Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
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Item Variation and Abundance of Resistant Starch in Selected Banana Cultivars in Uganda(Cross Ref, 2024-09) Kajubi, Ali; Baingana, Rhona; Matovu, Moses; Katwaza, Ronald; Kubiriba, Jerome; Namanya, PriverThe physiochemical, structural, and molecular characteristics of starch influence its functional properties, thereby dictating its utilization. The study aimed to profile the properties and quantity of resistant starch (RS) from 15 different banana varieties, extracted using a combination of alkaline and enzyme treatments. Granular structure and molecular organization were analyzed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The physiochemical and functional properties were also investigated. RS content ranged from 49% to 80% without significant relationship to amylose (AM) (r = −0.1062). SEM revealed significant microarchitectural differences on the granules potentially affecting granule digestibility. FTIR and chemometrics identified differences in the crystalline peaks, yielding varying degrees of the molecular order of the RS polymers that aid in differentiating the RS sources. Despite similar solubility and swelling profiles, the pasting profiles varied across varieties, indicating high paste stability in hydrothermal processing. Clarity ranged from 43% to 93%, attributed to amylose leaching. This study highlights that RS from bananas varies in quantity, structure, and functionality, necessitating individualized approaches for processing and utilization.Item Perspectives on the integration of agri-entrepreneurship in tertiary agricultural education in Africa: insights from the AgriENGAGE project(Frontiers Media S.A, 2024-05) Chirinda, Ngonidzashe; Abdulkader, Bisan; Hjortsø, Carsten Nico; Aitelkadi, Kenza; Salako, Kolawolé Valère; Taarji, Noamane; Mhada, Manal; Lamdaghri, Zidane; Romanova, Gergana; Assogbadjo, Achille Ephrem; Chadare, Flora Josiane; Saidi, Mwanarusi; Sassi, Maria; Mugonola, Basil; Gogo, Elisha Otieno; Ssekandi, Joseph; Okalany, Emmanuel; Egeru, Anthony; Mshenga, Patience; Mlongo; Chfadi, TarikThe underperformance of agricultural education systems in Africa is evident through various indicators such as increased unemployment among recent agricultural graduates, inefficiencies in agricultural product value chains, and a decline in enrollment in agricultural schools. The AgriENGAGE project, which included eight African universities, was supported through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education program funded by the European Commission to address these challenges. The project aimed to contribute toward revitalizing agricultural education systems to stimulate agricultural transformation and enhance the sector’s competitiveness while meeting the labor market’s demands. This article draws on lessons learned at eight universities to provide a perspective on agri-entrepreneurship education integration in African universities. We provide descriptions, experiences, and insights on agri-entrepreneurship education integration in partner universities in Kenya, Benin, Morocco, and Uganda. Based on these experiences, we provide perspectives on reducing youth unemployment and improving the effectiveness of agricultural education in contributing to the development of sustainable food systems.Item Crop calendar optimization for climate change adaptation in yam farming in SouthKivu, eastern D.R. Congo(Public Library of Science, 2024-09) Mondo, Jean M; Chuma, Géant B; Matiti, Henri M; Kihye, Jacques B; Bagula, Espoir M; Karume, Katcho; Kahindo, Charles; Egeru, Anthony; Majaliwa, Jackson-Gilbert M; Agre, Paterne A; Adebola, Patrick A; Asfaw, AsratThe traditional crop calendar for yam (Dioscorea spp.) in South-Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is becoming increasingly inadequate given the significant climatic variability observed over the last three decades. This study aimed at: (i) assessing trends in weather data across time and space to ascertain climate change, and (ii) optimizing the yam crop calendar for various South-Kivu agro-ecological zones (AEZs) to adapt to the changing climate. The 1990–2022 weather data series were downloaded from the NASA-MERRA platform, bias correction was carried out using local weather stations’ records, and analyses were performed using RClimDex 1.9. Local knowledge and CROPWAT 8.0 were used to define planting dates for yam in different AEZs. Results showed the existence of four AEZs in the South-Kivu province, with contrasting altitudes, temperatures, and rainfall patterns. Climate change is real in all these South-Kivu’s AEZs, resulting either in rainfall deficits in some areas, or extreme rainfall events in others, with significant temperature increases across all AEZs. Suitable yam planting dates varied with AEZs, September 15th and 20th were recommended for the AEZ 2 while October 15th was optimal for AEZ 1, AEZ 3, and AEZ 4. However, none of the planting date scenarios could meet the yam water requirements in AEZ1, AEZ3, and AEZ4, since the effective rainfall (Pmm) was always inferior to the plant water demand (ETc), meaning that soil water conservation practices are needed for optimum plant growth and yield in these AEZs. This study does not recommend planting yam during the short rainy season owing to prolonged droughts coinciding with critical growth phases of yam, unless supplemental irrigation is envisaged. This study provided insights on the nature of climate change across the past three decades and suggested a yam crop calendar that suits the changing climate of eastern DRC. Agricultural Science DatabaseItem Response surface methodology directed modeling of the biosorption of progesterone onto acid activated Moringa oleifera seed biomass: Parameters and mechanisms(Elsevier Ltd, 2024-05) Emily Ngeno; Roselyn Ongulu; Victor Shikuku; Deo Ssentongo; Benton Otieno; Patrick Ssebugere; Francis OrataIn this study, chemically activated fat-free powdered Moringa oleifera seed biomass (MOSB) was synthesized, characterized, and utilized as a cost-effective biosorbent for the abstraction of progesterone (PGT) hormone from synthetic wastewater. Natural PGT is a human steroid hormone from the progestogen family. Synthetic PGT is approved for the regulation of the menstrual cycle, aiding contraception, and is administered as a hormone replacement therapy in menopausal and post-menopausal women. PGT is an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) with negative health impacts on biota. The X-ray diffractogram (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) analyses displayed a porous, amorphous biosorbent with an elemental composition of 72.5% carbon and 22.5% oxygen and a specific surface area of 210.0 m2 g− 1 . The process variables including temperature (298–338 K), pH (2–10), contact time (10–180 min), adsorbate concentration (20–500 μg L− 1 ), and adsorbent dosage (0.1–2.0 g) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to obtain the greatest efficacy of MOSB during biosorption of PGT. The optimum parameters for PGT biosorption onto MOSB were: 86.8 min, 500 μg L− 1 adsorbate concentration, 298 K, and 0.1 g adsorbent dosage. PGT removal from aqueous solutions was pH-independent. The Langmuir isotherm best fitted the equilibrium data with maximal monolayer biosorption capacity of 135.8 μg g− 1 . The biosorption rate followed the pseudo-first-order (PFO) kinetic law. The thermodynamic functions (ΔG < 0, ΔH = − 9.258 kJ mol− 1 and ΔS = +44.16 J mol− 1 ) confirmed that the biosorption of PGT onto MOSB is a spontaneous and exothermic process with increased randomness at the adsorbent surface. The biosorption mechanism was physisorption and was devoid of electrostatic interactions. The findings from this study indicate that MOSB is an inexpensive, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly biosorbent that can effectively scavenge PGT from aqueous solutions.Item Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district Uganda(Springer International Publishing, 2024-05) Sead, Sead Mohamed; Uzorka, Afam; Olaniyan, Ademola OlatideAbstract Using a NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer, the activity concentrations of three natural radionuclides, 238U, 232Th, and 40K, were assessed for soil samples taken from various locations within the Kapchorwa district wheat plantation region. The average values found for 238U, 232Th, and 40K are 47.8±4.1 Bqkg−1, 61.0±3.8 Bqkg−1, and 1339.05±65.3 Bqkg−1, respectively, all of which were above world average values. Radiological health hazard indices were calculated, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual efective dose equivalent, external and internal health hazard indices, as well as gamma and alpha indices. The fndings revealed that the annual efective dose equivalent (HR) and absorbed dose rate (DR) are respectively 0.58±0.03 mSvy−1 and 118.1±7.7 nGyh−1, and the mean value of radium equivalent activity is 246.9±10.4 Bqkg−1. The gamma and alpha health hazard indices have values of 0.93±0.05 and 0.25±0.02, respectively, whereas the external and internal health hazard indices have values of 0.66±0.04 and 0.79±0.04, respectively. The fndings showed that although the soil’s radioactivity levels were higher than acceptable limits established by international standards, the computed hazard indices were lower than acceptable limits established by international standards, indicating a low risk of radiation contamination in the region. Important information about the natural radioactivity levels in agricultural soils and their efects on the environment and public health in Kapchorwa District and surrounding areas is provided by this study.Item Impact of temperature on the bionomics and geographical range margins of the two-spotted field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus in the world: Implications for its mass farming(Public Library of Science, 2024-04) Magara, Henlay J. O; Tanga, Chrysantus M; Fisher, Brian L; Azrag, Abdelmutalab G. A; Niassy, Saliou; Egonyu, James P; Hugel, Sylvain; Roos, Nana; Ayieko, Monica A; Sevgan, Subramanian; Ekesi, SundayGryllus bimaculatus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) is widely considered an excellent nutrient source for food and feed. Despite its economic importance, there is limited information on the impact of temperature on the bionomics of this cricket to guide its effective and sustainable mass production in its geographical range. The biological parameters of G . bimaculatus were investigated at eight different temperatures ranging from 20–40˚C. The Insect Life-Cycle Modelling (ILCYM) program was used to fit linear and non-linear functions to the data to describe the influence of temperature on life history parameters and its farmability under the current and projected climate for 2050. Our results revealed that G . bimaculatus was able to complete its lifecycle in the temperature range of 20°C to 37°C with a maximum finite rate of population increase (= 1.14) at 35°C. The developmental time of G . bimaculatus decreased with increasing temperature. The least developmental time and mortality were attained at 32°C. The highest wet length and mass of G . bimaculatus occurred at 32°C. The lowest temperature threshold for G . bimaculatus egg and nymph development was approximated using linear regression functions to be at 15.9°C and 16.2°C with a temperature constant of 108.7 and 555.6 degree days. The maximum fecundity (2301.98 eggs per female), net reproductive rate (988.42 daughters/ generation), and intrinsic rate of natural increase (0.134 days) were recorded at 32°C and the shortest doubling of 5.2 days was observed at 35°C. Based on our findings G . bimaculatus can be farmed in countries with temperatures ranging between 20 and 37°C around the globe. These findings will help the cricket farmers understand and project the cricket population dynamics around the world as influenced by temperature, and as such, will contribute to more efficient farming.Item Entering the Digital Research Age: Investigating the Effectiveness of Visual Digital Tools in Agricultural Research(SAGE Publications, 2024-05) Kawerau, Laura; Birkenberg, Athena; Daum, Thomas; Butele, Cosmas Alfred; Birner, ReginaAgricultural studies mainly rely on quantitative research approaches. Despite growing interest in and uptake of qualitative, participatory, and visual methods due to their perceived advantages in gathering in-depth information and empowering participants, visual–digital research methods have yet to be largely applied. In our study on adaptation strategies to climate change among smallholder farmers in Uganda we compared different data collection methods, including: semi-structured interviews with manual note-taking, participatory impact diagrams, and adapted photovoice and cellphilm methodologies.Item Biochar dispersion in a tropical soil and its effects on native soil organic carbon(Public Library of Science, 2024-04) Obia, Alfred; Lyu, Jing; Mulder, Jan; Martinsen, Vegard; Cornelissen, Gerard; Smebye, Andreas Botnen; Zimmerman, Andrew RAlthough biochar application to soils has been found to increase soil quality and crop yield, the biochar dispersion extent and its impacts on native soil organic carbon (SOC) has received relatively little attention. Here, the vertical and lateral migration of fine, intermediate and coarse-sized biochar (<0.5, 0.5–1 and 1–5 mm, respectively), applied at low and high doses (1.5–2 and 3–4% w/w, respectively), was tracked using stable isotope methods, along with its impact on native SOC stocks. Biochar was homogeneously mixed into the surface layer (0–7 cm depth) of a loamy sandy Acrisol in Zambia. After 4.5 y, 38–75% of the biochar carbon (BC) was lost from the applied layer and 4–25% was detected in lower soil layers (7–30 cm). Estimating BC mineralization to be no more than 8%, 25–60% was likely transported laterally out of the experimental plots. This conclusion was supported by observations of BC in the control plot and in soils up to 2 m outside of the experimental plots. These processes were likely progressive as recovery of BC in similar plots 1 year after application was greater in both surface and lower soil layers than after 4.5 y. Fine and intermediate-sized BC displayed the greatest downward migration (25.3 and 17.9%, respectively), particularly when applied at lower doses, suggesting its movement through soil inter-particle spaces. At higher dosages, fine and intermediate-sized particles may have clogged pore, so coarse biochar displayed the greatest downward migration when biochar was applied at higher doses. In the BC treatment plot soil profiles, native SOC stocks were reduced by 2.8 to 24.5% (18.4% on average), i.e. positive priming. However, some evidence suggested that the soils may switch to negative priming over time. The dispersion of biochar in soil should be considered when evaluating biochar’s agronomic benefits and environmental effects.Item Transitioning opportunities for sub-Saharan Africa’s small-scale urban pig farming towards a sustainable circular bioeconomy(Taylor & Francis Group, 2024-02-27) Rebecca Mmamakgone Mathobela; Annelin Henriehetta Molotsi; Munyaradzi Chris Marufu; Phillip Evert Strydom; Cletos MapiyeAbstract ABSTRACTSmall-scale urban pig farming (SUPF) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributes to food, nutrition, income and social security of indigent urbanites but is associated with animal, human and environmental health risks. In this context, it is critical to identify key strategies to optimize the benefits and minimize the risks of SUPF in SSA. The current review identifies a set of existing management practices that synchronously enhance sustainability and circularity of SUPF and explore factors influencing the capacity of farmers to adopt such practices. The review demonstrates that there is a multitude of opportunities for enhancing the sustainability and circularity of SUPF in SSA through application of sustainable and circular economy practices (SCEPs) in housing, feeding, breeding, health, marketing and waste management. However, these opportunities can only be fully realized if appropriate urban planning, by-laws, and policies are implemented, and socio-economic, psychological and institutional factors, private-public partnerships and international corporations that promote widespread application of SCEPs are holistically integrated into decision-making processes of the relevant stakeholders. Research should continuously focus on identifying SCEPs adopted by farmers and incorporating their adoption predictors in decision-making. This has the potential to transition SUPF in SSA towards a more sustainable and circular food system.Item Determinants of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among maize producers in Northern Uganda(Taylor & Francis Group, 2023-12-13) Midamba, Dick Chune; Kwesiga, Mary; Ouko, Kevin OkothAbstract AbstractSustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) increase crop productivity. This is achieved by increasing soil fertility, preserving moisture in the soil, and reducing pest and disease build-up, among other significant roles. Strikingly, maize farmers are still deeply rooted into the traditional methods of production which do not consider the adoption of SAPs. As such, they report low maize yields. Similarly, despite government efforts to increase the adoption rate, farmers remain reluctant to adopt SAPs. Therefore, this study aims to determine the adoption intensity of SAPs and its determinants using data collected from 101 randomly selected farmers in Northern Uganda. The adoption index (AI) and Tobit model approaches were used to determine the adoption intensity and its determinants, respectively. Based on the results, adoption intensity stood at 70%, while the determinants of adoption of the selected SAPs were education level (P < 0.05), household size (P < 0.05), farm size (P < 0.01), ICT use (P < 0.05), access to market information (P < 0.01), extension visits (P < 0.05), and credit access (P < 0.10). The study recommended that smallholder farmers’ use of ICT in accessing information on the adoption of SAPs among other agricultural information, strengthening adult literacy programs, increasing extension visits, and encouraging farmers to access credit from low interest rates financial institutions would help in increasing the level of adoption of SAPs.Item The role of agro-input dealer certification in promoting sustainable pest control: insights from Uganda(Taylor & Francis Group, 2024-01-05) Tambo, Justice A; Holmes, Keith A.; Aliamo, Caroline; Mbugua, Fredrick; Alokit, Christine; Muzira, Fred; Byamugisha, Andrew; Mwambu, PaulABSTRACTPesticides are crucial for increasing agricultural productivity, but they have also beenlinked to a range of health and environmental risks. In this paper, we used nationallyrepresentative data from 557 agro-dealers in Uganda to assess the role of agro-dealercertification in improving knowledge and practices related to environmentally-friendly pest control. We found that almost half of the sampled agro-dealers werenot certified or accredited by regulatory bodies, even though this is a prerequisitefor selling pesticides in the country. Results further showed that only 16% of theagro-input shops were selling biopesticide products, largely due to a lack ofawareness, access and demand from farmers. Regression results showed thatcertified agro-dealers were 9–12 percentage points more likely to know aboutbiopesticides and integrated pest management, and 8–10 percentage points morelikely to sell biopesticide products, compared to their non-certified counterparts.Ourfindings imply that agro-dealer certification courses can play an important rolein raising knowledge and stimulating the supply of environmentally-benign pestcontrol products. We identified regulatory enforcement, a decentralizedcertification system and agro-dealer associations as some of the potentialpathways for incentivising compliance with certification requirements, therebypromoting lower-risk pest control products and strategiesItem Physico-chemical and microbiological quality of raw milk produced by smallholder farmers in Gulu City, Northern Uganda(Taylor & Francis, 2024-01-27) Opiyo, Alfred; Kidega, Kenneth; Okello-Uma, Ipolto; Olum, SolomonAbstract AbstractSmallholder dairy farmers in Northern Uganda sell raw milk to the final consumers without conducting quality control measures. This study evaluated physico-chemical and microbiological quality of milk produced by smallholder farmers in Gulu City. Samples of raw milk were collected from forty (40) smallholder dairy farmers rearing lactating exotic breed of dairy cows (Holstein Friesian) in zero grazing units and eight (8) from milk collection centers. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 21.0) by employing descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and t-test to separate significant means at 5% level of significance. Significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed in the content of solid-not-fat (SNF), specific gravity, pH value, lactic acid, Coliform count and total plate count of colony forming unit among four divisions in Gulu City. There was no discernible (p > 0.05) difference in protein as well as fat content for milk sampled from the study divisions. In conclusion, smallholder dairy farmers in Gulu City conduct limited recommended key practices for raw milk production leading to compromised microbiological and physico-chemical quality. Further research is needed on in-depth analysis of the different species of micro-organisms in raw milk from both local and exotic breeds of dairy cattle under the smallholder farming system in Northern Uganda.Item Influencers of leadership styles used by farmer organisations in Uganda(Taylor & Francis, 2024-01-23) Racheal, Nangobi; Mlongo, Mshenga Patience; Basil, MugonolaAbstract AbstractAlthough leadership determines the performance of farmer organizations, the leadership styles used by farmer organizations in Uganda and factors influencing such styles have received limited attention in empirical studies. The available studies have focused mainly on the influence of leadership on performance, effectiveness, accountability, and transparency. This study determined: (1) leadership styles used by farmer organizations in Uganda; (2) differences in farmer organizational characteristics across the styles; and (3) factors that influence such styles. This study contributes to the understanding of leadership styles used by farmer organizations in Uganda and the factors that influence the choice of such styles. In order to collect quantitative data, a cross-sectional survey of 272 systematically selected farmer organizations was conducted in 12 districts of central and northern Uganda. 59.56% of farmer organizations used both democratic and autocratic leadership styles, according to the findings. Furthermore, savings and loan scheme, leadership passion, farm management training, leadership and management training, leaders’ expertise, and leadership committee numbers varied across leadership styles. The logit results showed that the savings scheme, number of organizational departments, leadership passion, usage of market outlets, total costs, and leadership and management training influenced the use of both democratic and autocratic leadership styles. However, the use of solely the democratic leadership style was influenced by committee size, total income, and value-added training. Farmer organizations should continue to use both democratic and autocratic leadership styles for efficiency and effectiveness. Governments and other development partners should strengthen leadership and management training for farmer organizational leaders.Item Ingestion exposure and committed health risk of natural radioactivity and toxic metals in local rice sold in Enugu urban markets(Taylor & Francis, 2024-04) Ugbede, Fredrick Oghenebrorie; Akpolile, Anita Franklin; Oladele, Blessing Bosede; Agbajor, Godwin Kparobo; Popoola, Felix AdegokeAbstract Rice (Oryza sativa) is an important source of human internal exposure to radionuclides and heavy metals because, worldwide, a large fraction of the population consume rice as their daily basic diet. In this study, the levels and correlation of natural radioactivity (232Th, 226Ra and 40K) and heavy metals (Pb, Ni and Cd) in local rice sold in Enugu urban markets, a southeastern part of Nigeria, were examined. Possible health implications were also evaluated. The mean activity concentrations were estimated to be 235.81 ± 12.93, 54.29 ± 8.08 and 63.70 ± 3.93 Bqkg−1 for 40K, 226Ra and 232Th respectively. Obtained values were higher than values reported in the literature for rice in other locations. The estimated committed effective doses for 226Ra and 232Th exceeded the global ingestion dose average of 0.12 mSvy,–1 whereas that of 40K is below the 0.17 global average. The average concentrations of the metals were estimated to be 0.41, 3.70, and 0.02 mgkg–1 for Pb, Cd and Ni, respectively, with only Ni having an average concentration below the threshold food safety limit of FOA/WHO. Only the concentrations of Cd were of significant levels with their health risk indices exceeding the tolerable reference levels for both children and adult. Only the pairs, 232Th-Ni and Pd-Cd, correlated significantly (p < 0.05) which implies common sources. Multivariate principal component analysis indicated common natural sources for 226Ra, 232Th and Ni in local rice, possibly of lithogenic and paedogenic in nature. It is believed that the results of this study will be valuable to the radiological and toxicological food safety and policy framework of WHO/FAO in Nigeria and the rest of the world. Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA) ProfessionalItem Dataset on the geographical distribution of species of the genus Solanum, subgenus Leptostemonum in Uganda(Elsevier Inc, 2024-04) Kauma, Carol Mere; Anywar, Godwin; Serunjogi, Derick; Katuura, Esther; Namaganda, MaryAbstract The dataset includes the diversity, occurrence points and a distribution map of species of the subgenus Leptostemonum in Uganda. The data was obtained following field surveys carried out in various parts of Uganda. These were guided by distribution data retrieved from Makerere University Herbarium and Flora of Tropical East Africa (FTEA). At each sampling site, species name, altitude and habitat type were recorded. Occurrence points were geocoded using a hand-held GPS (a ≤ 5M Germin S90 GPS). The distribution map was generated using ArcMap 10.7.1 software. The dataset consists of 172 occurrence points representing 18 species of subgenus Leptostemonum that occur in Uganda. The data can be used to assess the effect of climate change on the diversity and distribution of these species. The data set is also important for informing resource users, conservationists and policy makers about the biodiversity hotspots of these economically important species.Item Coffee wilt disease: The forgotten threat to coffee(Wiley Subscription Services, Inc, 2024-04) Peck, Lily D; Boa, EricAbstractCoffee is attacked by several highly damaging pests and diseases, which include cof-fee wilt disease (CWD). Despite a devastating impact in recent years, CWD receives little attention and its importance is downplayed or simply ignored. Memories are short and knowledge of past outbreaks fragmentary. Nearly two decades after the last major outbreaks, CWD has quietly faded into the background. This review de-scribes a series of outbreaks of CWD across Africa, from Uganda to Guinea, from the first discovery in the 1920s to a hugely damaging recurrence that began in the 1970s and lasted through to the 2000s. This second wave had devastating impacts on grow-ers and communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Uganda. This review examines the origins of the disease, how and why it spread, and attempts to manage the outbreaks. Recent work on new pathogen variants is also considered. This review aims to recount these events and to evaluate the strategic successes and failures at national, regional and international levels in tackling the second wave of CWDItem Prevalence and determinants of minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age in Uganda(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-03) Kimuli, Derrick; Nakaggwa, Florence; Namuwenge, Norah; Nsubuga, Rebecca N; Kasule, Kenneth; Nyakwezi, Sheila; Odong, Jimmy; Isabirye, Paul; Sevume, Solome; Mubiru, Norbert; Mwehire, Daniel; Matovu, Fatuma; Wandera, Bonnie; Amuron, Barbara; Bukenya, DarausBACKGROUNDGlobally, over a billion women of reproductive age (WRA) suffer from some kind of undernutrition micronutrient deficiencies, and/or anemia as a result of inadequate dietary diversity. This leads to poor maternal and child health outcomes, however, there is limited research on population level research on minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W). This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of MDD-W among WRA in Uganda.METHODSThis study was a secondary analysis of data from the lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) survey conducted across 55 Ugandan districts between May and September 2022. Women of various ages were interviewed across 5 study subgroups that this study used to construct its study population (WRA). Descriptive analyses, tests for outcome differences, and multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression were conducted at a 5% statistical significance level using STATA version 17. The results were reported using Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) as the measure of the outcome.RESULTSThe study analyzed responses from 29,802 WRA with a mean age of 27.8 (± 6.8) years. Only 8.8% (95% CI 8.5-9.3) achieved the MDD-W, the least proportion was observed in the South-Central region (3.13%). In the adjusted analysis, WRA who were older than 25 years (aOR 1.1, 95% CI 1.1-1.3, p < 0.001), had secondary education (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.7, p = 0.003) or above (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.2, p < 0.001), and used modern contraceptives (aOR = 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.3, p = 0.01) were more likely to achieve the MDD-W. Conversely, WRA who travelled longer distances to the nearest household water source (aOR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.9, p = 0.002) and those residing in larger households (aOR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-1.0, p = 0.019) were less likely to achieve the MDD-W.CONCLUSIONA low proportion of WRA met the MDD-W. Age, education level, household sizes and use of modern contraception were predictors of MDD-W among WRA in Uganda. MDD-W-related program efforts in Uganda should strengthen multisectoral collaboration with prioritization of younger women, education, household sizes and access to safe water sources.Item Seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in cattle from Karamoja region, North-eastern Uganda(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-03) Tweyongyere, Robert; Nkamwesiga, Joseph; Etiang, Patrick; Mugezi, Israel; Wamala, Henry; Wasswa, Auther Tamale; Kamusiime, Maureen; Ainebyoona, Solomon; Abizera, Harriet; Mwiine, Frank Norbert; Muhanguzi, DennisBackground Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia [CBPP] is a transboundary animal disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides [Mmm]. CBPP causes severe economic losses to livestock producers in sub-Saharan Africa mainly due to high mortality, morbidity, reduction in productivity as well as livestock trade restrictions. This study aimed at determining seroprevalence of Mmm in cattle from Karamoja region, north-eastern Uganda; data that are required to design and implement risk based CBPP control program. Methods We randomly collected blood samples from 2,300 cattle spread across Karamoja region. Serum was extracted and screened for antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides [Mmm] using the competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [cELISA]. Results A quarter [25.4%; 95% CI: 23.7-27.3] of the screened cattle [n = 2,300] were sero-positive for Mmm. Amudat and Kaabong districts recorded the lowest [12.3%] and highest [30.7%] Mmm seroprevalence respectively. Increasing age, overnight stay in cattle kraals and location [certain districts, villages, herds and sub counties] of the cattle herds, the factors that promote animal commingling, were the most significant risk factors of seroconversion with Mmm. Conclusion Results from this study indicated a higher seroprevalence of Mmm in Karamoja region cattle herds. This could be due to the increased frequency of CBPP outbreaks in recent years. To be effective, CBPP vaccination programs should target high risk herds along the international borders and other hotspot areas [e.g., parishes or sub counties] where cattle commingling is high. Keywords: Karamoja region, Uganda, Seroprevalence, CBPP, cELISA, CattleItem Peanut (Arachis hypogea) accessions differentially accumulate aflatoxins upon challenge by Aspergillus flavus: Implications for aflatoxin mitigation(Elsevier B.V, 2024-03) Salano, Elsie Nyangweso; Mulwa, Richard Mwanza; Obonyo, Meshack AmosPeanut is among the most important oil crops grown in sub-Saharan Africa for its nutritive value and economic benefit. In this region, Aspergillus flavus infects peanuts and contaminates produce with aflatoxins leading to food insecurity through lowered quality. The impact of aflatoxins transcends the food chain causing harm to human and animal health. The selection and production of aflatoxin-tolerant varieties of peanut is a promising strategy to mitigate their potential harm. We studied the resistance of peanut kernels to aflatoxin accumulation in 25 peanut accessions collected from different growing locations in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda based on their unique phenotypic characteristics. To obtain sufficient planting material, the peanut accessions were multiplied separately under standard conditions and harvested at their respective maturity dates then dried and stored at 4 °C before further analysis. At the start of the experiment, the kernels were challenged with a laboratory-characterized toxigenic strain (Aspergillus flavus 1EM1901) and incubated at 28 °C for 7 days. Afterward, the accessions were analysed (ELISA) for aflatoxins. Of the 25 accessions tested, 60 % (n = 15) exhibited kernel resistance to aflatoxin accumulation while 40 % (n = 10) were susceptible (with aflatoxin levels ranging from 0.54 ppb to 1692.92 ppb). Two of the resistant accessions recorded a decrease in aflatoxin accumulation when challenged with toxigenic A. flavus. This differential accumulation of aflatoxins suggests the existence of an inherent trait that can be exploited in breeding programs of peanut varieties with low aflatoxin accumulation when grown in contaminated soils. These findings are further discussed.Item Comovement between agricultural commodities and stock returns of commodity-dependant sub-saharan Africa countries amidst the COVID-19 pandemic(Elsevier B.V, 2024-03) Woode, John Kingsley; Idun, Anthony Adu-Asare; Kawor, SeyramThe study analyses the comovement between agricultural commodities (cocoa, coffee, corn, cotton, and soybeans) and sub-Saharan African equities (BRVM, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, and Uganda) heavily exposed to shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic spanning from January 2017 to December 2022. Through bivariate and multivariate wavelet analysis, the study identifies the adaptive and asymmetrical nature of the sampled markets both in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The results highlight commodities as the main driving force behind equities, with few exceptions, and reveal these markets' safe-haven and hedge potential during the pandemic and the normal periods, except for the multivariate case. The bivariate findings suggest that global investors can consider investing in agricultural commodities and the sampled equities for enhanced portfolio diversification. By examining the interconnectedness of the sampled market across different timeframes and investment horizons, the study has uncovered significant implications for policy-making, portfolio diversification strategies, and risk management approaches.