Browsing by Author "Tugume, Patience"

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    Non Timber Forest Products Trade and Community Livelihoods around Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
    (Journal of Agricultural Studies, 2016) Tugume, Patience; Buyinza, Mukadasi; Kakudidi, Esezah; Mucunguzi, Patrick; Kalema, James; Mugisha, Maud Kamatenesi; Namaalwa, Justine
    This paper generates data on the diversi ty and value of non timber forest products (NTFP) traded in markets adjacent to Mabira Central forest reserve. The objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of NTFP trade to the livelihoods of trader sā€™ households . Q uarterly market surveys and field observations were conducted in eleven markets in 2014 . All NTFP traders were interviewed using semi structured questionnaires . Simple profitability method was used to determine the profit margins of the traded products. The per capita value of NTFP traded was calculated and was highest for drums ($ 3,101) and lowest for winnowing trays ($3). All products had profit margins above 60%. Income generated from NTFP was used to cater for other essential needs like payment of school fees, medic al treatment, buying food and other household items. NTFP trade has potential of improving the lives of traders through establishment of NTFP enterprises. In order for such enterprises to be successful traded forest products must be harvested sustainably t o ensure consistent supply of the products. Multipurpose species like Markhamia lutea, Phoenix reclinata, Raphia farinefera and Calamus sp could be domesticated to minimize pressure on the forest.
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    The Potency and Efficacy of Essential Oils from Selected Aromatic Crop Species Commercially Grown in Uganda: A Review of their Use in Animal and Human Therapeutics
    (Challenges and Advances in Pharmaceutical Research, 2022) Tugume, Patience; Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Bazirake, George Byarugaba; Waisindye, Noah; Asiimwe, Savina
    There is increased use of essential oils from aromatic crops in the beverage pharmaceuticals, apiary and cosmetics industries in addition to aromatherapy due to production of active compounds. Essential oils have been proven to have bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, anti-parasitic and insecticidal effects. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of efficacy and potency of essential oils from selected aromatic crop species commercially produced in Uganda. We reviewed relevant articles, books, theses, dissertations, patents, and other English only reports using potency, traditional medicinal uses, pharmacological or biological activity, toxicity, phytochemistry, and efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus, Salvia rosmarinus, Eucalyptus citriodora and Lavandula anguistifolia as the key search terms. We searched databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and search engines such as Google Scholar between June and November 2021. The essential oils were reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anthelmintic, insecticidal, larvicidal, acaricidal and antioxidant effects. Additionally, rosemary oil inhibited aflatoxin growth and secretion, stimulated the nervous system and stabilized mayonnaise during storage. The biological activities exhibited by essential oils in this review validate their current and potential use in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.
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    Unravelling taboos and cultural beliefs associated with hidden hunger among pregnant and breast-feeding women in Buyende district Eastern Uganda
    (BioMed Central Ltd, 2024) Tugume, Patience; Mustafa, Abubakar Sadik; Walusansa, Abdul; Ojelel, Samuel; Nyachwo, Evelyne B; Muhumuza, Emmanuel; Nampeera, Maria; Kabbale, Fredrick; Ssenku, Jamilu E
    Abstract Background Food taboos and cultural beliefs among pregnant and breast-feeding women influence their food consumption patterns and hence the health of women and unborn children. Cognizant of their neglect in programs aimed to ameliorate hidden hunger among pregnant and breast-feeding women in Buyende and other resource-poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa, we opted for a study to unravel them to inform program design. Methods We documented food taboos and beliefs amongst pregnant and breast-feeding women from six sub-counties of Buyende district in Eastern Uganda. A mixed-methods approach was used, which was comprised of questionnaire interviews with 462 women, eight focus group discussions with 6ā€“10 participants in each and a total of 15 key informant interviews. Results The present study revealed that 129 (27.9%) of the respondents practice food taboos and adhere to cultural beliefs related to their dietary habits during pregnancy and breast-feeding that are fuelling the prevalence of hidden hunger. The most tabooed foods during pregnancy were sugarcane (17.8%), fishes which included lung fish, catfish and the Lake Victoria sardine (Rastrineobola argentea) (15.2%), oranges (6.6%), pineapples (5.9%), eggs (3.3%), chicken (3.3%) and cassava, mangoes and Cleome gynandra (each at 3%). Most foods were avoided for reasons associated with pregnancy and labour complications and undesirable effects on the baby. Most women learnt of the taboos and beliefs from the elders, their own mother, grandparents or mother-in-law, but there was also knowledge transmission in social groups within the community. Conclusions The taboos and cultural beliefs in the study area render pregnant and breast-feeding women prone to micronutrient deficiency since they are denied consumption of a diversity of nutritious foods. There is a need to educate such women about consumption of nutrient-rich foods like fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables in order to improve their health, that of the unborn and children being breast fed. Additionally, culturally appropriate nutrition education may be a good strategy to eliminate inappropriate food taboos and beliefs with negative impact on the health of pregnant and breast-feeding women.