Department of Geography

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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.
Analysing the role of integrated farm Plan environmental approaches and conservation of the Manafwa watershed, eastern Uganda
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2023-05) Chepkurong, Doreen
The government of Uganda is committed to watershed conservation practices in the Manafwa river valley. Interventions have been made through Northern Uganda Social Action Fund, National Forestry Authority, National Environmental Management Authority and Manafwa Watershed Restoration and Stewardship in order to reduce watershed degradation. The implementation of MWARES has been in place for the last two years. This study was therefore intended to analyse the role of Integrated Farm Plan environmental approaches and conservation of the Manafwa watershed, Eastern Uganda. This was operationalized by specifically studying the locational characteristics of the area where the schools are found, the forms and process of activity integration within the watershed, the networking and collaboration strategies and the influence of pupils’ environmental awareness on watershed management. In further execution, the study adopted both a correlational research design to establish associations among variables and mixed methods to avail comprehensive conclusions. A sample of 214 respondents was selected using both purposive, and simple random sampling techniques, where 209 were from pupil environmental club participants and five of them from club patrons. The study availed descriptive, inferential, and qualitative findings after using a questionnaire, an interview guide, and observation checklist for data collection. By using Binary regression analysis, the study found that the forms and process of activity integration within Manafwa watershed from Bukalasi, Bushika, and Bushiyi had significant Beta values of 0.95, 0.96 and 0.96 respectively. Pupils' strategies of networking and collaboration in Manafwa watershed had a low positive effect with Beta values 0.38, 0.17 and 0.22 from Bushiyi, Bukalasi and Bushika Sub- Counties respectively. Pupils’ environmental awareness in all the three Sub-counties of Bukalasi, Bushika and Bushiyi had significant Beta values of 0.78, 0.86 and 0.85 respectively for watershed management. The study thus recommends that strategies like training pupils on how to put value to PIP products like fruits and bananas so as to generate funds to run their activities, training them on tree nursery bed establishment so as to ensure availability of trees to be planted in schools and for sale in the community and banana management, head teachers and classroom teachers to adequately timetable environmental club activities and constantly pass on conservation messages during classroom sessions, assemblies and budgeting for such activities. Further, district officials and partners like MWARES should train and retrain teachers to orient them towards environmental conservation responsibilities and occasionally organise environmental club competitions to boost competitiveness among schools.
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.
Assessing the effectiveness of municipal solid waste Management system, constraints and opportunities In lira municipality, northern Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2021-05) Owiny-Ongia , Joel
Little is known about solid waste characteristics, performance, and determinants for adoption in the management in Lira Municipality. This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of municipal solid waste management system, constraints and opportunities in Lira Municipality. The objectives of the study were: To characterize the types of solid wastes, collection and disposal system in Lira Municipality. To evaluate the people’s perception on efficiency and reliability of solid waste management system. To examine the constraints and opportunities of solid waste management. To determine the factors that influence solid waste collection and disposal in Lira Municipality. Across-sectional research design was used in the study. 200 Households were randomly sampled and interviewed. The data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Information on categories, collection and dumping from interview guides and questionnaires was analysed using SPSS statistical tool package and the data grouped in to descriptive percentages, mean, bar graphs, frequency tables to explain. The study also employed a statistical model (Binary Logistic Regression) to determine the factors influencing collection and dumping of solid waste in Lira municipality. Results of study indicated that Biodegradable/ organic wastes comprise a major fraction of solid waste produced (63.2%). Open dumping is the commonest method of solid waste dumping (37.5%) in Lira municipality. The major constraints in waste management were inadequate transport facility (88%), inadequate space for temporal dumping (84%); and Lack of legal enforcement in matters of solid waste poor handling (62%). Opportunities in waste were: source of earning (38%), employment (31%), saves environment from diseases and pests (25%), and source of revenue (6%). Factors influencing solid waste collection and disposal in Lira municipality were: Age (marginal effect- 3.838), Solid waste containers (marginal effect of 8.883), collection/disposal space (marginal effect of 0.012) and Legal enforcement against poor disposal (marginal effect of 0.006). The study concluded that management system is efficient given the daily collection (77%) and coverage of collection operation (58%) in all originally planned municipal radii and good co-ordination between the Municipal administration and the local people; though with un- reliability inflicted by the constraints identified. The study recommended for Lira municipality to educate / sensitize her residents on how to provide a pollution free environment as well as economically profitable waste handling practices such as source reduction through waste recycling, re-use, composting, bio gas production in a bid to change people’s perception in viewing solid waste as useless, but as another form of raw material that demands better packaging for future use.
Assessing the effects of spatial temporal land use on vegetation health in Karamoja rangeland, northeastern Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-10) Awor, Jennifer Owilli
Rangelands globally are naturally managed ecological units grazed in their natural or semi-natural form. In Uganda, Pastoralism is the main livelihood activity in the Karamoja rangeland, albeit with unknown spatial quantities of cover changes and declined productivity due to environmental and anthropogenic factors. This study, therefore, aimed at (i) examining the spatiotemporal extent, trend and transitions of changes in rangeland use between 2002 and 2022, (ii) assessing the spatiotemporal variations in rangelands productivity of standing biomass between 2002 and 2022, and (iii) examining the dominant factors underlying rangeland degradation in Karamoja region. A cross-sectional and longitudinal design and mixed methods approach was adopted in this study to assess the spatiotemporal rangeland use changes and productivity in the Karamoja region, Northeastern Uganda. To examine the rangeland, use change, the study used satellite data from the USGS Earth Explorer for 2002, 2012, and 2022 series. Variation in rangeland productivity was computed using image analysis in ArcGis 10.8 and SAVI tools. In addition, 264 household interviews were conducted and analysis was conducted using a chi-square test to derive the drivers of rangeland productivity. Also, content analysis was employed to extract meaningful narratives from the 20 key informants. Results revealed that woodland, bushland, and bare ground declined in spatial extent by 38%, 9%, and 2%, respectively, by 2022. Meanwhile, grassland, cropland, and built-up increased by 20%, 12% and 2%, respectively by 2022. Maximum SAVI results of 0.660954, 0.567067, and and0.501258 in 2002, 2012 and 2022, respectively and minimum values of -0.299879 and 0.064051, and and0.0607339 in 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively, revealed that vegetation health had been degenerating over the study years. Annual mean SAVI values of 0.15, 0.26, and 0.22 in 2002, 2012 and 2022, respectively, revealed that 2012 stood out with higher productivity compared to 2022 and 2002. The crop zone had robust vegetation compared to depleted zones of pastoral and agro-pastoralist over the study time. The perceived drivers of rangeland productivity also varied significantly across the zones with x2 (264) =8, P=0.05. From this study, it is clear, therefore, that Karamoja rangelands have undergone a lot of cover and use changes between 2002 and 2022, mainly as a result of human activities. The government should develop and enforce rangeland conservation policies and invest in community-based education to raise awareness of the dangers of rangeland use/cover changes on the productivity of vegetation. The community should implement rangeland sustainable practices to enhance conservation and restoration of the ecosystems, especially in the agro-pastoral ecological zones that grapple with severe vegetation depletion.
Assessing the impacts of refugee settlement on wetland cover changes in Rhino refugee settlement-Arua district, Northern Uganda
(Kyambogo University(Unpublished work), 2021-05) Isabirye, Ahmed
Wetland use and cover changes are a serious problem in many areas of Uganda, as in the Rhino camp of Arua where Refugee settlement and local community have induced wetland degradation and rapid cover change. This study assessed the implication of Refugee settlement on wetland cover changes in the Rhino settlement. Specifically, the study to assessed the magnitude of wetland cover changes; determined the effect of wetland use on spatial landscape structures and examined the determinants of fire wood and charcoal production as a major proxy of wetland use. In this study, Using non-supervised classification algorithm and the post-classification change detection technique in GIS, the magnitude of wetland cover changes were investigated. With the Fragstats software, it was possible to quantify the changes of the spatial landscape structures in the Rhino settlement for the five years period (2015-2019). Socioeconomic data was collected using questionnaire guide, key information interview guide, focus group discussion guide and observation guide. It was used purposely to generate both qualitative and quantitative data. It was also intended to get deeper views and perceptions of respondents about the study variables. The findings indicated that wetland in the Rhino settlement decreased by 7% at the expense of subsistence farming and built up that increased by 15% and 1.3%, respectively. Analysis of landscape metrics generally indicated that natural wetland cover has been destroyed during this period along with increasing anthropogenic impacts for example the class area (CA) reduced by 37.4% signifying changes in biodiversity. Degradation and replacement of natural cover with human activities is considered undesirable development on the Rhino wetland. It is therefore recommended that the government through the environmental officers and all environmental activists including NGOs, stand together to monitor and control the unfavorable anthropogenic activities in the Rhino wetland. In addition, the government through NEMA should demarcate the boundaries of Rhino wetlands, which should be out of bound from human activities so as to maintain its functionality.
Assessing urban agricultural enterprises and their effect on food security in cities : a case study of Mbarara city south, western Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-11) Arinaitwe, Justine
Urban agriculture in new cities is key and should be part and parcel of any sustainable urban physical plan but, most urban physical plans in Uganda never include urban agriculture in their urban physical plans. This is because there is limited or no information about how much contribution different urban agricultural enterprises make towards the food security of urban dwellers. This study was about urban agriculture and food security among urban household farmers in Mbarara City south division. The specific objectives included; to examine the effect of urban animal farming on food security among urban households, assess the effect of urban poultry farming on food security among urban households, analyze the effect of urban arable farming on food security among urban households and assess the effect of multiple urban agricultural enterprises on food security among urban household farmers in Mbarara City south division. A cross-sectional design using both quantitative and qualitative methods was used for data collection and analysis. Data was corrected from 307 respondents sampled using proportionate and stratified strategies using questionnaires, direct observation and interviews. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, binomial statistical test and Pearson chi-square basing on a scientific scale called Household Food Access Scale. If the P-value was less than 0.05 to food security indicator, it meant that there was significant difference but when the P. value was above 0.05 to food security indicator, it meant that there was no significant difference. Results showed that majority of urban household farmers who practiced urban animal farming ,urban poultry farming and multiple urban agricultural enterprises were mildly food insecure while, majority of urban household farmers who practiced urban arable farming were food secure. Therefore, urban arable farming was the most efficient practice while urban poultry farming was the least efficient practice. The study concludes that urban arable farming should be encouraged among urban household farmers since it promoted food security to the division compared to other enterprises in Mbarara city south. Therefore, programmes to encourage urban arable farming should be emphasized by urban physical planners of the city by showing that it can be practiced in sacks, rooftops, small plots, containers and verandas.
Assessment of community-based ecotourism as a conservation strategy for areas around Queen Elizabeth national park in Kasese district, western Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-11) Songha, Ramadhan
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s limited range of community-based ecotourism activities and services, along with weak community engagement and poor attitudes, constrains the full potential of ecotourism as a sustainable development model. This study assessed ecotourism activities, community involvement, and the socioeconomic and environmental benefits in Lake Katwe and Muhokya sub-counties, Kasese District. Data were collected from 333 household representatives and 21 key informants, including tourism officials, guides, rangers, tourists, and local leaders. Structured questionnaires and interviews were used, with multiple response analysis and Pearson’s chi-square test to examine the prevalence of ecotourism activities and community involvement differences. Findings revealed key ecotourism activities, such as cultural experiences, community-managed trails, and local food tours, while dominant services included community conservation projects (70.3%), community lodges (57.4%), and community-managed tours (54.7%). Community involvement was highest in revenue sharing (83.2%) and conflict resolution (69.4%), with strong participation in meetings, cultural preservation, and environmental education. Although ecotourism fosters livelihood diversification, skills development, and conservation incentives, limited activity variety and community engagement hinder its full impact. Strengthening conservation practices, enhancing community participation, and promoting long-term planning are recommended to maximize ecotourism’s benefits for conservation and local development.
Assessment of extreme rainfall events and households’ adaptation in river Namatala catchment, Kyoga basin
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-11) Gesa, Isaac
Extreme rainfall events in river Namatala catchment have increased over the past decades, yet these extremes have persistently caused disasters to the local population. Thus, this study identified extreme rainfall events, analyzed the trends of extreme rainfall events and it examined how households adapt to the extreme rainfall events in the river catchment. The study was conducted in the lower river Namatala catchment covering the districts of Mbale, Budaka and Butaleja. Gridded rainfall data was acquired using http://hydrology.princeton.edu/data/pgf/0.5deg/ (accessed: 15 March 2024) and the Climate Data Tool (CDT) at. Frequency distribution was used to determine extreme rainfall events River Namatala catchment, Mann-Kendall test and Sens’s slope test was used to determine the trend and magnitude of extreme rainfall events experienced in river Namatala catchment. Questionnaires and interview guides were used as data collection tools. The analysis included descriptive analysis computed using in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23 and Microsoft Excel version 2016. The study revealed that May had the highest number of extreme rainfall events and January had the least number of extreme rainfall events. The trend showed an increase in the extreme rainfall events with positive z-scores of 2.164, 2.63 and 0.621 in the districts of Mbale, Butaleja and Budaka respectively. Digging trenches was found to be the most practiced adaptation measure by the households. The study concluded that extreme rainfall events have increased over time in Namatala catchment over time which requires stringent measures to as to mitigate their impacts. In order boost the resilience of the areas that are affected by the effects of the extreme rainfall events, we need to monitor frequently the occurrence of these events in the catchment, taking into account their socioeconomic network towards disaster resilience among the households along the river Namatala catchment.
Assessment of hydro-pedological characteristics at medium-sized landslide sites in Manafwa catchment, Mount Elgon, Uganda
(Hydrological Sciences Journal, 2024-05-17) Moses, Kutosi; Yazidhi, Bamutaze; Bob, R. Nakileza; Yeeko, Kisira; Geofrey, Gabiri
Though strongly linked to landslides, hydro-pedological characteristics are inadequately investigated in the area. This study investigated hydro-pedological characteristics at medium landslide sites in Manafwa catchment. The design had twelve (12) infiltration experiments that were conducted at each site. To determine the selected soil physical properties, composite soil samples were extracted from the infiltration sites for soil laboratory analysis. Soil cores were extracted to determine saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and bulk density. The observed high values of IR and rapid Ksat underscore the susceptibility of the studied sites to landslide hazards. Additionally, soil organic matter (SOM), clay content, and bulk density further contribute to the understanding of the hydro-pedological factors influencing landslide occurrences. These findings reveal the need for comprehensive investigations into hydro-pedological characteristics of other landslide categories to assist in landslide risk assessment and management strategies.
Assessment of the effects of land use change on forest cover along the slopes of Mt. Elgon: a case study of Mbale district
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2021-05) Minjo Mwinike, Samali
Forests are of great importance due to their ecological diversity thus providing a multiplicity of ecosystem goods and services. These valuable ecosystems are however facing increasing threats from anthropogenic activities. This study therefore, analyses the state of forest cover due to land use change between 2009 and 2019 on Mount Elgon slopes in Mbale District in Eastern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted following both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Analysis of Landsat images (Landsat 7TM & 8ETM) of the study area for 2009 and 2019 was conducted using semi-automatic classification plugin in QGIS software 3.12. Social economic data on drivers of land use/cover change were collected from a sample of 191 respondents selected from households, local council leaders, district personnel using structured questionnaires and interview guides. To map and characterize the size of forest cover, and assess the effect of land use types on diversity and distribution of forests in the area, maximum likelihood classification of Landsat 7ETM and 8ETH+ images was conducted in QGIS software version 3.12. A land-use/cover conversion matrix was used to explore land use changes over the study area for the two study periods (2009 and 2019). To establish the main drivers of land use change, descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on social-economic data. The study revealed that: i) conversion to farming and built-up infrastructure at the expense of forest cover and other natural vegetation were the main changes in land use/cover. Forest cover in Mbale declined by 0.09% between 2009 and 2019, whilst the area under farming and built-up increased by 8.49% and 5.47%, respectively. ii) Land use change negatively affected forest diversity by increasing the level of fragmentation as shown by reduced forest class area vis-à-vis increased number of forest cover patches. iii) Population pressure was the main driver of land use change and forest cover loss. iv) It is predicted that by 2029, forest cover in Mbale district will have declined by 0.17%. Therefore, land use change, which is largely a human phenomenon negatively affects forest cover. It is recommended that; excess population near forest zone should be relocated to the lower slopes and; farmers should adopt modern farming methods and technologies to maximize output on small farmlands and save the natural vegetation cover.
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.
Climate change adaptations by livestock farmers in Ntoroko district, Uganda
(Kyambogo University, 2021-09) Wahimba, Joseph
The study “Climate Change Adaptations by Livestock Farmers in Ntoroko District” analyzed the extent of climate variability and examined the factors that influence farmers’ choice of specific adaptations to Climate Change in Ntoroko District. The study’s specific objectives were to determine trends in climate variability in Ntoroko District, to determine the climate change adaptations used by livestock farmers in Ntoroko District, and to investigate the factors influencing livestock farmers’ choice of adaptations to climate change in Ntoroko District. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed where qualitative and quantitative methods were used. 351 respondents from a population of 4011 were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. The study used a questionnaire, documentary review, and observation to collect data on the variables of the study. Data collected was analyzed using Linear Regression, Cross-tabulation, and Multivariate in terms of tables and graphs respectively. The findings on climate shown that the mean annual rainfall amounts for Ntoroko District decreased for the period 1988 to 2018, varying from 95.8mm to 43.8mm. This decrease was statistically insignificant indicating that the area was no evidence of climate change in annual rainfall pattern for the period of study. In addition, analysis of mean annual maximum temperature for the study area for the period 1990 to 2018 showed a positive/increasing trend that was statistically significant. The results further revealed that most dominant adaptation practices to climate change used by livestock farmers in Ntoroko were stocking of animal drugs supported by (95.5%) herd mobility (67.6%) and mixed animal rearing (66.8%). Additionally, the Multivariate Regression Model revealed that access to training on climate change followed by monthly income, access to information, and membership to the social group were the most significant factors that positively influenced farmers' choice of adaptations to climate change while the least significant factor was education status of the household head. The study recommended that farmers should be provided with meteorological information on rainfall and temperature trends that may aid in the planning of adaptations to a varying climate. The existing adaptation practices such as stocking animal drugs and mixed animal rearing should be supported and encouraged with the aim of increasing livestock farmers’ resilience to climate variability and change. Finally, there should be improved access to training on adaptation, monthly income, and membership to a social group. This would therefore reduce climate change hazards and be a means to support livestock farmers’ adaptions to climate change in Ntoroko District.
Collaborative methodology and sustainable wildlife management : a case of Semuliki National park, Western Uganda
(Kyambogo University(Unpublished work), 2021-09) Namulemo, Alice
The study was about collaborative methodology and maintainable wildlife management in Uganda. It is vital for all interested parties in wildlife management to work in mutual support to avoid the lessening of natural wealth in order to preserve the environment. The collaborative methodology and maintainable wildlife management are accepted as important because of the need to create trustful links amongst the wildlife managers and the neighboring societies. However, challenges of maintainable wildlife management recognize, among other things; poor government procedures and failure of collaborative protection. The objectives of the study were to find out the local communities’ contribution to cooperative strategies; to establish the local community level of awareness about cooperative strategies; and to examine the local communities’ perception about the cooperative strategies as far as maintainable wildlife management was concerned. The study engaged a cross sectional design. Data were assembled to judge whether the collaborative methodology could successfully maintain wildlife management in National Parks. Qualitative and computable investigation methods were used for the study. Questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview guides were used for data assembly. The interview guide was used to gather material from 200 household heads. Both content validity (0.7) and reliability at reliability value (0.84) were ascertained. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered and all were brought back. The returned questionnaires were entered using SPSS. Descriptive statistics specifically; frequencies and percentages were used to refer to the data from the questionnaires and to take a broad view of the discoveries. The outcomes displayed that it was key for the local community to contribute to cooperative strategies. In addition, the local community level of awareness about the cooperative strategies and the local community perceptions were vital in maintainable wildlife management. Lastly, the study concluded that the local communities’ contribution to cooperative strategies, their level of awareness and their perceptions about collaborative strategies were required to manage wildlife at a maintainable level. The study suggested that the park specialists should increase on the household heads’ contribution to sustaining Mauritius thorn hedges in order to increase partnership in the execution of maintainable wildlife management. Additional household heads needed to unite in planting chili as a substitute livelihood provider in order to stop elephants from confronting the community.
Community based flood risk management approach in Northeastern Uganda
(Ghana Journal of Geography, 2022-06) Muhamud, Nabalegwa Wambede; Robert, Tweheyo
This study was conducted in the Amuria district of Northeastern Uganda. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR) approach in mitigating disaster effects in the area. The objectives were to assess the effectiveness of community preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in mitigating disasters in the study area. Aberilela and Wera sub-counties were purposively selected, and two parishes were chosen from each of the two sub counties based on their vulnerability to flood disasters. A sample of 300 household heads were randomly selected. Methods of data collection included questionnaires, in-depth interviews with key informants, focus group discussions, observation, and documents review. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and triangulated with thematic analysis of the data from interviews and field observations. Results from the study indicate that the CMDRR approach had performed well despite some shortcomings. The approach had been able to prepare the community by training them in disaster management activities, developing hazard prone maps, disaster plans, established effective rescue measures and other response measures for the affected communities. However, it had failed in building capacity among the communities to stock essential services including food, early warning systems and in detecting and predicting disaster as well as building gender and age balanced capacity in the communities. Overall, the performance of CMDRR committees in Amurai and particularly Abarilela and Wera sub-counties was above average. The study recommends that government should adopt this approach and replicate it in other disaster-prone areas for effective disaster management.
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.
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.
Cultural perspectives on maternal deaths among the Basoga of eastern Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-11) Namususwa, Harriet Mukasa
This study aimed at exploring and analyzing the cultural beliefs and explanations of maternal deaths among the Basoga. Specifically, the study aimed at establishing rituals performed by the Basoga on maternal deaths, and the influence of modernity and Christianity on Busoga society’s cultural context of maternal deaths. The study adopted a qualitative research paradigm alongside an ethnographic design. The study population included the relatives of the deceased, cultural leaders, community leaders, and Traditional birth attendants. A sample size of 25 respondents was used for the study. Individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation methods were mostly used in the field during data collection. In this study, the researcher used a semi-structured interview guide, a focus group discussion guide, and an observation guide as data collection tools. The study findings indicate that Busoga society holds unique cultural beliefs and explanations for maternal deaths, they believe so much in witchcraft, and attribute maternal deaths to malevolent intent directed towards expectant mothers, often by jealous or vengeful individuals within their social circle. There is need to emphasize spiritual and cultural interventions alongside biomedical care for maternal health. Many rituals are performed on maternal deaths, including the last funeral rites. These practices serve as cultural expressions of mourning and respect for the deceased, these rites are thought to ward off death that might target other mothers in the same family maternally. Modernity and Christianity have influenced the Basoga society’s cultural context of maternal deaths. With modernity, infrastructures, science, and technology have been developed. These have helped the expectant mothers to access proper medical care rather than relying on belief in witchcraft that leads them to access treatment from a shrine which do not have adequate medical care. The researcher concluded that the Basoga hinge on the cultural explanations for maternal deaths, despite the existence of bio-medical hospitals.
Determinants and implications of land management practices for maize yield in eastern Uganda
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-10) Nekesa, Irene Egesa
Soil degradation threatens maize farming sustainability in eastern Uganda, necessitating effective land management practices. Despite prior research, the socio-economic factors influencing land management remain underexplored. This study investigated sustainable land management practices to boost soil productivity, mitigate land degradation, and improve maize yields in the Kyoga basin. Data were gathered from 379 households through interviews and focus groups, focusing on the adoption of practices like fertilizer application, pesticide use, and tillage conservation. The study analyzed adoption factors such as education, land ownership, access to inputs, and crop yields, alongside the impact of organic and inorganic fertilizer use on maize production. Descriptive statistics summarized the prevalence of different practices, while Chi-square tests and ANOVA compared practices and yields between the Kyoga plains and highland agro-ecological zones (AEZs). Logistic regression identified significant adoption factors. Results showed regional differences (P<0.05), with the Kyoga plain AEZ benefiting more from inorganic fertilizer and pesticide use. Key adoption determinants included soil fertility loss (69%), soil erosion (60%), and access to land (78.6%). The study concludes that addressing soil degradation requires tailored educational programs and localized interventions to enhance farmers' knowledge and improve agricultural sustainability, contributing to food security and poverty reduction in the region. The study recommended the need to promote LMPs that enhance soil fertility, such as agroforestry and mulching, to improve soil health & maize in both AEZs. Improved access to inputs and credit facilities to smallholder farmers, especially in both AEZs, promote the Use of Inorganic Fertilizers and pesticides in Highland AEZ since the application of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides significantly improved maize yields in the Kyoga plain AEZ; these practices should be promoted in the Highland AEZ as well.

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