Department of Geography

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Factors influencing the changing urban land use Patterns in mbale municipality since 1995.
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2013-03) Gesa, Ali
This study focused on the factors influencing the changing Urban land use patterns in Mbale Municipality since 1995. There were three main objectives set in the study, that is, to describe the previous and current land use patterns in Mbale Municipality since 1995, to examine the underlying causes and effects of the changing urban land use patterns in Mbale Municipality since 1995, and to establish the relationship between urban land uses and Mbale urban structure plans or schemes for 1954 and 1997. Purposive sampling method was used to arrive at the samples for the study. A population of study was selected. They included business community (commercials), homesteads, industrialists and planners. Observation, questionnaires and interviews guides were the major research instruments used. Observation was used especially on observing the current land use changes. Questionnaires and interview guides were administered to collect data from the sampled categories • of people in Mbale Municipality. Documentary review was used to supplement on primary data obtained from interviews and questionnaires. The data was analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, Tables, pie charts, graphs, maps and photographs. Previously, before 1995 low lying areas and valleys were reserved for conservation and public open spaces. Gently sloping areas were mainly for residential, administrative, institutional and commercial purposes. Currently after 1995, land uses have been mixed up in all the three divisions. You find both residential and commercial activities taking place in areas meant for industrial or conservation area. The changes in land use patterns in Mbale municipality have been influenced by mainly socio-economic factors. The effects resulting from the changing urban land use patterns are diverse which included the following: Destruction of wetland areas, encroachment on open spaces, urban farm land and land use conflicts among others. A comparison of the changes in land use patterns in Mbale municipality are not in line with the Mbale urban structure plans/schemes of 1954 and 1997. It was recommended that stakeholders devise measures such as implementing land use regulations among other measures to ensure proper growth of the town as it processes for a city status.
The impact of urban land use practices on water quality in river Mpanga in fort-portal Municipality, Kabarole District
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2014-02) Lucy, Akite
This study was conducted in Fort-Portal Municipality, Kabarole District in 2010/2013. Major aims were: identifying and mapping the different land use practices along Mpanga River in Fort-Portal Municipality; to find out the relationships between the different land use practices and the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of the water in River Mpanga in Fort-Portal Municipality in relation to land uses and to compare the quality of water in the river at inflow and outflow. Laboratory analysis of samples of river water taken on the basis of different land uses were done to determine the physical characteristics (parameters included; Total dissolve solids, Total suspended solids and Electrical conductivity). Chemical characteristics (parameters included; Bio-chemical oxygen demand, Chemical oxygen demand, Total Phosphate, pH, and Nitrate). Biological characteristics included; fecal coli form in order to ascertain the degree of the impact of urban land use practices on the quality of water in the river at inflow, within urban center and at outflow. Emphasis was also put to find out whether land uses within urban areas continued to affect water quality in the river when the water had left the Municipality. Survey design and purposive sampling technique were used. Methods of data collection were direct and critical field observations and observation of analysis of samples of water in the Laboratory. Statistical method of data analysis was standard deviation. Mean results got were presented in constructed tables for each land use and mean plot graphs of the reach which portrayed changes in the quality of water. Conclusively, the land uses in Fort-Portal Municipality have not impacted so much on the river water of Mpanga because most of their average values are below the National Standards with exception of Municipal abattoir where its TP is 18.37 mg/l, COD is 199.50mg/l and Animal grazing farm had a TP average value of 12.34mg/l all are above the National Standards for effluents discharge in water body. Other land use practices were environmentally friendly. The average values of all the parameters at inflow and outflow presents that there is no pollution. All the urban land uses are recommended along Mpanga River within the Municipality with the exception of animal grazing farm and Municipal abattoir because of their high TP, TSS arid COD. Continuous monitoring of water quality at Municipal abattoir by NWSC is required by use of waste Treatment Plant before discharged in the environment. Animal grazing farm need to be far away from the river in order to avoid pollution of river water by their wastes.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices in tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) use and conservation in Eastern Uganda
(Springer Nature: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine., 2017-01-21) Ebifa-Othieno, Esther; Mugisha, Antony; Nyeko, Philip; Kabasa, John David
Tamarindus indica L. is one of the indigenous fruit tree species that traditionally contributes to food security and ecosystem stability in sub-Saharan Africa. We hypothesized that the indigenous people of Eastern Uganda have used T. indica for generations and developed practices that promote its conservation and therefore we expected that they possess an elaborate indigenous knowledge (IK) system and that most of them have planted the species. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of IK, attitudes and practices on the use and conservation of T. indica. Methods A cross sectional survey was conducted in two districts purposively selected from the T. indica natural range. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews and observation were used to collect data. Data was processed using qualitative analytical methods. Results Tamarindus indica was highly valued by the majority of the population. Tamarindus indica was used for food, medicinal, cultural, social, environmental amelioration and income generation purposes. The population possessed a high level of IK about T. indica evidenced by 18 categories of uses and multiple modes of use. Fruit pulp was the most commonly used tamarind product. Relative frequency of citation of the different uses provides insight into usage levels and IK possessed. The communities’ food and medicinal uses concurred with scientific reports of health benefits of consuming T. indica. Approximately half of respondents had T. indica on their compounds or homegardens (53%). Fifty two percent of the tamarind population was self-propagated, 45% were planted while the propagation history for the remaining 3% was not known. Constraints towards planting T. indica included limited land, long maturation period and low monetary value. Fifty three percent of those who were growing T. indica did not carry out any silvicultural practices. The majority of T. indica encountered (87%) was intercropped with other crops or trees. Several beliefs and taboos regarding T. indica persist. Conclusion Tamarindus indica has a high use value in the study area evidenced by multiple uses. Indigenous knowledge and uses concurred with scientifically proven nutritional and medicinal attributes of T. indica in literature which is significant given current trends towards affordable functional foods. The high level of IK has not translated into high rates of planting T. indica. There is need to encourage value-addition so as to maximize T. indica benefits and enhance conservation.
An analysis of non-conformity of land use in jinja municipality with reference to the Jinja municipality land use plan of 1994-2004
(Kyambogo University (unpublished work), 2018-12) Mugoya, Godfrey
The study analyzed the non-conformity of land use in Jinja municipality with reference to the municipality land use plan of 1994 - 2004. This research was prompted by the fact that upon going through the town one is able to notice a lot of disorder which reflects anomalies that have ensued over time. It investigated the forms of non-conformity existing in land use in Jinja municipality, factors responsible for divergences in current land use and how non- conformity in land use is being addressed. One hundred fifty three (153) people were involved in this research, 54 of whom were subjected to questionnaires because they were literate while the rest were subjected to oral interviews in a bid to collect primary data. Observation and documentation were done in the field alongside photography to establish the ongoing forms of land use visa vis the land use plan of 1994-2004. Findings revealed that although there is evidence of conformity in land use to the 1994-2004 land use plan in some areas, there are many cases of unconformity discovered in the town in places of residence, the central business district, the green belt, the institutional land and the industrial land. For instance within residential areas there are educational institutions and business enterprises, the industrial areas are encroached on by places of worship, the communication system is littered with rubbish and used as parking yard for Bodaboda cycles, while the wetlands arc being encroached on by industries. This bas resulted from people either being adamant or having limited knowledge on what is expected of them. However some effort to avert the situation is being done for instance restraining people from illegal land uses and giving approval to settlers before they settle. In conclusion, land use nonconformity is of challenge in Jinja and is bound to affect other towns but with concerted effort it can be overcome. It is therefore recommended to the central government to do constant monitoring and evaluation in the field and close any administrative gaps, while to the municipal technical staff it is recommended that they should get closer to the people and give them technical guidance and support to avoid errors that can be made and that the land users should be alert and knowledgeable on what is expected of them, and they should also be submissive to legal authority.
Effects of human activities on plant species diversity in a wetland ecosystem: a case study of koga wetland, in river rwizi, mbarara district
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2018-12) Chegem, Lolem Lucy
Wetlands are the most productive life support systems in that they provide diverse wildlife habitats. In Uganda 50% of the wetlands have been interfered with by human activities to support livelihoods either through direct consumption or sale of wetland products. The overall objective of this study was to examine the effects of human activities on plant species diversity in river Rwizi with a focus on Koga wetland which is 23km long and 4km wide. The wetland was purposely selected as a representative sample because it was characterized by a majority of human activities taking place in river Rwizi wetland in Mbarara District. Google Earth map and Geographical Information System tools were used to identify and map human activities and it was found out that the dominant human activities were Brick making, animal grazing, crop growing and settlement. Nested plots of varying sizes were used to determine plant species diversity; 2500 m2 nested plot, 400 m2 4 m2 and 1 m2 were used for trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses respectively. Counts, percentages and twin comparisons of plant species in the disturbed and the undisturbed study sites were determined and recorded. Simpson's Diversity index was used to measure plant to measure the plant species index. Findings of the study revealed that, among the dominant human activities carried out in the study area, all human activities were destructive to the population of the plant species, in that the cropped area had only 6% of the plant species, the bricked had 9% while the settled had 35% and the grazed 36% indicating that there were very slight differences in their effects. This study further determined the differences in diversity score of plant species diversity among the disturbed and the w1disturbed sites by use of Simpson's Diversity Index. The study revealed that the bricked site had 0.65(65%), followed by the undisturbed site with 0.59 (59%), The grazed site ranked third with 0.53 (53%) diversity score, then settled came fourth with 0.50(50%) and cropped ranked last with the least diversity score of 0.46 (46%). Based on the findings, the study concludes that there are no much differences among the effect of the human activities on plant species diversity and thus all activities affect the plant species diversity. So, there is an urgent need for government and environmental activists to mitigate this situation. From the findings, it is recommend that future researchers need to consider qualitative studies such as in-depth interviews with wetland invaders.
Characterization and mapping the distribution of landslides by magnitude on the slopes of Mount Elgon
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2018-12) Paul, Gudoyi Makoba
Landslides are one of the most widespread natural hazards occurring every year all over the world. In Uganda, they are common in Mt. Elgon areas. To minimize fatalities, there is need to know where landslides are likely to occur. In this study therefore, attempts were made to; characterize landslides basing on magnitude, relate pedologic characteristics of the derived magnitude classes and, map the spatial distribution of the landslide magnitude classes in Sironko and Bulambuli districts. Towards such efforts, a cross sectional study design and a quantitative approach were employed. Using snowball sampling, 45 landslide scars were visited, geocoded and investigated for scar• dimensions, from which data used in creating landslide magnitude classes using cluster analysis in R software version 3.4.4 was derived. At each landslide scar, a description of the soil morphological and physical properties was done. In addition, soil samples were picked for laboratory analysis of chemical properties of interest to this study. This data was compared with the derived landslide magnitude classes. To predict the spatial distribution of landslide magnitude classes, a response variable shape file for landslide classes and a predictor variables' raster file containing 18 layers of terrain, soil and geology data for the study area were prepared in SAGA GIS 2.3.1 and ArcGIS 10.5. Using this data, random forest modeling was implemented in R software and the output, further processed in ArcGIS to map distribution of the predicted landslide magnitude classes. The study shows that the area experiences three classes of landslide magnitude - low, moderate and high magnitude. These categories express themselves differently due to spatial and depth wise variation in soil physical and chemical properties. When the categories were predicted across the area, and using random forest modeling and terrain, geologic and pedologic covariates, it was found out that 507.15 km2 land area is landslide-free whilst 2.5 km2, 205.43 km2 and 5 .14 km2 land area is susceptible to low, moderate and high magnitude landslides, respectively. In this modeling effort, it was found out that slope influences landslide magnitude to a large extent compared to soil and longitudinal curvature. From this study, it was concluded that: (i) it is possible to characterize landslides basing on volume, area and flow length, using an objective classifier; (ii) a large proportion of the land (29%) in Sironko and Bulambuli is susceptible to moderate magnitude landslides, but an equally large area is not at threat of landslides; and (iii) soil, topography and geology influence the category of landslide experienced in Mt Elgon areas. It is recommended that high and moderate magnitude landslide susceptible areas be used for activities that require minimal land interference, such as is the case with forestry and conservation.
Climate change adaptation and food security in Lamwo district, Northern Uganda
(Kyambogo University (un published work), 2018-12) Alonyo, Sharon
The study was carried out to investigate the effects of climate change adaptations on food security in Lamwo district. Specifically, it identified climate change trends in Lamwo district, analyzed the effects of climate change adaptation practices on food availability, access, utilization and stability. The study was conducted in two sub counties of Agora and Madi Opei that were purposively selected from the whole district because these two sub counties lie in the little rain corridor hence experience long dry conditions. There were 375 households who were randomly selected for the study. The methods used to collect data from the field included documentary review which was used to collect data on climate change trends ,direct observation which was used to obtain information about Climate Change Adaptation Practices (CCAPs) in Lamwo. The interview method was used to collect data on the- relationship between CCAPs and food security. The findings revealed that there were great variations in the rainfall amounts, number of rain months, rain days and temperature. Early planting was found to be the most dominant on-farm CCAP with 38.2% followed by use of new crop varieties by 25.4%, drought resistant crops by 21.6%, small scale irrigation farming by 7.8% and crop diversification by 6.4%. The mosi dominant off-farm CCAP was motor cycling with 50%, followed by operation of shops by 25%, brick laying and market , -ending with I 0%. It also found out that that 1.2% households had inadequate food to eat, 95.7% had moderate food availability while 3.1 % had adequate food availability. The study revealed that 19.5% households had access to food, 63.2% had moderate access to food and 17.3% had inadequate access to food. 37.5% households had less dietary diversity, 58.2 % bad moderate dietary diversity while 4.3 % had great dietary diversity. It also revealed that 5.0% households had stable food stability while 95% had unstable food stability. The study concluded that adaptation was better than non-adaptation. It therefore recommended that households should adapt to climate change using the various strategies since in all aspects, adaptation was better than non-adaptation.
Interpreting the effects of sand mining in Lwera wetland using landscape metrics and testing a rehabilitation approach
(Kyambogo University(Unpublished work), 2018-12) Akello, Gertrude
Wetlands are one of the most valuable ecosystems but are fast getting degraded. Increasing threats of environmental degradation to wetlands has driven adoption of ecological rehabilitation as one of the tools for conservation. Rehabilitation has further been emphasized to compensate for the biodiversity values lost in carrying out development projects in fragile ecosystems. For a mined wetland at Lwera, an attempt was made to: (i) study the spatial patterns of wetland fragmentation using landscape metrics computed from satellite-based land cover classification, and (ii) test differences in establishment of the dominant wetland vegetation in the area (Cyperus Typha angustifolia and Phragmiles). To assess the mining footprint, the active mining wetland area was mapped and constrained around some area for landscape analysis using sensor data. To test a rehabilitation strategy, a northerly transect was selected with random intervals at pits where experimental pits were set. In each of the pits, six replicate plots were set up, that is, for each species two arrays of four platforms, one arranged parallel and the other conterminous at the edges. The platforms were each lined with perforated sisal bags anchored on supports at the platform corners. Rhizomes of the plants were then planted on the platforms where wetland soil material had been placed. The results of landscape analysis showed fragmentation of the wetland, mostly by mining activities. For instance, using a representative metric, namely vegetation patch number, it was shown that the number of patches under vegetation increasesd from 400 in 2016 to 620 in 2017 and then to 7 10 in 2018, depicting a discontinuous and patchy landscape and with this was a change in landscape structure. Further, the results on testing establishment of the native wetland species showed that the species rapidly established, but Papyrus was particularly more successful growing up to a shoot length of 94cm as compared to Typha (80. I 4cm) and Phragmites (64cm). It was also shown that the distance from the lake had a significant effect on establishment of the three species tested (P S 0.05). The results were beneficial in reporting the effects of mining on the wetland and demonstrated the possibility of using remote sensing to quantify spatial changes in the wetland. It was however clear that expansion dynamics of the planted species cannot be studied in a short period of time which calls for a long term study.
Adoption of Water Conservation Technologies among Small Scale Farmers in Lwengo District – Uganda
(African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies, 2019) Nabalegwa, Muhamud Wambede; Asaba, Joyfred; Othieno, Esther Ebifa; Nabatta, Claire
This study identified and characterised the dominant water conservation technologies (WCT) employed by small scale farmers in Malongo and Kyazanga sub-counties in Lwengo district. It employed a cross sectional household survey design, using systematic sampling to obtain 380 household samples. A quantitative analysis, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Logit regression model were used to analyse these data to identify and characterise the dominant WCT and establish the most significant factor affecting the adoption of the technologies. Results indicated that mulching was the most dominant WCT employed, followed by Valley dams/reservoirs, terracing, tied ridges, deep tillage and infiltration pits. The Logit model indicated that out of seven factors, five had a significant positive influence namely: access to credit (1.3); farm slope location (0.7); farm size (0.4); access to agricultural inputs and investment subsidies (0.4); and level of income (0.2). One factor had a significant negative influence (engagement in other economic activities/off-farm employment activities) and only one was found to be insignificant (access to market). It is recommended that the significant water conservation techniques be upscaled, and that emphasis also be placed on the most significant factors in order to strengthen the adoption of water conservation in the area.
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 efficacy of the soil conservation technologies adopted in mountain agro-ecosystems in Uganda
(Springer Link :Agriculture and Ecosystem Resilience in Sub Saharan Africa., 2019-05-23) Nabalegwa, Wambede Muhamud; Joyfred, Asaba
This study examined the efficiency of soil conservation practices, under current cropping systems in Kasese district, Mt. Rwenzori. A longitudinal transect design was used in this study. Transects of 100 m wide were drawn on 6 selected ridges, within which 102 peasant farms with different conservation technologies were selected. The severity of erosion on the selected farms, assessed from the areal extent of physical erosion indicators, was used to determine the efficiency of the soil conservation technologies in controlling erosion. The results indicate that terracing, found on 57.8% of the selected peasant farms, was the most dominant soil conservation practice on the Rwenzori Mountain slopes, followed by trash bunds, water diversion channels, water collection ditches, and mulching. It was, however, evident that despite the adoption of soil conservation practices by some farmers, soil erosion remained high, especially on farms where one conservation practice was solerly used. It is therefore recommended that a more comprehensive soil conservation strategy, involving the use of agronomic soil management and mechanical methods of soil conservation, be emphasized in the Rwenzori highlands.
Constraints to agricultural transformation in Yumbe district, Uganda
(Springer Link: Agriculture and Ecosystem Resilience in Sub Saharan Africa., 2019-05-23) Wambede, N. Muhamud; Joyfred, Asaba; Alule, R. Jimmy
This book chapter analysed the constraints to agricultural transformation, focussing on Yumbe district in Uganda. Since the 1980s, many resources have been devoted to agricultural sector by the government and donor community with the aim of transforming it from predominantly subsistence to one where farmers produce for the market. This was expected to take place with increased farmers’ adoption of modern farming technologies. Scientists developed a number of technologies with a hope that once they are introduced to the farmers,they would be readily adopted. This has not been the case. The uptake of the modern technologies has not been impressive. Even where adoption has taken place, it is on a piecemeal basis. Therefore there is a need to examine the factors that have led to the low rate of technology uptake and hence limited agricultural transformation in the country. The data collection methods used in this study included questionnaires, interviews, direct observation and document review. The study covered the social and economic conditions of the farming communities that are hypothesised to be limiting the uptake of technologies that would lead to agricultural modernisation. The study analysed the relationship between the socio-economic factors and adoption to modern farming technologies. The chi-square test was used to establish whether there were significant differences in education level, membership to farmer organisations/farmer groups, family size, etc. between adopters and non-adopters of modern farming technologies and hence agricultural transformation. Multiple regression was used to establish the most important factors influencing agricultural transformation in the area. The findings indicated that the most important factors influencing farmers’ adoption of modern farming technologies and hence agricultural transformation are membership to agricultural organisation and cost of inputs. It can be concluded that the government and other organisations promoting agricultural modernisation should encourage farmers to form groups where they learn modern methods. It should also provide subsidies to farm input so that they are affordable to the farmers.
Sugarcane growing and household food security: a case study of Mafubira sub- county: Jinja district.
(Kyambogo University (un published work), 2019-10) Waibi, Mohamedi
The major purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between sugarcane growing and household food security in Mafubira Sub-county, Jinja District. The study was guided by three objectives namely: to establish the effect of land allocation to sugarcane growing on household food security, to find out the expenditure of income from sugarcane growing with regard to household food security and to examine the challenges associated with sugarcane growing in relation to household food security. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was heads of sugarcane growing households and Village Chairpersons of sugarcane out growers association. The study relied mostly on primary data that was collected using questionnaires, interview guide, focus group discussion guide and observation guide. The study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data was analysed by tabulating and computing percentages while qualitative data was analysed by coding and establishing common themes that emerged in the process of interacting with participants. The findings show that sugarcane farmers owning land less than ten acres are more vulnerable to food insecurity. The findings also show that sugarcane growing plays an important role in the livelihood of farmers as it generates income used to purchase food, acquire more land, pay school fees for children, access to better health care, construction of decent homesteads and access to agricultural loans. The study further established that sugarcane growing contributes to environmental degradation through encroachment on marginal land and increased soil exhaustion due to mono culture. From the findings the study concluded that sugarcane growing had a negative effect on household food security among people in Mafubira Sub-county. This is because much of the land had been taken up by sugarcane growing leaving small plots for food crops. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that there is need to pass an ordinance to encourage people owning land less than five acres to practice mixed farming crop diversification and using modern scientific methods of farming.
Integrating ecological principles and traditional knowledge systems in local resource management planning in Uganda
(Kyambogo University, 2019-11) Namboozo, Gertrude
The extent to which natural resources management planning in Uganda put into consideration ecological principles and traditional knowledge systems is still a matter of debate. This study was undertaken to determine the extent to which current local resources management plans integrate ecological principles and traditional knowledge. Based on a purposive sampling strategy, 44 plans were secured after initial contact with District Natural Resources Officers and Ministry of water and Environment out of which, 27 were used. During this process, un-structured interviews about the planning process were conducted with key informants and these helped to pry into any efforts towards use of traditional knowledge in resource management planning. From the obtained data and review of literature, a plan coding protocol sensitive to traditional resource valuation systems was developed, with 6 traditional knowledge indicators incorporated into the 5 ecological principles/components. The tool was then used to evaluate the land resources’ management plans initiated at the local community level. Meta-analysis was used to examine the extent of integration of ecological principles and traditional knowledge whereas one-way ANOVA was used to determine the variations in integration across ecosystem, space and time. Meta-analysis involved standardizing component-wise scores to generate overall measure of ecosystem plan quality and the derivation of plan quality based upon presence, quality and total quality issue scores. Analysis of the data revealed an overall plan quality score of 23.97 out of 50, with a mean ecological component indicator score of 4 on a scale of 1-10 while traditional knowledge indicators contributed 4.7% to overall plan quality score. The one-way ANOVA revealed a p-value of 0.20 for plan scores by regions, 0.02 for plan scores by ecosystem and 0.057 for plan scores by time. The null hypothesis that land resources management plans in Uganda do not integrate ecological principles and traditional knowledge was rejected. It is construed that to a small extent, land resources management plans drawn at the local community level in Uganda integrate ecological principles and traditional knowledge and this varies across ecosystems and time. It is recommended that ecosystem management planners should consider reviewing plans and strengthening ecological principles and traditional knowledge aspects that promote sustainability and protect integrity of land resources. Further research is needed to assess the actual implementation of the plans in the field.
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.
Nutritional potential of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) from semi-arid and subhumid zones of Uganda
(Springer Link: Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 2020-01-03) Ebifa-Othieno, Esther; Kabasa, John David; Nyeko, Philip; Nakimbugwe, Dorothy; Mugisha, Antony
It has been reported that plants that experience some form of stress while growing tend to accumulate increased levels of nutrients that are useful to humans. We compare the proximate and mineral composition of Tamarindus indica leaves, fruit pulp and seeds from Uganda’s semi-arid and sub-humid zones with contrasting environmental conditions including temperature, rainfall, soils and geology. Samples were analyzed following standard AOAC procedures. Mineral content was in the order K > Ca > Mg > Na > Fe and K > Mg > Ca > Na > Fe for the semi-arid and subhumid zones respectively. Tamarindus indica fruit pulp and leaves from both zones plus seeds from the semi-arid zone contained the Na/K ratio of < 1 recommended by World Health Organisation for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Proximate composition for leaves, fruit pulp and whole seeds were in the following ranges: Moisture content (9.83–69.42%), ash (1.93–11.6%), carbohydrate (64.74–88.7%), crude lipid (0.96–3.57%), crude fiber (0.89–14.93%), and crude protein (4.59–14.82%). Leaves contained higher levels of crude protein, crude lipid and crude fibre than fruit pulp. Tamarindus indica from the semi-arid zone tends to accumulate nutrients in ways that better promote human health. Tamarindus indica from both zones has high potential to provide functional foods and livestock feeds.
Freshwater lake inundation monitoring using Sentinel-1 SAR imagery in Eastern Uganda
(Taylor&Francis Online: Annals of GIS, 2020-03-18) Barasa, Bernard; Wanyama, Joshua
In flood hazard assessment, little attention has been given to the seasonal observation of freshwater inundation using Sentinel-1 Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR) images in the tropics. To assess these spatial variations, this study examined the inundation magnitudes and reflectance of riparian flora in the raining seasons (February-April and September-November) and dry-periods (May-August and December-January). The inundation areas were determined using an object-oriented classification algorithm, whilst the merits concerning the lake, riparian vegetation and shoreline were well-defined using backscatter-coefficient values. Findings indicated that the SAR images are practical to monitor inundation coverages and discern lake basin specific features such as highland areas, shoreline, water and riparian-vegetation. Seasonally, inundated sizes were comparatively higher in February (902 sq. km) and October (700 sq.km). Backscatter values of inundated parts varied from −16 dB to −19 dB, whereas those of riparian vegetation were higher in the months of May and August. This study hence displays a clear-cut correlation between riparian-vegetation, hydrology and climate variables.
Contribution of rainfall on rooftop rainwater harvesting and saving on the slopes of Mt. Elgon, East Africa
(Hindawi: The Scientific World Journal, 2020-07-18) Barasa, Bernard; Asaba, Joyfred
Despite the achievements reported from using rainwater harvesting systems, the contribution and drawbacks that affect their usage in mountainous landscapes have received little attention. The uptake and usage of domestic rooftop rainwater harvesting systems (RRWHS) in developing countries is on the increase due to increasing water scarcities. We explored the effect of rainfall variability on water supply and the downsides of using the systems by rural households in Uganda. The objectives were to assess the variability of rainfall (1985–2018), categorise RRWHS used, and examine the influence of slope ranges on the placement of systems and also to quantify the harvested and saved rainwater and establish the factors that affected system usage. Rainfall variability was assessed using a Mann–Kendall test, while system contributions and drawbacks were examined using socioeconomic data. A representative of 444 households were selected using a multicluster sampling procedure and interviewed using semistructured questionnaires. Findings revealed that the months of March, April, September, August, and October experienced an upward trend of rainfall with a monthly coefficient of variation between 41 and 126%. With this, households responded by employing fixed (reinforced concrete tanks, corrugated iron tanks, and plastic tanks) and mobile RRWHS (saucepans, metallic drums/plastic drums, jerrycans, and clay pots). At the high altitude, households deployed mostly plastic jerrycans and industrial plastic/metallic drums to harvest and save water. Overall, the mean annual volume of rainwater harvested on the slopes of Mt. Elgon was 163,063 m3/yr, while the potential to save water ranged from 4% to 7% of the annual household water demand. The factors that hindered the deployment of RRWHS to harvest and save water were high operational costs, price fluctuations, unreliable rainfall pattern, inadequate funds, and limited accessibility. The rainfall received if well-harvested and saved can redeem households of water insecurity, though there is an urgent need of subsidies from the government to increase accessibility of the systems.
The impact of refugee settlements on land use changes and vegetation degradation in West Nile sub-region, Uganda
(Taylor&Francis Online: Geocarto International, 2020-07-31) Barasa, Bernard; Mwiru, Aron; Turyabanawe, Loy; Muhamud, Nabalegwa W.; Ssentongo, Benard
Uganda continues to experience high-refugee population influx that is beyond the established settlement capacities. Little information is available on the present and future impacts of settling refugees and host-communities on landuse changes and vegetation degradation. This study used Sentinel-2 images (20m) of 2016-2019 and Dinamica Ego-software to determine the current and future spatial areal-extent of changes in 2022. Findings revealed a rarefied increase in areas under subsistence-farming, builtups and refugee-settlements while the losses were seen in savannah-grasslands, wetlands and woodlands. In 2021, the most significant increases in the land will be experienced in builtup-areas, settlements and commercial farming. The most degraded vegetation types were savannah-grassland, woodlands and tree-plantations. These were primarily attributed to unending activities of deforestation, bush-burning, high-refugee population, land-conflicts with host-communities and wetland reclamation. Thus, unless sustainable farming and energy-saving practices are promoted and adopted, the landscape is likely to remain not even with remnants of green-cover.
A pattern driven approach to knowledge representation in the disaster domain
(Springer Link: SN Computer Science volume., 2020-10-22) Mazimwe, Allan; Hammouda, Imed; Gidudu, Anthony; Barasa, Bernard
Access to integrated disaster-related data through querying is still a problem due to associated semantic barriers. The disaster domain largely relies on the top–down approach of ontology development. This limits reuse due to associated commitments and complex alignments within ontologies. Therefore, there is a need to utilize a bottom-up approach that reuses patterns for representing disaster knowledge. To bridge the availability gap of patterns for representing disaster knowledge, this study identifies existing and emerging patterns for reuse while organizing disaster data from multiple sector stakeholders. Based on the eXtreme Design (XD) methodology and key informant interviews, competency questions (CQs) were elicited from domain stakeholders. The CQs are matched with existing patterns from other contexts. Emerging patterns (e.g the Event Classification and Quality Dependence Description for Objects) are also developed for CQs not captured and subsequently tested using SPARQL queries characterising the CQs. It is in this context that this paper presents a characterisation of disaster risk knowledge using CQs and corresponding patterns (reusable and emerging) covering the knowledge. Accordingly, we illustrate a pattern-driven use case to organise drought hazard data for early warning purposes. This provides a powerful use case for adopting a pattern-based approach to knowledge representation in the disaster domain.

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