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Item Gendered sweetpotato trait preferences and implications for improved variety acceptance in Uganda(Wiley Periodicals LLC, 2023-10-03) Mulwa, Chalmers K.;; Campos, Hugo;; Bayiyana, Irene ;; Rajendran, Srinivasulu;; Ssali, Reuben;; McEwan, Margaret;; Heck, SimonThe principal selection objective in crop breeding has for a long time been driven by agronomic gains like yield maximization and climate resilience. Nevertheless, the continued low adoption of new varieties and documented gender technology adoption gap has triggered re‐thinking of this strategy, with end‐user acceptability of released varieties a key strategy in breeding objectives. Using a mixed‐methods approach with a survey of 122 producers and focus group discussions with 200 male and female producers in two major sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] producing districts in Uganda, this study set out to understand gender‐disaggregated traits that drive acceptance for improved sweetpotato varieties as a guide to development of new varieties in the region. A generalized structural equation model approach is used to analyze how interrelated trait preferences shape acceptance for improved varieties, while in‐depth insights from a qualitative approach are used to further ground observed results. Traits such as high root yields, drought tolerance, and vitamin A are shown to be key drivers to acceptance of improved varieties, while good taste and dry matter content dampen acceptance of improved varieties in favor of landraces. Male farmers are also shown to mainly prefer agronomic traits such as high yields and stress tolerance, while women mostly prefer quality traits such as good taste, vitamin A, and high dry matter content. To achieve higher acceptability and adoption of improved varieties across the gender divide, new varieties need to not only consider agronomic gains, but also quality‐related traits such as taste and dry matter content. AGRICOLAItem Selection of parents in a population hybrid breeding scheme forsweetpotato in Uganda(Wiley Periodicals, Inc, 2024-05) Swanckaert, Jolien;; Ssali, Reuben;; Mwanga, Robert ;; Andrade, Maria;; De Boeck, Bert;; Eyzaguirre, Raul;; Campos, Hugo;; Grüneberg, Wolfgang J.Sweetpotato ( Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam. [2 n = 6 x = 90]) is a highly heterozygous, clonally propagated crop for which population hybrid breeding is expected to result in yield jumps and large genetic gain increases. The main objective of this study was to select parents for a heterosis exploiting breeding scheme in Uganda using general combining ability and index selection aggregating yield and biotic stress traits. Two large and very diverse breeding populations established in Uganda (UGA A, 50 parents; UGA B, 80 parents) were recombined for this study into a hybrid population comprising 8097 genotypes from 1097 interpopulation families. Parents and offspring clones were evaluated in unreplicated trials across five environments during 2018/2019, together with two commercial checks (Ejumula and NASPOT 8). Using mixed model analysis, breeding values (BVs) were estimated across traits (i.e., storage root yield, commercial roots per plant, foliage yield, and resistance to sweetpotato virus disease [SPVD] and Alternaria blight). For storage root yield, the BVs ranged from 3.5 to 10 t ha −1 and from 2 to 12 t ha −1 for parents in UGA A and B, respectively. For SPVD resistance, scored one month before harvest, the BVs ranged from 3.3 to 4.3 and from 3.1 to 4.7 for parents in UGA A and B, respectively. Out of 130 parental candidates, 40 parents were selected (20 for each parental group). The plan is to use in the future GCA values combined by a modified Pesek‐Baker index using standardized desired genetic gains to select parents together with other information such as flesh color of parental material. High SPVD pressure environments might not be appropriate to estimate genetic parameters for yield traits. The determination of GCA appears to be extremely important for the selection of sweetpotato parents. The proposed modified Pesek‐Baker index resulted in satisfactory prediction of responses across all key traits. CrossRefItem Assessing food security among young farmers in Africa: evidence from Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda(Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2023-02-23) Adeyanju, Dolapo;; Mburu, John;; Gituro, Wainaina ;; Chumo, Chepchumba;; Mignouna, Djana;; Ogunniyi, Adebayo;; Akomolafe, John Kehinde;; Ejima, JosephFood insecurity remains a serious challenge for many households in Africa and the situation is even more prevalent among young people. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence on youth food security status in Africa. We assessed the level and determinants of food security among young farmers in Africa. We adopted a multi-stage sampling technique to select 400, 429, and 606 young farmers in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, respectively. Individual food consumption was assessed following a 7 days recall method. The Food Consumption Score, which combines dietary diversity and consumption frequency was used to assess food security status while the determinants of food security were identified using a logistic regression model. Results suggest low dietary diversity across the three countries. Also, the majority of the respondents had an unacceptable food consumption score, suggesting that despite being food producers, young farmers are still food insecure. The odds of being food secure was positively determined by access to extension services, participation in the ENABLE TAAT business incubation programme, and access to market information but, negatively by access to credit, number of employees, Covid-19 pandemic, and location. Additionally, the food security status of young female farmers was positively influenced by age, suggesting that younger youths are less food secure compared to older ones. These results suggest that more efforts should be directed towards improving the food security of young African farmers and that policy- and programme-level interventions should support access to extension services, market information, and land. Additionally, more investments should be directed towards developing need-based agribusiness incubation programmes with an effort to scale existing programmes beyond the regular one-time period.Food insecurity remains a serious challenge for many households in Africa and the situation is even more prevalent among young people. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence on youth food security status in Africa. We assessed the level and determinants of food security among young farmers in Africa. We adopted a multi-stage sampling technique to select 400, 429, and 606 young farmers in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, respectively. Individual food consumption was assessed following a 7 days recall method. The Food Consumption Score, which combines dietary diversity and consumption frequency was used to assess food security status while the determinants of food security were identified using a logistic regression model. Results suggest low dietary diversity across the three countries. Also, the majority of the respondents had an unacceptable food consumption score, suggesting that despite being food producers, young farmers are still food insecure. The odds of being food secure was positively determined by access to extension services, participation in the ENABLE TAAT business incubation programme, and access to market information but, negatively by access to credit, number of employees, Covid-19 pandemic, and location. Additionally, the food security status of young female farmers was positively influenced by age, suggesting that younger youths are less food secure compared to older ones. These results suggest that more efforts should be directed towards improving the food security of young African farmers and that policy- and programme-level interventions should support access to extension services, market information, and land. Additionally, more investments should be directed towards developing need-based agribusiness incubation programmes with an effort to scale existing programmes beyond the regular one-time period. MEDLINE - AcademicItem Promising Parental Cowpea Genotypes With Resistance to Aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) Biotypes in Uganda(wiley, 2025-12-06) Selma Ndapewa Nghituwamhata;; Ephraim Nuwamanya;; Richard Edema ;; Faizo Kasule;; Chepkoech Evalyne Rono;; Arfang Badji;; Albert Chiteka;; Isaac Onziga DramadriCowpea aphids remain a major production constraint affecting productivity on smallholder farms in Uganda. This study aimed to identify cowpea genotypes with resistance to aphid biotypes in Uganda for developing improved cowpea varieties. Forty-eight cowpea genotypes were initially screened using aphids collected at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK), and 10 tolerant genotypes were further screened using three aphid biotypes collected from the three experimental stations, namely, MUARIK, NgettaZARDI, and NaSARRI, representing the major cowpea production regions. All experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications in the screen house at MUARIK under free-choice conditions in the screen house at MUARIK (25°C–28°C, 65%–80% relative humidity) and a natural 12:12 h light–dark regime. Significant differences were observed among the cowpea genotypes for aphid infestation and damage (aphid counts, colony scores, and leaf damage) and growth response (days to 50% flowering). There were no significant differences in the response of genotypes to aphids collected from the three locations representing Uganda’s diverse agroecologies. Sanzi, TVNu 1158 (wild relative), and NE 51 showed high levels of resistance to the aphid biotypes and can be used as parents for developing aphid-resistant cowpea varieties in Uganda. However, genotype Tvu 310, the resistant check from IITA, was found to be susceptible, while IT97K-556-6 was moderately resistant to aphid biotypes from Uganda. The results from this study provide an understanding of resistance to aphid biotypes, and resistant cowpea genotypes can be used as a source for resistance to aphids in Uganda.Item Gendered sweetpotato trait preferences and implications forimproved variety acceptance in Uganda(Wiley Periodicals, Inc, 2024-05) Mulwa, Chalmers K.;; Campos, Hugo;; Bayiyana, Irene ;; Rajendran, Srinivasulu;; Ssali, Reuben;; McEwan, Margaret;; Heck, SimonThe principal selection objective in crop breeding has for a long time been driven by agronomic gains like yield maximization and climate resilience. Nevertheless, the continued low adoption of new varieties and documented gender technology adoption gap has triggered re‐thinking of this strategy, with end‐user acceptability of released varieties a key strategy in breeding objectives. Using a mixed‐methods approach with a survey of 122 producers and focus group discussions with 200 male and female producers in two major sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] producing districts in Uganda, this study set out to understand gender‐disaggregated traits that drive acceptance for improved sweetpotato varieties as a guide to development of new varieties in the region. A generalized structural equation model approach is used to analyze how interrelated trait preferences shape acceptance for improved varieties, while in‐depth insights from a qualitative approach are used to further ground observed results. Traits such as high root yields, drought tolerance, and vitamin A are shown to be key drivers to acceptance of improved varieties, while good taste and dry matter content dampen acceptance of improved varieties in favor of landraces. Male farmers are also shown to mainly prefer agronomic traits such as high yields and stress tolerance, while women mostly prefer quality traits such as good taste, vitamin A, and high dry matter content. To achieve higher acceptability and adoption of improved varieties across the gender divide, new varieties need to not only consider agronomic gains, but also quality‐related traits such as taste and dry matter content. AGRICOLAItem Gender disparities in agricultural extension among smallholders in Western Uganda(Taylor & Francis, 2024-08-20) Midamba, Dick Chune;; Ouko, Kevin OkothIn this study, we aimed to assess gender disparities in access to agricultural extension services and the determinants of access to extension among male and female-headed households in Western Uganda. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to extract primary data from 200 farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Binary Logit model. Our findings revealed that majority of the male-headed households had access to extension compared to their female-headed household counterparts. This was also evident in the sources of agricultural extension. The socio-demographic characteristics of farmers also indicated that male-headed households were better off in many areas, for example, male-headed households boasted 498.83 kg/ha maize productivity, while households headed by females produced 405.36 kg/ha, indicating a 94 kg/ha yield gap. Similarly, adoption of agricultural practices was high among the male-headed households than their fellow female-headed counterparts. Finally, the estimates from the Binary Logit revealed that male-headed households’ access to extension was influenced by age, education, farm size, crop diversity, and group membership. The predictor variables that significantly influenced female-headed households’ access to extension include age, education, experience, household size, farm size, distance to extension, crop diversity, non-farm income, and credit access. The study concluded that there are gender disparities in agricultural extension as evident in the access to, sources and determinants of access to agricultural extension. To bridge the gender gap, the study advocates for more training and extension services to female-headed households regarding access to and sources of extension services.Item ‘Working for the stomach’: sustaining peasant mining in south-western Uganda(Cambridge University Press, 2024-12-18) D’Angelo, Lorenzo;; Fisher, EleanorIn the mountainous areas of south-western Uganda, peasant miners are characterized aspeople who ‘work for the stomach’ and pursue an unsustainable activity: extracting alluvialgold with artisanal technology. After days of hard work in the mines, they allegedly squander their money on alcohol and sex. A common way of disapproving of these miners’ behaviour isto compare them to lake fishers (ababariya). By focusing on the ababariya narrative as anentry point into the lifeways of miners, and the relationship between mining and fishing andagriculture, we explore how peasant miners think about a sustainable life. Our argument isthat the ababariya can be instrumental in the reproduction and legitimization of existing social and economic inequalities. We therefore examine the contexts that frame the ababariyanarrative and the inequalities that it legitimizes. This leads us to reflect on whether this narrative on ‘excessive behaviours’ reveals something about an alternative way of thinkingabout economy and social relationships based on abundance rather than scarcity.Item Paying more to make less: value degrading in the coffee value chain in eastern Uganda(Wiley Periodicals, Inc, 2023-02-12) Arslan, Cansın;; Gregg, Daniel;; Wollni, MeikeValue upgrading through processing has been a core tenet of value chain interventions focusing on improving smallholder farmer welfare improvements. However, assessing the quality of processed agricultural products may be more difficult than unprocessed products. The resulting information asymmetry between producer and the buyer may lead to perverse outcomes for agrarian households. Using primary panel data collected from over 1500 coffee growing households in eastern Uganda and employing fixed effects approaches, we show that grower‐level post‐harvest processing has characteristics of a market for lemons and is associated with lower coffee income compared with unprocessed coffee production. Activities aiming at moving growers up the value chain should thus be integrated with relevant characteristics of the value chain, such as quality assurance. We add to the literature by presenting a clear description of the pathway from supply chains with asymmetric information over produce quality to diminished farmer welfare with a novel focus on post‐harvest processing.Item End-user preferences to enhance prospects for varietal acceptance and adoption in potato breeding in Uganda(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2023-09-12) Nantongo, Judith Ssali;; Tinyiro, Samuel Edgar;; Nakitto, Mariam ;; Serunkuma, Edwin;; Namugga, Prossy;; Ayetigbo, Oluwatoyin;; Mayanja, Sarah;; Moyo, Mukani;; Ssali, Reuben;; Mendes, ThiagoBACKGROUND Potato varieties have diverse biophysical characteristics, so it is important for breeders to have the capacity to choose those that meet the preferences of end users, such as mealiness, firmness, and taste, among others. Combining user preferences with descriptive information regarding the sensory characteristics of boiled potatoes can contribute to the improvement of consumer‐driven varieties. This study aimed to factor in the preferences of end users to improve the prospects for varietal acceptance, adoption, and discrimination among genotypes in potato breeding. RESULTS The priority quality traits (traits that play the most significant roles in acceptance and adoption) of the boiled potatoes were determined by evaluating gender and livelihood using the G+ tool. The G+ tool is designed to assess gender impact on roots, tubers and bananas (RTB) traits by serving as a validation check to reflect on important gender‐based issues in agricultural food systems in order to reduce harm and promote positive impact. Potato genotypes were differentiated by penetration (textural parameters as measured by standard texture probe) and the procedure was repeatable, as there was no significant difference between the cooking replicates at 40 min of cooking. Instrument‐based texture parameters, such as penetration peak force (hardness/firmness) and area (area under the curve, which represents energy needed to penetrate) of boiled potato tubers were significantly associated with sensory attributes such as fracturability and hardness in the mouth. An attempt to differentiate genotypes using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) revealed that the average results observed for the calibration for yellow color (r2 = 0.70), homogeneity of color (r2 = 0.48), moisture in mass (r2 = 0.40), and uniformity of texture (r2 = 0.56) suggested that these parameters could be used for initial breeding screening purposes. CONCLUSIONS The preferred traits of the boiled potato can be integrated into the potato‐breeding program/product profile. Near‐infrared spectroscopy shows strong potential to predict potato color and the ability of NIRS models to predict some texture attributes is also promising. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.Item The Fish Feed Sector in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda: Current Status, Challenges, and Strategies for Improvement—A Comprehensive Review(John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2024-09-26) Munguti, Jonathan;; Muthoka, Mavindu;; Chepkirui, Mercy ;; Kyule, Domitila;; Obiero, Kevin;; Ogello, Erick;; Madalla, Nazael A.;; Kwikiriza, GeraldThis review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the current status, challenges, and strategies for improvement within the fish feed industry in East Africa, focusing on Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Aquaculture production in these countries is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for fish and fish products for both nutritional and economic purposes. Despite the market facilitating the transition from extensive to semi-intensive and moderately intensive farming systems across the four countries, the sector's progress is hampered by a lack of sustainable, locally produced, high-quality, and cost-effective fish feeds tailored to different developmental stages of fish. Despite the evident need, there is a notable scarcity of comprehensive reviews addressing the regional perspective of fish feed due to heightened cross-border trade driven by the soaring demand and increased installation of cages in Lake Victoria, as well as in inland dams and reservoirs. This paper addresses critical challenges, such as regional scarcity and limited access to quality feed ingredients, regulatory obstacles, insufficient quality control measures, infrastructure constraints, and a lack of awareness and understanding of feed management and formulation. To overcome these challenges, the paper recommends fostering collaboration to establish a robust regional fish feed supply chain, investing in research and development initiatives, advocating for policy reforms and regulatory support, and compliance with East African Community quality standards for fish feed. Moreover, there is an urgent need to enhance human resource capacity through training and extension services, promote public investment support, strengthen sector institutions and industry associations, conduct training and awareness programs for feed providers, and improve storage facilities to maintain feed quality. The paper provides policymakers with valuable insights to inform targeted interventions that will catalyze positive transformation within the fish feed industry in East Africa. PubMedItem Morphological and genetic characterization of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) in the Kayunga and Luwero districts of Uganda(BioMed Central, 2024-05-09) Gwokyalya, Racheal;; Nanteza, Ann;; Wagaba, Henry ;; Kayondo, Siraj Ismail;; Kazigaba, Dan;; Nakabonge, GraceJackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is an economically valuable fruit tree in Uganda. However, the production of jackfruit in Uganda is low. Additionally, because of deforestation, genetic erosion of the resource is predicted before its exploitation for crop improvement and conservation. As a prerequisite for crop improvement and conservation, 100 A. heterophyllus tree isolates from the Kayunga and Luwero districts in Uganda were characterized using 16 morphological and 10 microsatellite markers. The results from the morphological analysis revealed variations in tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and crown diameter, with coefficient of variation (CV) values of 20%, 41%, and 33%, respectively. Apart from the pulp taste, variation was also observed in qualitative traits, including tree vigor, trunk surface, branching density, tree growth habit, crown shape, leaf blade shape, fruit shape, fruit surface, flake shape, flake color, flake flavor and pulp consistency/texture. Genotyping revealed that the number of alleles amplified per microsatellite locus ranged from 2 to 5, with an average of 2.90 and a total of 29. The mean observed (H.sub.o) and expected (H.sub.e) heterozygosity were 0.71 and 0.57, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 81% of the variation occurred within individual trees, 19% among trees within populations and 0% between the two populations. The gene flow (Nm) in the two populations was 88.72. The results from the 'partitioning around medoids' (PAM), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and genetic cluster analysis further revealed no differentiation of the jackfruit populations. The Mantel test revealed a negligible correlation between the morphological and genetic distances. Both morphological and genetic analyses revealed variation in jackfruit within a single interbreeding population. This diversity can be exploited to establish breeding and conservation strategies to increase the production of jackfruit and hence boost farmers' incomes. However, selecting germplasm based on morphology alone may be misleading.Item Understanding Conservation Conflicts in Uganda: A Political Ecology of Memory Approach(Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd, 2023-07) Akampurira, EmmanuelPolitical ecologists have linked conservation conflicts in post-independence Africa to the continuities and legacies of colonial policies that displaced and dispossessed people to create ‘wild places’. This paper introduces a political ecology of vernacular memory to discuss the Basongora people’s vernacular memories of their historical dispossession to create the Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) in Uganda. It explores how these events spurred multidirectional memories of resilience, heroism, victimhood, and resistance that the Basongora pastoralists deploy to reclaim social-political autonomy and agency. Using archival data and historical ethnography, I examine how the Basongora mobilise vernacular memory in contemporary contestations with the state and conservation authorities in QENP. Vernacular memory provides a moral authority that helps subordinated groups contest the hegemonic dominance of conservation authorities. A political ecology approach to vernacular memory reveals how people use memory politics to legitimise their claims in contested environments—an essential fact of contemporary conservation conflicts. This paper is the first to conceptualise how vernacular memories can legitimise the decolonisation of conservation narratives and community resistance against conservation.Item Limitations and opportunities of smallholders’ practical knowledge when dealing with pig health issues in northern Uganda(Public Library of Science, 2023-06) Arvidsson, Anna;; Fischer, Klara;; Chenais, Erika ;; Kiguli, Juliet;; Sternberg-Lewerin, Susanna;; Ståhl, KarlPig production has a short history in Uganda. The majority of pigs are kept by smallholder farmers in rural areas where access to veterinary services is limited, and pig keeping has been suggested as a potential pathway out of poverty for smallholders. Previous research has identified the disease of African swine fever (ASF) as a major threat, causing high mortalities in pigs. With no available cure or vaccine, the only option is to implement biosecurity measures, i.e. strategies that prevent the spread of ASF. This paper draws on data from four months of ethnographic fieldwork in rural northern Uganda. Combining methods of participant observation, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and a survey, the aim was to improve understanding of smallholders’ perceptions and responses to pig health issues such as ASF. Applying the concept of practical knowledge, this paper analyses the potential and limitations of smallholders’ practice-based knowledge as a means of dealing with pig health issues. The results show that while pigs were appreciated locally for providing an income, many informants found it difficult to deal with pig diseases effectively. Consequently, informants commonly expressed a need for other kinds of knowledge in their pig production, indicating that veterinary advice can play an important role in reducing the negative impact of pig health issues. For animal health provision to have relevance in this context, however, veterinary practitioners must pay close attention to smallholders’ priorities and ways of knowing in their livestock keeping. Results further show that pig health issues made some informants abandon pig production altogether. To enhance the potential of pig production as a poverty mitigation strategy in Uganda, research and policy need to focus on ways of bettering general conditions for smallholder pig keeping, including improving the quality of and access to veterinary services in rural areas.Item A stepwise approach to facilitate adoption of climate smart practices for smallholder coffee production in Uganda(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-07-13) Mukasa, David;; Rusinamhodzi, Leonard;; van Asten, Piet. J. A. ;; Amwonya, David;; Sseguya, Haroon;; Okiror, Faith Akello;; Kirungi, Diana;; Wodada, Wilberforce;; Komakech, Victor;; Margiotta, Sarah;; Jassogne, LaurenceAdoption of Climate-smart Agricultural Practices (CSA) enhances crop productivity and livelihoods. Smallholder coffee farmers in Uganda receive training on good agricultural practices (GAPs) through extension programs, but adoption remains low. Adopting all 'best practices' at once may be unrealistic for resource-limited, risk-averse smallholders. This study tested a Stepwise approach, breaking GAPs into manageable, incremental investments. Field trials were conducted in Luweero (Central) and Sironko (East) districts of Uganda, with 16 demonstration sites using randomized treatments and the control (farmer practice), divided into four steps. Each site served 25-30 farmers through experiential learning. A co-design method ensured farmer involvement in the design, development, and testing for sustainability. Results from two harvests (2018-2019) showed significant cumulative yield gains over the control. Arabica yields increased by 31%, 43%, 54% and 65% across Steps 1-4,. Robusta showed gains of 7%, 22%, 23% and 39% respectively. Marginal rate of returns (MRR) was relatively high for Step 1 (563%), 2 (169%) and 4 (122%) for Robusta coffee , and 221%, 217% and 485% for Step 2, 3 and 4 for Arabica coffee respectively. The Stepwise approach demonstrated improved yield gains and increased farmer income.Item Minding the knowledge-action gap: Results from a mixed-methods study of antimicrobial use among dairy farmers in central Uganda(Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2026-01-06) Anica Buckel;; Clovice Kankya;; Mark A Caudell ;; Tabitha Kimani;; Alice Namatovu;; Lordrick Alinaitwe;; James Natweta Baguma;; Rogers Musiitwa;; Methodius Tubihemukama;; Junxia Song;; Emmanuel Kabali;; Jorge Pinto Ferreira;; Jeffrey LeJeuneAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a growing threat to global health and food security, accelerated by human behaviours such as suboptimal use patterns. While the negative consequences of AMR will be particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries, relatively little is known about the extent and frequency of behaviours that contribute to AMR in these regions. This mixed-methods study, which included a cross-sectional survey, examines knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antimicrobial use (AMU) among 417 smallholder dairy farmers in Uganda's Wakiso, Kampala, and Mukono districts. We found that (1) farmers' AMU practices were associated with attitudes toward veterinarians and access barriers, with many relying on private veterinarians due to challenges accessing public animal health services; and; and (2) findings support the concept of a 'knowledge-action gap,' as AMR knowledge and belief items were weakly associated with prudent antimicrobial use and related practices in our exploratory models, These findings highlight the need to rethink the current reliance on conventional knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) interventions alone. Instead, behaviour-centred approaches informed by theory-driven behaviour change frameworks, along with interdisciplinary collaboration, may offer more profound insight into the multifaceted factors that shape AMR-associated practices and inform more tailored interventions. Finally, given the prominent role of private veterinary service providers as trusted points of contact for farmers, there is a clear need to foster partnerships that formally recognise and engage these actors in stewardship efforts while ensuring alignment with national policy and regulatory oversight.Item Yam genetic diversity in Sub-Saharan Africa: implications for conservation and breeding(BMC, 2026-01-03) Amal Messadia;; Paterne Agre;; Kwabena Darkwa ;; Emmanuel Amponsah Adjei;; Konan Evrard Brice Dibi;; Lassana Bakayoko;; Désiré N’Da Pokou;; Alexandre Dansi;; Amani Kouakou Michel;; Idris Adejumobi;; Adeyinka Adewumi;; Jude Obidiegwu;; Hapson Mushoriwa;; Balogun Morufat;; Amudalat Bolanle Olaniyan;; Asrat AsfawAbstract Yam (Dioscorea spp.) encompasses diverse species, including several staple food crops, of which a few were domesticated on the African continent. This study assessed yam genetic diversity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to inform breeding and conservation initiatives. A diverse collection of 1,247 yam accessions representing six species (D. rotundata, D. alata, D. praehensilis, D. bulbifera, D. cayenensis, and D. dumetorum) sourced from six African countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda) was used in this study. Genetic diversity was assessed using 7,648 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, selected from previously sequenced datasets between the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) collaboration. Findings showed a substantial inter- and intra-specific variation in African yam germplasm, with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.165 to 0.464 and an average polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.324 across populations. Population structure was assessed using ADMIXTURE (with cross-validation error for optimal K), DAPC (with BIC for K), and an IBS-based Neighbor-Joining (NJ) tree. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated moderate differentiation among countries (FST = 0.07), and higher differentiation among species (average FST = 0.14). Clustering patterns and phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of evolutionary relationships among D. cayenensis, D. praehensilis, and D. rotundata, providing insights into D. rotundata domestication history in West Africa. These findings enhance our understanding of genetic relationships within the Dioscorea genus.Item Determinants of adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies among smallholder coffee farmers in Western Uganda(Cogent, 2025-11-21) Katya Kule, Enos;; Kyohangirwe, Allen;; Midamba, Dick Chune ;; Byakatonda, JimmyPromoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies (CSATs) is crucial for helping smallholder coffee farmers maintain high yields in the face of climate change. However, farmers remain reluctant to adopt CSATs, which results in low coffee productivity in Uganda. This research examined the factors influencing the adoption of CSATs in Western Uganda. Data were collected from 236 coffee farmers in the Mbarara district using a well-developed and pretested questionnaire. The multivariate Probit model (MVP) was employed in the data analysis to account for the correlation among the binary outcome variables. The descriptive results showed that 5%, 98%, 16%, 70%, 32% and 86% of the farmers adopted timely harvesting, rainwater harvesting, pesticides, minimum tillage, agroforestry and mulching, respectively. Multivariate Probit results showed that age, education, farming experience, land size, market distance, farm income, marital status, non-farm income, access to credit, group membership, training in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and household size significantly influenced the adoption of CSATs. Policy takeaways from the study include equipping farmers with knowledge of CSA and connecting them to accessible credit options, such as village savings and loan associations. Farmers should be encouraged to participate in agricultural programs on radio, television and social media, as well as training and demonstrations organized by extension officers.Item Step by step to higher yields? Adoption and impacts of a sequenced training approach for climate-smart coffee production in Uganda(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-09-01) Günther, Manuela Kristin;; Bosch, Christine;; Ewell, Hanna ;; Nawrotzki, Raphael;; Kato, EdwardClimate change further exacerbates sustainability challenges in coffee cultivation. Addressing these requires effective delivery mechanisms for sustainable farming practices, particularly in smallholder contexts. We assess a novel public-private extension approach in Uganda, called Stepwise, comprising a sequence of climate-smart and good agricultural practices in four incremental steps. Using a mixed-method approach, an index that captures adoption intensity rather than binary uptake, and survey data from 915 Robusta and Arabica coffee farmers, we find adoption levels around 46% and relatively uniform amongst treated, spillover and comparison farmers. Regional variations suggest differing benefits across coffee varieties. Qualitative findings identify barriers to adoption, including financial and labour constraints, suboptimal training delivery, and input and output market imperfections. Despite relatively low uptake, adoption of more than half of the Stepwise practices is associated with substantial gains: inverse probability weighted regression adjustment reveals a 23% increase in yield and a 32% increase in revenue. Our findings add to the adoption literature, which often highlights limited uptake, and have important policy implications. Strengthening producer organizations, delivering targeted training but also innovative solutions for access to inputs and fair pricing, hold considerable potential to increase the adoption of climate-smart practices, particularly among resource-constrained farmers.Item Smallholder coffee farmers’ perceptions of climate variability and theadoption intensity of climate-smart agriculture technologies in Uganda(Taylor & Francis, 2025-08-19) Kirungi, Diana;; Wesana, Joshua;; Sseguya, Haroon ;; Gellynck, Xavier;; De Steur, HansThe current adoption intensity of Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies (CSATs) among smallholder farmers is below the desired level despite the increasing climate change challenges. This study analysed the perceptions of smallholder coffee farmers towards climate variability and how these influence the adoption intensity of CSATs. A survey was conducted with 226 randomly selected coffee farming households in Luweero district, Uganda. Multivariate regression, Multivariate probit and Poisson regression were used to assess the determinants of farmers' perceptions of climate variability, the determinants of adoption among the different CSATs and the influence of farmers' perceptions of climate variability on the adoption intensity of CSATs, respectively. The findings show that smallholder farmers are aware of climate variability, as their perceptions about the increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall align with the available meteorological data. Additionally, farmers' perceptions of changes in rainfall and temperature, credit access, interaction with an extension worker and access to climate information positively influence their adoption intensity of CSATs. The study recommends that efforts to enhance the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers should consider enhancing farmers' climate variability awareness through the provision of climate information, enhancing farmers' access to credit facilities, and strengthening extension service delivery to support farmers in implementing multiple healthy and environmentally friendly CSATs. AGRICOLAItem Effect of prolonged cooking on pro-vitamin A levels of biofortified East African highland bananas(Taylor & Francis, 2025-07-09) Buah, Stephen;; Kiwummulo, Janefer;; Paul, Jean-Yves ;; Walugembe, Joel;; Wegesa, Jackline;; Tumuhimbise, Robooni;; Tushemereirwe, WilberforceGenetically modified East African highland bananas (EAHBs) with elevated levels of pro-vitamin A (pVA) have been developed to address vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in Uganda. The green, mature fruits of EAHBs are traditionally prepared into “matooke,” a soft, savory dish made by peeling, steaming, and mashing the fruit. Biofortifying such a culturally embedded food offers an effective approach to improving nutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations. Field trials of pVA-biofortified EAHBs have been conducted at four locations across Uganda, with data collection nearing completion. However, the effect of prolonged cooking, a common traditional preparation method, on pVA carotenoid retention had not been evaluated. This study investigated the retention of β-carotene equivalents (β-CE) during extended cooking in two elite events, each of hybrid M9 and Nakitembe. After 1 h of cooking, β-CE concentrations declined significantly in both wild-type and biofortified lines. Further cooking, up to 8 h, did not result in additional significant losses. By the eighth hour, β-CE levels remained above the target threshold of 20 µg/g dry weight (DW) in one M9 event (21.7 µg/g DW) and both Nakitembe events (28.7 and 27.6 µg/g DW), compared to 12.8 and 17.6 µg/g DW in their respective wild-type controls. This confirms that the biofortified bananas can deliver meaningful nutritional benefits under customary preparation methods. These results are not only pivotal for selecting final lead and backup events but also provide compelling evidence of trait stability, further supporting the case for deployment of biofortified EAHBs to improve public health outcomes in East Africa. AGRICOLA