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Banana plant wastes for biofuels: indicators from characterization for thermochemical conversion
(Taylor & Francis, 2026-03-19) Menya, Emmanuel; Wakatuntu, Joel; Turyasingura, Medard; Okot, Christopher; Storz, Henning; Kabenge, Isa; Kizito, Simon Savio; Komakech, Allan John; Olupot, Peter Wilberforce; Okello, Collins
The banana value chain in Uganda generates a wide range of waste biomass, yet its suitability for thermochemical conversion remains largely unstudied. This study aimed to characterise banana rhizome, pseudostem, peduncle and inflorescences from Mbwazirume and Mpologoma cultivars in Uganda for potential use in thermochemical conversion processes. These wastes were characterised for lignocellulosic, proximate, elemental, and mineral composition, and higher heating value (HHV). Moisture content ranged from 9 to 14wt%, volatile matter 74-82%db, fixed carbon 12–17%db, and ash content 3-13%db. Inflorescences exhibited the highest lignin content (15.23–17.23%daf) and HHV (14.55–15.85 MJkg−1) across cultivars, suggesting higher suitability for biochar production compared to its counterparts. However, inflorescencesexhibited the highest nitrogen content (2.47–2.56%daf), suggesting higher NOx emissions potential. Inflorescences, rhizomes and peduncle exhibited higher ash content (6–13%db) than pseudostem (3.35–3.85%db), suggesting increased risk of slagging and fouling of heat transfer surfaces. Predominant mineral elements were found to be K (15888–28363 ppm), Ca (2000–9000 ppm), Si (2000–9000 ppm), and Mg (1120–4928 ppm), which can have catalytic functions during thermal decomposition. The low fuel ratio (0.16–0.22) of the wastes suggested poor fuel properties. These properties could be enhanced through torrefaction, making the wastes more suitable as sustainable feedstocks for biofuel production.
Techno-economic assessment of municipal solid waste gasification for electricity generation: a case study of Kampala City, Uganda
(Agricultural Engineering International, 2015-12-29) Kivumbi, Bernard; Olwa, Joseph; Martin, Andrew; Menya, Emmanuel
This study was aimed at assessing the techno-economic potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in Kampala City for electricity production through gasification. The quantity, characteristics and gasification parameters were
determined. In addition, the gasifier- engine system components were sized, and an economic analysis was conducted to obtain the net present value (NPV) and the payback period. This study found that 523 t/d of MSW is collected in Kampala City. The biomass component of MSW was found to be 459.5 t/d with moisture content of 71.09% on as-received basis. The physical characteristics of the gasified biomass included 11.8% moisture content, 88.2% total solids, 25.9% ash content and 57.7 kg/m3 bulk density. The resulting normalized producer gas constituted 11.64% H2, 13.70% CO, 16.09% CO2, 54.12% N2, 4.45% CH4 and lower heating value (LHV) of 4.75 MJ/Nm3. The design fuel flow rate of 0.23 kg/s, specific gasification rate (SGR) of 5089.29 kg h-1 m-2 and specific energy demand of 42.75 GJ m-2 h-1 were obtained. This yields net electrical power output of 425.17 kW with an overall efficiency of 15.6%. The net annual electricity generation from a single gasifier-engine system was found to be 2.97 GWh/a. The economic analysis for this system worth $887 333 of investment cost yielded a payback period of 6.57 years while the NPV at 6% interest rate was found to be nine years with a value of $316 47.
Characterization and alkaline pretreatment of rice husk varieties in Uganda for potential utilization as precursors in the production of activated carbon and other value-added products
(Elsevier, 2018-10-06) Menya, E.; Olupot, P.W.; Storzc, H.; Lubwama, M.; Kirosd, Y.
In this study, 13 rice husk (RH) varieties from 4 agro-ecological zones in Uganda were characterized, NaOH-pretreated, and evaluated for their potential utilization as precursors for production of bio-oil, ash, char, and activated carbon for selected applications. RH varieties were characterized through particle size analysis, bulk density, proximate and ultimate analyses, specific surface area, pore volume, as well as lignocellulosic and inorganic compositions. Selected RH varieties were subsequently pretreated at NaOH concentrations of 1–4%w/v, using pretreatment ratios of 5 g RH: 40 mL NaOH. Properties varied among RH varieties, suiting them as feedstocks for different applications. Upland rice husk varieties are more suited precursors for production of bio-oil, and activated carbon due to their relatively lower ash content, higher specific surface area, as well as higher volatile matter and fixed carbon contents. Upland rice husks could as well be employed in the preparation of electrodes for electrochemical devices, due to their relatively higher specific surface area. A high ash content (21–32% dry basis) of lowland rice husks presents good prospects for their calcination, since larger amounts of rice husk ash could be obtained, and employed in different applications. Lowland rice husk varieties could also be more suited precursors for production of char for soil amendment, due to their relatively higher ash content, which subsequently increases their char yields. However, alkaline pretreatment of rice husks using 2–4%w/v NaOH can reduce the ash content by as much as 74–93%, depending on the rice husk variety, which paves way for utilizing rice husks with a high ash content in different applications. Aside from ash reduction, the enhanced specific surface area (1.2–1.7 m2 g−1), volatile matter (68–79%db) and fixed carbon (19–24%db) contents of NaOH-pretreated rice husks suggests they are more suited feedstocks than when employed in their raw form, for production of bio-oil, as well as activated carbon.
DRIVERS OF COPING STRATEGIES TOWARDS EXTREME WEATHER INDUCED HOUSEHOLD FOOD INSECURITY IN ACHOLI SUB REGION OF NORTHERN UGANDA: CASE OF GULU DISTRICT
(Gulu University, 2023) OBWONYA GEORGE , MATHEW
Food insecurity exacerbated by extreme weather is a global hindrance to achieving the sustainable development goals of ending hunger by 2030 at all levels from global. regional. national and household levels. Evidence has shown that extreme weather events in Uganda have caused crop failure. human and animal mortality. With Uganda's hunger increasing from 26.4°/o in 2016 to · 31 :!~ .. o in 201 R. the prevalence of food insecurity has remained a major concern in the country.The trend insecurity situations have raised questions on the effectiveness of the coping strategies used among the households in Gulu district. This study detennined the status of food security among households: assessed the household coping strategies: and detenninants of choice of coping strategies to extreme weather induced food insecurity in Gulu district.
Using a multistage sampling method. a cross Sectional study survey of :!04 participants who are engaged in fanning was conducted. Descriptive statistics. coping strategy index and multiple linear regression were used to analyzed the data.
Result revealed that majority (6.5 .59°/o) of the households were severely food insecure. As a result. households employed diverse coping strategies as a way of overcoming weather induced household food insecurity. The coping strategics commonly used among the households included feeding on less expensive foods. reduction on food consumption and expenses. reduction on number of meals per day. children being fed first. skipping meals at times. Furthermore regression analysis showed that some socio-demographic factors such as education (p< 0.018). employment status (p< 0.010). monthly income (p< 0.003). and livestyle~k (p< 0.020), and distance to the market (p< 0.003). influenced household choice of coping strategy.
The study finding demonstrates that households relied on food smoothing coping strategies more than other mechanisms and that some social demographic factors influence the coping strategies among households. Therefore. to change the trend. future investigationstions should focus on the aforementioned factors to strengthen the capacity of households through diversification rather than specialiution. public education and awareness. strong local policy implementation and safe guarding of food security crops from totally being subjected to market demand.
Embedding digital and research literacy support program into postgraduate studies curriculum:
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2017-02-15) Besseah, Bernard; Achiro, Daisy; Mhando, Joseph; Salau, Sadiat Adetoro
Purpose– This viewpoint paper aims to propose a digital and research literacy support program for postgraduate schools in sub-Saharan Africa institutions.
Design/methodology/approach– The paper reviewed literature on postgraduate students’ skills and postgraduate information literacy programs and proposed one for postgraduate schools in sub-Saharan
Africa institutions.
Findings– Information literacy programs are not implemented at the postgraduate level in sub-Saharan Africa possibly because of lack ofcontents for these programs.
Research limitations/implications– The course is only a proposed course that can be embedded into the postgraduate curriculum in sub-Saharan African universities. The effectiveness of the course has not been
evaluated in this study.
Originality/value– The proposed information literacy program focused on digital and research literacy, which is still relatively new in sub-Saharan Africa.