Journal Articles
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Item Solid Waste Management Practices in Nakasongola Town Council, Uganda(Journal of Global Ecology and Environment, 2024-11-06) Andama, Charles Ajuni; Nabukonde, Ameria; Barakagira, AlexSolid waste generation rates are rising and the world's cities are believed to be generating about 2.01 billion tons of solid waste, amounting to a footprint of 0.74 kilograms per person per day. The rapid population growth and urbanization has exacerbated the condition concerning solid wastes. This study focused on the management of the solid wastes in Nakasongola Town Council, Uganda. Specifically, it aimed at the determining of the types of wastes generated, determined the existing solid waste management methods employed by the residents in the area, and examined the factors that influenced the solid waste management practices among the residents of the town council. A descriptive survey design was utilized to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from the 160 households within Nakasongola Town Council. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires, interviews, direct observations and documentary reviews. Key findings with their corresponding means, indicate organic wastes (4.21), plastics (4.26), rubbish and ashes (3.65) were the major types of wastes produced by the residents of Nakasongola Town Council. Incineration (4.36), composting (4.29) and sanitary landfill (4.15) were the main practices used to manage solid wastes in the town council. However, the solid waste management practices in the study area are influenced by the income levels of the residents (86%), household size (66%), level of education (59%) and stability of the residents living in the town council (72%) among others. The study concludes that solid waste management practices in Nakasongola are significantly influenced by demographic factors, particularly attitudes, income levels, and knowledge of waste management, highlighting the necessity for targeted interventions to improve waste management outcomes in the community. Based on the findings, the study recommends implementing comprehensive community education programs on solid waste management, introduction of affordable waste disposal options, and adoption of a policy for better management of solid wastes at the lowest level of governance.Item Uncovering the Anthropogenic Influences on Water Quality: A Case of Lake Victoria Shores, Entebbe, Uganda(Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2024-11-05) Nur, Mustafe Said; Nabukonde, Ameria; Barakagira, AlexLakes serve as vital ecosystems, providing freshwater resources and habitats for diverse species. However, human activities, particularly around lakeshores, have led to significant environmental degradation, including heavy metal contamination. Lake Victoria, the second-largest fresh water lake globally, has been severely impacted by pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. This research aims at examining the influence of the anthropogenic activities on the water quality of Lake Victoria. Specifically, the study tried to determine the activities undertaken at the Lake shores of Lake Victoria; determined the physico-chemical parameters of the water from the shores and the heavy metal concentration in the water samples obtained from the shores of Lake Victoria. This study utilized a cross-sectional and experimental research designs to assess water quality and anthropogenic influences around Lake Victoria. A total of 150 residents from selected communities were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire to gather demographic information, perceptions of water quality and the activities carried out within the shores of Lake Victoria. Water samples were collected from multiple sites along the lake shores for analysis of heavy metals using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Water quality parameters were determined In-situ using a multi-parameter water testing kit and Hanna instrument. Results showed that the anthropogenic activities that could have contributed to water degradation include: fishing, transport, agriculture and construction among others. Apart from pH which was outside the permissible limits, all the other water parameters were within the WHO permissible limits. Considering the heavy metal concentration, all the sampled sites apart from one inlet, had the concentrations above the WHO permissible levels an indication of significant heavy metal contamination in the Lake Victoria shores. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted pollution control measures and regular monitoring to mitigate further environmental degradation. Effective interventions, including stricter regulations and sustainable land use practices within the Victoria shores are essential for safeguarding the lake's ecosystem and the health of surrounding communities.Item Effects of Tin Mining on Water Sources in Mwerasandu Tin Mine, Ntungamo District, Uganda(Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 2024-10-29) Akampondi, Pamela; Kalukusu, Amos Ronald; Barakagira, AlexTin mining is a widespread economic activity across various regions worldwide. Understanding the consequences of such operations is crucial for sustainable water management and environmental conservation. The current study aimed at determining the concentrations tin, lead and mercury in the water sources of Nyakahiimbura Stream in Mwerasandu, and assessed the physico-chemical properties including pH, turbidity, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the water from the Nyamuhimbura stream, Ntungamo district. Water samples from three locations, that is; the upstream, impact area and downstream of the Nyakahiimbura water stream were collected during the dry and wet seasons of the year 2024. The samples collected were analyzed for the physicochemical properties in the laboratory while the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP – OES) was used to determine the concentration of heavy metals in the water samples. The pH, COD values obtained were within the acceptable effluent standards while the turbidity values at the upstream and downstream of the dry season and downstream during the wet season were above the acceptable effluent Standards. The tin concentration was high in the dry season (0.09mg/L) as compared to concentration (0.118mg/L) in the wet season. Lead concentration was the same (0.015mg/L) in both seasons. The concentrations of the heavy metals showed some variations in both dry and wet seasons in the upstream, impacted area and the downstream of the study area as compared to the values of the effluent standards. The study recommends that alternative sources of water for domestic use should be sought of. Also, the government officials especially from the Ministry of Health should carry out awareness campaigns to members of the community about the health risks associated with the uptake of the contaminated waters for domestic purposes. Constructed wetlands should be in place around the mining sites to act as filters for the dangerous metals before the water enters the surrounding environment.Item Effect of Effluents Produced from Palm oil Processing Industries on Fish Production around Bugala Island, Kalangala District, Uganda(Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2024-10-17) Kavuma, Adrian; Barakagira, AlexOil palm (Elaeis guineensis), a tree crop that originated from Central and West Africa is primarily planted in tropical regions, mainly in deep soils and humid climatic areas around lakes and wetlands. This has encouraged the setting up of the oil processing industries near or within such highly fragile ecosystems. The study was set out to investigate the impact of effluent discharge from palm oil processing industries on water quality and fish yield in Bugala Island, Kalangala District, Uganda. The research aimed to determine the extent of pollution and its consequences on key water quality parameters, heavy metal concentrations, and fish populations. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of water samples and fish yields with qualitative data from interviews and surveys. Water quality indicators, including turbidity, pH, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen (DO), were measured across control and experimental sites, alongside the concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury. The study utilized one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests to assess the statistical significance of differences between sites. The results indicated significant variations in turbidity, pH, salinity, and DO levels, particularly in areas affected by effluent discharge, while temperature and heavy metal concentrations did not show statistically significant differences. Fish yield analysis revealed significant disparities in the quantity, average weight, and length of fish species, with Oreochromis niloticus demonstrating the highest mean weight and length in less polluted areas. The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter environmental regulations and the implementation of advanced effluent treatment technologies. Continuous environmental monitoring is also recommended to mitigate the adverse effects of industrial pollution on aquatic ecosystems and to safeguard the livelihoods of communities dependent on these resources.Item Viability and Profitability of Cage Fish Farming on Lake Victoria: A Case of Bugiri-Kiwuulwe Cage Fish Farms in Wakiso District, Uganda(Journal of Basic and Applied Research International, 2024-10-15) Namukonge, Samuel; Barakagira, AlexFisheries and aquaculture have crucial contributions to world’s wellbeing and prosperity. Among aquaculture practices, cage fish farming ranks highest in fish production. This study was set out to assess viability and profitability of cage fish farming on Lake Victoria, a case of Bugiri-Kiwuulwe cage fish farms in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda. The study sought to assess water quality physico-chemical parameters within and around fish cages, investigates costs of materials used in fish cage fabrications and production, and to find profitability of cage fish farm units. A case study design with quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed to obtain data for the stated objectives. A total of 66 respondents from a target population of 79 study participants were used to generate data, which were entered into SPSS version 23 for analysis. Both male and females, including a few youths participated in the study. Their education levels ranged from primary to university. Majority were single, while others were married and a few were widows and widowers. Most of the water parameters tested were in the recommended ranges by WHO and supported aquatic life, hence promoted cage fish farming apart from total hardness, calcium and magnesium hardness, calcium, chemical oxygen demand and potassium which were slightly below the recommended ranges. Majority of the farmers had participated in the business for less than 5 years and the activity brought profits to the farmers an equivalent of UGX 8,943,200 ($ 2,354) to the farmers per season, an indicator that the business venture is very profitable and viable. Hence, it can easily be adopted by members of the community for improvement of their livelihoods. It is recommended that more research be undertaken such that there is formulation of the fish feeds at the local level aimed at the reduction of the higher costs incurred on the imported fish feeds. The government is also encouraged to subsidize on the taxes imposed on implements used in cage fish farming for encouraging more and more farmers to join in the business venture.Item The use of geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) technologies in generation of information used to mitigate risks from landslide disasters: an application review(Archives of Current Research International, 2023-08-03) Nabukonde, Ameria; Barakagira, Alex; Akwango, DammalieLandslides, whether induced by nature, or human activities, are one of the most prominent disasters which are of great concern in the world. They cause a lot of havoc to the environment hence a necessity to avoid them whenever possible. This literature review is basically aimed at finding out how Geographical Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologiesare used in avoiding landslides and risks associated with them at different levels; Challenges encountered while using GIS and RS techniques for landslide disaster risk reduction are identified; and therefore, dealing with them requires the involvement of developed countries who have the capacity to provide the necessary equipment to the developing countries that are faced with disasters. This study discusses the use of GIS and RS in mitigation of risks from landslides, and mainly points out how these techniques are applied to avoid disaster risks. Secondary data was reviewed from journal articles, institutional reports, and online publications from similar studies. GIS and RS tools are important in predicting, monitoring and managing landslide disasters. It was concluded that GIS and RS tools provide cheaper, reliable, and faster techniques of accessing spatial data in a given area, therefore regarded as essential technologies that may be necessary for predicting landslide occurrences, these technologies need to be considered in communities which are prone to landslides.Item Implementing Payments for Ecosystem Services and its Impact on Community Livelihoods: A Case of Nyamwamba Sub-Catchment, Kasese District, Uganda(Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International, 2024-09-04) Ojelel, Benjamin Etubi; Okello-Okello, Francis; Barakagira, AlexPayments for Ecosystem Services (PES) is an innovative, incentive-based approach to natural resource management, where users of ecosystem services compensate landowners who protect, enhance, or restore these services through their land management decisions. The study on PES and livelihood improvement was guided by three objectives. That is, to: assess the implementation mechanisms for PES; determine the effect of PES on livelihood improvement; and explore the relationship between PES implementation and ecosystem improvement. A cross-sectional research design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods was used for the study. A total of 207 respondents participated in the research project. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and interview guides. The information collected were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences, version 22. The study found that PES implementation mechanisms included reforestation, biodiversity conservation, soil and water conservation measures, agroforestry, and forest landscape restoration. PES improved livelihoods, enabling households to pay school fees for their children, establish better housing facilities, managed food crises, accumulated savings, and covered medical expenses for the household members. A significant relationship was found between PES implementation and ecosystem improvement, with enhancements in community livelihoods at P<0.001, flood control and disaster risk reduction at P=0.001, soil loss and erosion reduction at P=0.003, water resources management at P=0.003 and conserved biodiversity at P=0.005. The study recommends implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track PES program impacts on livelihoods in the Rwenzori region. It also highlights the need for fostering partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and other stakeholders involved in PES initiatives. Training and capacity-building programs should be provided to equip local communities with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively participate in PES schemes. Active involvement of local communities in the design, implementation, and monitoring of PES programs is crucial for the promotion of livelihoods.Item A Critical Review of Biomonitoring in East African Rivers: Fostering Community-based Collaboration for Environmental Change Observation(2024-05) Kitaka, Nzula K.; omondi, Lorine A.; Mureithi, Priscilla W.; Bauer, Andreas; Melcher, Andreas H.; Ssanyu, Grace A.The contribution of citizen scientists in environmental monitoring is notably increasing significantly. Governments worldwide establish Water Users Associations (WUAs) as a good practice model, to implement Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) at local levels.These associations target different stakeholders depending on the expected outcome. However, their effectiveness especially in East Africa can only be determined case by case. In Kenya, Water Resources Users Associations are registered, voluntary community groups whose members are water users and land owners. Similarly, in Uganda community-based initiatives exist, especially along degraded rivers, involving cooperation between local communities and regional water authorities. Contrary, it has been reported that in Tanzania many community initiatives created become non-functional within two to three years of induction. In general, the main responsibilities of Water Users Associations or its equivalent is to manage and conserve water resources for sustainable uses. In most cases, water quality monitoring by communities through citizen science is limited to the visual appearance of water in the river channel. While this can indicate the water's aesthetic value, it is insufficient for assessing the ecological status of rivers, which is influenced by a variety of physical, chemical, biological, and socio-economic factors. The use of bioindicators has been advocated as a feasible method for community-based water quality river monitoring.Therefore, this review explores the commonly used bio-indicators and bio-assessment tools for river health assessment and their complexities when using a biomonitoring community-based approach through citizen science. Tolerance and intolerance macroinvertebrate and fish metric protocols that utilize identification keys has been recommended. These protocols are designed to be user-friendly and require minimal taxonomic expertise, making them easy to use by community volunteers with minimal basic training. The sustainability of these citizen science initiatives relies on the motivation of volunteers, the frequency of monitoring activities, and collaboration with researchers and government agencies. These initiatives not only facilitate environmental monitoring but also foster community engagement and awareness regarding the ecological status of rivers, thereby addressing knowledge and data gaps necessary for effective policy-making. This approach provides a practical model for environmental stewardship and participatory resource management in East Africa.Item Competitive and noncompetitive batch sorption studies of aqueous cd(ii) and pb (ii) uptake onto coffea canephora husks, cyperus papyrus stems, and musa spp. peels(Journal of Chemistry, 2015-09) G. K., Bakyayita; A. C., Norrström; R. N., KulabakoCoffea canephora, Cyperus papyrus, and Musa spp. were studied for competitive and noncompetitive removal of aqueous Cd2+ and Pb2+. The optimal conditions were pH 4.5 and agitation time 3.0 hours. Biomass constituent ions showed no interference effects whereas cation exchange capacity values corresponded to the sorption efficiencies. XRD spectroscopy revealed surface oxygen and nitrogen groups that provide binding sites for metal ions. The maximum sorption efficiency ranges for metal ions in noncompetitive media were 95.2–98.7% for C. canephora, 42.0–91.3% for C. papyrus, and 79.9–92.2% for Musa spp. and in competitive sorption 90.8–98.0% for C. canephora, 19.5–90.4% for C. papyrus, and 56.4–89.3% for Musa spp. The Pb2+ ions uptake was superior to that of Cd2+ ions in competitive and noncompetitive media. In competitive sorption synergistic effects were higher for Cd2+ than Pb2+ ions. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted experimental data with 0.917 ≤ 𝑅2 ≥ 1.000 for Pb2+ ions and 0.711 ≤ 𝑅2 ≥ 0.999 for Cd2+ ions. The Langmuir model fitted noncompetitive sorption data with 0.769 ≤ 𝑅2 ≥ 0.999; moreover the Freundlich model fitted competitive sorption data with 0.867 ≤ 𝑅2 ≥ 0.989. Noncompetitive sorption was monolayer chemisorption whereas competitive sorption exhibited heterogeneous sorption mechanisms.Item Assessment of levels, speciation, and toxicity of trace metal contaminants in selected shallow groundwater sources, surface runoff, wastewater, and surface water from designated streams in lake Victoria Basin, Uganda(Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2019-05) G. K., Bakyayita; A. C., Norrström; R. N., KulabakoThe levels, speciation of elements, and toxicity of selected trace metals as well as other parameters in selected surface water, shallow groundwater sources, landfill leachate, and associated surface runoff in the Lake Victoria basin, Uganda, were studied. The WHO guidelines, Ugandan standards, Canadian guidelines and Swedish EPA were used for assessment. The shallow groundwater was acidic with pH values below 6.5. The pH, dissolved organic carbon, flouride, and sulphate levels for all springs were below the guideline values although 52.8% was contaminated with nitrates while 39% was contaminated with chloride ions. Some surface water samples had levels of major elements, such as iron, chromium, aluminium, and manganese, above the guideline values. Speciation studies showed that 74% of the metal ions was bound to dissolved organic matter in surface water, whereas in landfill leachates, the dominant ionic species was metal hydroxides or fulvic acid bound. Risk analysis based on the Swedish EPA showed varied risks of negative effects in 30%–76% of the sample sites ranging from high to increased risk in surface water, whereas the results from modelling sorption data using the Bio-met tool showed potential risk to toxicity effects of Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ in 15.3%–30.8% surface water samples and 8.3%–62.5% groundwater samples.Item An overview of significant influences and formative experiences on the development of adults’ environmental awareness in nine countries(Taylor&Francis Online: Environmental Education Research, 2006-07-28) Palmer, Joy A.; Suggate, Jennifer; Bajd, Barbara; Ho, Roger K.P.; Ofwono‐Orecho, J.K.W.; Peries, Marjorie; Robottom, Ian; Tsaliki, Elissavet; Van Staden, ChristieThis article, like the preceding one in this special issue of the journal, examines the relative importance of various categories of influence and formative life experiences on the development of environmental educators’ knowledge of and concern for the environment. It provides an overview of data deriving from nine countries (Australia, Canada, Greece, Hong Kong, Slovenia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, UK) and highlights global similarities and differences.Item The use of stakeholder analysis in integrated watershed management(Mountain Research and Development., 2013-05-01) Mutekanga, Fiona Proscovia; Kessler, Aad; Leber, Katia; Visser, SaskiaIn the Ngenge watershed, at Mt. Elgon in the eastern Ugandan highlands, agricultural practices cause serious soil erosion problems and subsequent decrease in soil and water quality. Attempts to manage soil erosion through policy interventions have not been successful, because existing policies and legislation for natural resource management are inadequate and often formulated without consulting local communities. In the Ngenge watershed, an integrated watershed management (IWM) program was initiated to foster sustainable land and water management solutions. Experience shows that successes in IWM programs depend on effective participation by all relevant groups of stakeholders. The present study investigates the usability of a stakeholder analysis (SA) and how it has to be linked with participatory problem identification and participatory formulation of action and work plans to build a base for effective IWM. The SA considered the following criteria: (1) stakeholders' commitment to implement IWM, (2) their power to influence policy-making and implementation processes, and (3) the expected impact of the IWM program on the stakeholders. The SA allowed identification of key groups of stakeholders who participated in workshops and jointly developed concrete action and work plans. These workshop outputs, together with the positive feedback of the stakeholders and the commitment of policy-makers to continue the process, are good indicators that SA is a useful means for supporting the development of IWM strategies.