Browsing by Author "Egeru, Anthony"

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Factors influencing farmer choices of use of shade trees in coffee fields around Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda
(Small-scale Forestry : Springer, 2022-07-18) Sebuliba, Esther; Isubikalu, Prossy; Turyahabwe, Nelson; Mwanjalolo, J. G Majaliwa; Eilu, Gerald; Kebirungi, Harriet; Egeru, Anthony
The debate on integration of shade trees on farmers’ fields is lately becoming more pronounced due to the increasing land fragmentation, particularly in the highlands where the number of trees on farm is reducing drastically. In these farmlands, the choice of shade trees is the result of complex farmers’ analyses and valuation of tradeoffs among the increasing productivity, socioeconomic and environmental benefits. However, little is known about what coffee farmers specifically base their decisions on to select and grow shade trees in their fields. This study therefore identified the key reasons behind farmers’ choices of use of shade trees in coffee fields on Mount Elgon, Eastern Uganda using the Unified Theory of Use and Acceptance of the Technology framework. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 respondents and complimented with focus group discussions. A Structural Equation Modelling technique was conducted to examine the usage of shade trees. Results show facilitating conditions also known as institutional factors were significant in explaining the choices of farmers to use shade trees, with the effect stronger on soils of low fertility. Effort expectancy and social influence only marginally influenced use. The model explains 69% of the variance in choice to use shade trees in coffee agroforestry systems. Mediation by soil fertility, gender and experience explain 23%, 16%, and 4%; respectively. Effort expectancy and the existence of adequate facilitating conditions increased females’ choices to use shade trees. This study underscores the consideration for location specific technology facilitating conditions, social influence and ease of use, for long standing technologies, by farming support institutions, decision-makers and development partners in designing and disseminating sustainable agricultural management strategies for implementation in coffee-based agroforestry systems.
Past, present and future climate trends under varied representative concentration pathways for a sub-humid region in Uganda
(MDPI: Climate, 2019-02-26) Egeru, Anthony; Barasa, Bernard; Nampijja, Josephine; Siya, Aggrey; Makooma, Moses Tenywa; Majaliwa, Mwanjalolo G. J.
Long-term trend analysis at local scale for rainfall and temperature is critical for detecting climate change patterns. This study analysed historical (1980–2009), near future (2010–2039), mid- (1940–2069) and end-century (2070–2099) rainfall and temperature over Karamoja sub-region. The Modern Era-Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) daily climate data provided by the Agricultural Model Inter-comparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) was used. The AgMIP delta method analysis protocol was used for an ensemble of 20 models under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5). Historical mean rainfall was 920.1 ± 118.9 mm and minimum, maximum and mean temperature were 16.8 ± 0.5 °C, 30.6 ± 0.4 °C and 32.0 ± 0.7 °C, respectively. Minimum temperature over the historical period significantly rose between 2000 and 2008. Near future rainfall varied by scenario with 1012.9 ± 146.3 mm and 997.5 ± 144.7 mm for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively; with a sharp rise predicted in 2017. In the mid-century, mean annual rainfall will be 1084.7 ± 137.4 mm and 1205.5 ± 164.9 mm under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 respectively. The districts of Kaabong and Kotido are projected to experience low rainfall total under RCP4.5 (mid-century) and RCP8.5 (end-century). The minimum temperature is projected to increase by 1.8 °C (RCP4.5) and 2.1 °C (RCP8.5) in mid-century, and by 2.2 °C (RCP4.5) and 4.0 °C (RCP8.5) in end-century.
The role of indigenous knowledge (IK) in adaptation to drought by agropastoral smallholder farmers in Uganda
(Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK)., 2020-01) Mfitumukiza, David; Barasa, Bernard; Egeru, Anthony; Mbogga S, Michael; Wokadala, James; Ahabwe, Andrew; Kasajja, Stephen; Namususwa, Zakia; Nabatta, Claire
Majority of agro pastoral smallholder farmers in developing countries are characterised by low pay status, high illiteracy levels and are tied to cultural beliefs and spirits. These drawbacks have led them into using more indigenous knowledge as a way of adapting to droughts. This study explored the contribution of IK in enhancing farmer’s resilience to drought in crop and livestock production systems in semi-arid areas. The objectives were: (i) to examine the agro pastoral farmer’s perceptions of drought indicators and associated impacts and (ii) determinants for the adoption of indigenous knowledge drought adaptation responses. Socio-economic data was collected using oral interviews. The farmers (240) were selected using random sampling procedures and subjected to structured questionnaires and key informant guides. This study highlights that the droughts experienced were perceived to be more severe, recurrent and pervasive but also erratic. The IK drought signs were: flowering of wild plants, blowing of strong winds and appearance of flying and crawling insects. In crop-based systems, droughts reduced yields, caused plant stunted growth, increased incidences of diseases and invasive weed species. In livestock, droughts reduced surface water levels, lowered milk and beef yields, and increased diseases. The farmers reacted to droughts by practicing indigenous agro forestry, mulching, changing planting time, crop rotation and hoeing of trenches to control fires and pests/diseases. They also took their animals to wetlands for foraging and drew water for animals to drink. The uptake of IK drought adaptation practices was related to: household size, personal farming life experience, gender and age of the agro pastoral farmers. Therefore, employing IK drought adaptation responses is an important step towards increasing the resilience of agro pastoral smallholder farmers but also the conservation of IK for forthcoming generations.