therefore, the present paper aimed at identifying the key disruptive technologies and highlighting their application areas in agri-food. Massive exploratory literature search was conducted on the published papers obtained from the electronic databases including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Emerald insight, Taylor & Francis, and Springer. The applications of 11 disruptive technologies in agri-food were analyzed based on 119 published papers. The results showed that 5 key disruptive technologies including Internet of things, Drones, Blockchain, Big Data, and Robotics are emblematic of Agriculture 4.0 epoch. The application areas of these technologies in agri-food are clearly highlighted. The present study revealed the need for extensive research to expand the application areas of the disruptive technologies in agri-food.
Agronomic Biofortification from a Stakeholder’s Viewpoint Evidence from Studies on Iodine-Enriched Foods in Uganda
(Vitamins and minerals biofortification of edible plants, 2020) Olum, Solomon; Wesana, Joshua; Odongo, Walter; Mogendi, Joseph; Okello, Collins; Webale, Dominic; Ongeng, Duncan
This chapter provides an overview of two case studies that examine stakeholder reactions toward iodine biofortification in Uganda. The first case applies the protection motivation theory and evaluates the intention of school heads and parents of school-aged children to include iodine-biofortified legumes in school feeding programs. The second case study takes a broader scope of stakeholder groups and applies the analytical hierarchy process, a multicriteria decision-making tool, to understand the stakeholders' evaluation of the relative importance of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) factors in implementing agronomic iodine biofortification in Uganda. Results from the two cases demonstrate that stakeholders are generally optimistic about the iodine biofortification strategy to improve iodine intake and address the prevalent iodine deficiency disorders. Both cases provide insights into key factors that need to be considered in implementing iodine biofortification technology in a developing country.
Agronomic Biofortification from a Stakeholder’s Viewpoint Evidence from Studies on Iodine-Enriched Foods in Uganda
(Vitamins and minerals biofortification of edible plants, 2020) Olum, Solomon; Wesana, Joshua; Odongo, Walter; Mogendi, Joseph; Okello, Collins; Webale, Dominic; Makokha, Anselimo; Ongeng, Duncan; Gellynck, Xavier; Steur, Hans De
This chapter provides an overview of two case studies that examine stakeholder reactions toward iodine biofortification in Uganda. The first case applies the protection motivation theory and evaluates the intention of school heads and parents of school-aged children to include iodine-biofortified legumes in school feeding programs. The second case study takes a broader scope of stakeholder groups and applies the analytical hierarchy process, a multicriteria decision-making tool, to understand the stakeholders' evaluation of the relative importance of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) factors in implementing agronomic iodine biofortification in Uganda. Results from the two cases demonstrate that stakeholders are generally optimistic about the iodine biofortification strategy to improve iodine intake and address the prevalent iodine deficiency disorders. Both cases provide insights into key factors that need to be considered in implementing iodine biofortification technology in a developing country.
Applications of Drones and Image Analytics in Field Phenotyping: A Potential Breakthrough in Uganda’s Agricultural Research
(SSRN, 2022) Bongomin, Ocident; Okello, Collins
We are in the race against time to find new solutions amidst the threat of climate change, to increase food production by 70% to feed the ever-growing world population which is expected to double by 2050. Agricultural research plays astonishing roles in crop and livestock improvement through breeding programs and good agronomic practices to enable sustainable agriculture and food systems. The advanced molecular breeding or modern breeding technologies in genotyping have been well-embraced by most research institutions worldwide. However, phenotyping which plays great role in agricultural research and breeding programs has achieved little development or still a traditional method in most institutions across African countries. Noteworthy, the advancement of phenotyping has been gaining momentum and attracted a number of researchers in the recent past, this led to the coining of high-throughput phenotyping concept. Nevertheless, the comprehensive understanding of this concept remains limited in most research institutions in developing countries, especially Uganda. Therefore, the present review aimed to provide a summary of drone-based high throughput phenotyping used across different crops. The electronic literature search was conducted from non-academic and academic databases. The literature sources in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, book sections, conference papers, thesis and dissertations, policy papers, organisation or company manuals, working papers, and reports were considered. In this review, the concepts of field phenotyping are discussed, drone classification and specifications are elaborated, the use cases of the drone-based high-throughput phenotyping are presented, drone imaging systems for phenotyping are discussed, and high-throughput image analytics method is explained. In this paper, it was found that cereals have been the most studied crop for drone-based phenotyping application in academic literature. However, root crops were the list studied, hence, extensive research is needed for drone-based phenotyping adoption in root crops. Moreover, limited studies have been focused on the effect of drones’ operation parameters. Therefore, research focusing on the optimization of the drones’ performance is required.
Appraising Bioenergy Alternatives in Uganda Using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)-Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and a Desirability Functions Approach
(Energies, 2014) Okello, Collins; Pindozzi, Stefania; Faugno, Salvatore; Boccia, Lorenzo
Poor access to clean and reliable energy technologies is a major challenge to most developing countries. The decision to introduce new technologies is often faced by low adoption rates or even public opposition. In addition, the data required for effective decision making is often inadequate or even lacking, thus constraining the planning process. In this study, a methodology for participatory appraisal of technologies, integrating desirability functions to the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT)-analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methodology was developed. Application of the methodology was illustrated with an example for participatory appraisal of four bioenergy technologies in Uganda. Results showed that the methodology is effective in evaluating stakeholder preferences for bioenergy technologies. It showed a high potential to be used to identify and rate factors that stakeholders take into consideration when selecting bioenergy systems. The method could be used as a tool for technology screening, or reaching consensus in a participatory setup in a transparent manner.
Assessing Sustainability of Bioenergy Systems in Developing Countries: Methodological Development and Application
(Newcastle University, 2010) Okello, Collins; Amezaga, J.M.
Close to a half of the global population is currently deprived of clean and reliable energy for cooking. Majority of the energy poor live in developing countries where use of traditional biomass is prevalent and associated with several social, economic, environmental and technological challenges. Recently, United Nations General Assembly emphasised the importance of access to sustainable energy to all, most especially in developing countries. It noted that access to clean and reliable energy is critical to meeting the millennium development goals and ensuring sustainable development. This suggests the need for more efforts to incorporate sustainability concerns in planning energy systems in developing countries. This could lead to the identification of more sustainable technologies for cooking, and also provides benchmarks to help monitor progress towards sustainable development of energy systems. To achieve these objectives, availability of suitable tools to help policy and decision makers in selecting energy systems in developing countries would be very critical. However, planning for sustainability is a very intricate endeavour and presents a knowledge gap especially in developing countries where it is a relatively new concept. This study was therefore carried out with the aim of developing an appropriate sustainability assessment method for selecting bioenergy systems for cooking in developing countries
Assessment of Nitrogen Content in Buffalo Manure and Land Application Costs
(Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 2012) Faugno, Salvatore; Pindozzi, Stefania; Okello, Collins; Ripa, Maria Nicolina
Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) livestock for mozzarella cheese production plays a fundamental role in the economy of southern Italy. European and Italian regulations consider nitrogen content in buffalo manure to be the same as that of cattle manure. This study aimed to assess whether this assumption is true. The first aim of the study was to assess nitrogen content in buffalo manure. Samples were taken from 35 farms to analyse nitrogen and phosphorous concentration in the manure. Analysis confirmed a lower nitrogen concentration (2%) in buffalo manure. A secondary aim of the study was to evaluate whether manure application techniques that are apparently less suitable, e.g. splash plate spreader, could be feasible. The cost of different methods of land application of manure and their characteristics were evaluated on the basis of one operational cycle. Considering losses for volatilisation, and taking into account cost assessment, the immediate incorporation of buffalo manure (nitrogen content 2%) is a suitable method of ammonia volatilisation. However, it is expensive and involves high fuel consumption in relation to the environmental benefit.
Bioenergy Potential of Agricultural and Forest Residues in Uganda
(Biomass and bioenergy, 2013) Okello, Collins; Pindozzi, Stefania; Faugno, Salvatore; Boccia, Lorenzo
Biomass is the major source of energy in most developing countries. However, there are concerns about the sustainability of biomass supplies and the environmental impacts resulting from their use. Use of residues could contribute to ensuring sustainable supply of biomass energy. This study presents findings of an evaluation of the energy potential of agricultural and forest residues in Uganda using census data of the year 2008/2009. Annual productions of crop and forest residues were estimated using residue-to-product ratio (RPR) method. Energy potential of each residue class was then determined basing on their respective lower heating values. The biogas generation potential of each animal category was used to evaluate the energy potential of animal manure. Results showed that the total energy potential of the residues amount to 260 PJ y−1, which is about 70% of gross biomass energy requirement of Uganda for the year 2008. Crop residues had the highest contribution of about 150 PJ y−1, followed by animal residues with a potential of 65 PJ y−1. Maize residue is the predominant crop residue with energy potential of 65 PJ y−1 followed by beans and banana, each at 16 PJ y−1. This study indicates that agricultural and forest residues can be a major renewable energy source for Uganda. When sustainably utilised, biomass residues could contribute to reduction in environmental degradation in the country.
Development of Bioenergy Technologies in Uganda: A Review of Progress
(Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2013) Okello, Collins; Faugno, Salvatore
Biomass is a renewable energy resource; however, its exploitation raises concerns about its ability to sustain the growing demand and its negative impacts on the environment, particularly in developing countries. These concerns are more prominent on the African continent where high population growth rates is leading to high rates of deforestation due to expansion of agricultural land and increased demand for bioenergy. Use of traditional and inefficient bioenergy technologies and appliances also exacerbate the problem. This paper presents a review of the efforts and progress made by different organisations in promoting improved bioenergy technologies in Uganda. The study was based on an extensive review of available literature on improved bioenergy technologies introduced in the country. It was found that there is high level of wastage of biomass resources since an estimated 72.7% of the population use traditional cooking stoves with efficiency estimated to be less than 10%. Inefficient cooking stoves are also blamed for indoor air pollution and respiratory illness reported amongst its users. Modern bioenergy technologies such as biomass gasification, cogeneration, biogas generation, biomass densification, and energy-efficient cooking stoves have been introduced in the country but have certainly not been widely disseminated. The country should pursue policies that will accelerate proliferation of more efficient bioenergy technologies in order to reduce the negative environmental impacts of bioenergy utilisation and to ensure sustainability of biomass supplies.
Ecosystem Services and Bioremediation of Polluted Areas
(Ecological Engineering, 2016) Elena, Cervelli; Okello, Collins; Rigillo, Marina
Contaminated areas represent a crucial concern in contemporary planning all over the world. The absence of shared value for such areas leads to abandonment and soil sealing specially if such areas have lost their agricultural potential. The European Project LIFE/ENV/IT/275 Ecoremed has implemented a protocol for the bioremediation of contaminated soils in Campania region. The cultivation of no food crops (Poplar and Giant reed) is proposed as buffer crops waiting for the characterization of the areas. This facilitates the uptake of the mineral contaminants and the biodegradation of organic compounds reducing the risk for leaching and the run off of harmful contaminants that would occur on bare soils.
Experiences with Green Charcoal: A Gender Consideration of Rural and Urban Households in Gulu District
(East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2024) Okello, Simon; Agatha, Alidri; Mbazalire, Ezekiel; Aoyo, Christine; Atube, Francis; Okello, Collins; Okumu, Charles Nelson
The study focused on the use of green charcoal, a sustainable cooking fuel made from agricultural residues, in Gulu District, to highlight the experiences households have encountered, from a gender perspective. The study followed a cross-sectional design using qualitative approach which included the use of one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and ethnographic observations for data collection. The findings show that households in Gulu District use a combination of cooking fuels such as firewood, wood charcoal, green charcoal, or gas. Furthermore, the study established that there were cases where both men and women had shared experiences in cooking, for example, knowledge of the faster cooking rate, cleanliness, and much ash content involved while using green charcoal. However, to a larger extent, there were gendered differences in cooking activities: while women predominantly handle cooking, men often influence decisions about what and how to cook, revealing underlying gender and power dynamics within households. Key findings indicate that green charcoal is favored for its affordability relative to traditional black charcoal, prolonged burn time, and higher heat output, though it is also harder to light and produces more ash. It is particularly popular in rural Owoo Sub-County, where residents are more involved in its production compared to their urban counterparts in Gulu City. The study concluded that positive experiences with green charcoal have facilitated its adoption and recommends further actions to promote its use. These include increasing awareness of its environmental, health, and financial benefits, improving product quality, and involving women and girls as advocates to expand its utilization
Experimental Evaluation of Manure Evaporation in The Paddock for a Management Algorithm Development
(IEEE, 2012) Pindozzi, Stefania; Faugno, Salvatore; Okello, Collins; Boccia, Lorenzo
The aims of this study was to evaluate the possibility of reducing the weight of manure in paddocks by natural evaporation according to an appropriate management plan. The weight of buffalo manure was recorded by an experimental platform equipped with load cells and installed within the paddock. The data was used for assessing the real evaporation of manure in situ. A model for predicting manure evaporation was developed by adapting a soil evapotranspiration model. On the basis of the model an optimal management strategy was established, which corresponds to minimizing the use of the scraper from the 100th day of the year (DOY) to the 250th DOY. This lead to a potential reduction in weight of the manure by 650 kg/m2/year which corresponds to management cost reduction of about 30%. This approach is effective for reducing the bulkiness of buffalo manure for which the spreading costs per kg of nitrogen and the fuel needs for land application is very substantial considering its low nitrogen content of about 2 mg/m3
Fast-growing Exotic Tree Species as Fuelwood alternative for Refugees and Host Communities in Northern Uganda
(Research square, 2022) Anywar, Decimon; Shaban, Kato Stonewall; Labeja, Richard Louis; Loki, Robert Okongo; Okello, Collins
The high demand for firewood and charcoal has exerted high pressure on the indigenous trees in Uganda. Communities believe that the indigenous trees are better fuel sources despite limited evidence to support this claim. This study was carried out in 2021 to evaluate the fuelwood properties of selected indigenous tree species in comparison to three exotic tree species that have been promoted for use by refugees and host communities in Lamwo District of Northern Uganda. Wood samples were collected from three different locations from the study area in Lamwo District and transported to Gulu University for laboratory analysis of their physical and chemical properties. Data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of confidence and the means were separated using Tukey HSD test. Results showed that moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and Fuel Value Index (FVI) did not significantly vary among the indigenous and exotic tree species. Fuel value index was observed to be negatively correlated with moisture content of the wood, implying both species’ categories retard in fuel quality when their moisture contents increases. Overall, the results show that there were no significant differences in the FVI of all the indegeneous and exotic tree species investigated in this study. It is recommended that fast-growing exotic species such as Eucalyptus grandis, Caliandra calothyrsus, and Senna siamea that are grown in the region be promoted to ensure regeneration and reduction of pressure on the use of natural forest.
Indirect Field Technology for Detecting Areas Object of Illegal Spills Harmful to Human Health: Application of Drones, Photogrammetry and Hydrological Models
(Geospatial health, 2014) Capolupo, Alessandra; Pindozzi, Stefania; Okello, Collins; Boccia, Lorenzo
The accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils is a serious environmental problem. The Campania region in southern Italy has higher levels of cancer risk, presumably due to the accumulation of geogenic and anthropogenic soil pollutants, some of which have been incorporated into organic matter. The aim of this study was to introduce and test an innovative, field-applicable methodology to detect heavy metal accumulation using drone-based photogrammetry and microrill network modelling, specifically to generate wetlands wetlands prediction indices normally applied at large catchment scales, such as a large geographic basin. The processing of aerial photos taken using a hexacopter equipped with fifth-generation software for photogrammetry allowed the generation of a digital elevation model (DEM) with a resolution as high as 30 mm. Not only this provided a high potential for the study of micro-rill processes, but it was also useful for testing and comparing the capability of the topographic index (TI) and the clima-topographic index (CTI) to predict heavy metal sedimentation points at scales from 0.1 to 10 ha. Our results indicate that the TI and CTI indices can be used to predict points of heavy metal accumulation for small field catchments.
Measurement and Prediction of Buffalo Manure Evaporation in the Farmyard to Improve Farm Management
(Biosystems engineering, 2013) Pindozzi, Stefania; Okello, Collins
In order to evaluate the performance of two empirical models for buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) manure evaporation, predictions were compared with measured data. The two models were developed by adapting the potential evapotranspiration (ETo) models of Tombesi–Lauciani and Hargreaves. The data used for assessing the manure evaporation in situ, were derived from the manure weights recorded using an experimental platform installed within the farmyard and equipped with load cells. The experiments were carried out in Serre (SA), in the South of Italy in the period from 23 June to 24 September 2011. The most efficient model, in terms of closeness between estimates and measures, was implemented from 2006 to 2010, allowing for annualised calculation of evaporation. On this basis, an optimal management strategy was established, which corresponds to maximising manure evaporation, minimising the use of the scraper from the 100th day of the year (DOY) to the 250th DOY. This leads to a potential reduction in weight of the manure by 650 kg m−2 [yard] year−1, which corresponds to management cost reduction of about 30%.
Optimising Densification Condition of Coffee Husks Briquettes Using Response Surface Methodology
(Second International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology, 2011) Okello, Collins; Kasisira, Levi Lukoda; Okure, Mackay
This study was carried out to establish the optimum conditions for converting coffee husks with molasses as binder into a densified biomass fuel. The study was conducted following the response surface methodology (RSM) using rotatable central composite experimental design (CCD). Briquette samples were made by compressing the coffee husks-molasses mixture in a piston and die assembly. The factors in the study were the quantity of binder, die pressure,moisture content, material particle size and dwell time. The density, durability and stability of the densified coffee husks were the response variables. The results of the study indicated that a combination of die pressure of 14.91MPa, moisture content of 8.00% wb, and binder content of 45.00% wb was optimum. Under the optimum settings of the variables, the briquettes produced had a particle density of 718.09 kg/m3 , durability of 80.77% and stability of 14.98%. The study shows that coffee husks can be converted into durable briquettes that can be used to provide the energy required for the development of industry in Uganda.
Photogrammetry for Environmental Monitoring: The Use of Drones and Hydrological Models for Detection of Soil Contaminated by Copper
(Science of the Total Environment, 2015) Capolupo, Alessandra; Pindozzi, Stefania; Okello, Collins
Campania Region of Southern Italy has a complex environmental situation, due to geogenic and anthropogenic soil pollution. Some of the pollutants such as copper are mobilized in the organic matter. It has been shown that wetlands provide physical as well as biogeochemical barriers against pollutants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to introduce and test an innovative approach able to predict copper accumulation points at plot scales, using a combination of aerial photos, taken by drones, micro-rill network modelling and wetland prediction indices usually used at catchment scales. Data were collected from an area measuring 4500m2 in Trentola Ducenta locality of Caserta Province of southern Italy. The photos processing with a fifth generation software for photogrammetry resulted in a high resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM), used to study micro-rill processes. The DEM was also used to test the ability of Topographic Index (TI) and the Clima-Topographic Index (CTI) to predict copper sedimentation points at plot scale (0.1–10ha) by comparing the map of the predicted and the actual copper distribution in the field. The DEM obtained with a resolution of 30mm showed a high potential for the study of micro-rill processes and TI and CTI indices were able to predict zones of copper accumulation at a plot scale.
Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Agronomic Iodine Biofortification: A SWOT-AHP Analysis in Northern Uganda
(Nutrients, 2018-03-24) Olum, Solomon; Okello, Collins; Odongo, Walter; Ongeng, Duncan; Steur, Hans De
Agronomic biofortification (i.e., the application of fertilizer to elevate micronutrient concentrations in staple crops) is a recent strategy recommended for controlling Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs). However, its success inevitably depends on stakeholders’ appreciation and acceptance of it. By taking Northern Uganda as a case, this study aimed to capture and compare the perceptions of seven key stakeholder groups with respect to agronomic iodine biofortification. Therefore, we employed a SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) analysis in combination with an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Findings show that stakeholders (n = 56) are generally positive about agronomic iodine biofortification in Uganda, as its strengths and opportunities outweighed weaknesses and threats. Cultural acceptance and effectiveness are considered the most important strengths while the high IDD prevalence rate and the availability of iodine deficient soils are key opportunities for further developing agronomic iodine biofortification. Environmental concerns about synthetic fertilizers as well as the time needed to supply iodine were considered crucial weaknesses. The limited use of fertilizer in Uganda was the main threat. While this study provides insight into important issues and priorities for iodine biofortification technology in Uganda, including differences in stakeholder views, the application of the SWOT-AHP method will guide future researchers and health planners conducting stakeholder analysis in similar domains.
Using Historical Maps to Analyze two hundred Years of Land Cover Changes: Case Study of Sorrento Peninsula (South Italy)
(Cartography and Geographic Information Science, 2016) Pindozzi, Stefania; Okello, Collins; Boccia, Lorenzo
Historical maps are effective sources of geographical information and useful for historical and territorial research. In this study, the examination of landscape dynamics on the basis of historical maps over a period of more than 200 years was conducted. The study area is Sorrento peninsula and part of the near Sarno river basin in South Italy. This study provides a general framework for the assessment of the overall quality and accuracy of historical maps. The application of the methodology used in this specific case study can contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of the landscape in the long term. The derived knowledge can be applied in the planning of the landscape in order to implement correct conservation strategies. The comparison was made on four maps 1817, 1875, 1960, and 2006. Geodetic accuracy of the sheet maps of 1817 and 1875 offer a right basis for a macro analysis of land cover dynamics, evaluating conversion from one land cover category to another. Main transformation, identified in the period between 1875 and 1960, was the disappearance of vineyards, which covered 25% of the total study area in 1875. Agricultural areas increased in this period to cover 57% of the total area.
Where is the market? Assessing the role of dryer performance and marketability of solar-dried products in acceptance of solar dryers amongst smallholder farmers
(Heliyon, 2023) Korsuk Kumi, Peter G.; Elolu, Samuel; Odongo, Walter; Okello, Collins; Kalule, Stephen W.
Agricultural technological development is a crucial strategy for agricultural commercialization and socio-economic transformation in Africa. However, a key challenge to technology use in agriculture remains the limited farmer acceptance of unfamiliar technologies. This paper uses a sample of 245 okra farmers drawn from northern Uganda to assess the drivers of the farmer acceptance of solar drying technology. On the basis of drying performance, farmers perceive the solar dryer to perform better than the open sun-drying method. Structural equation modelling results show that the drying rate and perceived product quality are the main determinants of farmer perceptions on product marketability. Further, product marketability drives acceptance of solar dryers among farmers. We conclude that acceptance of solar dryers is dependent on: i) the drying rate, ii) favorable perceptions towards product quality, and iii) perceived marketability of the solar-dried product. We call for policy action on intensification of efforts that promote solar drying technology, including supporting local artisans to fabricate dryers, to enable increased value addition and consumption of nutritious foods.

Browsing by Author "Okello, Collins"

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