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Smallholder farmers’ Perceptions of climate variability and land-use changes in semiarid Gwayi catchment agroecosystems
(Earth (MDPI), 2025-05-20) Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Chisadza, Bright; Gwate, Onalenna; Nkululeko, Mpofu; Mugoti, Alban; Dagoudo, Bienvenu Akowedaho; Macherera, Margaret
Climate variability and land-use changes are critical challenges impacting agriculture
globally, with Zimbabwe’s Gwayi catchment area experiencing noticeable effects.
This study investigated how smallholder farmers in the region perceive these changes and
their influence on agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The research addresses the gap
in understanding local farmer experiences with climate change and land-use modifications
in the context of food security. A cross-sectional survey (n = 483) was conducted using selfadministered
questionnaires to capture demographic information, perceptions of climate
variability, land-use changes, and their impacts on agriculture. The results indicate a trend
of increasing droughts, dry spells, and heatwaves, alongside altered rainfall patterns and
rising temperatures, corroborating the observed climate data. Environmental degradation,
including deforestation, gully formation, and land expansion, exacerbates these changes.
Consequently, farmers reported substantial reductions in crop yields, with 84.05% experiencing
significant-to-very negative impacts, alongside declining livestock health (32.51%
reporting very negative impacts), increased water scarcity (43.3% reporting drying water
sources), and more frequent disease outbreaks. These challenges collectively contributed
to heightened food insecurity, with 74.12% of households reporting negative impacts on
their food supply. The study underscores the synergistic impacts of climate variability and
land-use changes, highlighting the urgent need for climate-smart agricultural practices and
sustainable land management to enhance resilience and ensure long-term food security for
smallholder farmers in the Gwayi catchment.
Efficacy of the non-digital Ugandan banknote identifier
(Kyambogo University (Unpubliahesd work), 2024-10) Ayoli, Moses
This study investigated the efficacy of the non-digital Ugandan Banknote identifier. The research aimed to evaluate the accuracy, user-friendliness, and necessary modifications of this tool to facilitate independent financial transactions for people with blindness. Despite the innovation of the non-digital Banknote identifier, it’s mass production, circulation, and usage have not been fully realized, thereby prompting this study. An experimental research design was employed, involving an experimental group using the identifier and a control group without it. This setup enabled a comparative analysis of the efficacy of the identifier. Data collection combined quantitative and qualitative methodologies through triangulation, incorporating in-depth interviews and statistical analysis. Findings revealed that 88.9% of respondents affirmed the accuracy of the non-digital identifier, though 11.1% preferred traditional methods due to doubts about its reliability. Before the introduction of the identifier, persons with blindness relied on assistance from others or tactile methods, often leading to inaccuracies and potential exploitation. The identifier has significantly enhanced the accuracy and independence of persons with blindness in financial transactions. Regarding user-friendliness, 88.8% of respondents adapted to the device within a week. However, challenges such as difficulty inserting old or weak Banknotes and the inability to detect counterfeit notes were reported. Despite these issues, the majority of respondents found the device significantly useful for daily transactions. Respondents suggested several modifications to improve the usability of the device, including using durable materials such as wood or metal, increasing the size, adding tactile lines, and incorporating a talking feature to announce denominations. These recommendations align with previous findings emphasizing the importance of tactile features on currency for persons with blindness. The study concludes that while the non-digital Banknote identifier is an effective tool for persons who are blind, there is a need for further improvements and increased awareness to promote its adoption. Enhancing the durability of the device, incorporating additional tactile features, and exploring digital solutions could further facilitate financial independence and security for persons who are blind in Uganda.
Resilient agriculture in semi‑arid Zimbabwe: adaptation strategies and influencers among smallholder farmers
(Discover Agriculture, 2025-05-20) Chisadza, Bright; Gwate, Onalenna; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Mpofu, Nkululeko; Macherera, Margaret; Dube, Thulani
Despite extensive research on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in Zimbabwe, their effectiveness from the perspective of smallholder farmers, particularly in the Gwayi catchment remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated adaptation strategies in response to land use change and climate variability using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through a survey of 483 smallholder farmers, 10 focus group discussions (8–12 participants), and interviews with 25 key informants. Results show that despite farmers’ awareness of improved practices, adaptation remains constrained by limited access to water, quality seeds, and technology (64%), financial constraints (46%), and knowledge gaps (19%). The most common adaptation strategies include soil water conservation (85%), drought-resistant crops (80%), early planting (55%), and diversification (49%), with soil water conservation and drought-tolerant crops being the most widely practiced and perceived as most effective. Regression analysis indicates that livestock ownership, participation in community climate-resilient programs, and recent drought experiences significantly (p < 0.05) influence both the choice and number of adaptation strategies adopted. These findings highlight the need for context-specific interventions to mitigate the impacts of climate and land use changes on food security. Strengthening resilience among smallholder farmers requires improved resource access, livestock support, community-based resilience programs, capacity building, financial aid, and enhanced drought preparedness. Implementing these measures will bolster adaptive capacity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate uncertainty.
Foreign direct investment- economic growth Nexus in Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpubliahesd work), 2024-08) Akweise, Moreen
The research examined the causal interaction between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Economic Growth using annual time series data spanning from 1983 to 2021. Data was obtained from the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), Bank of Uganda (BoU), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and the World Bank. The research employed a VAR test, where FDI causes economic growth in Uganda.
Furthermore, ARDL approach was used to investigate the factors influencing economic growth in Uganda. In the long-run, inflation and trade openness have a positive and statistically significant effect on GDP at 5% level of significance. In addition, the lending interest rate and exchange rate were found to have a negative and statistically significant effect on GDP. In the short run, economic growth is positively influenced by FDI and the exchange rate at 5% level of significance, while it is negatively influenced by inflation and the lending interest rate.
The study recommends the need to channel foreign direct investments in strategic economic sectors like energy, oil and gas and transportation that have stronger economic growth multipliers by offering a range of tax incentives, holidays/ concessions and breaks, the need for Bank of Uganda to control the high lending interest rates offered by commercial banks, and the need to promote trade openness by reducing barriers to trade such as quotas, tariffs and non-tariff barriers to create a more open and predictable trade environment.
Improvisation of instructional materials to improve homeeconomics pedagogy at Nakaseke core primary teacher's College
(Kyambogo University (Unpubliahesd work), 2019-08) Musiimenta, Donna Katambi
The study focused on Home-Economics as a component in Integrated Production Skills (IPS) and it was carried out at Nakaseke Core Primary Teachers' College. Improvisation of instructional materials was adopted and utilised as an intervention strategy to contribute to the improvement of Home-Economics pedagogy at Nakaseke CPTC. A pmiicipatory action research design was used which employed qualitative research as a research approach and it was guided by tlu·ee objectives: to identify, implement and evaluate strategies for improvisation of instructional materials to improve Home-economics pedagogy at Nakaseke CPTC. The study had a sample population of 32 respondents, comprising of (2) Administrators, (2) Tutors, and (28) IPS students. David Kolb's (1984) Experiential Learning Theory, was the underpi1ming theory that informed this study. The findings revealed that effective use of instructional materials is required to enhance hands-on experiences in Home-economics pedagogy and it was recommended that: challenging environments that serve as motivation for competency and skills improvement be utilised to improvise instructional materials, Nakaseke CPTC like all other colleges in Uganda should carry out exit studies to check on the students of home-economics in the world of work to see if they are utilising the acquired skills, the college should organize
seminars and workshops to raise awareness of apparent challenges that Home-economics encounters. This would be more relevant and effective in engaging various stake holder including administrators, tutors, student teachers, govermnent, among others on ways to improve Home-economics in Primary Teacher Colleges.