Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences

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Investigating false start of the main growing season: A case of Uganda in East Africa
(Heliyon, 2021) Ocen, Emmanuel; C.A.J.M. de Bie (Kees); Onyutha, Charles
False start of the growing season (Fsos) is a component of the onset variability related to agronomic drought that adversely impact on agricultural production and productivity. In the sub Saharan Africa (SSA) where agriculture heavily depends on rainfall, the Fsos tends to create confusion among farmers on when to start planting crops thereby affecting seed germination and normal growth after emergence. In this paper, we focus on the Fsos and the occurrence of dry spell especially before the Start of growing Season (SoS). We take advantage of the existing rainfall estimates (CHIRPS) and remotely sensed data for vegetation performance (NDVI) over the period 1999–2017 in combination with local knowledge derived from farmers to map out areas at risk of (i) dry spell at the SoS, and (ii) false timing of SoS or high probability of occurrence of the Fsos. We found that the North Eastern part of Uganda (8.8% of arable area) were at risk of dry spell throughout each year. However, the greater North (58.1% of arable area) was prone to dry spell during the onset of the March–May season. Areas in the South Western (3.7%) region were at risk during the onset of the September–November season. The probability that a location in Uganda experiences an Fsos falls between 0-53%. The findings in this study are vital for planning of predictive adaptation to the impacts of climate variability on agriculture amid struggle aimed at tackling food insecurity challenge in the SSA.
Increasing fish production from wetlands at Lake Victoria, Uganda using organically manured seasonal wetland fish ponds
(Wetlands ecology and management, 2009) Kaggwa, Rose C.; Anne, A. van Dam; Balirwa, John S.; Kansiime, Frank; Patrick, Denny
The processes driving primary productivity and its impacts on fish production were investigated in field trials in eight seasonal earthen wetland ponds ‘Fingerponds’ (192 m2) in Uganda between 2003 and 2005. The ponds were stocked by the seasonal flood with predominantly Oreochromis spp. at densities ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 fish m−2. Chicken manure (521, 833 or 1,563 kg ha−1) was applied fortnightly. Results showed that primary productivity was enhanced with maximum average net primary productivity (±Standard Error) of 11.7 (±2.5) g O2 m−2 day−1 at the Gaba site and 8.3 (±1.5) g O2 m−2 day−1 at the Walukuba site. Net fish yields were higher in manured ponds with up to 2,670 kg ha−1 yield for a 310 day growth period compared to less than 700 kg ha−1 in unmanured ponds. Fish production was limited mainly by high recruitment, falling water levels, light limitation from high suspended solids and turbidity, and low zooplankton biomass. It was concluded that Fingerponds have a high potential for sustainable fish production and can contribute to the alleviation of protein shortages amongst the riparian communities around Lake Victoria. Production can be enhanced further with improved stock management.
Evaluation of nitrogen cycling and fish production in seasonal ponds (‘Fingerponds’) in Lake Victoria wetlands, East Africa using a dynamic simulation model
(Aquaculture Research, 2010) Kaggwa, Rose C.; Anne, A. van Dam; Kipkemboi, Julius; Patrick, Denny
A dynamic model was developed to simulate nitrogen (N) flows and fish production in seasonal wetland fish ponds (Fingerponds) based on organic manuring and natural food production. The model incorporates pond water depth, food availability, fish stocking densities, fish and fingerling weights at stocking, reproduction rate, manure type and application rates. The ponds were fertilized fortnightly with 1042 kg ha−1 chicken manure. The model captured the dynamics of hydrology, nutrients and fish and demonstrated that similar fundamental processes underlie fish production in these systems. The model predicted annual fish yields of up to 2800 kg ha−1. Simulated fish production, chlorophyll a and dissolved inorganic N concentrations were comparable with field measurements. Using the model, N budgets and estimates of all N flows were made. Most of the N input into the ponds (60–70%) accumulated in the bottom detritus of the pond and only 8–10% was converted into fish biomass, of which about half consisted of small fish. Fish production in Fingerponds was limited by turbidity induced light limitation and by nutrient limitation. Reduction of variability of fish production should come from reduced turbidity and sufficient nutrient input to minimize light limitation and maximize fish growth.
Challenges and Capacity Gaps in Smallholder Access to Digital Extension and Advisory Services in Kenya and Uganda
(Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, 2022) Kansiime, Monica K.; Mugambi, Idah; Rware, Harrison; Alokit, Christine; Aliamo, Caroline; Zhang, Feng; Latzko, Jakob; Puyun, Yang; Karanja, Daniel; Dannie, Romney
An assessment of the challenges and capacity gaps in smallholder access to digital extension and advisory services (EAS) was made by surveying 197 female and 239 male farmers in Kenya and Uganda. Non-digital extension approaches remain dominant but at least 78% of farmers accessed EAS from electronic sources dominated by radio. This is attributed to the fact that ownership of radios was more widespread than of other digital devices. Challenges that particularly limit the use of digital services included low digital literacy and prohibitive cost of internet and mobile devices. Female and elderly farmers were more likely to report these challenges than their counterparts. Logistic regression model results show that ownership of digital devices, participation in post-production activities, and access to extension were enablers of digital EAS use. Farmers mentioned gaps in obtaining information on crop pest/disease diagnosis and management, fertilizer application, pesticide safety and quality seed. Given the diversity in smallholder technological capabilities and information needs, the recommendations made include integration of digital communication within multimode advisory services that use different but linked communication channels, continued farmer digital innovation capacity enhancement, and participatory design approaches that deliver relevant and actionable information for inclusive scaling of extension activities.
Bringing sustainable agricultural intensification practices and technologies to scale through campaign-based extension approaches: lessons from Africa Soil Health Consortium
(International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 2021) Kansiime, Monica K.; Njunge, Rahab; Okuku, Innocent; Edward, Baars; Alokit, Christine; Solomon, Duah; Gakuo, Stephanie; Karanja, Lucy; Mchana, Abigael; Mibei, Henry; Musebe, Richard; Dannie, Romney; Rware, Harrison; Silvestri, Silvia; Duncan, Sones; Watiti, James
Sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) practices have been developed with the aim of increasing agricultural productivity. However, most of them are not achieving their potential because of low adoption, linked to limited extension support to make them known and accessible by end-users. This paper reviews the effectiveness of the Africa Soil Health Consortium (ASHC) extension-based campaigns, contributing knowledge for formulating novel and cost-effective extension approaches. Results show that ASHC campaigns achieved scale of farmer reach and spurred adoption of promoted SAI technologies. Adoption levels for a range of practices were at least 20%, which favourably compares with reported adoption rates for the training and visit extension approach; 1-7% and 11-21% for complex and simple practices respectively. In comparison to a single channel, exposure to multiple communication approaches was associated with higher uptake of promoted practices and technologies, and also increased participation of men, women and youth, by addressing inherent differences in access to, proficiency with, and preferences of communication channels. Success factors associated with ASHC campaigns were; the deployment of multiple and complementary information channels; harnessing public-private partnerships to establish sustainable input supply chains; and development of localized content and fit-for-purpose information materials to facilitate information diffusion.
Improving Caregivers’ Infant and Young Child-Feeding Practices Using a Three-Group Food Guide: A Randomized Intervention Study in Central Uganda
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2021) Kansiime E.; Kabahenda M. K.; E. A. Bonsi
Despite improvements in food production and healthcare services, the burden of malnutrition in Uganda has for the last 30 years remained unacceptably high with rates of stunting (chronic undernutrition) and anemia (proxy for micronutrient deficiency) currently estimated at 29% and 53%, respectively among young children aged 6-59 months. Considering that both undernutrition and over nutrition are greatly attributed to monotonous diets characterized by limited dietary diversity and overdependence on starchy refined grains or roots as staples, there is need to improve the population’s awareness of appropriate dietary practices. To improve nutrition education, the Infant and Young Child-feeding national counseling cards for community volunteers (IYCF cards) that were developed by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are currently the standard package used in Uganda’s health sector to educate caregivers on appropriate child-feeding practices. In this study, the effectiveness of a three-group food guide was evaluated against IYCF cards. A randomized, controlled intervention trial engaged three randomly selected distant groups of child-caregiver pairs (n=40) concurrently in one of three treatments namely: (i) nutrition education using a threefood group guide (FG), (ii) nutrition education using age-appropriate IYCF cards, and (iii) negative control group that engaged in hair-plaiting sessions. At baseline, all groups had randomly selected caregivers of children aged 6-14 months and were met once a week for five consecutive weeks during the intervention. Caregivers were interviewed at baseline and 2 months after the interventions to determine changes in child-feeding practices while their children were concurrently measured to determine changes in their nutritional status. At baseline, caregivers in the three treatment arms exhibited inappropriate child-feeding practices indicated by low child-feeding index (CFI) scores, which were also related to poor nutritional status of their children. After the interventions, children in FG group were given more varied animal-source foods than those in IYCF cards group (p = 0.02). Compared to controls, caregivers in FG group gave their children significantly more snacks (p = 0.01), their child-feeding practices indicated by CFI scores significantly improved (p = 0.001) and their children exhibited better growth patterns indicated by weight-for-age (p = 0.02) and MUAC-forage (p = 0.03) Z-scores. These findings, therefore, indicate that the three-group food guide is more likely to improve child-feeding practices and growth patterns than IYCF cards. Hence, there is need to integrate the food guide into IYCF materials to foster child-feeding practices and growth.
Minimizing postharvest food losses: a vital strategy to alleviate food insecurity and malnutrition in developing nations: a review
(Springer International Publishing, 2024-12) Khan, Ayesha Ashraf;; Siddiqui, Yasmeen;; Siddique, Kadambot H. M. ;; Bobo, Jack A.;; Ali, Asgar
As global food production encounters escalating challenges, postharvest losses (PHLs) emerge as a critical yet often overlooked issue. Despite considerable progress in food production, PHLs remain a significant concern, accounting for an average of 14% of food production in 2021. Against the backdrop of 811 million people facing food insecurity and the triple burden of malnutrition, it becomes increasingly evident that reducing food losses offers a sustainable solution to enhancing global food and nutritional security, particularly in developing countries. This review aims to underscore the significance of PHLs, their impact on global food security, and the current PHL scenario in developing nations. Despite the abundance of innovative technologies developed by researchers, accessibility to these technologies remains limited for farmers in many countries. The ongoing struggle and dire circumstances surrounding proper food handling in developing nations necessitate immediate action. Research efforts must focus on assessing the regional applicability, costs, and economic returns of existing technologies for mitigating PHLs. In addition to capital investments, the long-term sustainability of reducing PHLs hinges on ensuring the effective use of these technologies through education and training. Graphical Abstract
Unravelling Yield and Yield-Related Traits in Soybean Using GGE Biplot and Path Analysis
(MDPI AG, 2024-12) Obua, Tonny;; Sserumaga, Julius Pyton;; Tukamuhabwa, Phinehas ;; Namara, Mercy;; Awio, Bruno;; Mugarra, Johnson;; Tusiime, Geoffrey;; Chigeza, Godfree
Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital crop for food, animal feed, and industrial products. However, its yield performance is significantly affected by genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI), which complicates the selection of high-yielding, stable varieties. This study aimed to evaluate the yield performance and stability of 12 elite soybean varieties across five major production areas in Uganda using GGE biplot and path analysis. The varieties were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications over two consecutive seasons. Results revealed significant differences in grain yield among the varieties, locations, and their interactions (p < 0.001). The highest-yielding varieties were Maksoy 5N (979 kg ha−1), Maksoy 4N (978 kg ha−1), Maksoy 3N (930 kg ha−1), and Signal (930 kg ha−1). GGE biplot analysis grouped the locations into two mega-environments, with the Maksoy varieties exhibiting greater yield stability compared to Seed Co. varieties. Path analysis showed that traits such as the number of lower internodes, central internode length, and filled pods had the highest positive direct effects on grain yield. This study provides insights into soybean breeding in tropical environments, highlighting traits that can be targeted to improve yield and stability. The findings offer a framework for breeding programs in Uganda and similar agro-ecological regions, promoting more resilient and productive soybean varieties. This study also illustrated the potential advantages of employing more complex mathematical techniques like path analysis to uncover yield and yield-related traits in soybean breeding programs.
Evaluating consumer preferences for reduced cooking time, taste and colour of beans in rural and urban communities in Uganda
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-12) Asiimwe, Robert;; Katungi, Enid;; Marimo, Pricilla ;; Mukankusi, Clare;; Rubyogo, Jean Claude;; Anthony, Vivienne
Abstract Background Common bean breeders strive to deliver farmer- and consumer-preferred varieties that are well-adapted to distinct production environments, changing markets and end uses. However, there is information gap on the key traits that customers prefer and are willing to pay for. This paper examined the preferences and willingness to pay for reduced cooking time and other selected traits in the Ugandan bean markets using a choice experiment data elicited from 1152 urban and rural bean consuming households. A latent class model was used to assess preferences and the willingness to pay for reduced cooking time. Results Results indicated that taste, cooking time, bean swelling on cooking, and grain color were the preferred attributes in decreasing order among non-bean-producers. About 72% of the urban consumers were willing to pay 41 shillings, 53 shillings and 42 shillings above prices for reduction in cooking time from 120 (status quo) to 90, 75, and 60 min, respectively. For consumers who also grow their beans for food and surplus for sale, reduced cooking time is important but not as much as yield and climate resilience. The study identified four distinct customer segments—two among bean-producing households and two among non-bean-producing households. Gender, education, level of altruism/openness to change, household economic status, and price sensitivity were the major factors influencing segment membership. Conclusions The study findings demonstrated that breeding to reduce cooking time will generate a significant social savings in terms of less cooking fuel, water and time, but cooking time ought to be considered alongside other attributes preferred by consumers and farmers to succeed. Results also suggest that women urban consumers attach more importance to higher levels of intrinsic traits (non-visible but experienced by consumers) compared to men—thus promotional campaigns popularizing new varieties should target women to stimulate demand.
Urban agriculture as an evolved sustainable urban livelihood: evidence from Kampala city, Uganda
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-12) Kwiringira, Japheth;; Mohling, Elizabeth W. Perry;; Mathias, Akugizibwe ;; Ariho, Paulino;; Mugisha, James;; Zakumumpa, Henry;; Rujumba, Joseph;; Tumwebaze, Innocent Kamara
BACKGROUND: For centuries, urban agriculture has been a vital livelihood strategy of urban households in developing countries. Previous studies looked at urban agriculture at a point in time as an urban livelihood for the urban poor that struggle with eking out a living, without the current dynamism, which attracts the non-poor into the practice. Having become an integral part of the urban economy, the study objective was to use poultry farming, to explore the role of urban agriculture as an evolved and dynamic urban livelihood that attracts the non-poor. METHODS: The study was conducted in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The unit of analysis were urban farming households. Data were collected through four (4) Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), sixteen (16) key informants and twenty (20) In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected for a period of two (2) months using unstructured research instruments, triangulated and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Our results indicate that; urban agriculture is an evolving urban activity. This evolution and continuities were driven by the merits of urban agriculture (food, jobs and income) to urban dwellers. Urban agriculture also contributed to the economic inclusion of women and the urban poor. There was household resource logic in practicing urban agriculture, especially in the private sector, where jobs were scarce. In view of these innovations, the urban authorities were supporting urban farmers with demonstrations and certified inputs for farmers in Kampala and beyond. To further develop urban agriculture, it is recommended that farmers organize themselves into viable groups to further realize corporate advantages such as better resource access such as affordable financing, access to better inputs and linkages with various institutions and stakeholders in production, value addition, policy and marketing for better returns and sustainable farming practices. CONCLUSIONS: These findings if used in perspective by planners and regional managers have utility for the anchoring of urban agriculture in the urbanisation agenda for Uganda and beyond. It is envisaged that, stakeholders can draw useful actions relating to sustainable urban food production (consumer food shed), waste management, incomes, job creation, training, research and innovations in urban areas. AGRICOLA
Association between foreign agricultural investments and adoption of soil and water conservation practices in Uganda
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-12) Byaruhanga, Bruce Michael;; Bashaasha, Bernard;; Turinawe, Alice ;; Nakanwagi, Teddy;; Tumusiime, David
OBJECTIVES: Recently, some developing countries are promoting foreign agricultural investments in Agriculture to exploit currently under-exploited land. Yet, the benefits to recipient countries remains less understood and inconclusive. The study sought to understand the association between proximity to a foreign agricultural investments (FAI) and adoption of soil and water conservation farming methods by smallholder farmers in Uganda. METHODOLOGY: We used cross-sectional data collected from a total of 1,181 smallholder respondents, sampled through a multi-stage random sampling process resulting in three independent samples from South-western, Central and Northern Uganda. Using logistic regression analysis and pooled data, we study the association between proximity to a FAI and other factors that influence the adoption of soil and water conservation farming practices by smallholder farmers in Uganda. RESULTS: Descriptive results show that at the aggregate level proximity to a FAI, the education level of the farmer and ownership of information and communication assets (radio and mobile phone) are significantly different between adopter and non-adopters of soil and water conservation farming methods in the research area. The econometric findings of the study suggest that proximity to a foreign agricultural investments (FAI) has weak but significant spillovers on soil and water conservation farming practices of smallholder farmers it their vicinity with possible site specific variations that warrant more in-depth investigation. The effect of proximity to FAI on the adoption of soil and water conservation farming practices is complemented by the education level of the farmer and access to means of communication (radio, and in particular mobile phone set) indicating the importance of information and also broader socio-economic conditions. RECOMMENDATION: We recommend policies that enhance increased exposure of smallholder farmers to FAI especially those that help promote rural digital penetration through increased band width, FM radios and affordable data packages. AGRICOLA
A machine learning-based exploration of resilience and food security
(Wiley Periodicals, Inc, 2024-12) Villacis, Alexis H.;; Badruddoza, Syed;; Mishra, Ashok K.
Leveraging advancements in remote data collection and using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) as a proxy measure of resilience, we show that machine learning models (such as Gradient Boosting Classifier, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and Artificial Neural Networks), can predict resilience with relatively high accuracy (up to 81%). Key household‐level predictors include access to financial institutions, asset ownership, the adoption of agricultural mechanization as evidenced by the use of tractors, the number of crops cultivated, and ownership of nonfarm enterprises. Our analysis offers insights to researchers and policymakers interested in the development of targeted interventions to bolster household resilience.
Making home alive again afterwar: Acoli Kaka’s Indigenousland sovereignties in NorthernUganda
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2024-12) Rosenoff Gauvin, Lara
After the war between the Ugandan government and the Lord's Resistance Army (1986‐2006), 90 per cent of the displaced rural population in Northern Uganda returned to small‐scale farming on their ancestral lands and their systems of communal land stewardship. At the time, there was much debate about transitional justice interventions to address war's violence, but in that same period over 85 per cent of Acoli chiefdoms saw affiliated clans, or kin‐based political communities (kaka), negotiate to write down their Indigenous governance constitutions for the first time. Acoli Kaka’s return to their ancestral lands and small‐scale farming, and subsequent engagements with tekwaro – Indigenous knowledge – through constitution writing, served to strengthen Indigenous governance and law after their weakening in contexts of war and displacement. It is argued here that these engagements and negotiations rooted in the land, regardless of their outcomes, served to orient relationships away from the fragmenting, unprecedented, forced Acoli‐on‐Acoli violence experienced during the war. A resurgence of Acoli Kaka’s Indigenous law and governance rooted in communal land stewardship is linked to relational repair and supports calls for transitional justice processes to nurture and respect Indigenous land rights. These ethnographic arguments also lend support to kaka’s ongoing efforts towards clan unity (ribbe kaka) and to secure communal land sovereignties. Sociological Abstracts (pre-2017)
Climate change perceptions and adaptation by Sebei pastoralists in Mount Elgon, Uganda: a qualitative survey
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-12) Aggrey, Siya;; Varela, Elsa;; Batumike, Rodrigue ;; Cuni-Sanchez, Aida
Pastoralists' sedentarisation and agriculturalisation might increase their vulnerability to climate change impacts, but few studies have investigated if this is the case in mountain areas. In Uganda, little is known about how Sebei pastoralists have perceived and adapted to such changes. This study sought to establish perspectives of Sebei pastoralists on climate change in terms of its occurrence and impacts as well as access to livelihood assets and or opportunities to withstand such challenges. This study was conducted in Mount Elgon areas of Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was employed using qualitative approaches. Data were collected using focus-group discussions with men and women village elders to assess their perceptions regarding climatic changes, impacts and adaption strategies used. Data were analysed using thematic and content analysis approaches. All analyses were done using NVivo version 14. Respondents reported changes in the amount and distribution of rainfall, fog and temperatures, with negative impacts on fodder availability, milk production and pests and diseases. Study participants mentioned using several adaptation strategies with regard to animal rearing, crop farming and livelihood diversification. Among others, participants reduced herd size, migrated longer distances, stored wild grass, used crop residues as feed and increased 'self-medication' of their cattle. Access to funds, markets and technical advice were the main barriers to adaptation identified. Institutional support-now only focused on improved breeds-should consider the multiple strategies used by pastoralists, and the constraints they highlighted, including the need for mutual learning space. MEDLINE
Biophysical Constraints to Robusta Coffee Productivity in Low, Moderate, and High Rainfall Areas
(Hindawi Limited, 2024-12) Nakyagaba, Winfred Nabiteeko; Talwana, Herbert; Kyamanywa, Samuel ; Kagezi, Godfrey H.; Bamutaze, Yazid; Mfitumukiza, David; Twinomuhangi, Revocatus; Bukomeko, Hannington; Mukasa, David; Fungo, Bernard; Piet, van Asten; Jassogne, Laurence
Globally, coffee ( Coffea spp.) is a major commodity in terms of production and trade. Although Uganda is seventh among the major producing countries, yields remain low at 500 kg/ha. Understanding the biophysical constraining factors is vital to inform efforts toward closing the yield gap. A diagnostic study was conducted in 150 coffee fields to determine the most yield‐limiting factors under varying rainfall thresholds, categorized as low ≤ 1100 mm/year, moderate ≥ 1100 to 1200 mm/year, and high ≥ 1200 mm/year. Robusta yield, soil parameters, pest and disease proportions, and tree and banana intercrop densities were measured under the thresholds. Parametric methods and the boundary line approach were used to analyze limiting factors and yield gaps. The results indicated that yields were significantly ( p < 0.001) higher in moderate (960 ± 234 kg ha −1 ) than low (803 ± 188 kg ha −1 ) and high (713 ± 193 kg ha −1 ) rainfall thresholds. The proportion of pests and diseases doubled in high than low rainfall thresholds. Soil parameters and tree or banana intercrop were the main yield‐limiting factors. Magnesium limited yield in 47%, 26%, and 14% of coffee fields, causing 23%, 20%, and 21% yield gaps in high, moderate, and low thresholds, respectively. The maximum yield was 1492 kg ha −1 ; the explainable yield gap was 32%. A larger yield gap of 42%, 36%, and 32% was observed in high, moderate, and low rainfall thresholds. Therefore, long‐term integrated soil fertility and tree or banana intercrop management are suggested for high thresholds, focusing on pests and diseases in moderate and low rainfall thresholds. Additionally, frequent field monitoring is needed to determine the prevalence of pests and diseases at different times of the year and season. Hence, matching thresholds of rainfall variability to the Robusta coffee yield is critical for closing the yield gap and achieving Uganda’s anticipated 20 million 60‐kg bags year −1 . CrossRef
Enhancing Nutrition: A Review of Provitamin A CarotenoidCassava Breeding Initiatives in East Africa
(wiley, 2024-12) Abincha, Wilfred;; Dzidzienyo, Daniel Kwadjo;; Wesonga, Lilian Noela ;; Mwimali, Murenga;; Ozimati, Alfred;; Kayondo, Ismail Siraj;; Ofori, Kwadwo;; Tongoona, Pangirayi;; Kivuva, Benjamin Musembi
Biofortification of staple food stands as one of the most reliable methods of alleviating vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Evidence suggests that introducing provitamin A carotenoid (pVAC) cassava into the diets of preschool and primary school children in East Africa has led to improvements in their retinol levels. Notably, Kenya and Uganda have initiated cassava biofortification programs in the region. These efforts involve the assembly and characterization of pVAC cassava germplasm, alongside the development of essential tools such as genomic prediction (GP) models and molecular markers for accelerating genetic gains in the biofortification programs. However, several challenges have emerged, including a negative correlation between carotenoid content and dry matter content in cassava roots, diseases, the absence of affordable high-throughput phenotyping methods, poor cassava flowering, poor pollen viability, low capacity in bioinformatics analyses, degradation of carotenoids during processing, and inadequate germplasm conservation facilities. To address these hurdles, cassava breeding programs in the region require enhanced infrastructure and human capacity to optimize efficiency in cassava biofortification with pVACs.
Schistosomiasis transmission: A machine learning analysis reveals the importance of agrochemicals on snail abundance in Rwanda
(Public Library of Science, 2024-12) Kagabo, Joseph;; Tabo, Zadoki;; Kalinda, Chester ;; Nyandwi, Elias;; Rujeni, Nadine
Background Schistosomiasis is an important snail-borne parasitic disease whose transmission is exacerbated by water resource management activities. In Rwanda, meeting the growing population's demand for food has led to wetlands reclamation for cultivation and increased agrochemical enrichment for crop production. However, the ecological consequences of agrochemical enrichment on schistosomiasis transmission remain unexplored. Methods A malacological survey was conducted in 71 villages selected from 15 schistosomiasis endemic districts. Snail sampling was done in wetlands used for agriculture, along lake Kivu and at constructed multipurpose water dams. Water physico-chemical parameters were collected at all snail sampling sites. Analysis of collected data was performed using Xgboost (gain) and Random Forest (mean decrease in accuracy), machine learning techniques, to construct models that evaluate and categorize the importance of all physico-chemical properties on the presence and abundance of intermediate host snails (IHS). Results Different sets of parameters were relevant for the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. and/or Bulinus spp. snails. Electrical conductivity, elevation, magnesium and lead content were deemed to shape the presence and abundance of Bulinus spp. snails. The impact of phosphate ion concentration, ammonia ions, total nitrogen and total organic carbon levels mirrored their importance towards the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. Factors such as pH, electric conductivity, total nitrogen content and total organic carbon influenced the coexistence of both species. Our study highlights the value of integrating a wide range of predictor variables, enabling effective variable selection to uncover important predictors of snail distribution. Conclusion The results suggest that agrochemical compounds can enhance the abundance of IHS leading to an increased risk of Schistosoma transmission. Snail surveillance could therefore be integrated into agricultural expansion projects in our match towards schistosomiasis elimination. Recognizing the impact of agrochemicals on IHS is crucial for minimizing schistosomiasis transmission among those working in wetlands while meeting the growing need for food.
Risk factors and economic losses associated with cystic echinococcosis among livestock in selected pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Uganda
(BMC Veterinary Research, 2025)
Background Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic cyclo-zoonotic disease caused by the taeniid Echinococcus and causes significant economic losses in livestock production, yet its impact is often overlooked and under estimated. Methods This study investigated the risk factors and economic impact of cystic echinococcosis in livestock, in Uganda’s pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. In the study, 14,937 livestock were examined at selected slaughterhouses in Moroto, Kumi, Luwero and Nakasongola districts from March 2019 to February 2020. The visceral organs were examined for hydatid cysts during slaughter and the prevalence correlated with the risk factors got from livestock traders and livestock owners through questionnaire survey. Production losses and economic losses due to organ condemnations were also estimated. Results This is the first study to provide insights into the financial impacts and risk factors towards Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) in livestock in Uganda. The key significant risk factors for the persistence of CE in goats were place of origin from Lira (P≤0.000), Nakasongola (P≤0.002), Luwero and Bukedea (P≤0.002), and tethering (P≤0.001); in cattle was communal grazing (P≤0.0000); and in sheep was being kept in large flocks (P≤0.004). The total annual economic losses due to CE on livestock inspected in abattoirs in the study districts was USD 21,352.7 (1 USD=3,809.3UGX) of which 11.7% was due to organ condemnation and 88.3% due to livestock production losses. More significant mean annual economic losses per livestock species examined occurred in Moroto district among Zebu cattle USD 8.4, goats USD 1.4 and sheep USD 1.4 than other districts. Conclusion Results show that CE is a disease of significant economic and public health importance in PAP areas in Uganda with urgent need to create awareness and institute community-based control measures involving multistakeholder particiapation.to break livestock-dog cycle.
Animal-sourced foods improve child nutrition in Africa
(National Academy of Sciences, 2024-12) Khonje, Makaiko G;; Qaim, Matin
Child undernutrition remains a widespread public health problem in the Global South, especially in Africa. Childhood stunting-meaning linear growth retardation-is a comprehensive and commonly used indicator of chronic child undernutrition and is mostly the result of insufficient nutrient intake, among other factors. Previous research showed that the consumption of animal-sourced foods (ASF), including meat, dairy, eggs, and fish, is associated with lower rates of child stunting, but reliable evidence for Africa is scant. In Africa, average ASF consumption is low. We use representative panel data from five African countries-Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda-with over 32,000 observations from children aged 0 to 5 y to show that ASF consumption increases mean child height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) by 0.30 (P < 0.01) and reduces the likelihood of stunting by 6.8 percentage points (P < 0.01), after controlling for confounding factors. The child nutritional benefits of diets containing ASF are larger than those of purely plant-based diets. Nutritious plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes, can provide most of the nutrients required and also have positive effects on HAZ, but they are sometimes not available and accessible in sufficient quantities all year round, especially in rural areas. Given the large environmental footprints of livestock farming, initiatives to make food systems more sustainable often call for a strong reduction in ASF consumption. While ASF consumption should be reduced where consumption quantities are high, our results suggest that poor households' access to ASF in Africa should be further improved to help reduce child undernutrition. Virology and AIDS Abstracts
Effective bylaw implementation mechanisms for sustainable potato production in southwestern Uganda
(Cogent, 2024-12) Makuma-Massa, Henry;; Kibwika, Paul;; Nampala, Paul ;; Yami, Mastewal
The study assessed the most effective mechanisms of bylaws implementation in sustainable potato production in Southwestern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Southwestern Uganda. A mixed-method approach was used to collect data involving structured questionnaires administered to 104 potato farmers (93% response rate), key informant interviews (nine), and focus groups (six). Quantitative data from Epidata 3.1 was exported to STATA 13.0 for coding, cleaning, and analysis. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis in Atlas.ti version 7.5. Multivariate linear regression revealed that farmers' level of implementation of improved and quality seed potato bylaws (β = −0.013; p < 0.05; CI: −0.026; −0.000), farmer roles (β = −0.127; p < 0.001; CI: −0.176; −0.084), and practising both crop and livestock farming (β = −0.129; p < 0.01; CI: −0.219; −0.038) was negatively and significantly associated with bylaw effectiveness. Bylaw effectiveness decreased by 1.3% for any additional seed, soil and water, and market access bylaw. Likewise, bylaws were 12% less effective per any additional farmer role, p < 0.001. Farmers who did crop and livestock farming had 12.1% lower bylaw effectiveness than those who only did crop farming. The effectiveness of bylaw implementation decreased with every additional bylaw, farmer role, and land use practice. The study recommends that potato value chain actors develop networks to harmonise bylaws, farmer roles, and land-use synergies to improve bylaw effectiveness.

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