Faculty of Agriculture

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Adoption of cattle manure for banana production by farmers in Mbarara district, Uganda
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2018-11) Namara, Hope
Bananas are the main staple food crop grown in Mbarara District but production is threatened by Mbarara's declining soil fertility. Cattle manure has a potential of improving soil fertility as it is available and affordable through the good supply from the high cattle population of the area compared to scarce & costly inorganic fertilizers. In addressing the problem, the aim was to find out the rate of cattle manure adoption for increasing banana yields. A sample size of 226 respondents was used for the study consisting of 214 banana farmers randomly selected and 12 change agents deployed in the area taken whole. The four sub counties used were selected through stratified sampling picking the best performing in banana production. Data was collected using interview guides, questionnaires, and focus group discussion guides. Statistical package for social scientists Version 21 .0 was used to compute frequencies, percentages, means and r values. Qualitative data from interviews and focused group discussions was analyzed through open coding according to themes. The findings revealed that 77% of the banana farmers regularly applied cattle manure with more than half (50%) of them applying it with kitchen refuse. The study also revealed a relationship between farmers ' socio-economic characteristics and cattle manure adoption by farmers which was largely determined by farmer's age, education level, marital status, income source and sex of the farmer. Additionally, others were perceived benefits of cattle manure, distance to the road for ferrying manure and produce, desire to improve soil fertility and land ownership. Using Pearson r values, the results further revealed that cattle manure adoption had a relationship at 0.05 alpha with banana bunch size in kg (r=.632*) and with yield in kg ha.1(r=.740*). The associations of cattle manure adoption with socio-economic characteristics gave further r values as age (r=.914*), education level (r=.878*), and distance to the road for ferrying manure and produce (r= .906*). The study concluded that 77% of the banana farmers regularly applied cattle manure. Based on qualitative data and r values, cattle manure adoption by farmers was influenced by key factors such as age, education level, marital status, income source, and distance to the road for ferrying manure/produce. Adoption of cattle manure was certainly an advantage in increasing banana yields. The study recommends more collective efforts by relevant agencies supported by the government in training the fanners to adopt more use of cattle manure.
Agricultural extension service training in Uganda and delivery competence acquisition.
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2013-11) Nanono, Kiwanuka Milly
Agriculture training in Agricultural Institutions has a bearing on the quality of the competences needed for appropriate agricultural service delivery. However, knowledge, skills and attitudes for agricultural service delivery still remain a challenge in farming communities to cater for the vast and dynamic agricultural needs. The study investigated how the content of the crop production curriculum taught at Agricultural Institutions supported service delivery competence requirements, assessed the extent to which teaching and learning methods enhanced competence acquisition and determined the relevance of the training given to Agricultural Extension Workers to the competence requirements. A descriptive study design was adopted employing a qualitative approach. Respondents were students, lecturers, farmers and agricultural institutions administrators. Responses were also collected from extension workers, the district Production and Marketing Officers, the Agricultural Officer and NAADS coordinators at the District. Interviews, observation and documentary analysis aided the process of data collection. Data analysis was done qualitatively by so1ting, editing, and coding of the findings. It was found out that the content of the crop production curricula supported acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and attitudes for service delivery to a limited extent. The teaching and learning methods enhanced acquisition of the required crop production knowledge, skills and attitudes for extension service delivery to a limited extent. The methods included: lectures, team teaching, research discussions and Information technology: projects, demonstrations, outreach programs, industrial training, study tours and exhibitions. The teaching and learning methods were influenced by the expertise of lecturers/instructors, time allocation and the availability of tools, equipment and materials. While the training of the extension workers would be relevant to the service delivery competence requirements, it provided limited crop production knowledge, skills and attitudes. To cater for the mismatch, it was recommended that; relevant course content of the crop production curricula such as crop agronomy, pest and disease control, soil and water conservation, agricultural extension methods should be maintained. More time need to be accorded to the practical component; teaching and learning methods should be modified and integrated; tools, equipment and materials be availed; the lecturers and instructors should be provided with pedagogical skills of teaching; the training should be integrated with training students at agricultural research centers, farmers' farms and at other agricultural related fields such as agro-based industries, agro-processors and agro-input providers
Agriculture training in farm institutes and the labour market requirements in uganda.
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2013-10) Tumwesigye, Rogers
Agriculture training is intended to prepare trainees to meet the agriculture labour market requirements. In Uganda training is done at farm institutes, college and university levels. This study assessed Agriculture Training in Government Farm institutes and whether the training meets the Labour market requirements in Agricultural sector of Uganda. The agricultural training methods used in farm institutes were identified; the training methods employed and how they prepared trainees to meet the labour market requirements were determined. The attitude of agriculture trainees and graduates from farm institutes towards their trade were established. A descriptive study design was used employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Farm institute graduates, trainees, instructors and institute administrators were used for the study. Interviews, observation and document analysis were used to collect. Snow ball, systematic and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Findings indicated that the lecture method was dominant over practical methods and had limited consideration for agriculture labour market. As a result, trainees and graduates were not equipped with the skills and attitudes needed in Labour market to a large extent which led graduates to face challenges on their first time of employment during practical tasks. Hence there is need for instructors to train professionally and renew their teaching methods so as to make teaching more practical and use appropriate teaching methods that can enrich the trainees with hands on experience. In addition, farm institutes' laboratories need to be well resourced and curriculum made flexible to include contemporary and emerging issues from time to time. Farm institutes' graduates' who retrained had more positive attitudes' towards manual work and remained in the trade. Therefore Uganda Government through the Ministries of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries should put more emphasis on practical training if positive attitudes are to be developed in the citizenry.
Assessing the land conflicts and management strategies Used by smallholder Irish potato (solanum tuberosum) Farmers in Kisoro district, Uganda
(Kyambogo University, 2019-07) Kwizera, Gad
Celebrated in 2008, the United Nations International Year of the Potato (IYP) highlighted the important role of the Irish potato in agriculture, the economy and world food security. Globally, agriculture and food security are affected by a number of constraints including land conflicts. As population grows, land becomes scarce and its demand rises. In Uganda and Kisoro District in particular, there is an increasing level of land conflicts needing mitigation among smallholder Irish potato farmers. Thus the study was conducted to assess land conflicts and management strategies used by smallholder Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) farmers in Kisoro District, Uganda. The specific objectives were to: determine the nature and effects of land conflicts on the productivity of Irish potatoes; establish management strategies used by smallholder farmers to resolve the land conflicts in Kisoro District. A descriptive case study design was adopted for the study. Data was collected from 202 respondents using questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data collected on the nature and management of land conflicts was analysed using percentages and thematic analysis or as verbatim or paraphrased statements while quantitative data on effects of land conflicts on Irish potato productivity was analysed using a paired sample t-test. Findings indicated that 66.8% of smallholder Irish potato farmers in Kisoro District were directly experiencing land conflicts arising mainly from land inheritance, poor and unclear land demarcations. Further findings indicated that land grabbing, borderline fights, illegal relocation of boundaries, selling to multiple buyers and disagreements among siblings regarding sharing of land were experienced. The occurrence of land conflicts resulted into court injunction on the use of the land, leaving land idle for seasons, fights and quarrels that resulted into injuries, loss of finance and time that affected smallholder Irish potato farming. A t-test was done for the mean yield of 4728kgha-1 before conflict and 3789kgha-1 after the conflict at 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated that land conflicts had a significant effect on Irish potato productivity (p value=0.003<0.05), which means conflict lower yields thus productivity. The yield and income from Irish potatoes were found to reduce by 20% as a result of the land conflicts. The strategies used by smallholder farmers to manage the conflicts include; court arbitration, seeking mediation from family members and clan elders, proper fencing of the land and on rare occasions, the conflicting parties peacefully resolved their differences. Based on the findings, it was concluded that land conflicts had significant delays on Irish potato production activities thus a possible reduction in yields hence needing redress. Therefore, it is recommended that land laws are reviewed, people are educated on land title acquisition and local leaders are empowered to help in proper demarcation of land. For further research study, the researcher recommends examining the role of local leaders and culture in land conflict management in rural farming communities in Uganda.
Assessment of the environmental kuznets curve within EU-27: Steps toward environmental sustainability (1990e2019)
(Elsevier, 2023-09) Mohammed, Safwan; Gill, Abid Rashid; Ghosal, Kaushik; Al-Dalahmeh, Main; Alsafadi, Karam; Szabo, Szilard; Olah, Judit; Alkerdi, Ali; Ocwa, Akasairi; Harsanyi, Endre
Reducing environmental pollution is a critical goal in global environmental economics and economic development. The European Union (EU) faces environmental challenges due to its development activities. Here we present a comprehensive approach to assess the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, energy consumption (EC), population structure (POP), economy (GDP), and policies on the environment within the EU using the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). Our research reveals that between 1990 and 2019, the EU-27 experienced an increase of þ1.18 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) per year in energy consumption (p < 0.05), while CO2 emissions decreased by 24.25 million tonnes (Mt) per year (p < 0.05). The highest reduction in CO2 emissions occurred in Germany (7.52 Mt CO2 annually), and the lowest in Latvia (0.087 Mt CO2 annually). The empirical EKC analysis shows an inverted-U shaped relationship between GDP and CO2 emissions in the EU-27. Specifically, a 1% increase in GDP results in a 0.705% increase in carbon emission, while a 1% increase in GDP2 leads to a 0.062% reduction in environmental pollution in the long run (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that economic development within the EU has reached a stage where economic growth positively impacts the environment. Overall, this study provides insights into the effectiveness of environmental policies in mitigating degradation and promoting green growth in the EU 27 countries.
An atoxigenic L-strain of Aspergillus flavus (Eurotiales: Trichocomaceae) is pathogenic to the coffee twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Coleoptera: Curculionidea: Scolytinae)
(Environmental Microbiology Reports, 2018-10-11) Mukasa, Yosia; Kyamanywa, Samuel; Sserumaga, Julius P.; Otim, Michael; Tumuhaise, Venansio; Erbaugh, Mark; Egonyu, James P.
This study isolated and evaluated virulence of fungal entomopathogens of Xylosandrus compactus – an important pest of Robusta coffee in Sub-Saharan Africa. A survey was conducted in five farming systems in Uganda to isolate entomopathogens associated with X. compactus. Four fungal isolates were screened for virulence against X. compactus in the laboratory at 1 × 107 conidia ml−1 where an atoxigenic L-strain of A. flavus killed 70%–100% of all stages of X. compactus compared with other unidentified isolates which caused 20%–70% mortalities. The time taken by A. flavus to kill 50% of X. compactus eggs, larvae, pupae and adults in the laboratory was 2–3 days; whereas the other unidentified fungal isolates took 4–7 days. The concentrations of A. flavus that killed 50% of different stages of X. compactus were 5 × 105, 12 × 105, 17 × 105 and 30 × 105 conidia ml−1 for larvae, eggs, pupae and adults respectively. A formulation of A. flavus in oil caused higher mortalities of X. compactus larvae, pupae and adults in the field (71%–79%) than its formulation in water (33%–47%). The atoxigenic strain of A. flavus could therefore be developed into a safe biopesticide against X. compactus.
A bibliographic review of climate change and fertilization as the main drivers of maize yield: implications for food security
(Springer, 2023-06) Ocwa, Akasairi; Harsanyi, Endre; Széles, Adrienn; Holb, Imre János; Szabó, Szilárd; Rátonyi, Tamás; Mohammed, Safwan
Introduction Crop production contribution to food security faces unprecedented challenge of increasing human population. This is due to the decline in major cereal crop yields including maize resulting from climate change and declining soil infertility. Changes in soil nutrient status and climate have continued to occur and in response, new fertilizer recommendations in terms of formulations and application rates are continuously developed and applied globally. In this sense, this review was conducted to: (i) identify the key areas of concentration of research on fertilizer and climate change effect on maize grain yield, (ii) assess the extent of the effect of climate change on maize grain yield, (iii) evaluate the extent of the effect of fertilization practices on maize grain yield, and (iv) examine the effect of interaction between climate change factors and fertilization practices on maize grain yield at global perspective. Methodology Comprehensive search of global literature was conducted in Web of Science (WoS) database. For objective 1, metadata on co-authorship (country, organisation), and co-occurrence of keywords were exported and analysed using VOSviewer software. For objective 2–4, yield data for each treatment presented in the articles were extracted and yield increment calculated. Results The most significant keywords: soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, integrated nutrient management, sustainability, and climate change adaptation revealed efforts to improve maize production, achieve food security, and protect the environment. A temperature rise of 1–4 °C decreased yield by 5–14% in warm areas and increased by < 5% in cold areas globally. Precipitation reduction decreased yield by 25–32%, while CO2 concentration increased and decreased yield by 2.4 to 7.3% and 9 to 14.6%, respectively. A promising fertilizer was a combination of urea + nitrapyrin with an average yield of 5.1 and 14.4 t ha− 1 under non-irrigation and irrigation, respectively. Fertilization under climate change was projected to reduce yield in the average range of 10.5–18.3% by 2099. Conclusion The results signified that sole fertilizer intensification is insufficient to attain sustainable maize yield. Therefore, there is need for integrated agronomic research that combines fertilizers and other technologies for enhancing maize yield, and consequently maize contribution to the attainment of global food security under climate change conditions. Keywords Climate change, Drought, Fertilizers, Heat stress, Maize, Nitrogen, Temperature, Yield
Data Mining and Machine Learning Algorithms for Optimizing Maize Yield Forecasting in Central Europe
(MDPI, 2023-05) Harsányi, Endre; Bashir, Bashar; Arshad, Sana; Ocwa, Akasairi; Vad, Attila; Alsalman, Abdullah; Mohammed, Safwan; Széles, Adrienn; Hijazi, Omar; Rátonyi, Tamás; Bácskai, István
Artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning (ML), serves as a valuable tool for decision support in crop management under ongoing climate change. However, ML implementation to predict maize yield is still limited in Central Europe, especially in Hungary. In this context, we assessed the performance of four ML algorithms (Bagging (BG), Decision Table (DT), Random Forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Network-Multi Layer Perceptron (ANN-MLP)) in predicting maize yield based on four different input scenarios. The collected data included both agricultural data (production (PROD) (ton) and maize cropped area (AREA) (ha)) and climate data (annual mean temperature C (Tmean), precipitation (PRCP) (mm), rainy days (RD), frosty days (FD) and hot days (HD)). This research adopted four scenarios, as follows: SC1: AREA+ PROD+ Tmean+ PRCP+ RD+ FD+ HD; SC2: AREA+ PROD; SC3: Tmean+ PRCP+ RD+ FD+ HD; and SC4: AREA+ PROD+ Tmean+ PRCP. In the training stage, ANN-MLP-SC1 and ANN-MLP-SC4 outperformed other ML algorithms; the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.99 for both, while the root mean squared errors (RMSEs) were 107.9 (ANN-MLP-SC1) and 110.7 (ANN-MLP-SC4). In the testing phase, the ANN-MLP-SC4 had the highest r value (0.96), followed by ANN-MLP-SC1 (0.94) and RF-SC2 (0.94). The 10-fold cross validation also revealed that the ANN-MLP-SC4 and ANN-MLP-SC1 have the highest performance. We further evaluated the performance of the ANN-MLP-SC4 in predicting maize yield on a regional scale (Budapest). The ANN-MLP-SC4 succeeded in reaching a high-performance standard (r = 0.98, relative absolute error = 21.87%, root relative squared error = 20.4399% and RMSE = 423.23). This research promotes the use ofANNas an efficient tool for predicting maize yield, which could be highly beneficial for planners and decision makers in developing sustainable plans for crop management. Keywords: maize yield; climate; multilayer perceptron; random forest; optimum model
Determinants of participation in agricultural group guarantee loans: a case of smallholder farmers in eastern Uganda
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2023-04) Ninsiima, Racheal; Bulyaba, R; Makosa, D
This paper establishes that agricultural group guarantee loans (AGGLs) are indeed an innovative tool used by Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) to extend credit to resource-disadvantaged smallholder farmers regarded as not credit-worthy by traditional lenders. It disproves popular literature that one requires assets to access formal credit and that extremely poor farmers are segregated from borrowing citing a lack of collateral to pledge to both group members and to the lender. This paper indicates that efforts to get smallholder farmers out of destitution should be redirected to addressing other group credit aspects other than increasing participation. Multi-stage sampling obtained 161 agricultural loan borrowers of Promotion of Rural Initiative Development Enterprises (PRIDE) microfinance, a formal Tier III credit institution in Uganda. Both borrowers of the group (AGGLs) and Individual (Individual Loan borrowers, IL) loans were selected for comparison purposes. Semi-structured interviews and in-depth discussions with farmer groups (focus group discussions, FGDs) collected both quantitative and qualitative data for the study. Descriptive statistics analysis presented the socioeconomic characteristics of the borrowers while the binary logistic regression model determined the factors that influence participation in AGGLs. The findings indicated that IL borrowers were better off in socioeconomic aspects such as income than AGGL borrowers. The study results revealed that the probability of participating in AGGLs decreases with an increase in the number of asset ownership and an increase in household expenses, particularly education. This implies that AGGLs are socially perceived to be a “facility for the poor”, supporting the motives of MFIs. Agricultural group guarantee loans are associated with smaller loan amounts due to fear of default. These smaller amounts limit investment and consequent income improvement. This is the first paper to study participation in AGGLs offered by a formal credit institution in Uganda. Other group loans offered in Uganda do not target agriculture, those that do, are offered by savings and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs) informally started by farmers.
Determination of mealybug population density for transmission of pineapple mealybug wilt disease in Central Uganda
(International Journal of Agronomy, 2024-01) Bosco, Bua; M. E., Mawa; J., Ayiga; A., Ocwa
Pineapple mealybug wilt disease (PMWD) is a complex and most destructive viral disease constraining pineapple production world over. Pineapple mealybug wilt disease is transmitted by mealybugs (Dysmicoccus species). Currently, in Uganda, the population of Dysmicoccus brevipes that can transmit PMWD is not known. Yet, closing this knowledge gap would provide a better understanding of PMWD etiology and development of sound management strategies. Experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications in the screenhouse at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyambogo University during the period 2017 and 2018. Pineapple variety Smooth Cayenne was inoculated with fve levels of viruliferous mealybugs including one (1), fve (5), ten (10), ffteen (15), and a control (uninoculated). Data collection commenced on symptoms appearance and continued on a 15-day interval for a period of two months. Data were collected on the incidence and severity of PMWD. All the data collected were analysed using Genstat computer programme. Results showed that the number of mealybugs signifcantly (p < 0.05) afected the incidence and severity of PMWD during both trials. Although one viruliferous mealybug was able to transmit PMWD virus, the efcacy of transmission was recorded with the highest number of mealybugs per plant. It was, therefore, concluded that the higher the number of viruliferous mealybugs colonising a pineapple plant, the higher the incidence and severity of PMWD. Te result of this study, therefore, adds to the pool of knowledge on the understanding the population density of mealybugs transmitting PMWD as well as provide insights to improvement of mealybug vector monitoring as a key component of integrated PMWD management.
Effect of Covid-19 on Female-Headed Farming Household Food Security in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, South Sudan
(East African nature & science organization, 2024-05) Issa, John; Kityo, Ronald; Mbatudde, Maria
At the beginning of 2020, global food security was interrupted by the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions to contain it. In South Sudan, women were among the most vulnerable groups due to restrictions and standard operating procedures (SoPs). This study was conducted to determine the effect of COVID-19 on the food security of female-headed households from three counties in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, South Sudan. The analysis of the food security status was based on the Consolidated Approach for Reporting Indicators of Food Security (CARI) and food security was viewed in terms of availability of, and accessibility to food among households. Findings revealed that only 15.5% of the female-headed households sampled were food secure while 84.5% of them were food insecure on the 2-level scale. There was a significant reduction in average household income, size of land under agricultural production and crop harvest. Households lost access to produce markets, supermarkets, agro-input markets and produce stores, lowering their food production potential and farm output. Coping strategies included sale of household items, finding other work to supplement their agricultural activities, revision of household food consumption tendencies, new sales channels, while some of the households did nothing. These strategies are indicators of poverty, hunger and food insecurity which can lead to malnutrition. The study concluded that food security among female-headed households is low post-COVID, pushing women into life-threatening coping strategies in South Sudan. Development efforts in the country should be directed towards supporting recovery and resilience systems among these households in the country.
The effect of thermal stress on egg production in layer chickens under deep litter system in House hold
(Kyambogo University, 2019-11) Muntukwonka, Pascal
Despite the presence of a large number of chickens in Uganda, their contribution to the national economy is still limited due to thermal stress, tropical diseases and nutritional limitations. This study carried out in Kibaale, Mid-Western Uganda was therefore meant to assess farmers’ awareness of the effect of Thermal Stress (TS) on egg production, determine the effect of TS on egg production in layers under deep litter system and assess farmers’ acceptability of measures to control TS and its effects. A survey was carried out in the area of study to assess farmers’ awareness of the effect of thermal stress on egg production after which a CRD experiment was conducted on a farmer’s poultry farm in the study area to determine the effect of TS on feed intake, egg production end egg weight. A total of 180 Hy-line brown layers of 24 weeks were randomly assigned to three thermal treatments of 180C, 240C, and 320C for two weeks. The 240C treatment acted as a control set up since it is within the TCZ. Each treatment was replicated 4 times with each replicate having 15 birds. The survey data obtained was analyzed using SPSS while GenStat was used to analyse experimental data. The ANOVA at a significance level of 95%, (0.05) was used. Whereas survey results revealed that most respondents (82%) had no knowledge of the effect of TS on egg production, experimental results showed that temperature treatments significantly (p<0.05) affected feed intake, number of eggs laid an egg weight. At 180C feed intake increased by 9.5% but egg production decreased by 33.3%. At 320C both feed intake and egg production decreased by 20.8% and 40.0% respectively. Farmers’ acceptability to adopt efficient, flexible and recommended methods to control TS was low at only 11.11%. Although both low temperature and high temperature stress depressed egg production and need to be controlled effectively to improve on egg productivity, high temperature stress was more disastrous than low temperature stress. Findings indicate that there is need for an action research which is participatory where selected farmers can be involved in the study under farmer conditions so that they can effectively control thermal stress.
Effectiveness of group extension methods in promoting high quality cassava flour production among smallholder farmers in Apac district, Uganda
(Kyambogo university (unpublished work), 2018-11) Gobo, Denis
Smallholder farmers of Apac District received advice from extension agents on the production of high quality cassava flour from 2009 to 2015. Despite training, production remained low at 4000kg ha·1 compared to the expected output of 8000kg ha· 1 , which called for an investigation conceived to establish the effectiveness of the group extension methods used in training for high output. A cross sectional survey design was used. Interviews, questionnaires, observations and focused group discussions were used to collect data from a total of 133 respondents consisting of 126 farmers randomly selected from 185 farmers trained. Additionally, seven extension agents completed questionnaires and were interviewed. Using SPSS version 16.0, the data collected was processed to determine frequencies, percentages, cross tabulations and chi-square test. Results show 64% of the famers participated in demonstrations, 73% in field days and 75% in exchange visits. Cross tabulations showed that demonstrations benefited 59% of the farmers in using clean water for processing; field days benefited 65% of the farmers in practicing timely harvesting and exchange visits benefited only 19% in using recommended varieties at planting. The framers whose flour was rejected at sale were: 20% for lack of follow up after training, 14% for reduced training hours and 13% for high speed content delivery. Chi-square showed significant association at O.Ola between farmers participation in demonstrations and knowledge in site selection for cassava production. Most farmers acquired more knowledge from group demonstrations, followed by field days and exchange visits respectively. Methods were effective in practices such as site selection, timely harvesting, use of clean water but not effective in post-harvest handling. Trainers of farmers should keep group size to 6 while combining methods for chipping and post-harvest handling. Time duration and frequency of training should be optimum farmers to produce high quality cassava flour.
An environmental impact assessment of Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 for sustainable urban development: A policy perspective on greenhouse gas emissions
(Elsevier, 2023-12) Altouma, Ahmed; Bashir, Bashar; Ata, Behnam; Ocwa, Akasairi; Alsalman, Abdullah; Harsanyi, Endre; Mohammed, Safwan
Globally, countries are legitimizing actions to curtail the malevolent impacts of environmental degradation. This study examined the interaction between CO2 emissions and selected economic variables within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) was used to analyze the long-run relationships and short-run dynamics between studied variables (1970–2020). The Mann-Kendall (MK) test revealed a significant (p < 0.05) positive increase of GHGs emissions from all sectors across the KSA. The highest increased were captured at the electricity and heat by 7345454.47 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalents/year (p < 0.05). On the hand, the ARDL model indicates that GDP, agriculture, industry, services, and oil production have short-term effects on the environment through CO2 emissions. Therefore, GDP, agriculture, services and oil production contribute to increases in CO2 emissions. While industry contributes to decrease in CO2 emissions. The ARDL model also showed that an increase in GDP of 1 percent increases CO2 emissions by 3.46 percent, while an increase in oil production of 1 percent increases CO2 emissions by 4.04 percent. However, an increase in industry of 1 percent decreases CO2 emissions by 7.25 percent. The output of this research has a policy implication for addressing environmental concerns in the country.
Evaluating the spatiotemporal dynamics of agrometeorological droughts in semi-arid Gwayi agroecosystems (1990–2020) using multiple indices
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-10-10) Chisadza, Bright; Gwate, Onalenna; Musinguzi, Simon Peter
Climate variability poses a significant threat to smallholder farmers in the Gwayi catchment, Zimbabwe. This study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of agrometeorological droughts from 1990 to 2020 using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), and Vegetation Health Index (VHI). The triangulation of these indices provided a comprehensive understanding of drought dynamics. Severe to extreme drought events were identified in 1995, 1998, 2005, 2016, 2018, and 2020, while moderate droughts were consistently detected across all indices. Favourable conditions were observed in 2000 and 2006. A strong positive correlation (r¼0.88) between VHI and VCI suggests their similar effectiveness in reflecting vegetation health. In contrast, moderate correlations between VHI and SPI (r ¼0.30), VHI and SPEI (r¼0.39), VCI and SPI (r¼0.28), and VCI and SPEI (r¼0.40) indicate that these indices capture complementary information, reflecting not only precipitation deficits but also the impacts of temperature, soil moisture, and land cover changes. The SPI and SPEI displayed a strong positive correlation (r ¼0.78), aligning in their sensitivity to precipitation and evapotranspiration. Spatial analysis revealed a pronounced north-south drought gradient, with the southwestern region being particularly vulnerable, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
Farmers' and agricultural advisers' perceptions on the role of education in sweet potato (ipomoea batatas l.) production in Teso, Uganda
(Egerton University (unpublished work), 2003-08) Epeju, William . F;
Poor husbandry, low use of improved inputs and limited access to technical advice are likely to be related to a farmer's education. Forty-six percent of Teso farmers are literate, but the literacy rate of men (66%) is higher than of women (34%). The study investigated the role of education in sweet potato production. Using an ex post facto research design, 24 out of 51 sub-counties were randomly selected based on district county strata and used to determine the perceptions of sweet potato farmers and their agricultural advisers. Through interviews, observations and questionnaires, the survey covered 288 farmers and 33 agricultural advisers, while 329 community leaders and fanners were engaged in focus group discussions. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed qualitatively using open and axial coding; and quantitatively using means, frequencies, percentages, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression at a confidence level of 0.05 alpha. Six sweet potato productivity indicators (output per ha, output per person, output per shilling spent, income per ha, income per person, and income per shilling spent) and their levels were established. Indigenous technical knowledge was the chief source of the farmers' knowledge and skills used in growing sweet potatoes. Farmers with 1-4 years of primary schooling excelled in output per person, output per shilling and income per shilling. Farmers with 13-18 years of formal education and those who had contact with agricultural extension excelled in output per ha, income per ha and income per person. Primary schooling, secondary and college training facilitated in crop production and business management while agricultural extension and university facilitated better soil management. Farmers without formal education achieved lower productivity. Therefore, stakeholders should invest more in relevant farmers' education.
Farmers' knowledge of and attitudes towards the use of inorganic fertilizers for Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) production in Kabale district, Uganda
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2018-07) Rusagura, Joseph
Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the fourth most significant food crop in the world after rice, maize and wheat. However, Irish potato production in Uganda is low with an average yield of 3 tonnes ha-1 without fertilizer use. This is ascribed to high soil nutrient mining coupled with low inorganic fertilizer use. In Kabale District, for example, farmers apply low rates (41.5kg-67.2kg/ha) compared to the recommended application rate of 120kg - 2 l 5kg/ha. There are a number of reasons for the low inorganic fertilizer use, including farmers' knowledge and attitudes. Therefore, the study assessed the farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of inorganic fertilizer for Irish potato production in Kabale District. The target population comprised 363 farmers randomly selected, and 3 Agricultural officers with 4 suppliers of fertilizers purposively selected providing a sample size of 370 respondents. In testing the instruments, validity was found as 0.91 and reliability was found as 0.81. Validity and reliability coefficients were higher than 0.7, Cronbach Alpha which means that the instruments used were valid and reliable. A cross sectional survey design involving interviews and structured questionnaires was used. The results show that majority of respondents (60 .6%) use inorganic fertilizers. NPK is the most commonly used inorganic fertilizer. In terms of quantity, nearly one half (49%) of respondents applied 50kgs/ha while 65 .8% reported lack of sufficient technical knowledge in the use of inorganic fertilizer. The results revealed that there is a positive relationship between three knowledge variables and Irish potato yield as shown respectively (0.868, 0.684, 0.890, p-value<0.01). The results also show that farmers' attitudes were significantly positive to the use of inorganic fertilizers (r=0.417, p<0.05). The socio-economic variables examined were found to influence positively both knowledge and attitudes of the farmers in the use of fertilizers. Based on these results, it was concluded that farmers in Kabale used low fertilizer application rates and lacked sufficient knowledge but the attitudes were positive towards the use of inorganic fertilizer application needed to achieve high yields. It is, therefore, recommended that more sensitization and provision of technical services on inorganic fertilizer use be done and that the Government of Uganda should develop a mechanism for improving the accessibility of inorganic fertilizers by the farmers.
Farmers’ knowledge on the sweetpotato cultivars grown in the Teso sub-region, Uganda
(Research in Agriculture & Applied Economics: Sustainable Agriculture Research., 2014) William Faustine, Epeju
The farmers’ knowledge of the cultivars to use in increasing sweetpotato productivity is critically important. A study was carried out in the Teso Sub-region to investigate the role of education in sweet potato production. Using an ex post facto design, 24 out of 51 sub-counties were purposively selected applying district-county strata and used to determine the perceptions of sweetpotato farmers and of their agricultural advisers. Through interviews, observations and questionnaires, the survey covered 288 farmers randomly selected and a whole population of 33 agricultural advisers, while 329 community leaders purposively selected and farmers randomly selected were engaged in focus group discussions. A total of 650 persons participated. Data were collected on farmers’ knowledge of sweetpotato cultivars grown capturing selected attributes. Analysis of data was done qualitatively using open and axial coding and quantitatively using means, frequencies, percentages, ANOVA and multiple regressions at a confidence level of 0.05 (?). Using selected attributes, farmers identified 139 cultivars grown. The best performing cultivar was Araka yielding a range of 19,001-29,000 kg/ha but was susceptible to the sweetpotato weevil and drought. Araka also stores poorly as dried chips or sliced. The least performing cultivars were Elany ikokolak, Epaku & Ocaka amani with yields below 5,000 kg/ha but less susceptible. Commercialising the crop with value addition, farmers need up-scaling of their scientific knowledge of cultivars and production as basis for better multiplification & selection of vines for higher yields needed in processing the crop for its several uses.
Farmers' personal characteristics in assuring agricultural productivity: lessons from sweet potato farmers in Teso, Uganda
(Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, 2010) Epeju, W. F.
Farmers constantly require incentives to stay in production. This paper discusses findings on farmers' personal characteristics salient in production among sweet potato farmers from the study done in Teso, Uganda. Both farmers and agricultural advisers consulted agreed that the weather is a big factor in agricultural production. Over 91% of the farmers expressed positive attitudes towards growing sweet potatoes which spelt their interest in farming. Conditions under which farmers worked affected enterprise productivity. Key elements in the farmers' work environment in Teso included basic factors in agricultural production, essential needs, accelerating needs, health, rights and readiness to work. The assuring farmers' personal characteristics on sweet potato productivity in Teso were: farmer's income, marital status, age, years of school agriculture done, and exposure to agricultural extension. The income sources at any one period varied by farmer. The exposure to agricultural extension was significantly related statistically to two productivity indicators of income per ha and income per person. On formal education, 96% of the farmers surveyed had attained primary education, which was found significant in their work. Farmer's age was significantly related statistically to the productivity indicator of income per hectare. There was gender division of labour. Gender is significant in sweet potato production in Teso. Majority of farmers had more than 45 years of farming which was significant experience. Therefore, based on the study, the farmers' personal characteristics found significant on agricultural productivity among the farmers are: income level, exposure to agricultural extension, years of school agriculture done (educational level) which determined the farmers' knowledge of what to do, marital status, farmer's age, gender and farming experience such as years in growing sweet potatoes.
Farming practices and food security of smallholder farmers in kiruhura district, south western Uganda
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2023-10) Tumukunde, Jackson
This study examined how farming practices influence smallholder farmers’ food security in Kiruhura district of Uganda. The specific objectives were to: describe the farming practices of smallholder farmers in Kiruhura district; determine the factors that influence the selection of farming practices among farmers in Kiruhura district, and to establish the relationship between household farming practices and household food security. Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey using questionnaires from a sample size of 310. In addition, key informant interviews and field observations was done. The study findings showed that most smallholder farmers used varied levels of external inputs in agricultural production with about half of them combining use of external inputs with traditional farming practices. The choice of the farming practice to use was influenced by human, financial, social and natural factors, but natural factors have the greatest influence. Further, the dimensions of food security it is food availability and access that were assessed. The results showed that households that practiced high external inputs dependency farming were more food secure (food availability) than those that did not use external inputs in farming. The study revealed that there was a statistical difference between farming practices and food security within smallholder farmers at a 10% level of significance. Hence, farming practices that involve use of external inputs can significantly contribute to food security. Given that choice of whether or not to use external inputs largely depends on natural factors, designing interventions that conserve soil and water, and those that improve soil fertility to improve food security can enhance food security.

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