Masters Degree Dissertations

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Effects of human activities on plant species diversity in a wetland ecosystem: a case study of koga wetland, in river rwizi, mbarara district
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2018-12) Chegem, Lolem Lucy
Wetlands are the most productive life support systems in that they provide diverse wildlife habitats. In Uganda 50% of the wetlands have been interfered with by human activities to support livelihoods either through direct consumption or sale of wetland products. The overall objective of this study was to examine the effects of human activities on plant species diversity in river Rwizi with a focus on Koga wetland which is 23km long and 4km wide. The wetland was purposely selected as a representative sample because it was characterized by a majority of human activities taking place in river Rwizi wetland in Mbarara District. Google Earth map and Geographical Information System tools were used to identify and map human activities and it was found out that the dominant human activities were Brick making, animal grazing, crop growing and settlement. Nested plots of varying sizes were used to determine plant species diversity; 2500 m2 nested plot, 400 m2 4 m2 and 1 m2 were used for trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses respectively. Counts, percentages and twin comparisons of plant species in the disturbed and the undisturbed study sites were determined and recorded. Simpson's Diversity index was used to measure plant to measure the plant species index. Findings of the study revealed that, among the dominant human activities carried out in the study area, all human activities were destructive to the population of the plant species, in that the cropped area had only 6% of the plant species, the bricked had 9% while the settled had 35% and the grazed 36% indicating that there were very slight differences in their effects. This study further determined the differences in diversity score of plant species diversity among the disturbed and the w1disturbed sites by use of Simpson's Diversity Index. The study revealed that the bricked site had 0.65(65%), followed by the undisturbed site with 0.59 (59%), The grazed site ranked third with 0.53 (53%) diversity score, then settled came fourth with 0.50(50%) and cropped ranked last with the least diversity score of 0.46 (46%). Based on the findings, the study concludes that there are no much differences among the effect of the human activities on plant species diversity and thus all activities affect the plant species diversity. So, there is an urgent need for government and environmental activists to mitigate this situation. From the findings, it is recommend that future researchers need to consider qualitative studies such as in-depth interviews with wetland invaders.
Effect of climate variability and change on millet production in Gweri Subcounty, Soroti district, Uganda
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2023-10) Atim, Sarah
The study examined the effect of climate variability and change on millet production in Gweri Sub County Soroti district. The specific objective were; to determine the trend of climate change and variability, assess farmers perceptions on the effects of climate change and climate variability on millet grain yields and to determine farmers adaptation practices to climate change and climate variability in Gweri Sub County, Soroti district. A cross sectional survey was adopted and data collection involved both use of primary data and secondary data. Primary data was collected from 80 households including farmers and extension workers in Gweri sub county Soroti district. Data was analysed using statistical package SPSS version 16. Result show predicted increase in rainfall and mean temperature of gweri sub county by the year 2039 respectively. Respondents acknowledged that rainfall amounts have changed, onset and cessation are dynamic, and a decline in millet yields attributed to climate variability and change was reported. The most prominent coping mechanisms include growing improved crops varieties, mixed cropping planting of 2nd season crops in 1st season and planting of 1st season crops in 2nd season due to change in climate, shifting from water stressed and flood prone areas and adjusting on planting dates and crop diversification. In conclusion, both climate models, namely RCP 8.5 and RCP 4.5, predict an increase in annual rainfall, with values of 1830.6 and 1651.9 mm, respectively, for the year 2031. This trend is followed by similar peaks in the years 2036 and 2033. Additionally, the same models forecast a sustained and consistent rise in annual mean temperatures for Gweri Sub County, reaching 27.56°C in the year 2039, with similar high levels expected in 2032 and 2035. It's noteworthy that throughout this period, the annual mean temperatures remain within the optimal range of 26°C, favoring the growth of millet. This information was generated with the assistance of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AGMIP), which contributed to the prediction of increased annual rainfall, and data analysis was executed to provide these valuable insights.
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.
Effects of land use and land cover change on people’s livelihoods in Kira municipality, central Uganda
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2023-07) Busolo, Paul
Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes have been experienced globally due to pressure from the ever-increasing human populations and environmental conditions associated with climate change and the resultant effects on livelihoods derived thereof. This study investigated LULC Change on people’s livelihoods in Kira Municipality, Central Uganda. Specifically, the study was set to; (i) determine the extent of LULC Change in Kira Municipality between 2000 and 2021, (ii) establish the perceived drivers of LULC Change and, (iii) assess the impact of LULC Change on people’s livelihood types in Kira Municipality. Landsat 7 and 8 images were accessed and downloaded from the United States Geological Survey’s earth explorer portal and were used for determining LULC Changes for three periods (2000, 2011 & 2021). The obtained images were taken through pre-processing, processing and post-processing steps in Arc GIS 10.4 software. For LULC Change analysis, a supervised maximum livelihood classification and discriminate analysis computations were done. Additionally, the socio-economic field data was collected from purposively selected households in the study area for analysis of the perceived drivers of LULC Change and their impact on people’s livelihood types. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis techniques. The results revealed a marked Change in LULC between 2000 and 2021 with a wide increase in the built-up land (33.5%), a decline in wetland, farmland and forest land. The Change in LULC, were largely driven by demographic and institutional factors related to rapidly growing population and limited supervision respectively. These fueled intensification of settlements, industrial and infrastructural developments. Furthermore, LULC Change impacted on livelihoods by influencing human livelihood types which were largely positive because they are the greatest employers of the majority of the population and so sustaining numerous lives in this Municipality. Such types of livelihoods were mainly transportation, building and construction and trade work/services. It is concluded that there were significant Changes in LULC in Kira Municipality in the last two decades, driven by increase in human populations in this area. It is therefore recommended that vertical development is embraced to check on the escalating urban population and also regulate Land Uses in ecologically sensitive ecosystems like wetlands and forests in this area that are associated with habitant losses in terms of land and its resources.
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.
The impact of urban land use practices on water quality in river Mpanga in fort-portal Municipality, Kabarole District
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2014-02) Lucy, Akite
This study was conducted in Fort-Portal Municipality, Kabarole District in 2010/2013. Major aims were: identifying and mapping the different land use practices along Mpanga River in Fort-Portal Municipality; to find out the relationships between the different land use practices and the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of the water in River Mpanga in Fort-Portal Municipality in relation to land uses and to compare the quality of water in the river at inflow and outflow. Laboratory analysis of samples of river water taken on the basis of different land uses were done to determine the physical characteristics (parameters included; Total dissolve solids, Total suspended solids and Electrical conductivity). Chemical characteristics (parameters included; Bio-chemical oxygen demand, Chemical oxygen demand, Total Phosphate, pH, and Nitrate). Biological characteristics included; fecal coli form in order to ascertain the degree of the impact of urban land use practices on the quality of water in the river at inflow, within urban center and at outflow. Emphasis was also put to find out whether land uses within urban areas continued to affect water quality in the river when the water had left the Municipality. Survey design and purposive sampling technique were used. Methods of data collection were direct and critical field observations and observation of analysis of samples of water in the Laboratory. Statistical method of data analysis was standard deviation. Mean results got were presented in constructed tables for each land use and mean plot graphs of the reach which portrayed changes in the quality of water. Conclusively, the land uses in Fort-Portal Municipality have not impacted so much on the river water of Mpanga because most of their average values are below the National Standards with exception of Municipal abattoir where its TP is 18.37 mg/l, COD is 199.50mg/l and Animal grazing farm had a TP average value of 12.34mg/l all are above the National Standards for effluents discharge in water body. Other land use practices were environmentally friendly. The average values of all the parameters at inflow and outflow presents that there is no pollution. All the urban land uses are recommended along Mpanga River within the Municipality with the exception of animal grazing farm and Municipal abattoir because of their high TP, TSS arid COD. Continuous monitoring of water quality at Municipal abattoir by NWSC is required by use of waste Treatment Plant before discharged in the environment. Animal grazing farm need to be far away from the river in order to avoid pollution of river water by their wastes.
Factors influencing the changing urban land use Patterns in mbale municipality since 1995.
(Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2013-03) Gesa, Ali
This study focused on the factors influencing the changing Urban land use patterns in Mbale Municipality since 1995. There were three main objectives set in the study, that is, to describe the previous and current land use patterns in Mbale Municipality since 1995, to examine the underlying causes and effects of the changing urban land use patterns in Mbale Municipality since 1995, and to establish the relationship between urban land uses and Mbale urban structure plans or schemes for 1954 and 1997. Purposive sampling method was used to arrive at the samples for the study. A population of study was selected. They included business community (commercials), homesteads, industrialists and planners. Observation, questionnaires and interviews guides were the major research instruments used. Observation was used especially on observing the current land use changes. Questionnaires and interview guides were administered to collect data from the sampled categories • of people in Mbale Municipality. Documentary review was used to supplement on primary data obtained from interviews and questionnaires. The data was analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, Tables, pie charts, graphs, maps and photographs. Previously, before 1995 low lying areas and valleys were reserved for conservation and public open spaces. Gently sloping areas were mainly for residential, administrative, institutional and commercial purposes. Currently after 1995, land uses have been mixed up in all the three divisions. You find both residential and commercial activities taking place in areas meant for industrial or conservation area. The changes in land use patterns in Mbale municipality have been influenced by mainly socio-economic factors. The effects resulting from the changing urban land use patterns are diverse which included the following: Destruction of wetland areas, encroachment on open spaces, urban farm land and land use conflicts among others. A comparison of the changes in land use patterns in Mbale municipality are not in line with the Mbale urban structure plans/schemes of 1954 and 1997. It was recommended that stakeholders devise measures such as implementing land use regulations among other measures to ensure proper growth of the town as it processes for a city status.
Prediction of inundation due to Kabuyanda dam failure and its impact on the communities of Isingiro district, western Uganda
(Kyambogo University[unpublished work], 2022-09-01) Esagu, John Calvin
Globally, dams are indispensable in overcoming hindrances posed by climate change through ensuring sustainable water supply for irrigation. However, in case of failure, Dam floods cause devastating effects in fatalities and financial losses. The study focused on predicting the flood extent in case of Kabuyanda dam failure, determining the exposure of land use types, estimate the damages/losses resulting from the inundation in the eventuality of the dam failure and establish possible flood mitigation measures in Isingiro district. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted following both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System model was used to predict flow simulation while depth-damage stage, and replacement values were considered for risk analysis. The data used was acquired from Uganda Beareau of statistics, Ministry of education and sports, Ministry of health, Ministry of water and environment, National risk and vulnerability atlas for Uganda, key informant interviews, and google earth. Geo-spatial analysis, descriptive statistics, and Nvivo software were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that in the eventuality of a dam failure, the spatial extent of floodwater would inundate approximately 1,745.65 hectares of land totaling 43.20% of the Kabuyanda flood plain (4040.60 hectares) with flood velocity and depth ranging between 11.99 m/s to 0 m/s and 0-8.4 m respectively. About 5, 756 people, 319.15 hectares of croplands, 178 roads, 8 schools, police post, and a medical center are exposed to potential dam-break inundation and damage with loss estimate totaling approximately 4,158,130,546 UGS. Flood preparedness will be more vital than response and recovery. Low flood zone and uphill regions are suggested as evacuation centers; river banks for forestry and flood fringe for crop cultivation. Conclusively, elevation within the flood plain determines water surface movement, damageability while losses depend on flood velocity and depth. Therefore, flood emergency preparedness strategies are a prerequisite in protecting the downstream population, reducing the damages and losses that could to result from potential dam failure. The estimated cost is 1,670,738 USD (5,912.992,392 UGX) towards meeting the activities to mitigate an inundation disaster in Kabuyanda irrigation scheme in the Isingiro notably evacuation and resettlement from the flood danger spots.
Use of improved methods of crop farming and livelihoods of small holder farmers in Luuka district
(Kyambogo University[unpublished work], 2022-10) Mawogole, Bosco
The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of improved methods of crop farming on the livelihoods of small-holder farmers in Luuka district. The objectives of study included; to find out the improved methods of crop farming used by small holder farmers, to determine the effect of improved methods of crop farming on the financial capital, physical possessions and food availability for small holder farmers in Luuka district. The study adopted a cross sectional study design. The sample size was 295 respondents which consisted of 275 household heads, 15 Village Local council 1 chairpersons, 2 Sub- County chairpersons, 2 Sub – County Operation Wealth Creation staff and 1 District Agricultural Officer. Purposive and simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. The study relied mostly on primary data that was collected using questionnaires, interview and observation methods. The quantitative data were analyzed by tabulating, and computing frequencies, percentages and the chi – square test was run to determine whether there were significant differences between adopters and non-adopters in terms of livelihoods. Qualitative data was analyzed by coding and establishing common themes according to objectives of study that emerged in the process of interacting with participants. The findings show that most farmers in Luuka district (69.1%) had adopted improved methods of crop farming. The dominant improved methods of crop farming in the area were; use of high breed crops (25.8%), use of pesticides (13.7%), use of crop rotation (13.2%) and use of fertilizers (11.1%). Findings reveal that use of improved methods of crop farming practices improved farmers’ incomes, led to acquisition of more physical assets and increased food availability. Using the study findings it is recommended that it necessitates training small holder farmers to adopt improved methods of crop farming practices, sensitize small holder farmers in order to increase food availability and incomes. As such, policy makers should encourage adoption of improved methods of crop farming practices.
Climate change adaptation and food security in Lamwo district, Northern Uganda
(Kyambogo University (un published work), 2018-12) Alonyo, Sharon
The study was carried out to investigate the effects of climate change adaptations on food security in Lamwo district. Specifically, it identified climate change trends in Lamwo district, analyzed the effects of climate change adaptation practices on food availability, access, utilization and stability. The study was conducted in two sub counties of Agora and Madi Opei that were purposively selected from the whole district because these two sub counties lie in the little rain corridor hence experience long dry conditions. There were 375 households who were randomly selected for the study. The methods used to collect data from the field included documentary review which was used to collect data on climate change trends ,direct observation which was used to obtain information about Climate Change Adaptation Practices (CCAPs) in Lamwo. The interview method was used to collect data on the- relationship between CCAPs and food security. The findings revealed that there were great variations in the rainfall amounts, number of rain months, rain days and temperature. Early planting was found to be the most dominant on-farm CCAP with 38.2% followed by use of new crop varieties by 25.4%, drought resistant crops by 21.6%, small scale irrigation farming by 7.8% and crop diversification by 6.4%. The mosi dominant off-farm CCAP was motor cycling with 50%, followed by operation of shops by 25%, brick laying and market , -ending with I 0%. It also found out that that 1.2% households had inadequate food to eat, 95.7% had moderate food availability while 3.1 % had adequate food availability. The study revealed that 19.5% households had access to food, 63.2% had moderate access to food and 17.3% had inadequate access to food. 37.5% households had less dietary diversity, 58.2 % bad moderate dietary diversity while 4.3 % had great dietary diversity. It also revealed that 5.0% households had stable food stability while 95% had unstable food stability. The study concluded that adaptation was better than non-adaptation. It therefore recommended that households should adapt to climate change using the various strategies since in all aspects, adaptation was better than non-adaptation.
Interpreting the effects of sand mining in Lwera wetland using landscape metrics and testing a rehabilitation approach
(Kyambogo University(Unpublished work), 2018-12) Akello, Gertrude
Wetlands are one of the most valuable ecosystems but are fast getting degraded. Increasing threats of environmental degradation to wetlands has driven adoption of ecological rehabilitation as one of the tools for conservation. Rehabilitation has further been emphasized to compensate for the biodiversity values lost in carrying out development projects in fragile ecosystems. For a mined wetland at Lwera, an attempt was made to: (i) study the spatial patterns of wetland fragmentation using landscape metrics computed from satellite-based land cover classification, and (ii) test differences in establishment of the dominant wetland vegetation in the area (Cyperus Typha angustifolia and Phragmiles). To assess the mining footprint, the active mining wetland area was mapped and constrained around some area for landscape analysis using sensor data. To test a rehabilitation strategy, a northerly transect was selected with random intervals at pits where experimental pits were set. In each of the pits, six replicate plots were set up, that is, for each species two arrays of four platforms, one arranged parallel and the other conterminous at the edges. The platforms were each lined with perforated sisal bags anchored on supports at the platform corners. Rhizomes of the plants were then planted on the platforms where wetland soil material had been placed. The results of landscape analysis showed fragmentation of the wetland, mostly by mining activities. For instance, using a representative metric, namely vegetation patch number, it was shown that the number of patches under vegetation increasesd from 400 in 2016 to 620 in 2017 and then to 7 10 in 2018, depicting a discontinuous and patchy landscape and with this was a change in landscape structure. Further, the results on testing establishment of the native wetland species showed that the species rapidly established, but Papyrus was particularly more successful growing up to a shoot length of 94cm as compared to Typha (80. I 4cm) and Phragmites (64cm). It was also shown that the distance from the lake had a significant effect on establishment of the three species tested (P S 0.05). The results were beneficial in reporting the effects of mining on the wetland and demonstrated the possibility of using remote sensing to quantify spatial changes in the wetland. It was however clear that expansion dynamics of the planted species cannot be studied in a short period of time which calls for a long term study.
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.
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.
The impact of refugee settlement of vegetation and land use changes in Imvepi, Arua district,nothern western Uganda
(Kyambogo University(Unpublished work), 2021-08) Mweru, Aron
With increasing refugee influx into Uganda, environmental degradation especially of vegetation cover, with possible irreversible effects is likely in refugee hosting centers. This study aimed at ascertaining the impact of refugee settlement on vegetation and land use changes in Imvepi in Arua District-Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to; to examine the extent and trend of vegetation and land use changes between 2016 and 2019, assess the quantities of fuel-wood harvested by refugees and to analyze the determinants of fuel-wood usage by refugees. Sentinel 2A Imagery data of the study area for four years (2016-2019) were used to map the changes in vegetation and land use, using the Maximum likelihood classification algorithm in QGIS 3.12 software. Following a cross-sectional study design, a sample of 221 households from refugees and hosting community were selected using systematic random and purposive sampling procedures. From these, socio-economic data was collected using questionnaire, interview and focused group discussions. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Multiple Response and content analyses. At inferential level, statistical tests were computed using Paired-Samples T-Test and Binomial Statistical Test. Results showed that, woodlands and bushlands declined by 19% and 7%, respectively whilst farmland increased by 27% during the period under study. Refugees collected an average daily head-weight of wet and dry wood of 16 and 12 kg, respectively while average daily, and weekly weight of 2 kg and 1.2 basins of charcoal, respectively. The quantities of dry and wet fuel-wood harvested and used by refugees varied significantly. Family size, culture, poverty, type of food cooked, weak enforcement of environmental policies and methods of cooking significantly determined the quantities of wood and charcoal harvested and used in Imvepi refugee settlement. The study concludes that settling refugees in Imvepi has caused woodland and bushland vegetation degradation. The decision was associated with the need for built-up infrastructure, agricultural land expansion and large-scale fuel-wood consumption. Therefore, programs to revegetate degraded wood and bushlands, restrict refugee numbers at given settlements, promote use of fuel-wood saving techniques, and improve the economic status of refugee households should be emphasized by the UNHCR and the government.
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.
Sugarcane growing and household food security: a case study of Mafubira sub- county: Jinja district.
(Kyambogo University (un published work), 2019-10) Waibi, Mohamedi
The major purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between sugarcane growing and household food security in Mafubira Sub-county, Jinja District. The study was guided by three objectives namely: to establish the effect of land allocation to sugarcane growing on household food security, to find out the expenditure of income from sugarcane growing with regard to household food security and to examine the challenges associated with sugarcane growing in relation to household food security. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was heads of sugarcane growing households and Village Chairpersons of sugarcane out growers association. The study relied mostly on primary data that was collected using questionnaires, interview guide, focus group discussion guide and observation guide. The study generated both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative data was analysed by tabulating and computing percentages while qualitative data was analysed by coding and establishing common themes that emerged in the process of interacting with participants. The findings show that sugarcane farmers owning land less than ten acres are more vulnerable to food insecurity. The findings also show that sugarcane growing plays an important role in the livelihood of farmers as it generates income used to purchase food, acquire more land, pay school fees for children, access to better health care, construction of decent homesteads and access to agricultural loans. The study further established that sugarcane growing contributes to environmental degradation through encroachment on marginal land and increased soil exhaustion due to mono culture. From the findings the study concluded that sugarcane growing had a negative effect on household food security among people in Mafubira Sub-county. This is because much of the land had been taken up by sugarcane growing leaving small plots for food crops. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that there is need to pass an ordinance to encourage people owning land less than five acres to practice mixed farming crop diversification and using modern scientific methods of farming.
Factors influencing the adoption of organic farming practices in the banana cropping systems in Kajara County, Ntungamo district
(Kyambogo University [ Unpublished work], 2021-09) Atwijukye, Dunstan
This study was carried out in Kajara County, Ntungamo District aimed at identifying and characterising the existing organic farming practices used by smallholder farmers; establishing the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing adoption of organic farming practices in the banana cropping system. To achieve the above objectives systematic and purposive sampling the study adopted a cross sectional research design whereby data was collected from 357 farmers through household surveys using questionnaires, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data was analysed with the help of SPSS, whereby descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were determined, chi-square tests were run to examine whether there were significant differences between adopters and non-adopters in relation to the adoption of organic farming practices. Study findings show that, mulching was highly organic farming practice employed followed by weed management, use of farmyard manure, pest management, use of crop residues and use of cover crops as the least utilised practice; chi-square test results revealed that there were significant differences between adopters and non-adopters with regard to, age of the household head, gender , household size, years of farming experience, ownership of land, off-farm income, number of extension contacts, membership to farmer groups and access to credit significantly influenced the use of organic farming practices. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between adopters and non-adopters of organic farming practices concerning the education level and marital status thus did not influence the rate of adoption. Therefore, this study recommends interventions that enhance farmers’ awareness through agricultural advisory services with a focus on organic farming practices, increased access to credit facilities, and secure land tenure.
Integrating ecological principles and traditional knowledge systems in local resource management planning in Uganda
(Kyambogo University, 2019-11) Namboozo, Gertrude
The extent to which natural resources management planning in Uganda put into consideration ecological principles and traditional knowledge systems is still a matter of debate. This study was undertaken to determine the extent to which current local resources management plans integrate ecological principles and traditional knowledge. Based on a purposive sampling strategy, 44 plans were secured after initial contact with District Natural Resources Officers and Ministry of water and Environment out of which, 27 were used. During this process, un-structured interviews about the planning process were conducted with key informants and these helped to pry into any efforts towards use of traditional knowledge in resource management planning. From the obtained data and review of literature, a plan coding protocol sensitive to traditional resource valuation systems was developed, with 6 traditional knowledge indicators incorporated into the 5 ecological principles/components. The tool was then used to evaluate the land resources’ management plans initiated at the local community level. Meta-analysis was used to examine the extent of integration of ecological principles and traditional knowledge whereas one-way ANOVA was used to determine the variations in integration across ecosystem, space and time. Meta-analysis involved standardizing component-wise scores to generate overall measure of ecosystem plan quality and the derivation of plan quality based upon presence, quality and total quality issue scores. Analysis of the data revealed an overall plan quality score of 23.97 out of 50, with a mean ecological component indicator score of 4 on a scale of 1-10 while traditional knowledge indicators contributed 4.7% to overall plan quality score. The one-way ANOVA revealed a p-value of 0.20 for plan scores by regions, 0.02 for plan scores by ecosystem and 0.057 for plan scores by time. The null hypothesis that land resources management plans in Uganda do not integrate ecological principles and traditional knowledge was rejected. It is construed that to a small extent, land resources management plans drawn at the local community level in Uganda integrate ecological principles and traditional knowledge and this varies across ecosystems and time. It is recommended that ecosystem management planners should consider reviewing plans and strengthening ecological principles and traditional knowledge aspects that promote sustainability and protect integrity of land resources. Further research is needed to assess the actual implementation of the plans in the field.
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.
Assessing the effectiveness of municipal solid waste Management system, constraints and opportunities In lira municipality, northern Uganda
(Kyambogo University, 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.

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