NRU :: Browsing by Author "Twongyirwe, Ronald"

Browsing by Author "Twongyirwe, Ronald"

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Assessing scale reliability in citizen science motivational research: lessons learned from two case studies in Uganda
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2024-12) Ashepet, Mercy Gloria; Vranken, Liesbet; Michellier, Caroline; Dewitte, Olivier; Mutyebere, Rodgers; Kabaseke, Clovis; Twongyirwe, Ronald; Kanyiginya, Violet; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Huyse, Tine; Jacobs, Liesbet
Citizen science (CS) is gaining global recognition for its potential to democratize and boost scientific research. As such, understanding why people contribute their time, energy, and skills to CS and why they (dis)continue their involvement is crucial. While several CS studies draw from existing theoretical frameworks in the psychology and volunteering fields to understand motivations, adapting these frameworks to CS research is still lagging and applications in the Global South remain limited. Here we investigated the reliability of two commonly applied psychometric tests, the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), to understand participant motivations and behaviour, in two CS networks in southwest Uganda, one addressing snail-borne diseases and another focused on natural hazards. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to the CS participants and a control group that consisted of candidate citizen scientists, under group and individual interview settings. Cronbach’s alpha, as an a priori measure of reliability, indicated moderate to low reliability for the VFI and TPB factors per CS network per interview setting. With evidence of highly skewed distributions, non-unidimensional data, correlated errors and lack of tau-equivalence, alpha’s underlying assumptions were often violated. More robust measures, McDonald’s omega and Greatest lower bound, generally showed higher reliability but confirmed overall patterns with VFI factors systematically scoring higher, and some TPB factors—perceived behavioural control, intention, self-identity, and moral obligation—scoring lower. Metadata analysis revealed that most problematic items often had weak item–total correlations. We propose that alpha should not be reported blindly without paying heed to the nature of the test, the assumptions, and the items comprising it. Additionally, we recommend caution when adopting existing theoretical frameworks to CS research and propose the development and validation of context-specific psychometric tests tailored to the unique CS landscape, especially for the Global South. Publicly Available Content Database
Bridging the rural-urban dichotomy in land use science
(Journal of Land Use Science, 2020) Jasper van, Vliet,; Birch-Thomsen, Torben; Gallardo, Marta; Hemerijckx, Lisa-Marie; Hersperger, Anna M.; Li, Mengmeng; Tumwesigye, Samuel; Twongyirwe, Ronald; Rompaey, Anton van
Rural and urban areas are often conceptualized as two separate entities and studied accordingly. However, in reality, they are related in multiple ways. Here we explore this relation between rural and urban areas from a land use perspective. We argue that land should be characterized along a gradient from rural to urban. Further, we argue that land use along this gradient typically combines both rural and urban functions. Finally, we point at the complex patterns of migration and mobility between different types of settlements, which is a multidirectional process that further blurs the distinction between rural and urban areas. These propositions are supported by examples from recent research and suggest the need for a more inclusive approach towards the analysis of rural and urban land use systems, as well as plans and policies that target these systems.
Does the farmer’s social information network matter? Explaining adoption behavior for disaster risk 2 reduction measures using the theory of planned behavior
(Theory of Planned Behavior, 2022) Mutyebere, Rodgers; Twongyirwe, Ronald; Sekajugo, John; Kabaseke, Clovis; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Kervyn, Matthieu; Vranken, Liesbet
Smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate-related disasters in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing, partly due to land-use changes and limited information about the adoption of farm-based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures. Classical agricultural extension workers are increasingly less trusted because they tend to transfer information not targeted to DRR, and rarely reach remote areas vulnerable to disasters. By extending the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study assesses whether Social Information Networks (SIN) can shape farmers’ perspectives regarding the adoption of DRR measures. Cross-sectional data were collected from 602 randomly selected households from Rwenzori and Ankole in Western Uganda, the sub-regions that are prone to landslides and floods. Results from the structural equation modeling demonstrate TPB as a strong framework to explain adoption behavior for DRR measures. Results show Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) as a stronger driver of intentions than subjective norm and attitudes. Intentions to apply DRR measures are significantly associated with actual adoption. Farmers’ adoption behavior to control landslides and floods is directly correlated since the same location might simultaneously be at risk of such interacting disasters. Furthermore, SIN significantly predicts adoption intentions directly, and indirectly through PBC, subjective norm, and attitude. PBC and professional networks being the main drivers of adoption intentions suggests that the role of extension services cannot be substituted by informal social networks but the two should be complementary. Thus, the study shows the need to build the technical capacity of extension staff and informal networks in DRR measures to train and transfer information to farmers.
Facilitating social enterprise development through collective marketing: insights from Bukonzo Joint Co-operative Union, Western Uganda
(Journal of Fair Trade, 2019) Ikwera, Robert; Twongyirwe, Ronald
Collective marketing is an avenue through which farmers could receive higher returns from their produce. Bukonzo Joint Co-operative Union exemplifies this: it has obtained both Fairtrade and organic certifications and, by following the Fairtrade ethos and offering farmers a guaranteed (and often) higher price, potentially has a strong role in livelihood improvement, poverty reduction, social inclusion and rural development. In this study, we showcase the role of collective marketing, explore the challenges and analyse the relevance of finance institutions in the development of co-operatives. Our qualitative study shows that collective marketing mixed with the Fairtrade ethos could strongly encourage social enterprise development and could lead to livelihood improvement in marginalised areas. However, one of the most important barriers is limited finances for the production of high-quality coffee, purchasing members’ coffee under the Fairtrade label and investment in infrastructure: availability of ethically appropriate, affordable funding options is critical in the development of social enterprises.
Natural Resource Management in the Northern Albertine Rift Landscape, Western Uganda: Modelling Household Land Utilisation for Conflict Reduction
(Mbarara University of Science and Technology, 2020) Twongyirwe, Ronald; Fisher, Eleanor
The discovery of oil in the Albertine Rift Landscape has increased pressure on natural resources and heightened the potential for resource use conflicts. Central to these natural resource use pressures are competing interests over land for agriculture, settlement and industrial development. This undermines people’s livelihoods and threatens biodiversity conservation. In this project, we had two broad aims: firstly, to increase our understanding of land utilisation patterns and related decision-making through participatory modelling, in order to fill knowledge gaps regarding how the negative effects of the oil industry can be reduced. Secondly, to contribute to thinking about conflict mitigation over land utilisation and access through solutions simultaneously generated through participatory approaches. The study was conducted in four villages around Budongo forest (in mid-western Uganda): Nyabyeya I, Nyabyeya II, Kibwona, and Nyakafunjo whose area is approximately 3.23 km2, 1.06 km2, 6.35 km2, and 1.29 km2 respectively. We employed mixed methods including: Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), with a composition of 10 members each (5 male, 5 female), Remote Sensing (RS) data analysis, and participatory modelling through Role Play Games (RPGs) – with a composition of 8-10 members each (4-5 male, 4-5 female). Mapping community resources was also done through village transects. Members drew resource maps during the FGDs (and later compared with RS products): this was followed by discussions on resource use, access and conflict. The groups also generated seasonal calendars to get a sense of time and (gendered) labour resource budgets throughout the year. The emphasis was on understanding utilisation of community resources, especially the interactions between the expanding sugarcane outgrower scheme (see Twongyirwe et al. 2015), strict forest protection and the emerging oil production in the region.
Perceived effects of drought on household food security in South-western Uganda: Coping responses and determinants
(Weather and Climate Extremes, 2019) Twongyirwe, Ronald; Mfitumukiza, David; Barasa, Bernard; Naggayi, Barbara R.; Odongo, Hannington; Nyakato, Viola; Mutonie, Grace
Food insecurity is a region–wide problem in Sub-Saharan Africa, exacerbated by severe drought, with devastating impacts at the household level. However, farmers' coping strategies and their determinants remain under– documented. In this study, we: 1) characterise relationships between perceptions of drought and food insecurity and corresponding household coping responses, 2) compare livelihood characteristics of farmers that perceived food insecurity as a problem and those who did not, and 3) investigate how household-level characteristics correspond to household coping strategies. Our study is exploratory in nature: we administered a questionnaire to 140 farmers in Isingiro district in South-west (SW) Uganda whose livelihood is predominantly dependent on crop production. We employ binomial and multinomial logistic regression models to identify the determinants of the respondents’ perceptions, how household characteristics correspond to household perceptions of food insecurity, and factors that affect coping responses. Our data show that 68.6% of the respondents perceived food insecurity as a problem in their household. Access to credit for crop cultivation increased the likelihood (p < 0.05) that farmers will be more aware and concerned about household food security status. Farmers were more likely to use the credit as a buffer against food insecurity. Whilst drought is widely perceived (by 95.6%: 133) as a problem contributing to food insecurity, the coping responses are wide-ranging. However a considerable 13% (of the total) reported to be “doing nothing” to respond to the drought effects. Notably, farmers that did not perceive food insecurity as a problem have higher (p=0.01) off-farm incomes and larger (p=0.00) farm sizes on average compared to those that did. Significant (p < 0.05) determinants of coping strategies include a combination of size of farmland, total income from crops, number of livestock and marital status. Broadly, our study indicates that households believe they are most at–risk of drought–induced food insecurity. Access to credit and alternative means of livelihood may offer resilience building options.
Spatial patterns of urbanisation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A case study of Uganda
(Development Southern Africa, 2021) Tumwesigye, Samuel; Vanmaercke, Matthias; Hemerijckx, Lisa-Marie; Opio, Alfonse; Poesen, Jean; Twongyirwe, Ronald; Rompaey, Anton Van
Sub-Saharan Africa is rapidly urbanising. This urbanisation may contribute to socio-economic development as more people participate in the urban economy. Nevertheless, rapid urbanisation is not always sustainable. Primary cities often grow fast, leaving secondary towns lagging behind with weaker economies. Viable strategies for sustainable urbanisation may therefore also need to focus on developing secondary towns. Nevertheless, very few studies, hitherto, have assessed the (relative) importance of secondary towns in urbanisation process in Sub-Saharan Africa. We aim to address this gap by studying the patterns and explanatory factors of urban population growth in Uganda. Based on a longitudinal analysis of population ranksize distribution, we show that the population distribution gap between secondary towns and the primary city is widening. Nevertheless, statistical analyses further indicate that secondary towns with above 50 000 inhabitants have the highest population growth rates. This indicates that future investments should aim at upgrading socio-economic infrastructures in secondary towns.
Stakeholder expectations, inter-organizational coordination and procurement practices among humanitarian organizations
(Journal of Business and Socio-economic Development, 2023) Mutebi, Henry; Aryatwijuka, Wilbroad; Rukundo, Aloysious; Twongyirwe, Ronald; Tumwebembeire, Naster; Tugiramasiko, Miriam
This paper aims to examine the interconnectedness between stakeholder expectations (SE), interorganizational coordination (IOC) and procurement practices within humanitarian organizations (HOs) based in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach – Employing a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 43 HOs and analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0.8.3. Variance-based structural equation models (VB-SEMs) were employed to examine both direct and indirect effects. Findings – The findings show a significantly positive relationship between SE, IOC and procurement practices. Additionally, the mediating role of IOC in the relationship between SE and procurement practices is evident. Research limitations/implications – While this study offers insights into procurement practices in HOs, the use of a quantitative approach might limit capturing dynamic changes over time. Future research could benefit from a nuanced approach involving interviews and longitudinal studies to uncover incremental changes. Practical implications – During relief management, HOs need to understand their SE through information sharing and capacity building. This understanding can aid in selecting procurement practices that align with SE and ensure the delivery of relief. Originality/value – Leveraging stakeholder theory, this research contributes to the understanding of how SE and IOC influence the adoption of procurement practices in HOs during relief delivery.
Technical performance and carbon footprint of commercial dairy farms in South West Uganda
(Wageningen Livestock Research, 2022) Vries, Marion de; Twongyirwe, Ronald
Dairy production in Uganda is rapidly expanding as a result of a high and increasing market demand and strategic prioritization of dairy for agricultural development. While the increase in production contributes to improved nutrition and livelihoods of rural communities, it may also be accompanied with significant increases in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Ugandan dairy sector and may lead to increased deforestation. The aim of the present study was to estimate and compare technical performance and GHG emissions of dairy farms participating the dairy development project SNV TIDE in south western Uganda. To this end, longitudinal data were collected from 101 commercial dairy farms participating in the SNV TIDE project in the districts Kiruhura, Lyantonde, Ntungamo, Isingiro and Mbarara in south western Uganda. GHG emissions were estimated using life cycle assessment (LCA). Results of this study can contribute to development of effective GHG mitigation strategies for the Ugandan dairy sector.
Understanding natural hazards in a changing landscape: A citizen science approach in Kigezi highlands, southwestern Uganda
(Copernicus Meetings, 2022) Kanyiginya, Violet; Twongyirwe, Ronald; Kagoro, Grace; Mubiru, David; Kervyn, Matthieu; Dewitte, Olivier
The Kigezi highlands, southwestern Uganda, is a mountainous tropical region with a high population density, intense rainfall, alternating wet and dry seasons and high weathering rates. As a result, the region is regularly affected by multiple natural hazards such as landslides, floods, heavy storms, and earthquakes. In addition, deforestation and land use changes are assumed to have an influence on the patterns of natural hazards and their impacts in the region. Landscape characteristics and dynamics controlling the occurrence and the spatio-temporal distribution of natural hazards in the region remain poorly understood. In this study, citizen science has been employed to document and understand the spatial and temporal occurrence of natural hazards that affect the Kigezi highlands in relation to the multi-decadal landscape change of the region. We present the methodological research framework involving three categories of participatory citizen scientists. First, a network of 15 geo-observers (i.e., citizens of local communities distributed across representative landscapes of the study area) was established in December 2019. The geoobservers were trained at using smartphones to collect information (processes and impacts) on eight different natural hazards occurring across their parishes. In a second phase, eight river watchers were selected at watershed level to monitor the stream flow characteristics. These watchers record stream water levels once daily and make flood observations. In both categories, validation and quality checks are done on the collected data for further analysis. Combining with high resolution rainfall monitoring using rain gauges installed in the watersheds, the data are expected to characterize catchment response to flash floods. Lastly, to reconstruct the historical landscape change and natural hazards occurrences in the region, 96 elderly citizens (>70 years of age) were engaged through interviews and focus group discussions to give an account of the evolution of their landscape over the past 60 years. We constructed a historical timeline for the region to complement the participatory mapping and in-depth interviews with the elderly citizens. During the first 24 months of the project, 240 natural hazard events with accurate timing information have been reported by the geo-observers. Conversion from natural tree species to exotic species, increased cultivation of hillslopes, road construction and abandonment of terraces and fallowing practices have accelerated natural hazards especially flash floods and landslides in the region. Complementing with the region’s historical photos of 1954 and satellite images, major landscape dynamics have been detected. The ongoing data collection involving detailed groundbased observations with citizens shows a promising trend in the generation of new knowledge about natural hazards in the region.
Who and Why? Understanding Rural Out-Migration in Uganda
(Geographies, 2021) Tumwesigye, Samuel; Hemerijckx, Lisa-Marie; Opio, Alfonse; Poesen, Jean; Vanmaercke, Matthias; Twongyirwe, Ronald; Rompaey, Anton Van
Rural–urban migration in developing countries is considered to be a key process for sustainable development in the coming decades. On the one hand, rural–urban migration can contribute to the socioeconomic development of a country. On the other hand, it also leads to labor transfer, brain-drain in rural areas, and overcrowded cities where planning is lagging behind. In order to get a better insight into the mechanisms of rural–urban migration in developing countries, this paper analyzes motivations for rural–urban migration from the perspective of rural households in Uganda. A total of 1015 rural households located in southwestern Uganda were surveyed in 2019. A total of 48 percent of these households reported having at least one out-migrant. By means of logistic regression modeling, the likelihood for rural out-migration was assessed using household- and community-level socioeconomic characteristics as predictors. The results show that most out-migrants are from relatively wealthy households with a higher-than-average education level. Typically, these households are located in villages that are well connected with urban centers. Poor households in remote locations send significantly fewer migrants because of their limited access to migration information and poor transport networks. From these findings, the following policy recommendations are made: Firstly, efforts should be made to extend basic social services, including quality education, towards rural areas. Secondly, in order to reduce socially disruptive long-distance migration and the eventual overcrowding and sprawls of major cities, government investments should be oriented towards the upgrading of secondary towns, which can offer rural out-migrants rewarding employment and business opportunities.

Browsing by Author "Twongyirwe, Ronald"

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