Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://localhost:4000/handle/20.500.12504/146

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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, Alex
Oil 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.
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, Alex
Tin 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.
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, Alex
Payments 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.
Solid Waste Management Practices in Nakasongola Town Council, Uganda
(Journal of Global Ecology and Environment, 2024-11-06) Andama, Charles Ajuni; Nabukonde, Ameria; Barakagira, Alex
Solid 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.
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, Alex
Lakes 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.
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, Dammalie
Landslides, 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.
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, Alex
Fisheries 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.

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