NRU :: Browsing by Author "Okullo, John B. L."

Browsing by Author "Okullo, John B. L."

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Community Perception on Weather Variability in the Lake Victoria Basin, Rwanda and Uganda
(International Journal of Humanities, Art and Social Studies, 2011) Bigirimana, Celestin; Omujal, Francis; Isubikalu, Prossy; Bizuru, Elias; Obaa, Bernard; Malinga, Michael; Agea, Jacob G.; Okullo, John B. L.
The study was conducted in districts of Bugesera, Kirehe and Nyamagabe in Rwanda and Buikwe, Busia, Kamuli, Masaka and Namutumba in Uganda to explore community perceptions on weather variability. Household interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to document awareness of traditional ways of weather prediction, local indicators of weather prediction, source of knowledge, effects of weather variability as well as communities’ coping strategies. Traditionally, behavior of birds, insects, moon, clouds, and direction of wind has always been the main indicators of rainfall, drought and flood pattern prediction. The main reported sources of information were parents, elders, friends and experience. Poor crop harvest, pests and diseases, crop wilting and extinction, etc, were effects of weather variability. Coping strategies were tree conservation, irrigation, use of manure and fertilizers, use of insecticide/pesticides and anti-erosion activities, etc. Community knowledge is useful and should be integrated with other conventional methods to predict weather variability.
Diversity and Aboveground Carbon Sequestration Potential of On-Farm Agroforestry Trees/shrubs Species in Rajaf County-South Sudan
(International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 2020) Mayele, Joseph M.; Okullo, John B. L.; Tumwebaze, Susan B.; Bongo, Augustine L.
Agroforestry (AF) trees have the potentials to sequester carbon in most farming systems especially in the face of the current climate change. The objective of this study was to estimate the diversity, abundance, and aboveground carbon sequestration potential of on-farm tree species in four different sites, Tokiman, Gumbo, Kolye West, and Kolye East with various agroforestry practices in Rajaf County, South Sudan. Three hundred and fifty-five AF trees were inventoried by non-destructive methods for diameter at breast height (DBH), height (H) and Crown width (CR) variables. Aboveground biomass analyzed using allometric models was converted to carbon stocks. The Shannon-Weiner indices for the AF sites indicated that C. limon, M. indica and P. guajava were more diverse in Tokiman and Gumbo sites. T. grandis was more diverse in Kolye East and Kolye West, with S. siamea only diverse in Kolye West. The diversity analyses also showed low values of (H’) for Gumbo and Tokiman as compared to those calculated for Kolye West and Kolye East. In addition, high levels of aboveground carbon sequestration were observed in Gumbo and Kolye East sites where tree species were relatively abundant. Kolye West, on the other hand, had very few but highly dominant AF tree species while Tokiman Islands with the most planted tree species had a rare agro-ecology that contributed less or nearly zero to aboveground carbon sequestration.
Effect of Mode of Auxin Application on Rooting and Bud Break of Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) Cuttings
(American Journal of Plant Sciences, 2016) Okao, Moses; Ogwal, Lawrence; Mutoni, Gloria; Oyuko Alip, Samuel; Okullo, John B. L.; Okia, Clement A.
Vegetative propagation by stem cutting is an important technique applied for agricultural production where rooting success is one of the major aspects. A study to assess the effects of mode of application of rooting hormones (IBA) on adventitious root formation of V. paradoxa stem cuttings was conducted. Accordingly, four application methods were investigated in a 4 × 3 factorial experiment using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The application methods were: 24-hour extended soak, foliar spraying, basal quick dip and delayed IBA application method. Thus, the parameters used to determine rooting success were mean root length and root number. The effect of these application methods on occurrence of bud break was also considered. On the whole, root length was observed to be a function of IBA concentration, whereby root length increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with an increment in IBA concentration. Stem cuttings subjected to 24-h extended soak at 100 ppm rooted best (59.5% ± 8.33%), where as foliar sprayed stem cuttings exhibited the worst rooting success (11.9 ± 3.06 - 23.8% ± 4.16%). Bud break appeared to decrease with increasing IBA concentration and delaying IBA application enhanced rooting percentage of the quick dip method by 7.1%, 9.5% and 11.9% at 2500 ppm, 3500 ppm and 4500 ppm, respectively. The extended soak method of IBA application at 80 ppm shows potential for large scale production of V. paradoxa through stem cuttings.
Elucidating Environment Management Intervention Benefits and Underpinning Factors among Uganda’s Albertine Rift Communities
(Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2020) Nyadoi, Priscilla; Ogola, Laster S.; Kyakyo, Harriet; Okullo, John B. L.
Environmental management intervention benefits have been found to depend on beneficiaries’ unique socioeconomic-environmental factors and understanding these helps generate knowledge guidelines for designing, planning and implementation of new interventions. The Ecosystems Alliance (EA) Project in Uganda’s Albertine Rift promoted interventions including, resource access from protected areas, monitoring oil companies’ compliance to set environmental standards, tree planting, lake bank restoration, bee keeping, hay for livestock feeding and cages to shelter communities from crocodiles for four years in Buliisa, Hoima and Kasese district, to, build management capacity of the local communities and institutions to remedy the region’s environment and natural resources which were declining. At the end of the project we interviewed 56 representatives of the project beneficiaries individually and obtained data on benefit level, factors underpinning and perceived livelihoods and environmental impacts of the interventions and used Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 16 (Bryman & Cramer, 2009) to generate percentages (%), correlations with p ≤ 0.05 considered as significant relationship on these.
Ethno-Nomenclature of the Shea Tree (Vitellaria Paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) and Its Products in the Shea Zones of Uganda
(Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., 2012) Omujal, Francis; Agea, Jacob G.; Mulugo, Lucy W.; Vuzi, Peter C.; Namutebi, Agnes; Okello, John B. A.; Okonye, Godman; Nyanzi, Steven A.; Okullo, John B. L.
A cross sectional survey was conducted in north-eastern Shea zones of Uganda to assess ethnonomenclature of the Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn.) and products. The largely qualitative study that involved a total of six different ethnic groups was analyzed using emerging themes and patterns. Findings collected through individual and group interviews revealed variations and similarities in the ethno names. There was a wide variation in ethno-names of the Shea tree/products across and within the ethnic groups. The variations are explained by differences in languages spoken as well as dialects across the ethnic groups. It could also be a reflection of extensive range of occurrence of the Shea trees. Some ethnic groups e.g. Acholi and Langi; Madi and Lugbara had some similarities in the ethno-names. The similarity seemed to be explained by shared historical background and frequent interactions. Migration, intermarriages and frequent trade interactions had a contribution to the similarities between the ethnic groups. This study, however, did not investigate into the meanings of the ethno names, an area that should be taken up for further research.
Farmers’ Use of Indigenous Fruit Trees to Cope With Climate Variability in the Lake Victoria Basin Districts of Uganda
(Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, 2022) Okullo, John B. L.; Omujal, Francis; Enuru, Thomas; Bigirimana, Celestin; Isubikalu, Prossy; Agea, Jacob G.; Bizuru, Elias; Obua, Joseph
The escalating extreme weather conditions has forced rural farmers in Africa to rely disproportionately on Indigenous Fruit Trees (IFTs) to sustain their household food/nutrition security, employment and income generation. This paper analysed farmers’ use of IFTs to cope with climate variability in selected Lake Victoria Basin Districts of Uganda. Data were collected from farmers using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. From 13 most preferred IFTs, focus was on the most popular and highly ranked five: Garcinia buchananii, Vangueria apiculata, Canarium schweinfurthii, Tamarindus indica and Saba comorensis. Preferences for these IFTs were influenced by their uses for food, medicine, timber, compound shade provision and marketability. Age, sex, education, occupation, family size, land size, non-farming activities, period of stay on the same piece of land, and income level significantly (P≤0.05) influenced choice of the preferred IFTs. Majority of the respondents had IFTs planted on-farms, along the roads to provide various goods/services and in marginal lands unsuitable for farming to diversify agriculture as a strategy to cope with climate variability. Given that the uses of IFTs in the five LVB districts are associated with farmers’ efforts to cope with climate variability, the goal of any climate-adaptive farmer-based project should support sustainable use of IFTs, in the short-term and foster innovations such as on-farm planting of IFTs and other fast-growing tree species to meet household demands
Grafting Success of Pinus caribaea under Varying Shade Intensities at National Tree Seed Center, Namanve, Uganda
(The African Journal of Plant Science and Biotechnology, 2010) Mugerwa, Badru; Okullo, John B. L.
The effect of shade intensity and grafting methods on grafting success and growth rate of Pinus caribaea was assessed in Uganda by subjecting grafts to different shade intensities. Scion growth and number of new leaves produced were counted and recorded for a period of 16 weeks. One-way ANOVA was used to statistically analyze the results. Shade intensity had a significant effect on height growth (P=0.000) and leaf production (P=0.027) but not on scion diameter growth (P=0.401). Different grafting methods showed a significant effect on scion height growth (P=0.000). Higher mean graft survival was observed with the top wedge method (49%). 95% shade intensity had the highest mean survival with a 38% graft survival. The mean scion height growth rate per week was 0.30 and 0.21 cm for top wedge and splice method, respectively. The mean scion diameter growth rate was higher with the splice method (0.032 cm) than with the top wedge method (0.017 cm). Shade intensity had a significant effect on mean height and diameter growth of scions for 0, 50 and 95% shade intensities, respectively. Although P. caribaea grafts’ survival and scion growth rate are highly influenced by both grafting method and shade intensity, a more extended study is still needed to elucidate the survival and growth rate of grafts in the field.
Grey Crowned Crane and Shoebills Conservation Status and Linkage to Livelihoods of Lake Victoria Shores Adjacent Communities in Mayuge District, Eastern Uganda
(Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2020) Nyadoi, Priscilla; Ogola, Laster S.; Kyakyo, Harriet; Tayebwa, Gilbert; Okullo, John B. L.; Aramu, Thomas
This research was done among communities living adjacent to Lake Victoria Shores in Mayuge District to generate knowledge on Shoebill, Grey Crowned Crane conservation status and linkage to livelihoods. This knowledge was necessary to guide design and implementation of interventions that would deliver on the species conservation and adjacent communities’ livelihood benefits at the same time. We obtained information through individual interviews with 101 members of households from targeted communities and key informers-technical officials from the district, and analysed this data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) by Bryman and Cramer,(2011) Version 20. The results were then subjected to validation using focus group discussions with 10 groups of between 8 - 15 individuals representing the targeted communities and other stakeholders and the results from this further validated with ≥250 representatives of these stakeholders in a one day workshop and with evidences collected during field observations, before synthesis. The findings show: Grey Crowned Crane habitats declining due to mining, agriculture, fishing activities by adjacent communities for their livelihoods (food and income from sale of produce obtained from the species’ habitats). The communities say they need to be engaged in development and implementation of integrated interventions that will improve their livelihoods while securing conservation for Grey Crowned Cranes.
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.
Modelling the Potential Distribution of Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica (C.F. Gaertn) across the Kidepo Landscape of Uganda in the Face of Climate Change
(Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2020) Okurut, Isaac T.; Okullo, John B. L.; Waiswa, Daniel; Muyizzi, Julius
Climate change and human activities are increasingly linked with the extinction of species globally. In semi-arid regions, these pressures threaten the natural distribution and ecology of species. The threat that the shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica ) faces from human activity is well researched yet the sensitivity of its distribution to climate change remains barely known. We set out to assess the potential distribution of Vitellaria under different climate change scenarios using a MaxEnt. A current distribution model was first developed using only biophysical variables of soil type, temperature, precipitation, land use type, and elevation. This model was then projected onto two global warming scenarios (RCP 4.5 & RCP 8.5) for 2050 and 2070 using multi-model averages (BCC-CSM, CSM4, and MIROC5) derived from three general circulation models. Reductions are seen in distribution area across the landscape with soil type being the most important variable.These results draw useful implications for conservation of Vitellaria in that they show how it is vulnerable is to a changing climate as its natural range is mostly reduced. Since climate change is important in the distribution of the shea butter tree, the areas with highest suitability in this study can be used in establishing the Shea butter tree sustainable use zones/area within the Kidepo Critical Landscape (KCL), Uganda.
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.
Nutritional Potential of Myrianthus holstii Fruit of Rwanda
(Rwanda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2020) Omujal, Francis; Okullo, John B. L.; Bigirimana, Celestin; Isubikalu, Prossy; Agea, Jacob G.; Bizuru, Eias
Myrianthus holstii fruit has been a neglected edible fruit with limited nutritional information. This study evaluated the physical and chemical characteristics of M. holstii fruit of Rwanda. The physical parameters including fruit weight, fruit size, pulp content, seed weight and seed size are reported. The fruit pulp that is acidic pH (3.38±0.04) contained; protein (8.03±0.95 g/100g), dietary fibre (25.64±0.06 g/100g), vitamin C (19.80±2.13 mg/100g), beta carotene (0.99 mg/100g), iron (16.262±0.576 mg/100g), zinc (2.327±0.034 mg/100g) and copper (0.573±0.011 mg/100g). Assessment of these nutrient contribution to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) showed 100g of pulp can meet 42%, 103%, 79%, 233%, 163%, 49% and 143% for children (4-8-year-old); and 18%, 103%, 22%, 133%, 90%, 29%, and 63% for adults (19-50years) respectively. The seeds had an oil yield of 37.67±1.53% with omega 6 fatty acid (78.92) being the most dominant. The total unsaturation in the oil was 90.91% with 78.92% poly unsaturated fatty acids. Based on the nutritional information, M. holstii can be a good source of beta carotene (vitamin A), iron, zinc and omega 6 fats that are essential in nutrition and health. Therefore, the fruit should be promoted for consumption as a snack and also processed into food products like fruit juice, wine, jelly, jam and vegetable oil to enhance the nutrition, health and income of households.
On-Farm Management of Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn. in Amuria District, Eastern Uganda
(International Journal of Forestry Research, 2012) Okiror, Paul; Agea, Jacob G.; Okia, Clement A.; Okullo, John B. L.
The population of shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn.)—a priority tree with enormous economic and cultural values to the parkland communities in Uganda, is rapidly declining due to rapid human population growth, increasing land fragmentation, and high demand for woodfuel especially charcoal. Reversing this trend will depend on the rural community involvement in the planting, facilitating natural regeneration, and tending of shea trees on farm. As such a survey was conducted in Amuria district, eastern Uganda, to assess local strategies and constraints to on-farm management of shea trees, and document socio-demographic factors influencing the on-farm conservation. About 93% of the households protected naturally regenerated V. paradoxa trees mainly on farms. V. paradoxa was mostly propagated through coppices and seedlings. Although insecure land tenure, insecurity, pests, disease, and shortage of planting materials were reported as major hindrances, farmsize, family size, and gender significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced people’s willingness to conserve V. paradoxa. Byelaws and policies on shea conservation need to be properly enforced, and further propagation research is required especially towards shortening the juvenile period of V. paradoxa so that more farmers can start propagating the tree other than relying on its natural regeneration.
Perceived Availability and Management of Garcinia buchananii Fruit Tree Species in the Lake Victoria Basin Districts of Rwanda and Uganda
(Journal of Agricultural Research, 2016) Bigirimana, Celestin; Omujal, Francis; Isubikalu, Prossy; Bizuru, Elias; Obaa, Bernard B.; Malinga, Michael; Agea, Jacob G.; Okullo, John B. L.
This study explored community knowledge on availability and management of Garcinia buchananii in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) districts of Rwanda and Uganda. Specifically, it was conducted in Bugesera and Kirehe districts (Rwanda), and Buikwe and Masaka districts (Uganda). Household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs) and case studies were conducted to ascertain the availability status, ecological niche(s), propagation techniques as well as management practices of Garcinia buchananii. Garcinia buchananii was reported to be mostly abundant (0.329±0.471) in the garden and wild. The highly reported methods of propagating were by use of seeds (87.8% in Uganda and 85.4% in Rwanda). In Uganda, knowledge on propagation techniques was influenced by occupation (R2 = 0.084; P=0.05) while in Rwanda, none of the socio-demographic characteristics influenced knowledge on propagation of the species. The most common reported practices for managing Garcinia buchananii included weeding, mulching, watering and pruning. Since rural farming communities have always been exploiting indigenous fruit trees for their livelihoods, increased awareness and use of proper extension services plus provision of planting materials could lead to wise use and management of Garcinia buchananii in the LVB districts of Rwanda and Uganda.
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.
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.
Threats to Conservation of Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica (Shea Butter) Tree in Nakasongola district, Central Uganda
(International Research Journal of Environment Sciences, 2015) Buyinza, Joel; Okullo, John B. L.
This study assessed the major threats to conservation of the shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) on farms in Buruli subregion. Data were collected through a household survey, focused group and key informant interviews. Questionnaires data were coded, entered in Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) computer program and analyzed for major threats to conservation of the shea butter tree in Nakasongola District. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to show how socio- demographic characteristics influenced the willingness of the local people to protect shea butter trees on their farms. While the tree is a source of fruit, oil and charcoal to local communities, factors such as existing tree and land tenure system, termites, lack of planting materials and high poverty levels constrain on-farm shea tree growing. There was a significant association between marital status and willingness of the respondents to plant shea trees (R=6.614, P<0.05). The existing shea tree populations are entirely wild with great economic potential that needs to be conserved. Regional research programs should aim at mobilizing local communities to carry out interventions such as shea tree germplasm multiplication, assisted tree regeneration and encouraging farmers to protect naturally regenerating trees. This will enhance tree based rehabilitation of the degraded resources, while ensuring environmental sustainability and improved livelihoods. National governments and local and international conservation bodies need to come up with appropriate incentives for promoting on-farm conservation of this very valuable species. Efforts are also needed to propagate shea tree vegetatively and using seed. Failure to intervene will otherwise culminate into complete degradation and loss of shea parkland benefits, leading to ‘the tragedy of the commons’ not only in Buruli sub region, but also other shea parklands areas in Lango, Teso and West Nile sub regions of Uganda.
Tree species composition and diversity in Agoro-Agu Central Forest Reserve, Lamwo District, Northern Uganda
(International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 2021) Okullo, John B. L.; Afai, Sylvano; Nangendo, Grace; Kalema, James
Tree species composition and diversity were assessed in Agoro-Agu Central Forest Reserve located in Lamwo district-Northern Uganda. Fifteen transects, each 2 km long, were established in the reserve. A procedure of nested quadrats was employed for a systematic sampling of mature trees, saplings and seedlings at 100 m interval(s). Vegetation analysis was conducted in Species Diversity and Richness (SDRiv) software. A total of 100 species of trees belonging to 36 families were recorded. The dominant tree species, also with high Importance Value Indices were Combretum molle G. Don, Albizia grandibracteata Taub. and Vachellia hockii De Wild. Tree species diversity was higher in the intact part (H’=3.46) than in the degraded part (H’=2.86). Lower diversity in the degraded part of the reserve could be due to human disturbance and resulting conducive condition for the early establishment of pioneer species during succession. The occurrence of mixed species with indicator species for both savannah woodlands and Afromontane tree species indicates that Agoro-Agu is an enriched forest for enhanced conservation. Management options that limit continuous degradations such as the enforcement of environmental laws, tree enrichment planting, and ex-situ conservation should be undertaken to restore the status of trees in the degraded part of the reserve.

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