NRU :: Browsing by Author "Tabuti, John R. S."

Browsing by Author "Tabuti, John R. S."

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Agroforestry and Management of Trees in Bunya County, Mayuge District, Uganda
(International Journal of Forestry Research, 2017) Kyarikunda, Monica; Nyamukuru, Antonia; Mulindwa, Daniel; Tabuti, John R. S.
Woody plant resources continue to disappear in anthropogenic landscapes in Uganda. To slow down further loss of these resources requires the collaboration of farmers in tree planting in agroforestry systems. Tree planting interventions with the collaboration of farmers require a good understanding of tree management practices as well as trees that best satisfy farmers’ needs.We carried out this research to determine (1) the most preferred tree species and reasons why they are preferred, (2) the species conservation statuses, and (3) existing tree management practices and challenges to tree planting. Fourteen priority species valued because they yield edible fruits and timber have been prioritised in this study. Farmers are interested in managing trees but are constrained by many factors, key among which is scarcity of land and financial capital tomanage tree planting. Trees aremanaged in crop fields and around the homestead. Fromfarmers’ reports, the highly valued species are increasing in the landscape. In conclusion, the potential to manage trees in agroforestry systems exists but is hampered by many challenges. Secondly, the liking of trees that supply edible fruits seems to support the welfare maximisation theory which ideally states that rural people manage trees with the aim of having regular access to products that satisfy their household needs and not for income generation.
Antiplasmodial activity of extracts of selected medicinal plants used by local communities in western Uganda for treatment of malaria
(African Journal of Ecology, 2007) Katuura, Esther; Waako, Paul; Tabuti, John R. S.; Bukenya-Ziraba, Remigius; Ogwal -Okeng, Jasper
This study investigated the antiplasmodial activity of ten medicinal plants used to treat malaria in Southwestern Uganda. The study plants were Bothlioclines longpipes (Olive and Hiern), N.E.Br., Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam., Maesa lanceolata Forssk., Indigofera emerginella steud. Ex A. Rich., Lantana trifolia L., Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm., Trimmeria bakeri Gilg., Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex. Krauss Erythrophleum pyrifolia and Conyza sp. Dry powdered plant material was extracted by sequential cold maceration using petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol solvents respectively. Extracts were subjected to in vitro antiplasmodial screening against wild strains of Plasmodium falciparum using the nitro-tetrazolium blue-based lactate dehydrogenase assay. The chloroform extract of M. lanceolata (EC50 1.60 μg ml−1.), showed the highest antiplasmodial activity followed by R. natalensis (EC50 1.80 μg ml−1). Other extracts with significant activity were the chloroform leaf extract of Bothriocline longipes (EC50 3.66 μg ml−1) and the petroleum ether root extract of T. bakeri (EC50 3.955 μg ml−1).
Are Livestock Keepers in and Around Forests Key Stakeholders in Forest Management? Experiences from Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
(Springer, Cham., 2019) Nampanzira, Dorothy K.; Katongole, Constantine B.; Muwanka, Vincent B.; Tabuti, John R. S.
Globally, forests play an important role in supporting livelihoods of local communities that surround them. However, livestock rearing is hardly considered an important livelihood activity supported by forests. Forests can be a source of pastures which are key feed resources for livestock especially ruminants. There is little information on how a forest reserve affects livestock production especially in sedentary systems. In the current study, the status of livestock production in and around Mabira forest reserve, Uganda, was studied, to characterize the livestock production systems and determine the level of reliance on the forest for forages. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire, and a total of 80 households were interviewed. Results revealed that over 70% of the respondent farms had more than one livestock type. Cattle (71%), pigs (49%), chickens (47%) and goats (40%) were the most frequently kept livestock types. Most respondents fed cattle (54%) and pigs (81%) under the stall-feeding system, while 68% of the farms tethered goats. Chickens are mainly fed under free ranging feeding system (66%). Firewood, water, poles for construction and forages were the four forest products of significance importance to households rearing livestock around Mabira forest. Among the key determinants of level of reliance on forages from Mabira forest was negatively and significam, household’s distance to Mabira forest (P <0.01), household size (P <0.05) and landholding size owned by the household (P <0.05) were the variables found to be statistically significant. In conclusion, livestock farmers in and around Mabira forest rear a diversity of livestock types. Forest forages contribute substantially to the feed resource base of a significant proportion of
Colonization of woody seedlings in the understory of actively and passively restored tropical moist forests Running head: Seedling colonization in afrotropical forests
(Restoration Ecology, 2019) Ssekuubwa, Enock; Muwanika, Vincent B.; Esaete, Josephine; Tabuti, John R. S.; Tweheyo, Mnason
The status of woody seedling colonization gives clues about the self-sustainability of restored forests, a tenet of restoration success. Little is known about woody seedling colonization in restored afrotropical forests. We evaluated effects of restoration methods (active vs. passive), sampling year, restoration age and distance from old-growth forests on seedling colonization in restored afrotropical moist forests. Seedlings were measured in 2011 and 2014 in 71 clusters of 284 permanent sampling plots (12.6 m2 each) in actively (initially 3–16 years old) and 21 clusters of 63 plots in passively restored forests (initially 16 years old) in Kibale National Park, western Uganda. Seedlings were also measured in nearby old-growth forests in 3 clusters of 5 plots in 2014. We determined species diversity, richness and abundance per plot, and species composition as measures of seedling colonization in restored and old-growth forests. We found that diversity, richness, and abundance of seedlings were significantly higher in passively than actively restored forests. Diversity and richness, but not abundance significantly increased between sampling years and with restoration age. Distance from old-growth forests did not significantly affect diversity, richness and abundance. Species composition of actively and passively restored forests was different from that of old-growth forests after 19 years since restoration started. Our results show that passive restoration should be the preferred method for recovering afrotropical forests, and highlight the effect of continued management on biodiversity of restored forests.
Contribution of Smallholder Tree Growers to Increasing Tree Cover in Kaliro District
(Springer, Cham., 2019) Kisegu, Derick; Kagaha, David; Whitney, Cory; Tabuti, John R. S.
Many stakeholders including the Ugandan government are growing trees and contributing to increasing tree cover in Uganda. Whereas the contribution of large-scale tree growers to increasing tree cover has been documented, that of smallholder tree growers (STGs) is not known. But because STGs make up the majority of tree growers, it is possible that their contribution to tree cover in the country is significant. In this study we have addressed this gap for Kaliro District. We have also explored the factors that influence tree planting by STGs. Data was collected in the months of January–June 2017 using interviews with 206 tree growers. Included in the survey were all smallholder farms with 20 or more trees. The tree growers planted 39 species, in the period 1997–2016, the most popular of which were Pinus spp., Eucalyptus spp., Grevillea robusta and Maesopsis eminii. Few STGs planted trees in that time (n = 206) and those who did tended to plant few trees (median 175 trees). Despite the average low contribution by STGs, tree cover is increasing due to a few STGs who planted very many trees. Growers who planted the most trees were male or engaged in small-scale business, possessed a university degree and received support from the government. New approaches may be necessary that provide better access to a greater diversity of smallholder farmers such as women and those without low income and education access. STGs affiliated to tree-growing associations appear to have planted fewer trees than those outside tree-growing associations. Tree growers associations should be redesigned to provide maximum benefit to STGs and local ecology. Income generation was cited as the STGs planters’ main motivation for planting trees. However, the key immediate benefit was firewood. These may be important points to consider when developing interventions that target tree planting in the region and throughout Uganda. We conclude that the contribution of STGs to tree growing in Kaliro District is low and that tree planting campaigns should be inclusive and focus on STGs perceived benefits in order to achieve successful reforestation.
Crop diversity in homegardens of southwest Uganda and its importance for rural livelihoods
(Agriculture and Human Values, 2018) Whitney, Cory W.; Luedeling, Eike; Tabuti, John R. S.; Nyamukuru, Antonia; Hense, Oliver; Gebauer, Jens; Kehlenbeck, Katja
Homegardens are traditional food systems that have been adapted over generations to fit local cultural and ecological conditions. They provide a year-round diversity of nutritious foods for smallholder farming communities in many regions of the tropics and subtropics. In southwestern Uganda, homegardens are the primary source of food, providing a diverse diet for rural marginalized poor. However, national agricultural development plans as well as economic and social pressures threaten the functioning of these homegardens. The implications of these threats are difficult to evaluate, because the structure and functions of the homegardens are not well understood. The aim of the study was to identify patterns and influencing factors in the diversity of homegardens by documenting the floristic diversity and its interactions with spatial, environmental and socio-economic factors. A geographically and socially focused assessment of floristic diversity in 102 randomly selected homegardens in three districts of southwest Uganda was conducted along a deforestation gradient following a human ecology conceptual framework and testing multiple quantitative hypotheses regarding the above mentioned factors. A merged mixed-method approach was followed to provide context and feedback regarding quantitative findings. Results show a high total richness of 209 (mean 26.8 per homegarden) crop species (excluding weeds and ornamentals) dominated by food species, which constituted 96 percent of individuals and 44 percent of all species. Forest-edge homegardens maintained higher plant diversity compared to homegardens in deforested areas and near degraded wetlands. Multiple linear regression models indicated elevation, location, homegarden size, distance to market, additional land ownership (outside the homegarden) and livestock ownership as significant predictors of crop diversity. Cluster analysis of species densities revealed four garden types: ‘diverse tree gardens’, ‘small forest-edge gardens’, ‘large, old, species-rich gardens’, and ‘large, annual-dominated herb gardens’, with 98% correct classification. Location, elevation, and garden size were also important determinants in the cluster assignment. We conclude that the diversity of the studied homegardens may be changing as part of adaptive traditional practices and in response to external drivers. The identified patterns illustrate the importance of homegardens for rural livelihoods and may offer some ways to support farmers to maintain these systems as relevant mechanisms for development in Uganda.
Deworming efficacy of Albizia anthelmintica in Uganda: preliminary findings
(African Journal of Ecology, 2007) Grade, Jeanne T.; Tabuti, John R. S.; Damme, Patrick Van; Arble, Bennett L.
This study was conducted to evaluate the anthelmintic effectiveness of Albizia anthelmintica, as a first step in investigating the hypothesis that livestock self-medicate. In July 2006, an observational study was conducted with 56 young female lambs, to validate A. anthelmintica efficacy. Faecal egg per gram for Coccidia, Strongyle-type, Monezia, Strongyloides and Dicrocoelia eggs were counted and analysed. Results indicate that A. anthelmintica is effective in controlling infection with a variety of internal parasites in lambs, Monezia was the most sensitive. Furthermore, treatment of Strongyle-type worms requires a biweekly dose of A. anthelmintica as an effective deworming protocol.
Distinguishing Forest Tree Communities In Kibale National Park, Western Uganda Using Ordination And Classification Methods
(African Journal of Ecology, 2007) Mucunguzi, Patrick; Kasenene, John; Midgley, Jeremy; Ssegawa, Paul; Tabuti, John R. S.
A study of spatial variation in tree community structure and species composition in the Kibale National Park, western Uganda was conducted. Tree communities were compared at five sites namely K-14, K-15 and K-30 at Kanyawara in the north, Ngogo in the central part of the forest and Mainaro in the southern part. All trees ≥10-cm diameter at breast height were censused along belt transects covering a total of 15 ha in all sites. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to identify forest tree communities and species associations. Using cluster analysis, two species assemblages emerged: the Mainaro, Ngogo and K-15 cluster and the K-30 and K-14 cluster. Principal component analysis revealed the descriptive species for the northern and southern sites.
Efficacy of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta root extract on slow-growing rifampicin resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2012) Kirimuhuzya, Claude; Bunalema, Lydia; Waako, Paul; Tabuti, John R. S.; John, Orodho; Magadula Jangu, Joseph; Otieno, Nicholas; Okemo, Paul
We report here, the results from total crude methanol extract as well as serial ether, chloroform, and methanol extracts of the root of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl) Schltr that were screened against three strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The strains used included the pan sensitive H37Rv, the rifampicin-resistant TMC-331 and a wild strain of Mycobacetrium avium (MA) isolated from a Ugandan patient. The disc diffusion method was used for susceptibility tests on solid Middle brook 7H10 while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the microtitre plate method using Middle brook 7H9 broth. We report that the total crude methanol extract showed the highest activity against H37Rv and TM-331 with complete clearance of quadrants at 50 mg/ml and zones of inhibition of 10.0 to 11 mm at 25 mg/ml concentration although it was not effective against M. avium. The corresponding MIC values were 1.17 mg/ml for H37Rv and 1.56 mg/ml for TMC-331. The values for isoniazid were 0.25 and 9.38 μg/ml for H37Rv and TMC-331, respectively, while for rifampicin the MIC value was 0.25 μg/ml for H37Rv but it was not active on TMC- 331. Acute toxicity test gave an LD50 of 758.5 mg/kg body weight while the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids.
The ethnobotany and ecological status of Albizia coriaria Welw. ex Oliv. in Budondo Sub-county, eastern Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2007) Tabuti, John R. S.; Mugula, Ben Belden
Useful trees are believed to be threatened. However, most evidence about these concerns is anecdotal. The objectives of this study were to document uses of Albizia coriaria Welw. ex Oliv., local harvesting patterns, perceptions about the species population dynamics, as well as local attitudes to its conservation. A further objective was to determine its availability, distribution and population structure. The study was carried out using ethnobotanical and quantitative ecological methods. The species was found to be multipurpose and produced fourteen different products and services. The most frequently mentioned products were herbal medicines, sawn timber and wood for construction. Individuals of the species were sometimes felled to harvest wood. Community responses indicated that the species was rare and was declining in the area. The quantitative inventory supported this community view: the species had a low density (33 individuals, >5 cm diameter at breast height per ha) and a flat size class distribution with a calculated least-squares regression slope of )0.0357. The species population appeared to be threatened by clearing of land for crop agriculture, human population growth, logging and a poor attitude to its conservation. Respondents claimed that they were not interested in conserving it because they had a low appreciation of its true value; lacked land, propagation material and skills; or because the species was slow growing.
First record of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) in Uganda
(Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 2016) Gebauer, Jens; Whitney, Cory W.; Tabuti, John R. S.
The baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a remarkable key tree species with different uses in many African countries. International interest in the species has intensified in recent years. Despite the wide distribution of the baobab in many African regions, the tree has been reported to be absent in Uganda. In 2015 and 2016, research trips in the Central, Western, Eastern and Northern Regions of Uganda were conducted to screen the cultivated and natural flora for baobabs. As a result, four vigorous baobab trees aged 9 and 22 years were identified in two gardens in the Iganga and Soroti Districts in the Eastern Region of Uganda. The origins of the planting materials were Nyala in Sudan and Mombasa in Kenya. To our knowledge, these are the first scientific records of baobab in Uganda and some research questions and key propositions are formulated based on this discovery.
Four Footed Pharmacists: Indications of Self-Medicating Livestock in Karamoja, Uganda
(Economic Botany, 2009) Gradé, J. T.; Tabuti, John R. S.; Damme, Patrick Van
Following observations of goats’ possible self-medication browsing the anti-parasitic plant, Albizia anthelmintica, an ethnobotanical survey was undertaken to examine whether livestock engage in other self-medicating behaviors, and if people also use the same medications. Information was gathered over a five-month period from 147 Karamojong pastoralists and healers using a checklist of questions. There were 124 observations for 50 proposed self-medicating behaviors, primarily eating plants, to treat a total of 35 disease conditions. Of the plant species, 72% were also prepared by informants to treat human or veterinary diseases. Species importance was estimated by four factors: >3 user citations, informant consensus factor >0.4, fidelity level >40% and presence in the local pharmacopoeia. Eight species fulfilled all of these factors, and 12 had at least three. These results provide support for the hypothesis that animals graze specific plants when ill and suggest that people have developed some of their knowledge through animal observation.
Herbal medicine use in the districts of Nakapiripirit, Pallisa, Kanungu, and Mukono in Uganda
(Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2012) Tabuti, John R. S.; Kukunda, Collins B.; Kaweesi, Daniel; Kasilo, Ossy M. J.
Traditional medicine (TM) occupies a special place in the management of diseases in Uganda. Not with standing the many people relying on TM, indigenous knowledge (IK) related to TM is getting steadily eroded. To slow down this loss it is necessary to document and conserve as much of the knowledge as possible. This study was conducted to document the IK relevant to traditional medicine in the districts of Mukono, Nakapiripirit, Kanungu and Pallisa, in Uganda. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted between October 2008 and February 2009 using techniques of key informant interviews and household interviews. Results: The common diseases and conditions in the four districts include malaria, cough, headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flu, backache and eye diseases. Respondents stated that when they fall sick they self medicate using plant medicines or consult western-trained medicine practitioners. Self medication using herbal medicines was reported mostly by respondents of Nakapiripirit and Mukono. Respondents have knowledge to treat 78 ailments using herbal medicines. 44 species, mentioned by three or more respondents have been prioritized. The most frequently used part in herbal medicines is the leaf, followed by the stem and root. People sometime use animal parts, soil, salt and water from a grass roof, in traditional medicines. Herbal medicines are stored for short periods of time in bottles. The knowledge to treat ailments is acquired from parents and grandparents. Respondents’ age and tribe appears to have a significant influence on knowledge of herbal medicine, while gender does not. Conclusion: This survey has indicated that IK associated with TM stills exists and that TM is still important in Uganda because many people use it as a first line of health care when they fall sick. Age and tribe influence the level of IK associated with herbal medicine, but gender does not.
The Influence Of Light And Temperature On The Germination Of Two Ugandan Medicinal Trees
(African Journal of Ecology, 2008) Stangeland, Torunn; Tabuti, John R. S.; Lye, Ka°re A.
For reasons of the problems of establishment of some Ugandan trees in certain environments, we investigated the influence of temperature and light on germination and seedling growth of two locally threatened medicinal trees, Hallea rubrostipulata and Sarcocephalus latifolius, to facilitate their establishment. Field and controlled laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the species germination requirements and seedling growth. Both species needed light to germinate. Hallea rubrostipulata had a temperature optimum of 25°C with 79% germination, while for S. latifolius, the total germination after 28 days was close to 60% at temperatures from 20 to 35°C. Seedlings of S. latifolius survived well at 35°C, while those of H. rubrostipulata died at this high temperature. Conversely, seedling of S. latifolius died at the low temperature of 15°C. However, in field experiment S. latifolius failed to germinate in the available degraded environments, probably because of predation and because the soil is not able to retain water long enough to support seedling growth. We, therefore, conclude that in this part of Uganda, nursery assistance is needed to establish healthy populations of Sarcocephalus and many other endangered trees.
Piospheric influence on forage species composition and abundance in semi-arid Karamoja sub-region, Uganda
(Pastoralism, 2015) Egeru, Anthony; Wasonga, Oliver; MacOpiyo, Laban; Mburu, John; Tabuti, John R. S.; Majaliwa, Mwanjalolo G. J.
Piospheres in semi-arid areas are gradients of animal impacts around watering holes. Few studies have examined the impact dynamics of herbaceous and woody species composition and abundance in relation to piospheres in East Africa. In this study, we identified the trend in piosphere development, assessed piosphere use and change indicators, and identified herbaceous and woody plant structure in relation to piospheres in the Karamoja sub-region, Uganda. Results revealed that piosphere development has been reactionary to drought and/or insecurity events and increased rapidly in the last decade. A diversity of herbaceous and woody plants exists around the piospheres. Use and change indicators revealed high trampling and grazing intensity, high presence of erosion signs and low litter cover. Gradient distance had both positive and negative effects on trampling intensity, percent exposure and plant height, respectively. A negative and positive effect of gradient distance was also observed on different herbaceous and woody forage species leading to the identification of both increaser and decreaser species around the piospheres. Therefore, as concentrated use of the piospheres continues unabated, an outward ripple effect leading to loss and/or increase of undesirable herbaceous and woody species will be felt. This will have an impact on the composition and abundance dynamics of desirable forage species in the sub-region.
Potential for Commercialization and Value Chain Improvement of Wild Food and Medicinal Plants for Livelihood Enhancement in Uganda
(Current Research Journal Biological Sciences, 2012) Barirega, Akankwasah; Tabuti, John R. S.; Damme, Patrick Van
Uganda is endowed with a wide diversity of wild plant species that can be commercialized for livelihood enhancement and poverty reduction. These wild plants are increasingly becoming a valuable source of livelihoods for many people through household use as well as trading as medicine, food and craft materials. However existing literature on commercialization of wild food and medicinal plants in Uganda is largely anecdotal and disjointed. In this review, we analyze available literature on importance of wild plants in sustaining people’s livelihoods, value chains as production and marketing approaches in commercialization of wild plants, the demand and supply for wild plants products and its implication for commercialization of wild food and medicinal plants, ecological implications for commercializing wild plants and the potential for wild plant commercialization to contribute to household income. The literature points to gaps in literature, which necessitate further studies to assess the importance of wild plants in the daily life of households, market potential of the wild plants and their contribution to the local people’s livelihoods.
Probabilistic decision tools for determining impacts of agricultural development policy on household nutrition
(Earth's Future, 2018) Whitney, Cory W.; Lanzanova, Denis; Muchiri, Caroline; Shepherd, Keith D.; Rosenstock, Todd S.; Krawinkel, Michael; Tabuti, John R. S.; Luedeling, Eike
Governments around the world have agreed to end hunger and food insecurity and to improve global nutrition, largely through changes to agriculture and food systems. However, they are faced with a lot of uncertainty when making policy decisions, since any agricultural changes will influence social and biophysical systems, which could yield either positive or negative nutrition outcomes. We outline a holistic probability modeling approach with Bayesian Network (BN) models for nutritional impacts resulting from agricultural development policy. The approach includes the elicitation of expert knowledge for impact model development, including sensitivity analysis and value of information calculations. It aims at a generalizable methodology that can be applied in a wide range of contexts. To showcase this approach, we develop an impact model of Vision 2040, Uganda’s development strategy, which, among other objectives, seeks to transform the country’s agricultural landscape from traditional systems to large-scale commercial agriculture. Model results suggest that Vision 2040 is likely to have negative outcomes for the rural livelihoods it intends to support; it may have no appreciable influence on household hunger but, by influencing preferences for and access to quality nutritional foods, may increase the prevalence of micronutrient deficiency. The results highlight the trade offs that must be negotiated when making decisions regarding agriculture for nutrition, and the capacity of BNs to make these trade offs explicit. The work illustrates the value of BNs for supporting evidence based agricultural development decisions.
Propagation and seedling establishment of selected multipurpose woody species of Uganda
(International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management, 2014) Nyamukuru, Antonia; Tabuti, John R. S.; Aduma, Philip R.
Cultivation of important woody species with the goal of conserving them is hampered by little, or no, information on how such species can be propagated or their seedlings established. We investigated propagation and seedling establishment of 14 important multipurpose species much valued for traditional medicine in Uganda. The experiments included sexual and vegetative propagation, as well as a seedling growth experiment. The multipurpose species Psidium guajava, Markamia lutea, Maesopsis eminii and Spathodea campanulata propagated easily from seed, and Ficus natalensis from cuttings. The medicinal species Zanthoxylum leprieurii, Warburgia ugandensis and Ficus saussureana did not germinate at all. Toddalia asiatica and Canarium schweinfurthii had high dormancy and low synchrony of seed emergence. Markamia lutea seedlings established readily with addition of fertilizer (NPK) and moderate watering (three times a week). We conclude that whereas the multipurpose use species appear to propagate easily, the medicinal plants are difficult to propagate sexually or asexually.
Recent Advances towards Validating Efficacy and Safety of African Traditional Medicines
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2014) Tabuti, John R. S.; Eddine Hassen, Imed; Pateh, Umar Usman; Mahomoodally, Mohamad Fawzi
Traditional medicine (TM) has a significant role to play in the African health care system for two main reasons. The first one is the inadequate access to allopathic medicines and western forms of treatments. The majority of people in Africa cannot afford access to modern medical care either because it is too costly or because there are nomedical service providers. Second, there is a lack of effectivemodernmedical treatment for some ailments such as malaria or HIV/AIDS, which, although global in distribution, disproportionately affect Africamore than other areas in the world. It is generally believedthatAfricanTMs if revisited andmeshedwithrecent developments in science could provide substantial benefits that could help give a boost to the African health care system and by doing so alleviate sufferings and livelihood of people. It is also believed that by rediscovering and adding value to the ancientwisdoms it will also empower people at the grassroot level and help patients as well as scientists find solutions to mitigate, inter alia, the global impact of diseases.
The Role of Homegardens for Food and Nutrition Security in Uganda
(Human Ecology, 2018) Whitney, Cory William; Luedeling, Eike; Hensel, Oliver; Tabuti, John R. S.; Krawinke, Michael; Gebauer, Jens; Kehlenbeck, Katja
The contribution of homegardens to the food and nutrition security of rural farmers has rarely been explored empirically. Our study assesses the influence of homegarden agrobiodiversity, production system parameters, and socioeconomic factors on household dietary diversity and anthropometric conditions in southwest Uganda. Plant inventories of 102 homegardens were followed by two 24-h recalls (n = 589) and anthropometric measurements (n = 325) of household members, as well as household food insecurity questionnaires (n = 95). Regression models explained between 16 and 50% of variance in dietary diversity and between 21 and 75% in anthropometric measurements. Results indicate that supporting diverse homegarden systems can in part reduce food insecurity in Uganda. We conclude with recommendations for further strengthening the role of homegardens in improving dietary and anthropometric outcomes.

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