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Food environment and dietary intake of female smallholder farmers in rural Uganda: the case of Mpigi district
(BMC Nutrition, 2025-11-18) Nambooze, Joweria; Kansabe, Shirley; Nakayiki Nyanzi, Lilian; Mbabazi, Muniirah; Mirembe, Winnie; Agole, David; Birungi, Tracy Lukiya; Kakande, James; Nantongo, Veronica
Background
Malnutrition remains persistent among female smallholder farmers who produce most of the food consumed in Uganda; yet, information on their food environment is limited. We tested the hypothesis that rural female smallholder farmers rely mostly on the food they produce for their dietary intake.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 386 female smallholder farmers of reproductive in Mpigi district, Central Uganda. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall, producing the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) score, and facets of the food environment were assessed using self-reported perceptions and a seven-day food frequency questionnaire. The cost, and sources of the consumed foods were also assessed. The food-environment predictors of MDD-W were analyzed using binary logistic regression in Stata 15.
Results
Results revealed that less than half of the respondents, 43.3% (n = 167) met the MDD-W, whereas 56.7% (n = 219) did not. The respondents primarily depended on a bought food environment from which they obtained an average of 6.5 (± 2.9) food items compared to their own production 4.5 (± 2.4). Every household spent an average of United States Dollars (USD) 8.5 (± 7.9) to buy food in the seven days preceding the study. The odds that a woman met the MDD-W increased by 18% (p = 0.00) if they bought food, by 13% (p = 0.01) if they obtained food through their home-stead production, and by 4% (p = 0.00) if they had any positive or negative perceptions on physical access to food.
Conclusions
Compared with their own production, female smallholder farmers in rural areas like Mpigi depend more on the bought food environment for their dietary intake. Innovations that enhance physical and economic access to diverse diets, promote both diverse production and purchase alongside social behavior change communication, are recommended to improve the dietary diversity of female smallholder farmers in Mpigi.
Economic integration and private investment : a case study of the East African community
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-06) Tibihika, Amon
Economic integration necessitates the removal of trade barriers within the union, as well as the imposition of common trade barriers. All this has been linked to potential GDP growth and growth in private investment (Martin-Mayoral et al., 2016). Therefore, this study conducts an empirical examination of the impact of Economic integration on Private investment in the East African Community in 5 selected partner countries. Additionally, it aims to examine the effect of some selected macroeconomic variables, such as taxes, inflation, domestic credit, and real interest rate on Private Investment in the EAC member states. The research utilizes panel data obtained from secondary sources covering a period of 1990 to 2021 in five partner nations of the East African Community. The primary source of data for this study was the World Bank Development Indicators database. The study extends the investment model by Jorgenson (1967) which is based on the assumption that firms aim to maximize their profits by choosing the optimal level of investment that balances the expected returns on investment with the cost of capital. And Regional economic integration theory by (Viner, 2014) argues that the drive for regional integration goes beyond just the elimination of tariff barriers. Analytically, the panel data technique of fixed effects is used for the empirical analysis as guided by the Hausman Test. Economic integration was found to have a positive and significant effect on private investment at 1 percent level of significance in the EAC region. The coefficient of Economic integration means that when Countries join EAC, they are predicted to register higher private investments of about 13 percent more than before joining keeping other factors constant. In addition, Inflation had a positive and significant effect on private investment. In contrast, real interest rates had a negative effect, though significant effect on Private investment. However, credit and taxes had no significant effect on private investment. Based on these facts, the report suggests that East African Community (EAC) members should encourage more member countries to join the (EAC). If Countries join resources, they are able to have a conducive environment for private investment. EAC Members should also establish a united East African Development Bank that can provide credit to private investors at very low-interest rates as is the case with developed countries. Central Banks should adopt appropriate monetary policies to keep inflation moderate.
Determination of the quality parameter ranges of reinforcing bars used in Uganda's construction industry
(Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2024-10) Agaba Pius
Uganda's construction industry faces a serious concern with substandard reinforcing bars (rebars), leading to building collapses, fatalities, and financial losses. A study was conducted to determine quality parameter ranges of reinforcing bars by determining mass per unit length, testing mechanical properties, analyzing chemical composition, and evaluating conformity to standards. The goal was to prevent future collapses and safeguard lives and investments. Experiments focused on 10 mm and 12 mm rebars, commonly used in various construction projects, unlike larger rebars typically made from imported billets. Samples from four hardware stores representing different manufacturers were tested, with initial measurements taken using a meter rule and weighing scale to assess length and mass. Later, the mass per unit length was calculated and it was found that the obtained results were within acceptable ranges from 0.567 kg/m to 0.667 kg/m for rebars with diameters of 10 mm and 0.838 kg/m to 0.938 kg/m for rebars with diameters of 12 mm based on US-EAS 412-2-2022. Mechanical properties like yield stress, tensile strength, elongation, and stress ratio were tested on a universal testing machine and they revealed acceptable yield stress values above 500 MPa and elongation above 14% across all samples. While all rebars exhibited yield stress above the minimum allowable limit of 500 MPa based on US EAS 412-2-2022, some did not meet the stress ratios like A10, B12, C10, C12, and 012, which were below the specified minimum 1.15 outlined in US EAS 412-2-2022. Bending tests indicated no observable cracks in the rebars. On the other hand, using a spectrometer, the chemical composition of steel rebars was analyzed, and it was revealed that some elements were slightly below allowable limits. The analysis focused on major alloying elements, including C, Mn, Si, P, S, Cr, Mo, Ni, V, and Cu. Rebar A10's manganese content was significantly below the minimum allowable limit of 1.6% (at 0.75 %).Other elements (C, Si, P, S, Cr, Mo, Ni,V, Cu) were within allowable minimum limits, aligning with US EAS 412-2-2022 standards. The carbon equivalent value (CEV) was then calculated and used to evaluate weldability, which ranged from 0.315 to 0.376, all falling within acceptable established standards. Notably, while three rebars A12, B10, and 010 met the specified quality parameters, the other five rebars A 10, B 12, C 10, C 12, and 012 did not conform, primarily due to low-stress ratios below 1.15, a critical factor affecting ductility and load absorption during seismic events. This research could improve the rebar quality and help prevent future building collapses, protect lives, and safeguard investments. The findings emphasized the need for stricter quality control in rebar production and selection to avoid structural failures.
Modern contraceptive use among young women in Kampala slums : research findings from the TOPOWA study
(International Journal of environmental research and public health, 2025-11-15) Swahn, Monica H.; Namuyiga, Josephine; Matovu, Gideon; Natuhamya, Charles; Palmier, Jane; Nabulya, Anna; Kebirungi, Harriet
Unintended pregnancies among adolescent and young women in low- and middle-income countries pose major public health challenges, underscoring the need for improved access to modern contraceptives. This study examined prevalence, preferences, and correlates of modern contraceptive use among young women living in urban slums of Kampala, Uganda, to inform targeted interventions. We analyzed baseline data from The Onward Project on Wellbeing and Adversity (TOPOWA), an NIH-funded, multi-component prospective cohort study on mental health among women aged 18–24 years. In 2023, 300 participants were recruited from three sites (Banda, Bwaise, Makindye). Interviewer-administered surveys assessed contraceptive choices, lifestyle, and demographic factors. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine correlates of contraceptive use. Among participants, 66.0% had ever used contraception, 40.0% were current users, and 38.0% reported modern contraceptive use. Multivariable analyses showed that having a consistent partner (PR = 3.28; 95% CI: 1.90–5.67), engaging in sex work (PR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.46–3.02), older age (PR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01–1.16), and having children (PR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.12–2.66) were associated with higher modern contraceptive use. Findings highlight important gaps in sustained contraceptive use and the need for tailored interventions addressing economic, social, and educational barriers to improve reproductive health in this low-resource setting.
Research designs in sports and health science
(International Journal of Recreation and Sports Science, 2025-10-14) Mwebaze, Nicholas; Mugampoza, Diriisa; Nankwanga, Annet; Nahwera, Loyce; Ojara, Ricky Richard; Lumbuye, Linika; Kamwebaze, Mark
Research design is the heart of a good study in health and sport science, defining how data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted to advance knowledge and practice. This systematic narrative review addresses both quantitative and qualitative research designs commonly employed in these disciplines, describing their methodology characteristics, applications, and drawbacks. Quantitative designs covered are descriptive, correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental, longitudinal, cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, and survey research. Recent examples of sports and health research illustrate how these designs allow causality, prevalence, risk factor, and intervention effectiveness. The review also analyses qualitative designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, case studies, and narrative research based on how they help to explore lived experiences, social context, and meaning making processes that are pivotal to the understanding of athlete behavior and health outcomes. Furthermore, the review mentions major gaps through the incorporation of mixed methods research that integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide richer analyses. Among some of the emerging new innovative designs like ecological momentary assessment, adaptive trials, and technology-enabled data collection are explained in terms of how they can achieve maximal ecological validity and accuracy. The intersection of data science and digital technologies, such as machine learning and wearable sensors, is seen to be transforming research possibilities, demanding adaptive methodological designs. Research design choice issues in research settings, especially in low-resource settings like in Uganda, are also considered to be culturally acceptable and viable. Ethical issues in sport and health studies, such as participant consent and confidentiality, are also considered. The review concludes with a guide for researchers and practitioners to choose a suitable designs based on their research questions, accessible resources, and norms of ethics. By incorporating current trends and existing frameworks, the paper is a handy reference to construct methodologically rigorous and efficient research in sports and health science.