Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences

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Enhancing Soybean Rust resistance through Rpp2, Rpp3 and Rpp4 pair wise Gene Pyramiding
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2012-08-07) Maphosa, M.; Talwana, H.; Tukamuhabwa, P.
The threat posed by soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) on soybean production is worsened by resistance breakdown associated with single gene resistance present in most cultivars. Few studies have however been undertaken to use mapped simple sequence markers for gene pyramiding to enhance rust resistance. This study validated use of identified simple sequence repeat markers for gene pyramiding, and determined the most effective pairwise gene combination for three independent soybean rust resistance genes, Rpp2, Rpp3 and Rpp4. Markers Satt460 and AF162283 were polymorphic for the three resistance genes among the parents and were therefore used in selections made in the F2 and F3 families. In the F2 generation, soybean plants (homozygous dominant or heterozygous at both loci) with two gene combinations had relatively lower disease severity and sporulation than the parents, suggesting complementary epistatic gene action for resistance. Similarly, homozygous F3 families showed lower severity, lesion density and sporulation. Gene Rpp3 contributed positively to resistance with various genetic backgrounds for most parameters measured, compared to Rpp2 and Rpp4 resistance genes. Overall, the results suggest that marker gene pyramiding is feasible and can substantially increase resistance to soybean rust through reduced severity and reduced sporulating lesions.
Supply Chain Resilience: Definition, Review and Theoretical Foundations for further Study
(International journal of production research, 2015-04-30) Tukamuhabwa, Benjamin R.; Stevenson, Mark; Jerry, Busby; Zorzini, Marta
There has been considerable academic interest in recent years in supply chain resilience (SCRES). This paper presents a timely review of the available literature on SCRES based on a three-stage systematic search that identified 91 articles/sources. We provide a comprehensive definition of SCRES before strategies proposed for improving resilience are identified and the contributions to the literature are critiqued, e.g. in terms of research method and use of theory. We take stock of the field and identify the most important future research directions. A wide range of strategies for improving resilience are identified, but most attention has been on increasing flexibility, creating redundancy, forming collaborative supply chain relationships and improving supply chain agility. We also find that only limited research has been conducted into choosing and implementing an appropriate set of strategies for improving SCRES. Much of the literature is conceptual, theoretical and normative; the few available empirical studies are mainly cross-sectional and confined to a large firm, developed country context; and, there has been limited use of theory frames to improve understanding. We propose Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory as an appropriate lens for studying SCRES. We demonstrate that SCRES mirrors many characteristics of a CAS – including adaptation and coevolution, non-linearity, self-organisation and emergence – with implications for the direction of both future research and practice.
Identifying Optimal Lines for Enhanced Symbiotic Performance in a Mini-Core Collection of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]
(Advances in Agriculture, 2025-09-10) Nkurunziza, Gelase; Odong, Thomas Lapaka; Mbeyagala, Emmanuel K.; Ssemakula, Mildred Ochwo; Tumuhairwe, John Baptist
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important food security and climate-resilient legume grain crop grown in the semiarid regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It can symbiotically fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and improve soil fertility, which should be harnessed to increase its yield in the region. This study assessed the mini-core cowpea collection genotypes for effective and efficient nodulation, aiming to select the superior genotypes for further field evaluation in Ugandan agroecologies. A total of 252 cowpea genotypes were planted in pots in a screen house at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK), in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications. Seeds were inoculated with Bradyrhizobium spp. (strain ICB756). At early pod formation stage, data were collected on plant vigor (based on plant height, leave greenness, and biomass) and nodulation-related traits including number of nodule (NN) per plant, proportion of active nodule (AN), and nodule dry weight (NDW) per plant. Results showed that NN and AN ranged from 0% to about 89% and 0% to 100%, averaging 25% and 44.6%, respectively. NDW ranged from 0 to 128.9 mg/plant, averaging 31.7 mg/plant. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among genotypes for AN and NDW, indicating a genetic diversity between the genotypes which were grouped in four clusters. There was a positive correlation between symbiotic traits and plant vigor, implying a combined possible improvement of these traits. Genotypes such as TVu-14971, TVu-1477, and TVu-14691 were identified as best performers for both nodulation traits and plant vigor, while TVu-9259, TVu-14621, and TVu-7719 exhibited poor nodulation. After confirmation under standardized screening conditions, the present findings could contribute to cowpea breeding programs aiming at developing new cultivars, contributing to agricultural sustainability and food security while maintaining a healthy environment.
The Transcriptome Response of African and South American Cassava (Manihot esculenta) to Infection by East African Cassava Mosaic Virus-Uganda
(Wiley Subscription Services, Inc, 2025-02-04) Ngwensang, Erica;; Bouvaine, Sophie;; Maruthi, Midatharahally N.
ABSTRACT Cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) cause the economically important cassava mosaic disease (CMD) in cassava. In this research, we investigated potential new sources of resistance to CMD. Fourteen cassava varieties were tested for resistance to the major CMB, East African cassava mosaic virus‐Uganda (EACMV‐Ug). Six African cassava varieties (72‐TME 14, TME 204, TZ 130, Nase 1, Nase 3 and Nase 14) expressed no or mild disease symptoms with low viral load and therefore have been classified as resistant. South American varieties showed severe leaf symptoms and supported high viral load. Nase 3 (resistant), TZ 130 (resistant) and Ebwanateraka (susceptible) were subjected to RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐Seq) to identify putative CMD resistance genes and mechanisms. Transcriptome analysis of three cassava varieties at 2, 4, 7, and 28 days after grafting (DAG) revealed the largest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) upon virus infection in Nase 3 (4228) with 1725 genes uniquely over‐expressed. Additionally, early induction of heat shock proteins and transcription factors such as ethylene‐responsive transcription factor (ERF), teosinte‐like, cycloidea and PCF1 (TCPs), heat stress transcription factor and basic leucine zipper were observed in the resistant varieties. These results suggest that resistant varieties maintain a low titre of EACMV‐Ug by activating specific stress‐response genes early. The role of these genes in plants remains to be investigated but offers insights into the molecular mechanism of resistance to CMD. The early defence response in cassava plants is associated with EACMV‐Ug resistance, while the susceptible varieties' response is delayed and expresses fewer unique differentially expressed genes.
Running the Risk: Road-Crossing Behavior in Wild Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in an Anthropogenic Habitat in Uganda
(Wiley Subscription Services, Inc, 2025-02-08) Tellier, Marie;; Druelle, François;; Cibot, Marie ;; Baruzaliire, Johnmary;; Sabiiti, Tom;; McLennan, Matthew R.
Recent research highlights the behavioral flexibility of wild chimpanzees in response to human‐induced changes in their environment, including agricultural and infrastructural development. The expansion of road networks threatens chimpanzee populations across Africa. Studying their road‐crossing behavior, especially outside protected areas where road impacts are greatest, helps identify factors influencing their choices and flexibility. This study seeks to gain a deeper understanding of how chimpanzees navigate busy roads and assess the danger posed by roads. Such insights are needed to develop effective conservation strategies in regions facing escalating human impact, including recommendations for the design and management of traffic on existing and future roads. Using a dataset of 129 video‐recorded road crossings spanning 38 months, we analyzed the behavioral adjustments of chimpanzees in Bulindi, Uganda, when crossing a recently paved, busy main road within their home range. Using generalized linear mixed models, we investigated chimpanzee risk perception, protective and cooperative behaviors, vigilance, and progression order during road crossings. We identified variations in their behavior according to age‐sex of individuals, group composition, and level of risk. We found that Bulindi chimpanzees exhibit behavioral strategies to reduce risks of collision or close encounters with humans on the road, as previously described. However, they were less vigilant than expected. We suggest that the chimpanzees have developed tolerance of the risks presented by the road, owing to their long history of crossing it before it was tarmacked and widened, and their familiarity with local people and motor traffic. Our results provide further evidence of the flexibility of wild chimpanzees. However, road crossings remain highly risky for large mammals like great apes, necessitating measures to mitigate the impact of road development on this and other endangered species (e.g. speed bumps, police enforcement, public awareness raising). Genetics Abstracts
Livelihood security shocks and coping strategies in the drylands of Kenya andUganda – a seasonal analysis
(Taylor & Francis group, 2025-06-17) Nabweteme, Hawah;; Bostedt, Göran;; Turinawe, Alice
Recurrent shocks and crises cause significant threats to household livelihood security in dryland Sub-Saharan Africa. In absence of social protection and institutional support, households resort to potentially problematic coping strategies that could trap them in a vicious cycle of livelihood insecurity. This study employs a unique panel data set from 698 households in the drylands of the Karamoja border region of Uganda and Kenya, to assess variations in shocks experienced by households and evaluate coping strategies. Findings indicate that shock incidences are significantly higher in Uganda’s drylands compared to Kenya, particularly during wet seasons. The extent, direction, and significance of influence differ across countries and study locations. However, findings from the multivariate probit model suggest that households led by women, larger households, and those situated in Uganda's drylands are more susceptible and more likely to decrease their food consumption. Reducing food consumption, relying on savings, seeking assistance or loans, and selling livestock are commonly adopted strategies across all shock types. This study advocates strengthening social protection programs and agro-pastoral systems, and prioritizing climate-smart agricultural practices. Financial inclusion, access to extension services, organization of communities into beneficial groups and cooperatives, and human capital investment are recommended, with government and institutional support.
Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock using remote sensing & artificial intelligence
(Elsevier B.V, 2025-07-18) Naturinda, Evet;; Kemigyisha, Fortunate;; Gidudu, Anthony ;; Kabenge, Isa;; Omia, Emmanuel;; Aboth, Jackline
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) from agriculture in Africa are among the world's fastest-growing emissions, with the livestock sector as the primary contributor. However, the methods for quantifying these emissions rely on manual and outdated data collection and processing approaches. Therefore, there is a need to develop more accurate and efficient methods of quantifying GHGs from livestock. This research developed a remote sensing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based approach to quantify GHG emissions from cattle in the Kisombwa Ranching Scheme in Mubende District, central Uganda. We trained a deep learning algorithm, You Only Look Once (YOLO) v4, to detect cattle from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images of the study area and applied the Simple Online Real-time Tracker (SORT) algorithm for automated counting. Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) emissions from manure management and enteric fermentation were estimated using the number of cattle and the Tier 1 guidelines from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The total estimated emissions were 321,121.34 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) per year, with CH4 at 282,282.96 kg CO2eq per year (88 %) and N2O at 38,838.38 kg CO2eq per year (12 %). Enteric fermentation contributed the highest emissions, about 99 % of the total CH4 emissions and 87 % of the total GHGs. The proposed remote sensing and AI-driven method achieved an average F1 score of 88.9 %, average precision of 97 %, and average recall of 82.9 % on the testing set of images. Therefore, these research findings demonstrate that remote sensing and AI are a more potent and efficient approach to upscale quantifying and reporting animal population and livestock GHG emissions for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation. •Collected, preprocessed, and annotated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images.•YOLO V4 and SORT were used for cattle detection and counting from UAV images, and IPCC guidelines to estimate GHG emissions.•Achieved 88.9 % accuracy in counting grazing cattle and observed that CH4 dominated GHG emissions, contributing 88 % from enteric fermentation.
Improving on-farm transport using animal draught power in two hilly districts of Western Uganda
(Mpumalanga, South Africa, 1999-08-08) Ayo-Odongo, Julius; Mutyaba, Cedric; Kalunda, Patrick
Food crops are plagued by various constraints at different stages of the post harvest systems resulting in varrying degrees of losses along the food pipeline. Poor on-farm transport methods constitute one of the major post harvest constraints especially in hilly and mountainous terrain of Uganda. The use of animal traction has been identified as an appropriate, affordable and sustainable technology to alleviate the drudgery in farm transport and reduce the associated crop post-harvest losses. Donkey transport technology has been successfully introduced in two of the mountainous districts of western Uganda. This paper discusses the processes, methodologies and impact of the introduction of the technology on the rural communities in the above area.
A study on the management and quality of farmers’ home-saved bean seeds in Lira and Masindi Districts
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2003-01-01) Kabeere, F.; Mutyaba,, C.J.; Agona,J.A.; Komurembe, M.; Muyinza, H.
A baseline study was conducted in Lira and Masindi districts to determine farmers’ practices of harvesting, processing, storage and protection of home-saved bean seeds. Two parishes from two counties in each district were selected as sampling sites. Farmers’ seed source; seed preparation and planting practices; bean harvest and harvesting techniques; primary processing, storage and seed protection methods were investigated. Representative seed samples were obtained from farmers in March and in August 1999, the months preceding the first and second planting seasons, for quality analysis in the laboratory. The blotter method was used to determine seed health status. The results showed the predominant reliance on home- saved seeds as source of planting materials by farmers. Seeds were salvaged from grains, only at the time of planting. The quality of farmers’ home-saved seeds was poor and this was compensated for during planting by high seeding rate. The main constraint to bean storage were bruchids and they adversely affected the germination capacity of seeds. Improved grain processing, storage and protection technologies that are “seed friendly” have been recommended for application on home-saved seeds.
Combined effect of grain solarisation and oiling on the development of Sitophilus zeamais Motsch
(Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2012-11-20) Muyinza, H.; Musittala, G.; Mutyaba, C.J.; Agona, A.A.
The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. Coleoptera; Curculionidae) is one the most important storage pests of maize in East Africa. We investigated the combined efficacy of grain oiling with vegetable oil and 2- hour grain solarisation on S. zeamais damage to maize. Maize, Longe 1 variety was treated at dosages of 0, 1, 2, 4 ml per kg of grain, and artificially inoculated with 12- adult S. zeamais weevils. Combination of grain oiling and solarisation of grain at 1, 2 and 4 ml per kg significantly reduced weevil emergence (F=3.06, P< 0.001) compared to the singular treatments. Solarised grain had 5.5
Detecting Forest Cover and Ecosystem Service Change Using Integrated Approach of Remotely Sensed Derived Indices in the Central Districts of Uganda
(South African Journal of Geomatic, 2018-02-05) Ssentongo, A.A.; Darkey, D.; Mutyaba, J.
Natural forests in Uganda have experienced both spatial and temporal modifications from different drivers which need to be monitored to assess the impacts of such changes on ecosystems and prevent related risks of reduction in ecosystem service benefits. Ground investigations may be complex because of dual ownership, whereas remote sensing techniques and GIS application enable a fast multi-temporal detection of changes in forest cover and offer a cost-effective option for inaccessible areas and their use to detect ecosystem service change. The overarching goal of this study was to use satellite measurements to study forest change and link it to ecosystem service benefit reduction (fresh water) in the study area using a representative sample of Landsat scenes, also testing whether the inclusion of ecosystem service benefits improves the classification. In this paper, an integrated approach of remotely derived indices was used together with post-classification comparison to detect forest cover and ecosystem service changes. Our contribution novelty is the ability to detect at multi-temporal scale private and central reserve forest cover decline along with ecosystem benefit reduction using remotely derived indices in the 20 year period (1986-2005). Change detection analysis showed that forest cover declined significantly in five sub-counties of Mpigi, than in Butambala by 5.99%, disturbed forest was 3%, farm land increased by 44%, grassland declined by 62.5% and light vegetation increased by63.6%. The two most affected areas also experienced fresh water reductions. For sustainable supply of ecosystem service benefits, resource managers must also involve private resource owners in the conservation effort.
Functional and sensory properties of iron and folic acid fortified NABE-3 bean and silver fish composite instant flour
(Springer International Publishing, 2025-03-23) Ssepuuya, Geoffrey;; Hooper, Sharon;; Nakyinsige, Khadijah ;; Maseruka, Eria Gyagenda;; Musabi, Dianah;; Rukundo, Peter;; Kebirungi, Harriet;; Weatherspoon, Lorraine;; Jackson-Malete, Jose
Despite the need for Iron and Folic acid (IFA) during critical stages of child development and gestation, there is observed persistence in deficiencies despite several interventions. This situation motivated a food-based approach using IFA-fortified NARO Bean-3 (NABE-3 bean) and silverfish. IFA fortified composite flours with NABE-3 (BF): silver fish flour (SFF) proportions as 100% BF, 90% BF: 10% SFF, 80% BF: 20% SFF, and 70% BF: 30% SFF were developed. Functional, pasting, and sensory properties were assessed using standard methods. Increasing silverfish proportions in the composite flours was associated with decreased water absorption properties of the composite flours indicating reduced reconstitution abilities; reduced final viscosity but increased bulk density implying a high density of nutrients at lower viscosity and volume; and increased peak time indicating increased cooking energy requirements. The compressibility and Hausner ratios of the flours were high and not significantly different, indicating low flowability of the bean flour and its composites with silver fish. Increasing silverfish proportions reduced sensory score from liked moderately to indifferent on a 9-point hedonic scale due to colour darkening, and increased intensity of fishy aroma and flavour. The 90% BF: 10% SFF and 80% BF: 20% SFF composites were more acceptable than the 70% BF: 30% SFF. However, all the composites were more acceptable than the control 100% BF: 0% SFF. Incorporation of silver fish into NABE bean flour generally leads to increased sensory acceptability and nutrient density but reduced functionality.
Farm resources, gender and water use practices in livestock-based livelihood systems of Kiruhura district, South western Uganda
(Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 2009-06-15) Nanyeenya, W.N.; Mutumba, C.; Mutyaba, C.; Wanyama, J.
Uganda’s south-western rangelands have capacity to improve farm productivity but are hampered by scarcity of water. The purpose of this study was to establish the current status of farm crop and livestock enterprise management systems, gender allocation of livestock, crop and human watering activities and assess prospects for using improved technology for livestock and domestic water storage, conveyance and utilisation, and small scale irrigation. One hundred households were selected from two sub-counties to represent crop-livestock and semi-transhumant cattle systems using purposive, multi-stage and systematic random sampling procedure. Findings of the study indicate that cattle contribute up to 89% of household livelihoods, banana is a dominant crop enterprise in Kazo (5.3 acres) and sweet potatoes are common in Kikatsi (1.4 acres). The main water catchments in the community are by roof catchment (41%) and sloping surfaces (36%). Of the households with the potential to harvest from their roof tops only about 50% exploit this option. The main sources of water for domestic uses, however, are own dams and shallow wells at 34 and 21%, respectively. Regarding gender and water collection, results show that all household members contribute towards water collection but where males are concerned they rely on bicycles (48%) whereas girls and women mostly (75%) carry water on their heads. Livestock watering is largely communal as only about 40% of the farmers have own individual valley dams. The need to have affordable and sustainable water storage and utilization systems particularly for livestock production was determined. By improving water collection and storage at household level not only will labour be released for other activities but the drudgery to which the female folks are exposed will be reduced. Due to increasing sedentarised cattle keeping coupled with extended fencing and exclusion, trespass is a serious offence in the area. Individual valley tanks should therefore be promoted in place of communal dams. The current watering systems that promote siltation of storage systems due to widespread use of mud troughs should be addressed by improved water storage, lifting/pumping and distribution systems. The technologies that may be explored to improve water storage on the farms include roof catchment and surface run off harvesting using ferrocement and polyethene tanks, and individual household preferably polyethene lined valley dams/tanks. Lifting water from storage systems could be enhanced by windmills and treadle (foot) pumps.
Unlocking Uganda's Maize Potential Through Value-Addition and Product Diversification
(Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, 2025-06-17) Geoffery Sempiri
This presentation explores the vast potential of Uganda’s maize sector through value-addition and product diversification. As the most important cereal crop in Uganda, maize plays a central role in national food security, income generation, and rural livelihoods. With Uganda ranking among the top maize producers in Africa, the sector remains largely underutilized due to limited processing and diversification. The presentation outlines the different types of maize and their uses, from staple foods to animal feed, and highlights global practices such as dry and wet milling, and alkaline cooking as opportunities for industrial upgrading. It identifies promising avenues for value-added products including cereals, snacks, beverages, bioplastics, biofuels, and pharmaceutical ingredients. Key strategic recommendations include establishing quality standards, incentivizing investment in processing, funding R&D, and creating a Research Chair in Maize Value Addition to drive innovation. The presentation concludes by calling for multi-stakeholder collaboration, including public-private partnerships, to transform maize into a catalyst for Uganda’s industrialization and sustainable development.
Cross border trade analysis of the rice value chain between Uganda and South Sudan: an insight from Elegu and Nimule border posts
(Informa UK Limited, 2024-08-19) Aluong, Joseph A. Kut; Mainimo, Edmond Nyuyki; Okello, Daniel Micheal; Mugonola, Basil
Rice is an important agricultural commodity in Uganda’s economy serving both as cash and food crop and is produced in almost all regions of Uganda. As a cash crop, considerable trade in this commodity occurs within and across the borders of Uganda and South Sudan. Therefore, this study was aimed at conducting a cross border trade value chain analysis between Uganda and South Sudan. Specifically, the rice value chain was analyzed and the determinants of cross border trade were ascertained. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit regression analysis to determine factors influence cross border trade in rice between Northern Uganda and South Sudan. Results revealed that three quarter of traders were of Ugandans Nationals with significant level (p < 0.001). Econometric model results showed that the source of rice, the nationality of the actor, and business experience (years) and occupation significantly influenced cross border trade. Ugandan traders were involved in trade more than non-Ugandans because of access to locally produced rice. Gender based performance on rice trade was significant (p < 0.002) for both Ugandans and non-Ugandans with males participating in trade more than the females. Most of the wholesale buyers were from Kampala; they buy rice in large volumes while the rest of the rice is bought by exporters, local wholesalers and retailers. Our study recommends that rice value addition and upgrading should be promoted to in order to increase incomes and competitiveness of cross-border trade.
Disaster risk reduction measures and farmers choices: a discrete choice experiment in Uganda
(Informa UK Limited, 2024-10-15) Mutyebere, Rodgers; Vanermen, Iris; Ruymbeke, Kato Van; Nkurikiye, Jean Bosco; Twongyirwe, Ronald; Sekajugo, John; Kabaseke, Clovis; Kanyiginya, Violet; Kagoro-Rugunda, Grace; Kervyn, Matthieu; Vranken, Liesbet
Climate change induces high and erratic rainfall which triggers landslides and floods. With the increasing population and food needs, households in mountainous, densely populated areas turn fragile ecosystems into farms. This exacerbates landslide and flood risks requiring Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures. Tree planting and diversion channels are among the recommended measures for farmers but their adoption remains low. Current studies assessing barriers to adoption ignore farmers’ opinions regarding the kind of trees or diversion channels preferred. We apply a Discrete Choice Experiment to evaluate how information delivered through videos impacts preferences for the DRR measures. Plot-level data were collected from 319 farmers from Kasese, Bundibugyo, Bushenyi and Buhweju in Uganda – districts prone to landslides and floods. The mixed logit model reveals a general preference for risk-reducing attributes of DRR measures. Using the conditional logit model to analyze split samples reveals that information influences preferences for tree planting, while preferences for diversion channels were hardly changed. Plot characteristics did not strongly explain the differences in preferences. Our study indicates that information specific to DRR measures in extension programmes would increase the adoption of such measures.
Does certified organic agriculture increase agroecosystem health? Evidence from four farming systems in Uganda
(Informa UK Limited, 2018-02-20) Templer, N.; Hauser, M.; Owamani, A.; Kamusingize, D.; H. Ogwali; Mulumba, L.; Onwonga, R.; Adugna, B. T.; Probst, L.
Over the past decades, the number of certified organic farms have increased significantly in Uganda. One assumption is that certified organic agriculture contributes to economic, social and ecological health of agroecosystems. In the literature, however, there is thin empirical evidence to support such claims. We therefore developed health indicators and contrasted data from four Ugandan farming systems with principles and objectives of organic agriculture. We identified four health patterns (ecology-driven, economically struggling, socially-driven, and hanging in) demonstrating the impact of farm management on agroecosystem health and trade-offs between health domains. Ecological farm health is strengthened only if the conversion goes beyond ‘organic by default’. Market-oriented specialization can create lock-in situations if production strategies cannot be changed easily. Food shortages occur when additional income from certified production does not compensate for the reduced area and effort devoted to food crops. We conclude that the positive effects of organic certification on agroecosystem health cannot be taken for granted. Interventions promoting organic agriculture should acknowledge risks smallholder farmers take by converting to cash crop-oriented certified organic farming. A challenging question will be how aspects of wellbeing and social health can be translated into certification standards and thus product attributes.
Low nutritive quality of own-mixed chicken rations in Kampala City, Uganda
(Agronomy for sustainable development, 2014-01-17) Kasule, Lawrence; Katongole, Constantine; Nambi-Kasozi, Justine; Bareeba, Felix; Lindberg, Jan Erik
Chicken production is popular in Kampala City, Uganda. Indeed about 70 % of all poultry products consumed in Kampala are produced locally. However, the high cost of feed is a major limiting factor. As a consequence, chicken farmers are formulating and mixing their own feeds. However, these own-mixed feeds may not meet recommended nutrient levels. We therefore studied five classes of own-mixed chicken feeds: broiler starter, broiler finisher, chick mash, grower mash, and layer mash. Samples of the chicken feeds were collected from farmers in and around Kampala City. We analyzed crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, total starch, ash, calcium, phosphorus, and gross energy contents of the feeds. The apparent metabolizable energy content was calculated. We compared data with dietary requirements recommended for chickens in the tropics. Results show that own-mixed rations contained 21.9–36.3 % less protein than minimum recommendations. Broiler rations contained 16.2–20 % less metabolizable energy than minimum recommendations, and their crude fiber content was 37.5–50 % higher than the maximum recommendation. Layer mash contained 66.7 % less calcium and 17.5 % less metabolizable energy than minimum recommendations. All the five classes of own-mixed chicken rations were very high in ash content, ranging from 17.0 to 21.2 %. We conclude that own-mixed chicken rations do not conform to the dietary recommendations. There is therefore a need to give chicken farmers training on feed formulation and mixing.
Impact of social influence, financial literacy, and self-control on saving behavior among micro and small enterprise owners in Uganda
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025-03-05) Mpaata, Eva;; Kyambade, Mahadih;; Matovu, Augustine ;; Naigwe, Josephine
This study examines the moderating role of self‑control in the relationship between financial literacy, social influence, and savings behavior among Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) owners in Kampala, Uganda. The study aims to establish whether self‑control influences the association between financial literacy and savings behavior, as well as between social influence and savings behavior. A cross‑sectional research design was employed, targeting MSE owners officially registered with Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). A total of 373 responses were analyzed using PROCESS Macro Model 3.2. The findings indicate that financial literacy and social influence significantly impact savings behavior. self‑control significantly moderates the relationship between financial literacy and savings behavior, as well as between social influence and savings behavior. Individuals with higher self‑control exhibited stronger savings behavior than those with lower self‑control, even as financial literacy and social influence improved. Findings highlight that financial literacy, social influence, and self‑control play significant roles in shaping savings behavior among MSE owners in Kampala. Social networks and financial knowledge contribute to better financial decision‑making, while self‑control moderates these relationships. The findings suggest that policymakers and financial educators should integrate self‑control training into financial literacy programs to enhance savings behavior among MSE owners.
Between-breed variations in resistance/resilience to gastrointestinal nematodes among indigenous goat breeds in Uganda
(Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2017-09-13) Onzima, R. B. 1,2 & 3 & 2 & K. K. Benda2 & 1; Mukiibi, R.; Ampaire, A.; Kanis, E.
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), Haemonchus contortus, are a major health problem in goat production. Resistance to H. contortus, the most prevalent GIN in Uganda, was studied among three indigenous goat breeds to assess their differences. Twelve male goats of each breed approximately 7 months old of small East African (SEA), Mubende, and Kigezi goats from smallholder farmers in Arua, Mubende, and Kabale were assembled for the study. At the station, they were dewormed with a combination therapy of the broad-spectrum dewormers closantel and albendazole to free the goats of gastrointestinal parasites. During experimentation, the goats were kept indoors and ad libitum fed on clean banana peels and napier grass. On attainment of zero-worm-egg status, the goats were artificially infected with 18,000 third-stage (L3) larvae of H. contortus prepared according to Baermann’s procedure. Data were collected on fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), and body weight (BW) on a 2-week basis until 12 weeks post infection and carcass weight and total worm count (WC) in the abomasum at termination of the experiment. The data on FEC, PCV, and BW were subjected to repeated-measure analysis of variance and the others by one-way analysis of variance. FEC between breeds was only significantly different at 12 weeks post infection (p = 0.04). Generally, higher FEC was recorded in Kigezi compared to SEA and Mubende goats. Carcass weight was significantly different among breeds (p < 0.05), with Mubende having the highest carcass weight, followed by Kigezi and SEA. PCV and daily weight gains were significantly different between breeds (p < 0.05). WC was not significantly different between the breeds. FEC and PCV were weakly significant at later stages of the experiment with higher parasite burden suggesting potential variation in resistance to H. contortus. These differences could be exploited in designing breeding programs with disease resistance in indigenous goat breeds.

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