NRU :: Browsing by Author "Waiswa, Daniel"

Browsing by Author "Waiswa, Daniel"

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Agrobiodiversity of homegardens in a commercial sugarcane cultivation land matrix in Uganda
(International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management, 2016) Mwavu, Edward N.; Ariango, Esther; Ssegawa, Paul; Kalema, Vettes N.; Bateganya, Fred; Waiswa, Daniel; Byakagaba, Patrick
ABSTRACT Understanding biodiversity in homegardens embedded in landscapes dominated by commercial monoculture agriculture is critical for sustainable management of agrobiodiversity and meeting rural households’ needs in the face of global changes. We assessed agrobiodiversity in the 120 homegardens and its contribution to rural household livelihood strategies within a commercial monoculture sugarcane cultivation land matrix in eastern Uganda. We recorded a total of 68 plant species from 46 genera representing 27 families. Species richness spanned 6 to 19 species, and α-diversity (H’) ranged from 0.6 to 2.3; with 86.67% of the homegardens having H’ >1. Species composition differed significantly (global RANOSIM = 0.153, p < 0.001) among the villages. The most important and commonly maintained plants were those that provided food, fuelwood and money income and included Zea mays L., Manihot esculenta, Phaesolus spp., Coffea sp., Musa spp., Ipomea batatus and Artocarpus heterophyllus. Most of the crops cited as useful by households were also frequent and visible in many of the homegardens. Although homegardens still hold some valuable plants, there is also loss of important plants from the agricultural system including cowpeas, soya beans, bambara groundnuts, finger millet, cotton, aerial yams and oysternut essential for sustaining household livelihoods. This loss, precipitated by increased land-use/cover change to commercial sugarcane plantations threatens agrobiodiversity conservation and the benefits households derive from homegardens. Our findings underline the importance of homegardens in the conservation of indigenous agrobiodiversity, and indicate that with the continued expansion of commercial sugarcane cultivation this opportunity may be lost.
Agroforestry potential of Acacia senegal in the rangelands of luwero and Nakasongola districts
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2005) Agea, Jacob G.; Obua, Joseph; Namirembe, Sara; Buyinza, Mukadasi; Waiswa, Daniel
Agroforestry potential of Acacia senegal in the rangelands of Luwero and Nakasongola districts was assessed between November 2002 and February 2003. Proportion of farmland under A. senegal was assessed by farm transect walks. A structured questionnaire and interviews were administered to collect information on the socio-economic profile of the farmers and constraints and opportunities to management of A. senegal. Questionnaire responses were entered in SPSS and logistic regression used to show the effects of socio-economic variables on people's willingness to plant and manage A. senegal trees on thei.r farm. The proportion of farm land under A. senegal and other tree species is 16.78 %. Acacia senegal is a source of firewood, fodder, fencing post, soiJ fertility improvement, medicine and gum. Education, farm size, gender, occupation and ownership of domestic animals significantly influenced the local people's willingness to plant and manage A. senegal trees. Therefore, local people need to be mobilised and educated on the agroforestry potential and conservation value of Acacia senegal.
Attitudes of Out-of-School Youths towards Tree Planting Activities in Central Uganda: A Case Study of Masaka District
(Academy Science Publishers, 2009) Agea, Jacob G.; Nansereko, Susan; Obua, Joseph; Waiswa, Daniel; Buyinza, Mukadasi; Yikii, Fred
This study assessed the attitudes of out-of-school youths towards tree planting activities in Masaka district, central Uganda. Data were collected using 104 semi-structured questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to show the influence of demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents on their attitudes towards tree planting. Summative attitudes index varied from 320 for those who liked very much tree planting activities to 6 for those who disliked very much tree planting activities. Opinions on willingness to plant and tender trees also varied widely from summative index of 305 for those who would very much plant and manage the trees to 5 for those who would very much not plant and manage the trees. Sex, age, education, occupation, distance to the nearest trading centre and land ownership significantly contributed to variation in the attitudes. Factors such as lack of capital; land and tree tenure security; long payback period from planted trees; bad beliefs, taboos and superstitions about certain trees hindered out-of-school youths’ efforts. There is a need to develop clear policies and by-laws to guide and induce the out-of-school youths to plant trees as a livelihood opportunity.
Does restoration success vary with tree size under restoration plantings and regrowth forests?
(Conservation Science and Practice, 2022) Ssekuubwa, Enock; Goor, Wouter van; Snoep, Martijn; Riemer, Kars; Wanyama, Fredrick; Waiswa, Daniel; Yikii, Fred; Tweheyo, Mnason
Several studies evaluate active (i.e., seeding/planting) and passive (i.e., protecting forest regrowth) restoration, but few studies examine successional patterns for different plant sizes. By using biodiversity and structure, we examined whether restoration communities approach old-growth forests over time, and whether restoration success varies for different tree sizes in both active and passive interventions. We examined how initial site conditions affect active restoration. Small (dbh ≥ 5 cm), medium (≥15 cm), and large trees (≥30 cm) were measured in 2003–2017 in permanent sample plots in restoration plantings (initially 3–8 years old) and in an old-growth forest in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Trees were also measured in regrowth forests (initially 16 years old) in 2011–2017. We collated information about site conditions from restoration reports. Biodiversity and structure increased over time towards the old-growth forest. Restoration plantings and regrowth forests recovered diversity and structure of small and medium trees except for large trees. Forest recovery increased with proportions of remnant banana plants and shrubs, while isolation from the old-growth forest slowed recovery. Disaggregating vegetation inventory data by tree size may be useful in achieving a holistic measure of restoration. Restorationists could prioritize sites with remnant banana plants and shrubs, and sites closer to old-growth forests in order to achieve better results.
Ecology and Conservation of Acacia senegal in the Rangelands of Luwero and Nakasongola Districts
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2005) Agea, Jacob G.; Obua, Joseph; Namirembe, Sara; Buyinza, Mukadasi; Waiswa, Daniel
Ecology and conservation status of Acacia senegal in the rangelands of Luwero and Nakasongola Districts were assessed between November 2002 and February 2003. Sixty plots measuring 50 x 50 m were laid at 50 m intervals along six 1,000 m transects, and the diameter at breast height (DBH), of Acacia .fellegal trees measured. Each tree was visually assessed for physical damages as health indicators. Maturity class, terrain types and other trees growing together with Acacia senegal were identified and recorded. A structured questionnaire and interviews were used to collect data on the constr11ints and opportunities of conserving and managing Acacia Senegal. Data on the population structure, maturity class and stock density of Acacia senegal were analysed using MINITAB and DECORANA. The population structure of Acacia setiegal trees was unbalanced, with only 24% young trees (DBH < 8 em). Sixty five percent of trees were old (DBH > 8 em) and 84% physically damaged. Hills bad significantly (P < 0.05) higher tree density than plains and streams. Thirty-two tree species were recorded growing together with Acacia senegal in the rangelands and the most common were Acacia mel/ifera, Acacia hockii, Acacia seyaf, Combretum collillum and Conrhretum mol/e. Grazing livestock, bush fires, land tenure, tree tenure, pests and diseases were the major challenges to conservation of Acacia senegal in the rangelands. Collaborative conservation and management plan should be developed to conserve the species. Impacts of livestock grazing, settlement and farming on regeneration of Acacia senegal should be assessed before developing strategies for management and conservation.
Expansion of Commercial Sugarcane Cultivation among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda: Implications for Household Food Security
(Land, 2018) Mwavu, Edward N.; Kalema, Vettes K.; Bateganya, Fred; Byakagaba, Patrick; Waiswa, Daniel; Enuru, Thomas; Mbogga, Michael S.
Understanding the impact of commercial agriculture in the face of global change is critical to support strategies that ensure food security and alleviate poverty among households. We assessed the contribution of commercial sugarcane cultivation to household-level food security among smallholder farmers in Busoga sub-region, eastern Uganda. Land use changes are motivated by quick commercial gains rather than sustained food production; a situation that influences food security. The majority of households cultivate few crop varieties, lack adequate and nutritious foods, and have inadequate income to purchase food to meet their needs. Inadequacy of food within some commercial sugarcane-cultivating households suggests that generating income does not necessarily increase food security. To cope with food insecurity, households offer labour in exchange for food, borrow food, ration food, and at times steal. This is exacerbated by increasing food crop failures, large family sizes, trade in food items, and declining availability of food and land for food production. Commercial sugarcane cultivation is the main driver of food insecurity but given its perceived economic benefits, future sugarcane plantations expansion in the region is probably inevitable. Therefore, future policy should be designed to provide triple-win strategies (i.e., food security, poverty alleviation, and climate change adaptation) that provide sustainable livelihoods.
Household Firewood Consumption and its Dynamics in Kalisizo Sub-County, Central Uganda
(2010) Agea, Jacob G.; Kirangwa, Denis; Waiswa, Daniel; Okia, Clement A.
This study examined household firewood consumption and its dynamics in Kalisizo sub-county of Rakai district, central Uganda. Fifty households were conveniently selected and administered with semi-structured questionnaires to determine the preferred tree/shrub species for firewood and the socio-economic dynamic of firewood consumption in the households. Direct measurements were made to quantify the daily amount of firewood consumed by the households. Questionnaire responses were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while the volume of firewood consumed per household was computed using the formula, V = (pd2l)/4. Findings indicated a very strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.919) between a household family sizes and the volume of firewood consumed per day. On average, a household with a family size of about seven persons consumed 1.56 m3 of firewood per year. The most preferred tree and shrub species for firewood were Sesbania sesban (85%), Eucalyptus (83%), Calliandra calothyrsus (73%), Ricinus communis (68%), and Ficus natalensis (63%). Most of the species were reported to have good combustion characteristics. Firewood collectors covered 8 to 12 km and spent 4 to 6 hours daily to gather firewood, and on average many households collected 4 to 6 headloads of firewood per week. Most people preferred smaller diameter (13–56 mm) pieces of firewood, as they are easy to cut and transport as headloads. All the households interviewed said they occasionally buy firewood especially during rainy seasons and most (92%) of them spend up to UGX 200,000 (US $ 100) per year on firewood. Ninety percent of households made two fires (traditional three-stone fire) per day and 80% prepared two meals per day. There is a need for continued sensitization of household members about fire management in traditional three-stone fire cooking stoves to reduce firewood consumption and waste. Studies have shown that efficiency of a three-stone fire cooking stoves can be quite high if the fire is closely tended and managed. Use of energy saving stoves should also be promoted to save the already scarce firewood. There is also a need for continued encouragement of households to establish their own woodlots in order to reduce the burden of firewood collection on women and children. Lastly, there is a need to quantify opportunity costs foregone by household members involved in firewood collection to give a better picture of the overall dynamic of firewood in rural household economies.
Market Survey of Mondia Whytei (Mulondo) Roots in Kampala City, Uganda
(African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines, 2008) Agea, Jacob Godfrey; Katongole, Benard; Waiswa, Daniel; Nsubuga Nabanoga, Goretti
This study explored the consumers’ and vendors’ perceptions about Mondia whitei roots, in Kampala city, Uganda; determined the marketing margins and the market flow of the roots in the city; documented demand and supply opportunities as well as challenges to marketing of the roots by the vendors. Seventy vendors and 70 consumers of the roots were administered with semi-structured questionnaires. Results showed that M. whytei roots are largely perceived as sexual stimulant, appetiser, flavours for food and drinks, and stimulant for milk production in lactating mothers. Majority of the vendors (74%) and consumers (85%) perceived the trade in the roots as worthwhile. Men and adolescent boys were reported to be the main consumers. Retailers who buy the roots directly from collectors and later sell to consumers dominate the trade. The average price charged per piece and a kilogram of roots increases from collectors, middlemen and to the retailers. The average retail price was US $ 0.12 per piece of the root and US $ 1.50 per kg of the roots. Collectors charged the lowest price (US $ 0.06 and US $ 0.60 per piece and a kilogram of the roots respectively) though their profit margins remained the highest (50%). Several demand and supply opportunities exist for M. whytei roots and these included few sexual stimulant accepted alternatives to M. whytei roots in Kampala city; consumers’ willingness to pay high prices when the roots are scarce, and a large number of M. whytei roots gatherers that could promote the cultivation of this plant for the market. Challenges, such as seasonal low supply of the roots, and unorganised market structure, hamper the trade in M. whytei roots. There is a need for experimental research on efficacies of the perceived uses of the roots reported in this study. The possibility of value addition to the roots sold should be investigated.
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.

Browsing by Author "Waiswa, Daniel"

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