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Item Acacia Trees Enhance Soil Nitrogen That Influences Grass Crude Protein In African Rangelands(Bishop Stuart University, 2018-06) Ndizihiwe, Daniel; Tumwesigye, Wycliffe; Atwongire, Doreen; Bahame, David; Musinguzi, Charles; Amanya, Martin; Kalibwani, RebeccaThe study found out the impact of acacia trees on soil nitrogen and how this nitrogen consequently influences the grass crude protein in Sanga rangeland. Four 100×100m plots were randomly selected in a vast area, five acacia trees and five open areas randomly identified in each plot. A soil and pasture sample were collected from each acacia tree and in open area. Samples were analyzed by Kjeldahl's method to determine percentage soil nitrogen and grass crude protein. The results were subjected to analysis of variance using MINITAB 14 statistical software. Percentage soil nitrogen and grass crude protein significantly differed between under acacia and away from acacia with P=0.001 and P=0.007 respectively. Both soil nitrogen and grass crude protein were higher near acacia than in the open area. We suggest that the co-existence between grasses, acacia trees and also herbivores at an advanced level should be area of interest to livestock farmers and rangeland managers. Natural soil fertility replenishment in African rangelands is partly influenced by acacia trees which have also gone ahead to determine the nutritional quality of ground grass species that are the basic source of food to rangeland herbivorous and omnivorous animals. Finding out the approximate tree population and spacing required for optimum rangeland productivity and the interest to know the acacia species fixing more nitrogen than the others are areas for further research. This can help to understand the species to be kept in the rangelands and in what proportions.Item Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity of Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Rumex abyssinica Jacq. (Polygonaceae) and Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae)(Scientific Research Publishing Inc, 2014-03-20) Kamatenesi-Mugisha, Maud; Gakunga Ndukui, James; Namutembi, Agnes; Waako, Paul; Borg Karlson; Ann-Karl; Vudriko, PatrickRumex abyssinica Jacq. (Polygonaceae) is locally used in management of allergies and female reproductive healthcare; whereas Mentha spicata L. (Lamiaceae) is used to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory distress, dandruff, halitosis and malaria in Uganda. Owing to the paucity of data on their safety profiles, this study evaluated the acute and sub-acute toxicities of 70% ethanolic leaf extracts of both plants in mice and Wistar albino rats. The oral acute toxicity of both plants was evaluated in Swiss mice of 7 - 8 weeks old (16 - 22 g) body weight and LD50 determined. Sub-acute toxicity was evaluated in Wistar albino rats (6 per group) at dose rates of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg for 28 days. The LD50 of R. abyssinica and M. spicata in mice was 7727 mg/kg and 13,606 mg/kg body weight, respectively. General signs of toxicity due to large doses of both plants extract included hyperurination, abdominal muscle twitches and convulsions. In the sub-acute toxicity test, rats treated with both extracts did not exhibit any clinical signs of toxicity; no mortality and changes in body weight were observed. R. abyssinica did not cause significant changes in haema- tological indices, except a significant increase in HCT (p < 0.05). However, a dose dependant significant decrease in HCT (p < 0.05) and a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of WBC, LMY and MCHC were observed in rats treated with M. spicata extract. Biochemical test showed that both extracts caused a significant dose dependent increase (p < 0.05) in levels of ALT and ALP. Marked increase in the levels of AST was also observed in rats treated with M. spicata extract. Of the two extracts, only rats treated with R. abyssinica revealed congestion, hemorrhages and cellular infiltration in vital organs. In conclusion, the LD50 values of both plant extracts were above 5000 mg/kg suggesting that they are experimentally safe, thus justifying their use in traditional medicine. However, prolonged exposure to higher doses may cause observable alterations in histopathological, biochemical, and haematological parameters, particularly with R. abyssinica.Item ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS OF CymbopogoncitratusStapf. IN MICE(International Journal of Advanced Information Science and Technology, 2016-02) N, Waisindye.The purpose of this study was to assess the acute oral toxicity profile of the essential oils of lemon grass that is used as a natural food and medicinal flavor.The oil was obtained by steam distillation of 4.6 kg of fresh lemon grass leaves using a Clevenger apparatus, dried using anhydrous sodium sulphate and its netweight taken and this was found to be 14.2 g (0.31% as yield).A stock solution of 200 g/ml was made by dissolving 4 ml of the essential oil in 20ml of DMSO. A total of 36 (18 male and 18 Female) health mice were selected for the toxicity studies. Five different doses (4000 mg, 2000 mg, 1500 mg, 1000 mg, and 500 mg)/kg BW were administered tothe grouped animals randomly in the preliminary phase of the study.Item Acute toxicity, antipyretic and antinociceptive study of the crude saponin from an edible vegetable:(International Formulae Group, 2012) Paul Chukwuemeka, ADIUKWU; Agaba, AMON; Grace, NAMBATYA; Bulus, ADZU; Lawrence, IMANIRAMPA; Silvano, TWINOMUJUNI; Osbert, TWIKIRIZE; Martin, AMANYA; Joseph Obiezuchukwujekwu, EZEONWUMELU; Joseph, OLORO; Godwin Aiyabalu, OKORUWA; Barbra, KATUSIIMEVernonia amygdalina is commonly used for food and health purposes. Processing of the leaf for food is aimed at removing bitter tasting antinutritional principles like saponins. This study was designed to determine the antipyretic and antinociceptive property of the crude saponin from Vernonia amygdalina leaf. Standard procedure for antipyretic study using Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced pyrexia in rats; and acetic acid induced writhe, hot plate and cold tail flick tests for antinociceptive study in mice were used. Data for the crude saponin showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) dose dependent anal temperature decrease. The antinociceptive data in mice was significant (P ≤ 0.05) in the writhing test contrary to the cold tail flick test. In acute toxicity study, an LD50 of 5.1523 g/kg using oral route indicated it was practically non-toxic. Finding suggests that Vernonia amygdalina leaf prepared as diet could be of potential benefit to ailing persons with fever and/or pains, if processing technique adopts minimal loss of principles like saponinsItem Adoption of Chemical Fertilizers in Coffee Production in Kikyenkye Sub-County, Ibanda District(International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, 2024) David Natukunda; David Osiru; Doreen Atwongyeire; Ferdinand AineThe study focused on assessing the adoption of chemical fertilizers in coffee productionin Kikyenkye Sub-County, Ibanda District. It was limited to; investigating the perceptions and attitudes of farmers on application of chemical fertilizers in coffee, determining the level of awareness of chemical fertilizers use in coffee production, investigating farm-based factors that determine farmers’ choice to use chemical fertilizers in coffee production and establishing possible strategies of promoting adoption of chemical fertilizers in coffee production. The study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive research design and primary data was collected from 124 respondents.The study concluded that there is positive perception and attitude of farmers on application of chemical fertilizers where chemical fertilizers use ensure high productivity and yields of coffee, Chemical fertilizers are basically used in high value commercial crops like tea and coffee and that the decisions on chemical fertilizers use is based on access to information and market prices were considered significant at P<0.05 (P=.019, P=.003 and P=.009) and others like chemical fertilizers applied to in coffee do not provide optimal economic returns to farmers, fertilizers use is influenced by agro-climatic and farm characteristics, chemical fertilizers are not suitable for use in coffee and that chemical fertilizers use that alter the soil properties were non-significant at P-value>0.05(P=.867, P=.706, P=.263 and P=.637).The study further concluded that farmers who had access to training services on the methods of application and easy access to the source of chemical fertilizers had high level of awareness on the use of chemical fertilizers in coffee production. The study also concluded that some farm based factors were significant for example, small size of land and land fragmentation at p-value < 0.05 (P=0.006 and P=0.008 where as other factors were non-significant like land ownership, coffee-banana intercropping, farm location and long distance in relation to chemical fertilizer distribution channels were non-significant at P value >0.05(P=0.146, P=0.622, P=0.913, = 0.351). The study finally concluded that possible strategies of promoting adoption of chemical fertilizers in coffee production such as; providing constant training on the value of chemical fertilizers by extension workers was significant at (P=0.000), stabilizing prices for both agricultural inputs and crop outputs without direct government intervention in the market was significant at (P=0.002) while non-significant strategies included; conducting a chemical fertilizer yield response and profitability studies for a range of crops (P=0.938), establishing a fertilizer subsidies program (P=0.766), designing a fertilizer promotion strategy (P=0.273) and considering the potential for public-private partnerships to deliver fertilizer to farmers (P=0.144).The study recommends that there is a need for more education and awareness-raising activities to help farmers make informed decisions about the use of chemical fertilizers, policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications of the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in coffee production, governments undertaking awareness raising campaigns and the need to reduce the cost of chemical fertilizers through subsidiesItem Adoption of Chemical Fertilizers in Coffee Production in Kikyenkye Sub-County, Ibanda District(nternational Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development-, 2024) David Natukunda; Prof. David Osiru; Doreen Atwongyeire; Ferdinand AineThe study focused on assessing the adoption of chemical fertilizers in coffee productionin Kikyenkye Sub-County, Ibanda District. It was limited to; investigating the perceptions and attitudes of farmers on application of chemical fertilizers in coffee, determining the level of awareness of chemical fertilizers use in coffee production, investigating farm-based factors that determine farmers’ choice to use chemical fertilizers in coffee production and establishing possible strategies of promoting adoption of chemical fertilizers in coffee production. The study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive research design and primary data was collected from 124 respondents.The study concluded that there is positive perception and attitude of farmers on application of chemical fertilizers where chemical fertilizers use ensure high productivity and yields of coffee, Chemical fertilizers are basically used in high value commercial crops like tea and coffee and that the decisions on chemical fertilizers use is based on access to information and market prices were considered significant at P<0.05 (P=.019, P=.003 and P=.009) and others like chemical fertilizers applied to in coffee do not provide optimal economic returns to farmers, fertilizers use is influenced by agro-climatic and farm characteristics, chemical fertilizers are not suitable for use in coffee and that chemical fertilizers use that alter the soil properties were non-significant at P-value>0.05(P=.867, P=.706, P=.263 and P=.637).The study further concluded that farmers who had access to training services on the methods of application and easy access to the source of chemical fertilizers had high level of awareness on the use of chemical fertilizers in coffee production. The study also concluded that some farm based factors were significant for example, small size of land and land fragmentation at p-value < 0.05 (P=0.006 and P=0.008 where as other factors were non-significant like land ownership, coffee-banana intercropping, farm location and long distance in relation to chemical fertilizer distribution channels were non-significant at P- value >0.05(P=0.146, P=0.622, P=0.913, = 0.351). The study finally concluded that possible strategies of promoting adoption of chemical fertilizers in coffee production such as; providing constant training on the value of chemical fertilizers by extension workers was significant at (P=0.000), stabilizing prices for both agricultural inputs and crop outputs without direct government intervention in the market was significant at (P=0.002) while non-significant strategies included; conducting a chemical fertilizer yield response and profitability studies for a range of crops (P=0.938), establishing a fertilizer subsidies program (P=0.766), designing a fertilizer promotion strategy (P=0.273) and considering the potential for public-private partnerships to deliver fertilizer to farmers (P=0.144).The study recommends that there is a need for more education and awareness-raising activities to help farmers make informed decisions about the use of chemical fertilizers, policymakers and agricultural stakeholders to consider the social, economic, and environmental implications of the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in coffee production, governments undertaking awareness- raising campaigns and the need to reduce the cost of chemical fertilizers through subsidies.Item Adoption of Chemical Fertilizers in Coffee Production in Kikyenkye Sub-County, Ibanda District(Bishop Stuart University, 2024) Natukunda DavidThis study focused on assessing the adoption of chemical fertilizers in coffee production in Kikyenkye Sub-County, Ibanda District. It was conducted from January to April, 2023 in Kikyenkye Sub-county, Ibanda district. It was limited to; (i) investigating the perceptions and attitudes of farmers on application of chemical fertilizers in coffee, (ii) determining the level of awareness of chemical fertilizer use in coffee production, (iii) investigating farm-based factors that determine farmers’ choice to use chemical fertilizers in coffee production and, (iv) establishing possible strategies of promoting adoption of chemical fertilizers in coffee production. Despite government’s efforts to increase coffee yield through advocacy to use chemical fertilizers, its adoption by coffee farmers remained very low causing declining coffee yields and subsequently reduced household income for small-holder rural farmers in the study area. The study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive research design and primary data was collected from 124 coffee farmers and 27 informants using questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Data collected was subjected to SPSS software version26.0 for analysis. The study found out that there is positive and significant perception and attitude of farmers on application of chemical fertilizers (P<0.05). Chemical fertilizer use ensures high productivity and bean quality of coffee. Chemical fertilizers are basically used on commercial crops like tea and coffee. The decisions on chemical fertilizer use is significantly based on access to information and market prices (P<0.05). It was further found out that farmers who had access to training services on the methods of application and easy access to the source of chemical fertilizers had significantly high level of awareness on the use of chemical fertilizers in coffee production (P<0.05). The study also found out that small plots of land under coffee production and land fragmentation significantly influenced farmers’ decisions to use chemical fertilizers in coffee (P<0.05). It was established that providing constant training and stabilizing prices for both agricultural inputs and crop outputs could lead to enhanced use of chemical fertilizers in coffee significantly (P<0.05). These could be used as strategies to promote chemical fertilizer use in coffee production. The study finally concluded that farmers’ perceptions and attitudes, level of awareness and farm-based factors significantly affect farmers’ adoption of chemical fertilizers in coffee production. The study recommends that there is a need for regular, practical and demonstration-based farmers’ training, policymakers to consider development of policies that promote accessibility and sustainable use of chemical fertilizers, there is need to support farmers to increase the scale of coffee production to make it more profitable with use of chemical fertilizers and the need to reduce the cost of chemical fertilizers through subsidies.Item Adoption of Soil Conservation through Collective Actions in Southwestern Uganda(2017) Kalibwani, Rebecca Mutebi; Kakuru, Medard; Kamugisha, J; Twebaze, J; Hilman, E; Tumuheirwe, H; Mugabo, J; Buruchara, R; Fatunbi, A.O; Adekunle, AIn developing countries, access to and use of renewable natural resources are essential for rural livelihoods to thrive. Hence, cooperation in the management of natural resources is increasingly an important strategy that can enhance long-term socio-ecological resilience. In most cases, collective actions have widely been recognised as an alternative institutional arrangement to centralised governance for the management of natural resources, but their success largely depends on factors that are specific to localities where they are implemented. In this study, factors that influence adoption and extent of adoption of natural resource conservation activities were identified using two case studies: Bubaare and Bufundi Innovation Platforms in Uganda. The drivers of adoption of community natural resource management strategies are analysed using an Ordered Logit Model while extent of adoption is analysed using a truncated regression model. The education level of a household head, membership in collective action group, and perception of plot slope and relevance of bye-laws were factors associated with likelihood of adoption. Value of livestock, membership in collective action group, access to credit and off-farm income were found to positively influence the level of investment. Thus, collective action increases opportunities for adoption; hence farmers should be supported to work collectively. Dans les pays en voie de développement, l’accès et l’utilisation des ressources naturelles sont essentiels pour lasuivie en mileu rural et pour y prospérer. Ainsi, la coopération dans la gestion des ressources naturelles est de plus en plus une stratégie importante qui peut améliorer à long terme la cohésion socio-écologique. Dans beaucoup decas; les actions collectives ont été largement reconnues comme une alternative d’organisation institutionnelle pour centraliser la gouvernance de la gestion des ressources naturelles, mais leur succès dépend largement des facteurs qui sont spécifiques aux milieux où elles sont mise en oeuvre. Dans cette étude, les facteus qui influencent l’adoption et le degré d’adoption des activités de conservation des ressources naturelles étaient identifiés en utilisant deux cas d’étude: Les Plate-formes d’Innovation de Bubaare et Bufundi en Ouganda. Les forces motrices d’adoption des strategies de gestion des ressources naturelles communautaires sont analysées en utilsant un modèle Logit Ordonné tandis que le degré d’adoption est analysé en utilisant un modèle de régression tronqué. Le niveau d’éducation du chef de ménage, l’appartenance au groupe d’action collective, et la perception de la pente de la parcelle et limportance des arrêtés étaient les facteurs associés au taux d’adoption. La value du bétail, l’appartenance au groupe d’action collective, l’accès au crédit et le revenu non- agricole étaient les facteurs qui influencent positivement le niveau d’investissement. Donc, les actions collectives augmentent les opportunités pour l’adoption; ainsi les producteurs devraient être encouragés à travailler de façcon collective.Item ADOPTION OF SOIL CONSERVATION THROUGH COLLECTIVE ACTIONS IN SOUTHWESTERN UGANDA(African Crop Science Society, 2017) R.M., KALIBWANI ET.ALIn developing countries, access to and use of renewable natural resources are essential for rural livelihoods to thrive. Hence, cooperation in the management of natural resources is increasingly an important strategy that can enhance long-term socio-ecological resilience. In most cases, collective actions have widely been recognised as an alternative institutional arrangement to centralised governance for the management of natural resources, but their success largely depends on factors that are specific to localities where they are implemented. In this study, factors that influence adoption and extent of adoption of natural resource conservation activities were identified using two case studies: Bubaare and Bufundi Innovation Platforms in Uganda. The drivers of adoption of community natural resource management strategies are analysed using an Ordered Logit Model while extent of adoption is analysed using a truncated regression model. The education level of a household head, membership in collective action group, and perception of plot slope and relevance of bye-laws were factors associated with likelihood of adoption. Value of livestock, membership in collective action group, access to credit and off-farm income were found to positively influence the level of investment. Thus, collective action increases opportunities for adoption; hence farmers should be supported to work collectivelyItem ADOPTION OF SOIL CONSERVATION THROUGH COLLECTIVE ACTIONS IN SOUTHWESTERN UGANDA(African Crop Science Society, 2017) R.M., KALIBWANI ET.ALIn developing countries, access to and use of renewable natural resources are essential for rural livelihoods to thrive. Hence, cooperation in the management of natural resources is increasingly an important strategy that can enhance long-term socio-ecological resilience. In most cases, collective actions have widely been recognised as an alternative institutional arrangement to centralised governance for the management of natural resources, but their success largely depends on factors that are specific to localities where they are implemented. In this study, factors that influence adoption and extent of adoption of natural resource conservation activities were identified using two case studies: Bubaare and Bufundi Innovation Platforms in Uganda. The drivers of adoption of community natural resource management strategies are analysed using an Ordered Logit Model while extent of adoption is analysed using a truncated regression model. The education level of a household head, membership in collective action group, and perception of plot slope and relevance of bye-laws were factors associated with likelihood of adoption. Value of livestock, membership in collective action group, access to credit and off-farm income were found to positively influence the level of investment. Thus, collective action increases opportunities for adoption; hence farmers should be supported to work collectively.Item ADOPTION OF SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING IN SMALLHOLDER DAIRY CATTLE PRODUCTION IN MBARARA DISTRICT(American Journal of Agriculture, 2022) Gilbert, Twesigye; Edward, Ssemakula; Bahame, B. DavidPurpose: This study sought to assess the level of adoption of supplementary feeding, associated socioeconomic factors and the relationship between supplementary feeding and dairy cattle production among smallholder dairy farmers in Mbarara District. Methodology: The study adopted a mixed approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 198 smallholder farmers and 12 key informants using a semi-structured interview guide and key informant interview guide respectively. Cluster sampling was used to divide the target population into clusters and then selected elements from each cluster using Simple Random Sampling technique. Collected data was compiled, sorted, and entered into Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSSv26.0) for analysis. Findings: The study revealed that 81.3% of smallholder farmers adopted supplementary feeding. However, the level of supplementary feeding varied among smallholder farmers of different socioeconomic characteristics. Basically, there was low level of adoption of supplementary feeding among farmers with few household members, having little knowledge about supplementary feeding and little funds to finance the costs involved in application of supplementary feeds. In relation to dairy cattle production, there was a positive significant relationship between the level of adoption of supplementary feeding and milk yield. Unique contribution to practice and policy: This study suggests to policy makers and other relevant authorities to formulate polices that emphasize adoption of supplementary feeding among dairy farmers in order to increase milk production in cattle.Item Adoption of Sustainable Dairy Management Practices and its Effect on Farm Income:(East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2024) Muhumuza Ronnie; Prof. Edward Ssemakula; Dr. Rebecca KalibwaniSustainable dairy management (SDM) practices aim to minimize environmental impact, promote animal welfare, ensure economic viability, and support social responsibility throughout the dairy production chain. The SDM practices that could improve sustainability of dairy farming systems in Uganda include milk management, animal health, feeding and breeding practices. Despite the numerous advantages that scientific literature reports for these dairy management practices, they are not always adopted by farmers because of various factors. The objectives of this study were to examine farmers’ adoption decisions towards Sustainable Diary Management (SDM) practices, as well as the economic impact of this adoption among dairy farmers in Rubaya Subcounty. The cross-sectional research design was applied to collect both quantitative and qualitative data using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were collected using a household survey of 160 randomly selected respondents, from different villages within the study area. R Software Version 4.4.0 was used for data analysis. The results reveal that most of the SDM practices were adopted by over 50% of the dairy farmers. Only Artificial insemination, drying off animals, conservation fodder and concentrate feeding practices were adopted by less than 50% of the dairy farmers. The Multivariate logistic regression model results show that the adoption of SDM practices is significantly associated with varied demographic (Gender, age, household size); socio-economic (land size and household income); and institutional factors (access to agricultural credit, access to extension services, and membership to a farmer association). The study found out that adoption of SDM practices increased their farm income by UGX. 2,930,429/=, highly significant at 5% (p=0.02). The study recognizes two main pathways to increase the adoption of SDM practices: i) utilizing farmers’ knowledge and information sharing platforms; and addressing broader market and institutional failures.Item Adverse impact of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt on farmers’ livelihoods in Eastern and Central Africa(African Journal of Plant Science, 2015-07) Fina, Opio; Eldad, Karamura; Ivan, Rwomushana; Svetlana, Gaidashova; Celestin, Niyongere; Privat, Ndayihazamaso; Leornard, Mukandala; Innocent, Ndyetabula; Jackson, Nkuba; William, Tinzaara; Gertrude, Night; Nicholas, Niko; Wellington, JogoBanana is a key crop in the livelihoods of many people in the Great Lakes region of East and Central Africa. For more than a decade now, the crop has been threatened by Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) which has spread throughout the region but at different rates. The disease attacks all banana cultivars and can cause up to 100% yield losses at farm level if effective control measures are not put in place. However, limited information on impact of BXW at regional level is available to guide interventions. Thus, this study assessed the impact of BXW on farmers’ livelihoods in Kagera basin of Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. A total of 436 households (Tanzania 120, Burundi 208 and Rwanda 108) mostly from major banana-producing and BXW-affected districts were sampled and interviewed in a household survey. Thirty-three to seventy-five of the total banana mats per farm in the three countries were infected with BXW. Banana production losses caused by BXW were valued at US$ 10.2 million and US$ 2.95 million in Tanzania and Rwanda, respectively, banana sales by farmers dropped by 35% while bunch prices unpredictably doubled. Since banana is a key component of these farming communities, the banana production losses resulted in significant reduction in household food security and incomes. To cope with these challenges, most households are diversifying into other food crops such as maize, cassava and sweet potatoes. This poses a number of socio-economic and biological implications that require further investigation.Item Adverse impact of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt on farmers’ livelihoods in Eastern and Central Africa(2015-07) Opio, Fina; Nkuba, Jackson; Tinzaara, William; Night, Gertrude; Niko, Nicholas; Jogo, Wellington; Ndyetabula, Innocent; Mukandala, Leornard; Ndayihazamaso, Privat; Niyongere, Celestin; Gaidashova, Svetlana; Rwomushana, Ivan; Karamura, EldadBanana is a key crop in the livelihoods of many people in the Great Lakes region of East and Central Africa. For more than a decade now, the crop has been threatened by Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) which has spread throughout the region but at different rates. The disease attacks all banana cultivars and can cause up to 100% yield losses at farm level if effective control measures are not put in place. However, limited information on impact of BXW at regional level is available to guide interventions. Thus, this study assessed the impact of BXW on farmers’ livelihoods in Kagera basin of Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. A total of 436 households (Tanzania 120, Burundi 208 and Rwanda 108) mostly from major banana-producing and BXW-affected districts were sampled and interviewed in a household survey. Thirty-three to seventy-five of the total banana mats per farm in the three countries were infected with BXW. Banana production losses caused by BXW were valued at US$ 10.2 million and US$ 2.95 million in Tanzania and Rwanda, respectively, banana sales by farmers dropped by 35% while bunch prices unpredictably doubled. Since banana is a key component of these farming communities, the banana production losses resulted in significant reduction in household food security and incomes. To cope with these challenges, most households are diversifying into other food crops such as maize, cassava and sweet potatoes. This poses a number of socio-economic and biological implications that require further investigation.Item Agriculture MOOCs to enhance lifelong learning in Higher Education Institutions and food security in developing countries(2021) R.M, Kalibwani; M, Kakuru; H, Natumanya; N, Singh; M.M, TenywaWhile agriculture professionals, researchers, students among other people are continually seeking to increase their knowledge and skills, AgMOOCs offer good opportunity to fill this gap. The overall objective of this study was to analyse feedbacks from the learners of AgMOOCs offered by the Commonwealth of Learning between 2015-2020. The study considered a total of 27 courses, offered in 10 phases, with over 50,000 active participants from 121 developing countries. An evaluation form was filled by a total of 11,779 learners. Quantitative data were analysed with the help of percentages and frequencies, while qualitative data were analysed by grouping the responses according to thematic content. The respondents highly appreciated the courses, considered the materials to be of good quality, the instructors knowledgeable, and the course platform easy to access and navigate. The respondents provide useful suggestions to improve learning experience and a subsequent positive impact on food security in developing countries.Item An alternative Sustainable Source of Protein for Humans and Animals(2000) Nuwemuhwezi, GershomThe consumption of insects (also called entomophagy) is traditionally practiced by more than two billion people worldwide; around 524 insect species are estimated to be consumed in Africa, 349 in Asia, 679 in the America, 152 in Australia and only 41 in Europe (Jongema 2015). Mexico has the highest number of insect species that are documented as edible, followed by Thailand, Congo, India, Australia, China and Zambia (Ramos-Elorduy et al. 2012; Jongema 2015). Insects constitute about three-fourths of the total organisms present on earth (Pedigo 2002). According to Rumpold and Oliver (2013), the insects could be divided into orders such as Diptera (black soldier fly, housefly), Coleoptera (mealworms), Megadrilacea (earthworm), Lepidoptera (silkworm and cirina forda) and Orthoptera (grasshoppers, locust and crickets).Item Analysis Of The Effects Of The Forms And Drivers Of Urban Agriculture On The Socio-Economic Status Of Farmers In Kampala And Mbarara Cities, Uganda(Bishop Stuart University, 2024-07) NINSHEKA LEONARDThe study analyzed the effects of the forms and drivers of urban agriculture on the socio economic status of farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities, Uganda. The objectives were to; examine the influence of forms of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers, examine the influence drivers of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers, establish the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on the socio-economic status of urban farmers and establish the impact ofpolicy directives in urban agriculture on the socio economic status of urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. The study adopted a cross sectional design combined with qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection and analysis. A multistage cluster sampling technique involving both simple random and purposive approaches was employed to get the required number of respondents. Using questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews and observations, data was gathered from a sample of 384 respondents. Microsoft EXCEL and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 21.0 were used to analyze the data and produce both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found a strong association between forms of urban agriculture and socio economic status of the urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. Household socio economic status was substantially correlated with subsistence farms (x2 = 15.615, p< 0.001), commercial farms (x2 = 18.907, p< 0.001), and tourist farms (x2 = 7.784, p< 0.005). Subsistence farms (backyard, roadside and rooftop gardens), commercial farms (zero, poultry, fish farms and crop farms), and tourist farms (demonstration sites) had a significant influence on household food and income security of Urban farmers. The study also discovered a positive significant relationship between drivers of urban agriculture and socio-economic status of the urban farmers with access to market(P<0.002), Access to financial grants (p<0.012), Access to capital (P<0.029) and value addition (P<0.021). Further, the study discovered a significant relationship between farmers’ socio demographic characteristics and their socio economic status where by Age (P<0.002), Gender (p<0.038), Religion (P<0.001), source of livelihood (p<0.005) and lastly group membership (0.002).The study further established appropriate policy directions for urban agriculture in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. The study confirmed a significant influence of the forms and drivers of urban agriculture on socio economic status of urban farmers. Also the study concluded that there a significant influence socio demographic characteristics on social economic status of urban farmers. The further confirms the need for harmonized and xv appropriate policy framework for urban agriculture development. The study recommended promotion of cost effective technologies to solve the problem of land shortage in urban areas. Also government must invest in urban farming demonstration sites and education centres to improve knowledge on urban farming. Also city authorities also should encourage urban farmers to form groups for marketing, value addition, and organic recycling of wastes. Government should also invest in urban agriculture forms that are not widely practiced such as agritourism, fish farming, piggery, rabbits farming and also formulate urban agriculture policy that is applicable to all urban centers.Item Analysis of the Influence of Forms of Urban Agriculture on the Socio- Economic Status of the Farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities, Uganda(International License East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2024) Leonard Ninsheka; Edward Ssemakula; Christopher Tiyo; Rebecca Kalibwani; Wilson MugiziThe study analysed the influence of the forms and drivers of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers in Kampala and Mbarara cities in Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using multiple methods of data collection. A multistage cluster sampling technique involving simple random sampling to get both primary and secondary sampling units, snowball to get target respondents and purposive sampling for key informants and focus group members was used. Data were collected using social survey questionnaires for households, focus group discussions checklist (FGDs), key informant interview guides and observations, from a sample of 384 respondents. The study found a strong association between forms of urban agriculture and the socioeconomic status of the urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. Subsistence forms (backyard, roadside and rooftop gardens), commercial forms (zero grazing, poultry, fish farms and crop farms), and tourist forms (demonstration sites) had a significant influence on household food and income security of urban farmers. The study established the lack of land, improved technologies and training as major obstacles and recommended the establishment of community networks, availing subsidies and credit and recruitment of extension personnel as interventions to help urban farmers.Item Analysis of the Influence of Forms of Urban Agriculture on the Socio- Economic Status of the Farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities, Uganda(East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2024) NINSHEKA LEONARD; Edward Ssemakula; Christopher Tiyo; Rebecca Kalibwani; Wilson Mugizi2The study analysed the influence of the forms and drivers of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of farmers in Kampala and Mbarara cities in Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design using multiple methods of data collection. A multistage cluster sampling technique involving simple random sampling to get both primary and secondary sampling units, snowball to get target respondents and purposive sampling for key informants and focus group members was used. Data were collected using social survey questionnaires for households, focus group discussions checklist (FGDs), key informant interview guides and observations, from a sample of 384 respondents. The study found a strong association between forms of urban agriculture and the socioeconomic status of the urban farmers in Kampala and Mbarara Cities. Subsistence forms (backyard, roadside and rooftop gardens), commercial forms (zero grazing, poultry, fish farms and crop farms), and tourist forms (demonstration sites) had a significant influence on household food and income security of urban farmers. The study established the lack of land, improved technologies and training as major obstacles and recommended the establishment of community networks, availing subsidies and credit and recruitment of extension personnel as interventions to help urban farmers.Item Animal-Plant Interaction(Research Gate, 2017-01) Daniel R, Ndizihiwe; Achille E, ASSOGBADJO; Sylvestre C., A. M. DJAGOUN; Barthélémy, KASSAThe study was based on 107 studies and data concerning disperser species, plant species and family, fruit type and size, seed size plant life form and the habitat, were presented in matrix form. Data from this matrix were used in determining the disperser species diversity considering large taxonomic groups (mammals, birds and reptiles) and selection pattern based on the fruit and seed size. The diversity of mammals was high followed by birds and then reptiles with 65%, 30% and 5% respectively. Mammal taxonomic group dominated and was sub divided into primates, ungulates, carnivores, rodents and bat sub-groups which accounted for 45%, 22%, 17%, 9% and 7% respectively confirming the dominance of primates. Simple correspondence analysis showed that ungulates dispersed very small fruits while carnivores, primates, bats and reptiles were categorized together for both small and medium sized fruits. Ungulates, birds and bats dispersed the smallest seeds while others dispersed both small and large sized seeds. The study revealed high diversity of mammals particularly primates therefore playing a huge role in structuring and restructuring terrestrial ecosystems, with a warning that the loss of ungulates may have catastrophic impacts on the structure and composition of small fruited and seeded plants.