Faculty of Agriculture and Environment

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A strategic approach for African Agricultural Universities experiencing low human capacity to engage in graduate-level training: Lessons from Gulu University in Uganda
(Fifth RUFORUM Biennial Regional Conference, 2016-10) Ogenge, D
The significance of agriculture in driving Africa’s growth and development has greatly gained recognition in the recent past. African universities are expected to play a critical role in African agricultural development process because of their inherent pivotal role in human capital development and agro-technology generation. Many universities in Africa are plagued with low human capacity, a key factor, which has continued to undermine their contribution to economic development in the continent. The most glaring capacity gap is evident at graduate-level training. Therefore, this paper shares lessons based on experience from Gulu University in Uganda on how agricultural universities experiencing human resource capacity gaps can innovatively venture into high quality PhD-level training. The paper describes innovation in curriculum process that led to the development and mounting of a thematic area-based taught PhD program in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment. This PhD model is considered as an “accommodative strategy” suitable for human resource-constrained universities as it allows for effective use of existing limited human capacity while providing room for expansion within the same curriculum structure concomitant with staff capacity improvement.
Access to veterinary services and expenditure on pig health management
(Springer, 2020-10-07) Okello, Daniel Micheal; Odongo, Walter; Aliro, Tonny; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza
Pig farming has gained momentum for most smallholder farmers in developing countries as a means of livelihood and household incomes. However, prospects of the pig enterprises are constrained by pig health management issues which affect both its productivity and profitability. Using a cross-sectional survey of 240 smallholder pig farmers, we assessed factors influencing farmers’ access to veterinary services and expenditure on pig health management in northern Uganda. Data was analysed using the binary logit and censored tobit regression models. Access to veterinary services was significantly influenced by pig herd size (p < 0.05), Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) membership (p < 0.1), breed (p < 0.05), production system (p < 0.05) and number of health issues recorded on farm (p < 0.01). Education level (p < 0.01), farming household members (p < 0.05), pig herd size (p < 0.01), breed (p < 0.05), previous disease incidences (p < 0.05), household labour available (p < 0.1) and access to veterinary services (p < 0.01) significantly influenced pig health expenditure. Efforts to improve access to veterinary services and improve pig health management should focus on promoting more intensive production systems and improved breeds that are associated with better access to veterinary services and reduced cost of pig health management.
Addition of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato and Iron-Rich Beans Improves Sensory, Nutritional and Physical Properties But Reduces Microbial Shelf Life of Cassava-Based Pancake (Kabalagala) Designed for Children 2-5 Years Old
(Taylor & Francis, 2021-04-25) Adoko, Melas Cayrol; Olum, Solomon; Elolu, Samuel; Ongeng, Duncan
Innovative use of locally available food resources to develop products of enhanced nutritional quality is one of the strategies believed to alleviate deficiencies of essential micronutrients such as vitamin A and iron are endemic among children 2–5 years in developing countries such as Uganda. New cassava-based pancake (kabalagala) formulae composed of orange-fleshed sweet potato, iron-rich beans, cassava, and sweet banana were developed to target the vitamin A and iron needs of children 2–5 years in Uganda. The new products had better sensory appeal and nutrient density had better physical properties during storage, and were stable to oxidative rancidity but had lower microbial shelf-life compared to the original pancake formula (composed of cassava and sweet banana). Notwithstanding bioavailability constraints, theoretical nutritional computation revealed that serving 100 g (approximately four pieces) of the new products would contribute approximately 99–102% of vitamin A and 110–119% of the iron requirements of the targeted children.
Africa-United States joint curriculum development of a Master of Science degree in international infectious disease management at Makerere University
(2017-05-06) Majalija, Samuel; Owiny Okello, David; Khaitsa, Margaret Loy; Freeman, Douglas; Ekiri, Abel; Ssemadaali, Marvin; Kaneene, John Baligwamunsi; Kabasa, John David
Trans-boundary infectious diseases and zoonoses once thought to be limited by geographical demarcations are now a constant threat to global animal and human health, trade, food security, and socio-economic wellbeing. Many colleges and schools worldwide are training students to serve as professionals who will improve animal health, public health and food security globally. With this realization, Makerere University and North Dakota State University (NDSU) developed the first US-Africa trans-Atlantic degree addressing integrated disease management and international biosecurity. Both institutions received a grant from United States Department of Agriculture, Higher Education Challenge program to develop a joint Master of Science degree in International Infectious Disease Management (MS-IDM). This grant also funded four graduate students´ stipend and research. Additionally, the two institutions received funds through “Capacity building in Integrated Management of Transboundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses (CIMTRADZ)” project that supported students from Uganda. Faculty from CIMTRADZ participating institutions offered short term training to MS-IDM students, including workshops at The International Scientific Boma and conference in Uganda. A joint degree (MS-IDM) was developed in 2011. Ten MS-IDM students graduated and over 20 fellowships were awarded. Student exchange and joint mentorship of students by faculty at both institutions occurred. There were challenges experienced and valuable lessons learnt. The MS-IDM degree provided opportunities for human capacity development to manage transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses in East and Central Africa. This paper describes the curriculum development, challenges experienced and lessons learned, and informs future similar endeavors in internationalizing curricula in higher education.
Agriculture 4.0: The Promises for Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems
(Busitema University, 2021-01) Bongomin, Ocident; Okello, Collins; Ocen, Gilbert Gilibrays; Tigalana, Dan
The transformative power of industry 4.0 in agricultural and food systems (Agri-food) can be attested from the explosive disruption of agricultural production infrastructures such as connected farms, new farm equipment, and connected tractors and machines which is well-known today as Agriculture 4.0 or Agri-food 4.0. The driving force behind the emergence of Agriculture 4.0 is the dire need to increase efficiency, productivity and quality in agri-food systems, and environmental protection. This has gained attention of many researchers in the recent past and thus, making Agriculture 4.0 a buzzword among the academic literature today. Despite the fact that a number of studies have covered the applications of several disruptive technologies in agri-food, the key technologies that are transforming the agri-food have been ill-defined. Therefore, the present paper aimed at identifying the key disruptive technologies and highlighting their application areas in agri-food. Massive exploratory literature search was conducted on the published papers obtained from the electronic databases including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Emerald insight, Taylor & Francis, and Springer. The applications of 11 disruptive technologies in agri-food were analyzed based on 119 published papers. The results showed that 5 key disruptive technologies including Internet of things, Drones, Blockchain, Big Data, and Robotics are emblematic of Agriculture 4.0 epoch. The application areas of these technologies in agri-food are clearly highlighted. The present study revealed the need for extensive research to expand the application areas of the disruptive technologies in agri-food.
Agroecology influences Salmonella food contamination with high exposure risk among children in Karamoja sub-region: A high diarrhoea prevalent locality in Uganda
(Heliyon, 2022-11-11) Lawrence Okidi; Duncan Ongeng; Patrick Simiyu Muliro; Joseph Wafula Matofari
Uganda is among low-income countries where Salmonella induced diarrhoea still contributes significantly to children under five years (CUF) mortality. Karamoja, a sub-region characterised by three agroecologies (pastoral: PE; agro-pastoral: APE; agricultural: AE), is a geographical location that has consistently experienced a high prevalence of diarrhoea among CUF over the last decade nationally. This study examined whether agroecology influences Salmonella food contamination and exposure risk to CUF. A total of 240 food samples (PE: 78; APE: 73; AE: 89) were examined for Salmonella load using Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate Agar and confirmed using poly merase chain reaction targeting invA gene. Analysis of variance for nested design was used to compare Salmonella counts among food types within and across agroecologies and means were separated using Tukey Honestly Significant Difference test at 5% (p < 0.05). Proportion of foods with Salmonella load exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) set-limit was expressed in percentage. Exposure risk of CUF was computed by multiplying quantity of food intake by Salmonella load and compared to minimum infectious dose (MID) of the pathogen (3 log CFU) whereas chi-square was used to compare proportions of CUF with exposure above or below MID among agroecologies. Salmonella load ranged from 0.00 0.00 to 8.23 1.12 log CFU but varied by food type and agroecology. Salmonella aggregated load in foods from PE was significantly higher than from APE or AE (p < 0.05). The proportion of Salmonella contaminated foods from PE, APE, and AE was 33–90%, 40–67%, and 17–88%, respectively. Salmonella exposure risks to CUF were similar (p > 0.05) at 96%, 92%, and 91% in PE, APE, and AE, respectively. Sorghum-based foods and leafy vegetables were the predominant high-risk foods. This study has revealed that Salmonella contamination of foods with high exposure risk among CUF in Karamoja sub-region varies with agroecology. Efforts to address food contamination in the sub-region should take into account agroecology.
Alone or a combination: ascertaining factors associated with choice of pig health management strategies amongst smallholder farmers in northern Uganda.
(Elsevier, 2022-12-17) Okello-Owiny., David; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly Kurobuza; Odongo, Walter; Aliro, Tonny; Okello, Daniel Micheal
Pig production is an important farm enterprise for an increasing number of smallholder farmers due to its potential for improving household incomes. The sector is however faced with high burden of health issues that limit most farmers from realizing the benefits. In order to improve management of pig health for smallholder farmers, an understanding of the major health issues and factors associated with farmers' choice of the pig health management strategies are paramount. Using a cross-sectional survey of 240 smallholder pig farmers in northern Uganda, this study assessed the factors associated with the use of different pig health management practices adopted by smallholder pig farmers. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and two different regression models. Binary Probit Regression model was used to assess factors associated with the use of a single pig health management strategy, while, Generalized Poisson Regression model was used to assess the factors associated with the number of pig health management strategies used by the farmers. Results showed that the common health issues were African Swine Fever, lice, worms and mange, while the common strategies for health management involved self-administering antibiotics, consulting veterinarians, deworming, spraying with acaricides, selling the sick pigs, treatment with local herbs, and burying dead pigs. These pig health management strategies were influenced by farmers location, experience, age, access to extension, use of information and communication technologies, and use of processed feeds. This study recommends improving farmers' access to relevant information and expanding veterinary extension services by promoting the use of radio and mobile phones in pig health management.
Applications of Drones and Image Analytics in Field Phenotyping: A Potential Breakthrough in Uganda’s Agricultural Research
(SSRN, 2022) Bongomin, Ocident; Lamo, Jimmy; Guina, Joshua Mugeziaubwa; Okello, ,Collins; Ocen, Gilbert Gilibrays; Obura, Morish; Alibu, Simon; Owino, Cynthia Awuor; Akwero, Agnes; Ojok, Samson
We are in the race against time to find new solutions amidst the threat of climate change, to increase food production by 70% to feed the ever-growing world population which is expected to double by 2050. Agricultural research plays astonishing roles in crop and livestock improvement through breeding programs and good agronomic practices to enable sustainable agriculture and food systems. The advanced molecular breeding or modern breeding technologies in genotyping have been well-embraced by most research institutions worldwide. However, phenotyping which plays great role in agricultural research and breeding programs has achieved little development or still a traditional method in most institutions across African countries. Noteworthy, the advancement of phenotyping has been gaining momentum and attracted a number of researchers in the recent past, this led to the coining of high-throughput phenotyping concept. Nevertheless, the comprehensive understanding of this concept remains limited in most research institutions in developing countries, especially Uganda. Therefore, the present review aimed to provide a summary of drone-based high throughput phenotyping used across different crops. The electronic literature search was conducted from non-academic and academic databases. The literature sources in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, book sections, conference papers, thesis and dissertations, policy papers, organisation or company manuals, working papers, and reports were considered. In this review, the concepts of field phenotyping are discussed, drone classification and specifications are elaborated, the use cases of the drone-based high-throughput phenotyping are presented, drone imaging systems for phenotyping are discussed, and high-throughput image analytics method is explained. In this paper, it was found that cereals have been the most studied crop for drone based phenotyping application in academic literature. However, root crops were the list studied, hence, extensive research is needed for drone-based phenotyping adoption in root crops. Moreover, limited studies have been focused on the effect of drones’ operation parameters. Therefore, research focusing on the optimization of the drones’ performance is required.
Applying the food technology neophobia scale in a developing country context.
(Elsevier Ltd, 2015-10-07) De Steur, Hans; Odongo, Walter; Gellynck, Xavier
The success of new food technologies largely depends on consumers' behavioral responses to the innovation. In Eastern Africa, and Uganda in particular, a technology to process matooke into flour has been introduced with limited success. We measure and apply the Food technology Neophobia Scale (FTNS) to this specific case. This technique has been increasingly used in consumer research to determine consumers' fear for foods produced by novel technologies. Although it has been successful in developed countries, the low number and limited scope of past studies underlines the need for testing its applicability in a developing country context. Data was collected from 209 matooke consumers from Central Uganda. In general, respondents are relatively neophobic towards the new technology, with an average FTNS score of 58.7%, which hampers the success of processed matooke flour. Besides socio-demographic indicators, ‘risk perception’, ‘healthiness’ and the ‘necessity of technologies’ were key factors that influenced consumer's preference of processed matooke flour. Benchmarking the findings against previous FTNS surveys allows to evaluate factor solutions, compare standardized FTNS scores and further lends support for the multidimensionality of the FTNS. Being the first application in a developing country context, this study provides a case for examining food technology neophobia for processed staple crops in various regions and cultures. Nevertheless, research is needed to replicate this method and evaluate the external validity of our findings.
Appraising Bioenergy Alternatives in Uganda Using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)-Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and a Desirability Functions Approach
(MDPI, 2014-02-26) Okello, Collins; Pindozzi, Stefania; Faugno, Salvatore; Boccia, Lorenzo
Poor access to clean and reliable energy technologies is a major challenge to most developing countries. The decision to introduce new technologies is often faced by low adoption rates or even public opposition. In addition, the data required for effective decision making is often inadequate or even lacking, thus constraining the planning process. In this study, a methodology for participatory appraisal of technologies, integrating desirability functions to the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT)-analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methodology was developed. Application of the methodology was illustrated with an example for participatory appraisal of four bioenergy technologies in Uganda. Results showed that the methodology is effective in evaluating stakeholder preferences for bioenergy technologies. It showed a high potential to be used to identify and rate factors that stakeholders take into consideration when selecting bioenergy systems. The method could be used as a tool for technology screening, or reaching consensus in a participatory setup in a transparent manner.
Assessment of nitrogen content in buffalo manure and land application costs
(Page Press, 2012-08-29) Faugno, Salvatore; Pindozzi, Stefania; Infascelli, Roberta; Okello, Collins; Ripa, Maria Nicolina; Boccia, Lorenzo
Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) livestock for mozzarella cheese production plays a fundamental role in the economy of southern Italy. European and Italian regulations consider nitrogen content in buffalo manure to be the same as that of cattle manure. This study aimed to assess whether this assumption is true. The first aim of the study was to assess nitrogen con tent in buffalo manure. Samples were taken from 35 farms to analyse nitro gen and phosphorous concentration in the manure. Analysis confirmed a lower nitrogen concentration (2%) in buffalo manure. A secondary aim of the study was to evaluate whether manure application techniques that are apparently less suitable, e.g. splash plate spreader, could be feasible. The cost of different methods of land application of manure and their charac teristics were evaluated on the basis of one operational cycle. Considering losses for volatilisation, and taking into account cost assessment, the immediate incorporation of buffalo manure (nitrogen content 2%) is a suitable method of ammonia volatilisation. However, it is expensive and involves high fuel consumption in relation to the environmental benefit.
Biochar Application to Soil for Increased Resilience of Agroecosystems to Climate Change in Eastern and Southern Africa
(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2019) Obia, Alfred; Martinsen, Vegard; Cornelissen, Gerard; Børresen, Trond; Smebye, Andreas Botnen; Munera-Echeverri, Jose Luis; Mulder, Jan
With the current unreliable rainfall pattern, which is expected to worsen due to climate change, agricultural production might become more challenging especially among resource-poor farmers in Eastern and Southern Africa. This calls for adaptation of farming systems to overcome this emerging challenge. Biochar, a product of biomass pyrolysis, with long-term evidence from Amazonia, might contribute to a climate-resilient farming system. This is due to its positive effects on soil chemical and physical properties resulting in increased crop yields, which has been experimentally demonstrated largely within the last two decades. In acidic low cation exchange capacity (CEC) soils, biochar derived from corncob at 5% application rate, for example, increased pH by ≥1 unit and CEC by ≥2 cmolc kg−1 in addition to direct nutrient supply. Increased CEC may be linked to the observed increase in soil organic carbon content (biochar carbon/sequestered carbon) due to biochar addition. Sequestration of carbon due to biochar has been reported to be stronger in soils that have low pH and low carbon contents, with greater effects from biochars produced from woody materials or those produced at high temperature. Such soils with low pH and carbon contents are common in tropical areas. Another effect of biochar at field-relevant doses of ≤5% is the improvement of physical properties such as increased aggregate stability by up to 7%, increased aggregate mean weight diameter by 8–13%, increased soil water contents and reduced soil temperature fluctuations. Similar changes to soil properties have been found to increase yield by 10% based on global dataset, but up to fourfold increases have also been reported for acidic low CEC soils. One key challenge to implementation of biochar technology for increased yields is probably the unavailability of large quantity of biochar often in tens of Mg ha−1 that is required for field application. Conservation agriculture (CA) with its three principles of minimum tillage, residue retention and crop diversification may partly address this key challenge of biochar implementation. This can be achieved by applying biochar only in the tilled part of land in a minimum tillage operation, which can be only 10% of the land surface. In this way, biochar may increase the positive attributes of CA such as increased rainwater harvesting and crop yields. Further solution to the quantity of biochar material for field application is the application of limited quantity of biochar in combination with traditional amendment such as manures either in mixtures or after co-composting. In this way, biochar is expected to deliver its benefits to manure resulting in improved soil properties and increased yields. Overall, incorporation of biochar in CA-based farming system alone or in combination with manures might contribute to building of climate- resilient agroecosystem.
Biochar Applied with Inorganic Nitrogen Improves Soil Carbon, Nitrate and Ammonium Content of a Sandy Loam Temperate Soil
(MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, 2022-02-23) Omara, Peter; Aula, Lawrence; Otim, Fred; Obia, Alfred; Souza, Joao Luis Bigatao; Arnall, Daryl Brain
Biochar is suggested to improve soil properties. However, its combination with inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer in temperate soils is not well understood. This study compared the effect of fertilizer N-biochar-combinations (NBC) and fertilizer-N (FN) on total soil N (TSN), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil nitrate (NO3−–N), and ammonium (NH4+–N). Soil samples were taken from experiments at Efaw and Lake Carl Blackwell (LCB), Oklahoma, USA with ten treatments consisting of three N rates (50, 100, and 150 kg N ha−1) and three biochar rates (5, 10, and 15 t ha−1). Results at Efaw showed greater TSN and SOC under NBC compared to FN by 3 and 21%, respectively. No percentage difference was observed for NH4+–N while NO3−–N was lower by 7%. At LCB, TSN, SOC, NO3−–N, and NH4+–N were higher under NBC by 5, 18, 24, and 10%, respectively, compared to FN. Whereas application of biochar improved SOC at both sites, NO3−–N and NH4+–N were only significant at LCB site with a sandy loam soil but not at Efaw with silty clay loam. Therefore, biochar applied in combination with inorganic N can improve N availability with potential to increase crop N uptake on coarse textured soils.
Brucellosis: Community, medical and veterinary workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Northern Uganda
(International Journal of One Health, 2017-05-05) Muloki Nabirye, Harriet; Erume, Joseph; Nasinyama, George William; Kungu, Joseph Morison; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ongeng, Duncan; Okello Owiny, David
Aim: This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community, medical and veterinary workers regarding brucellosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Apac, Gulu, Lira, and Pader districts of Northern Uganda using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 251 patients testing positive for brucellosis using the Brucella plate agglutination test, 59 medical and 29 veterinary workers were studied. Chi-square test at 95% confidence level was used to analyze data. Results: Only 8% patients, 15.3% medical, and 21.4% veterinary workers were knowledgeable on transmission methods and symptoms for brucellosis and knowledge differed according to the level of education among patients (p=0.001), medical (p=0.001), and veterinary workers (p=0.012). Over 80% patients, medical and veterinary workers had a positive attitude. Only 8% patients, 13.6% medical, and 7.1% veterinary workers had good practices regarding brucellosis control. Conclusion: Poor knowledge, poor practices, and positive attitude provide an opportunity for health education and policy formulation for the control of brucellosis. The prevalence studies of human and animal brucellosis are recommended to determine the magnitude of the problem.
Communication inside the LRA: Militarization of Acoli Language, a Cultural Patriotism or mere Rebel Indoctrination?
(International Journal of Advanced Research, 2024-06-29) Ojok, James Onono; Abonga, Ajok Beatrice; Owor, Arthur
n an ideal situation, there should be no positive effect of the LRA war in Northern Uganda, but what of the real testimonies that the LRA war brought in many development partners with school fees scholarships through institutions like Acoli Education Initiatives, Invisible Children, Windle Trust Uganda among others. But where are they going to pay for school, the northern children in ‘war affected areas’, and others up to universities, if it were not because of the devastating effect of the war on Education? This is still without the many successful grants and PhD projects completed within Uganda and around the globe based on LRA attachment to spirituality, transitional justice or interrogating the Acoli traditional justice system versus international laws. A debate can be constructed, if necessary, that the authorities on the LRA scholarships are from the global north -meaning the war pulled scholars from their comfort zones. Secondarily, what do we owe this to? For lack of a better word, other scholars would call it the ‘unintended’ positive effect of the war. This journal paper borrows the philosophy that if you are telling a story, it should be told up-side-down. Chimamanda Ngozi, the Nigerian writer, baptised it as a one-sided story and called it the danger of a single story (Adichie 2009). Schulz, Apio et al (2024) tell us about the ‘Love and Care in the LRA’, which this paper calls bravery, with all the horror stories of the LRA! This paper is grounded in some of these philosophies of Adichie (2009) and Schulz, Apio et al. (2024) of telling all sides of the story, attempting to reconstruct the LRA use of Acoli language throughout their military operations as a demonstration of Acoli cultural attachment, loyalty and depiction of Acoli cultural patriotism or activism argued by this paper. This was through using secondary data review and holding in-depth purposive interviews with four former LRA returnees plus two cultural chiefs, including extracting the archival journalistic records of the first author, who was an active journalist in northern Uganda for over 10 years between 2010 and 2021. This journal paper, however, does not underscore the pain and sufferings, the LRA brought on the people of Uganda and other neighbouring countries. However, this paper just gives an ontological side of the LRA, which is hard to find in terms of their particular role in promoting Acoli culture by using Acoli language as their military operational medium of communication
Community-based nutrition-sensitive approach to address short-term hunger and undernutrition among primary school children in rural areas in a developing country setting:
(BMC Nutrition, 2020) Elolu, Samuel; Ongeng*, Duncan
Background: Undernutrition in childhood is an important factor that greatly impedes the achievement of full human potential at adulthood. Despite increased enrolment of pupils in primary schools in developing countries, short-term hunger and undernutrition continue to impact negatively on school attendance, retention and education outcomes in economically disadvantaged rural areas. This study examined the feasibility of a community-based participatory action research approach building capacity of rural women food vendors to use local food resources to produce nutritionally enhanced food products for primary school feeding in rural localities in a developing country setting. Methods: Mixed methods approach incorporating focus group discussions (FGDs) to evaluate parents’ and school administrators’ perceptions of the community-based approach, participatory experimental improvement of nutritional quality of an energy-based cassava product (gari) involving community women food vendors, and cross-sectional acceptability assessment of improved products among rural primary school children. Qualitative content analysis, one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis was used to analyse FGD data, compare nutritional profile and consumer sensory profile of different products, and examine associations between sensory attributes and acceptability of the products, respectively. Results: The approach of using local food resources to produce nutritious products targeting school feeding was strongly recognised by parents, school administrators, teachers and small scale rural women food vendors as an adoptable nutritionsensitive means of addressing short-term hunger among primary school children in rural settings. The action research resulted in a highly accepted nutritionally enhanced product (consisting of cassava, soy and silver fish) exhibiting superior nutritional properties (23.29% protein, 90.5 g/100 g calcium, 4.5 g/100 g zinc, 11.6 g/100 g iron, 40.40 g/100 g phosphorus, 61.57 μg/100 g vitamin A) compared to the original energy-dominated cassava product (2.18% Protein, 55.6 g/100 g calcium, 1.2 g/100 g zinc, 4.4 g/100 g iron, 6.6 g/100 g phosphorus, 11.23 μg/100 g vitamin A) (p < 0.05). Nutritional computation revealed that serving 120 g of the new product would suffice to meet 30% of the recommended dietary allowance for essential nutrients that children should receive from school meals. Conclusion: Community-level nutrition-sensitive innovation using local foods resources offers the opportunity for rural women food vendors to contribute to addressing short-term hunger and undernutrition challenges in primary schools in economically-disadvantaged localities in developing countries.
Comparative Analysis of Profitability Drivers of Pig Production Systems in Northern Uganda
(Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 2024-08-14) Caleb Ibukunoluwa Adewale; Elias Munezero; Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi; Basil Mugonola
Pork consumption has risen significantly in many emerging nations, with producers using various systems to meet demand. However, the profitability of these systems remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the drivers of profitability of pig production systems in Northern Uganda were examined. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey of 240 randomly selected pig farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and ordinary least squares model. Results revealed that the cost of initial stock (p < 0.1), cost of feed (p < 0.05), cost of vaccines (p < 0.01), output (p < 0.05), and quantity of feed (p < 0.05) were drivers of profitability in the farrow-to-finish pig production system. Further, profitability in the farrow-to-weaner pig production system was influenced by access to credit (p < 0.1), household size (p < 0.1), access to extension service (p < 0.01), and cost of initial stock (p < 0.05). In the weaner-to-slaughter pig production system, drivers of profitability included access to extension service (p < 0.1), cost of feed (p < 0.1), cost of vaccines (p < 0.05), and cost of initial stock (p < 0.05). Researchers recommend that the government arrange sufficient capacity-building initiatives and training, particularly on the farrow-to-weaner pig production system to increase the output and profitability of this production system. Further, the government and non-governmental organizations should make inputs such as vaccines, drugs, and breeding stock available to pig farmers at competitive market prices to enable farmers to make price-responsive decisions.
Conservation tillage and biochar improve soil water content and moderate soil temperature in a tropical Acrisol
(Soil & Tillage Research, 2020-03) Obia, Alfred; Cornelissen, Gerard; Martinsenb, Vegard; Smebyea, Andreas Botnen; Martinsenb, Jan Mulder; Smebyea, Andreas Botnen; Mulder, Jan
Projected climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa involves increased drought and elevated soil temperature. Conservation farming (CF), including minimum tillage, crop rotation and crop residue retention, is proposed as a climate smart soil management option to adapt to climate change through enhanced climate resilience. Here, we determine the effect on soil moisture and temperature of CF planting basins in a Zambian Acrisol. Construction of CF planting basins (40 cm x 15 cm, while 20 cm deep), using hand-hoes, is a commonly used minimum tillage practice among small holders in southern Africa, effectively requiring tillage of only 10 % of a field. The study included basins under regular CF and under CF with 4 t ha−1 pigeon pea biochar (CF + BC). Effects are com pared with those in an adjacent soil under conventional tillage, where the entire land surface is ploughed. Soil moisture and temperature sensors were installed in the root zone, 10–12 cm deep, for continuous monitoring during two growing seasons. Soil moisture decreased in the order CF + BC > CF > conventional farming. Due to rainwater harvesting in the basins, maximum soil water retention under CF + BC and CF was greater than under conventional farming (+59 % to +107 % and +15 % to +65 %, respectively). Soil drying after free drainage until permanent wilting point lasted longer under CF + BC (18.4–22.3 days) than under both CF and conventional farming (13.3–18.4 days and 14.9–17.8 days, respectively). In situ soil maximum temperature and diurnal temperature range in the growing season increased in the order CF + BC < CF < conventional farming due to decreases in soil moisture. However, additional laboratory tests, with soil-BC mixtures at field capacity, revealed that BC addition to soil, which caused a decrease in bulk density, also resulted in a significant decline in soil thermal conductivity (p < 0.001). Thus, we hypothesize that BC-enhanced soil moisture in basins helped to reduce soil temperature and its fluctuations, due to both increased heat capacity and decreased thermal con ductivity. This study shows that CF in combination with BC in an Acrisol, through enhancing plant-available water and moderating soil temperature, is important for crop productivity and has potential as an element of climate smart agriculture.
Determinants of shea nut marketing arrangements in northern Uganda
(Discover Agriculture, 2024-09-30) Akatwetaba, Deborah; Okello, Daniel Micheal; Kasharu, Apollo; Egeru, Anthony; Mugonola, Basil
This study assessed factors influencing shea nut actors’ choices of shea nut marketing arrangements in northern Uganda. An understanding of these factors is vital in influencing the choice of the different marketing arrangements. Cross-sectional data was collected from a sample of 325 shea nut actors. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logit model. The shea nut actors in this study were composed of 78% collectors, 16% traders and 7% processors. About 73% and 43% of shea collectors and traders, respectively, sold their shea nuts and/or products through spot markets, while, 45% of the processors sold their shea nut and/or products through informal contracts. Formal contract was the least common marketing arrangement among all the actors. The probability of choosing each the marketing arrangement were influenced by several factors including experience, education, income level, access to extension, training, access to credit, awareness of innovations in the shea value chain, awareness of value addition supporting institutions, main occupation (farming), distance to the market, access to information and means of transport used (head portage). Efforts to increase formal contract participation should focus on providing extensions and creating awareness about institutions that support value addition. There is need for a location and actor specific approach in promoting the different market arrangements in shea products marketing.
Determinants of technical efficiency of pig production systems in northern Uganda: a Stochastic Frontier approach
(Springer Nature, 2024-12-04) Caleb I. Adewale; Elias Munezero; Elly K. Ndyomugyenyi; Basil Mugonola
Meat consumption, particularly the consumption of pork, has increased substantially in most developing countries. In response, various production systems are being employed by pig farmers to produce pork to cover the demand-supply gaps. However, little is known about the technical efficiencies of these underlying production systems. This study examined the technical efficiency of smallholder pig production systems in northern Uganda using cross-sectional data. The study surveyed 240 pig farmers randomly selected and used descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier analysis to examine the data collected. Results revealed that age, access to credit, household size, education level, years of pig farming experience management system, and access to extension services were the key determinants of technical efficiency in the farrow to finish pig production system. Technical efficiency in the farrow to weaner pig production system was influenced by household size, level of education, access to credit, access to extension services, and management system. In the weaner-to-slaughter pig production system, determinants of technical efficiency included age, household size, access to credit, access to extension services, and breed of pigs. The study recommends that policies that would ensure sufficient access to credit by pig producers should be enacted to enhance production. Pig producers should be urged to wisely use credit received for the expansion of their pig farms rather than for other uses. Further, extension services tailored to pig production systems should be made available to pig farmers to enhance output and technical efficiency and to bridge the information gap between research institutes and the farmers.

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