Faculty of Agriculture and Environment

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Development and appraisal of hand wash-wastewater treatment system for water recycling as a resilient response to COVID-19
(Elsevier, 2021-07-28) Olupot, Peter Wilberforce; Menya, Emmanuel; Jjagwe, Joseph; Wakatuntu, Joel; Kavuma, Tonny; Wabwire, Andrew; Kavuma, Steven; Okodi Mcmondo, Samuel; Nabuuma, Betty; Mpagi Kalibbala, Herbert
In this work, results from characterization of handwashing wastewater from selected stations in Kampala City, Uganda, revealed that handwashing wastewater did not meet permissible international standards for wastewater discharge to the environment. The ratio of BOD5 to COD of ˂ 0.5 implied that handwashing wastewater was not amenable to biological treatment processes. Turbidity of ˃ 50 NTU pointed to the need for a roughing filter prior to slow sand filtration. Subsequently, a handwashing wastewater treatment system consisting of selected particle sizes of silica sand, zeolite, and granular activated carbon as filtration and/or adsorption media was developed and assessed for performance towards amelioration of the physicochemical and biological parameters of the handwashing wastewater. Treated water from the developed wastewater treatment system exhibited turbidity of 5 NTU, true color of 10 Pt-Co, apparent color of 6 Pt-Co, and TSS of 9 mgL-1, translating to removal efficiencies of up to 98.5%, 98.1%, 99.7%, and 96.9%, respectively. The residual total coliforms and E. coli of 1395 and 1180 CFU(100 mL)-1 respectively, were totally eliminated upon disinfection with 0.5 mL NaOCl (3.5% wt/ vol) per liter of treated wastewater. The treated water was thus suitable for recycling for handwashing purposes as opposed to letting handwashing wastewater merely go down the drain. This approach provides a resilient response to COVID-19, where communities faced with water scarcity can treat and recycle handwashing wastewater at the point of washing. It thus enables more people to have the opportunity to practice handwashing, abating the high risks of infection, which could otherwise arise.
Dietary intake and socio-economic predictors of inadequate energy and nutrient intake among women of childbearing age in Karamoja sub-region of Uganda
(Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2023) Muggaga, Christopher; Okello‑Uma, Ipolto; Natigo, Archileo Kaaya; Taylor, David; Ongeng, Duncan; Basil, Mugonola
Karamoja sub-region is the most food insecure part of Eastern Africa. The poor status of food security in the sub-region is reflected in the high rate of undernutrition among women of childbearing age (WCBA) and children under 5 years (CUFY). The sub-region is unique in Uganda in terms of cultural diversity, agro-ecology and rainfall pattern and agricultural practices. However, the influence of these unique characteristics on dietary intake of WCBA in the sub-region is less understood. Therefore, this study examined dietary intake and socio-economic predictors of inadequate energy and nutrient intake among WCBA in Karamoja sub-region.
Effect of alkaline pretreatment on the thermal behavior and chemical properties of rice husk varieties in relation to activated carbon production
(Springer, 2019-07-19) . Menya, E; Olupot, P. W.; Storz, H.; Lubwama, M.; Kiros, Y.; John, M. J.
Thermal behavior and chemical properties of selected raw and NaOH-pretreated rice husk varieties were investigated. NaOH- pre treatment process involved soaking 5 g rice husk samples in 40 mL of 2%w/v NaOH, shaking (400 rpm) and heating (50 C) for 3 h. NaOH- pretreated samples were water-washed, oven-dried, and milled for use in the determination of their thermal behavior and surface functional groups. Alkaline wash water was also analyzed for sugar components. Thermal decomposition temperatures, degradation rates, and the subsequent mass losses varied from one rice husk variety to another. These thermal properties increased after NaOH pretreatment of the rice husk varieties, reducing their char yields (17.1–20.4% db). These changes mainly had to do with the lignin, hemicellulose, and ash removal from the rice husk varieties, as confirmed by their FTIR analysis, as well as by the sugar composition analysis of their alkaline wash-water. Consequently, the FTIR spectra differed between the raw and NaOH-pretreated rice husk varieties
Effect of biochar on crust formation,penetration resistance and hydraulic properties of two coarse-textured tropical soils
(Soil & Tillage Research, 2017) Obia, Alfred; Børresen, Trond; Martinsen, Vegard; Cornelissen, Gerard; Mulder, Jan
Biochar (BC) has been reported to improve a number of soil structural and hydraulic properties but detailed studies are scant on how BC affects crust formation, penetration resistance, water repellency and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of maize cob BC of three different particle sizes on soil crusting (penetration resistance), water repellency, and Ksat of loamy fine sand and sandy loam in Zambia. The BC particle sizes were < 0.5 and 1–5 mm applied at 17.5 and 35 t ha−1 in the two soils and intermediate size of 0.5–1 mm applied at lower rates (17.5 and 28 t ha−1 in the loamy fine sand and 13.3 and 26.7 t ha−1 in the sandy loam). Water repellency included both water drop penetration time (WDPT) and minimum molarity of the ethanol droplet at which rapid infiltration into the soil occurs. The BC was produced by slow pyrolysis of corn cobs at a temperature of 350 °C. Biochar, added homogeneously to the upper 7 cm of the soil, reduced the penetration resistance of surface soil of sandy loam with both the crust intact (−2.1 ± 0.6 N cm−2 per percent BC added; p = 0.001 in March 2015 and slightly smaller in October 2014) and the crust removed (−2.9 ± 0.6 N cm−2 per percent BC added; p = 0.0001). This effect occurred irrespective of particle size of BC (p > 0.05). No effect of BC on penetration resistance was found in the loamy fine sand (p > 0.05). In dry sandy loam with moisture content < 1% v/v, the proportion of wettable crusted surface was significantly smaller (25%) than in moist soil (98%) with moisture content of ∼ 10% v/v. Only fine BC of < 0.5 mm increased WDPT of the crusted surface of sandy loam (p < 0.05), reducing the proportion of wettable surface from 98 to 80% in moist soil and from 25 to 18% in dry soil. Coarser BCs, instead, increased the proportion of wettable crusted surface from 25% to 45% and 90% for 3% 0.5–1 mm BC and 4% 1–5 mm BC addition, respectively, in dry soil. Biochar significantly reduced Ksat (p < 0.05) in sandy loam below the crust by 0.17 ± 0.07 cm h−1 per percent BC added. However, no effect was found in loamy fine sand. Since BC amended sandy loam below the crust showed no water repellency, reduction in Ksat cannot be explained by water-repellent nature of BC. Instead, this may be due to clogging of soil pores by BC or to collapse of soil structure near water saturation.
The effect of traditional malting technology practiced by an ethnic community in northern Uganda on in-vitro nutrient bioavailability and consumer sensory preference for locally formulated complementary food formulae
(Food Science and Nutrition, 2018-10) Alowo, Docus; Muggaga, Christopher; Ongeng, Duncan
The occurrence of anti-nutritional constituents in plants is an important factor that negatively affects bioavailability of nutrients and effectiveness of plant-based foods in complementary feeding in rural areas in developing countries. However, proven methods that improve bioavailability of nutrients and tailored for application in processing complementary foods among rural communities are largely lacking. This study examined the efficacy of a traditional malting technology practiced by the Acholi ethnic community of northern Uganda to improve protein digestibility and bioavailability of iron and zinc from millet–sesame–soy composite containing 200, 300, and 550 kcal meant for complementary feeding of children aged 6–8, 9–12, and 13–23 years old, respectively. The technology involves washing and soaking of ingredients for 12 hr; malting ingredients individually for 48 hr with water changed after every 6 hr; and sun-drying malted ingredients for 72 hr. Results showed that the level of anti-nutritional factors significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) in all the composite formulae except the content of total phenolics in 200, tannins in 300 and 550 kcal, composite formula, respectively. In vitro protein digestibility significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) in all the composite formulae except in the 200 kcal formula. Iron bioavailability significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) in all the composite formulae except in the 550 kcal energy category. Improvement in zinc bioavailability was only observed in the 300 kcal formula. However, there were significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in the level of caregiver preferences for sensory properties and overall acceptability of the composites. These results demonstrate that the traditional malting technology has potential to improve nutrient bioavailability in plant-based foods but requires improvement in order to increase its efficacy and mitigate negative effects on sensory appeal.
Effects of Mulching on Soil Hydro-Physical Properties in Kibaale Sub-catchment, South Central Uganda
(Science and Education Publishing, 2015-10-11) Kakaire, Joel; Makokha, George L.; Mwanjalolo, Majaliwa; Mensah, Albert K; Menya, Emmanuel
Mulching is one of the major soil and water conservation measures applied for conserving soil moisture and modifying soil physical and chemical environment. The study aimed at assessing the effect of mulching on soil hydro-physical properties in Kibaale sub-catchment in South Central Uganda. Samples were obtained between 0-20 cm depths and under 0, 5, 10 and 15 cm mulch thickness levels. The experiment involved 3 farmers and 4 treatments of corn residue mulch thicknesses each replicated thrice on each of the farmer sites. The main parameters of study were; bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and water retention. The parameters were determined using core method, constant head method and pressure plates’ method respectively. Laboratory data was statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) from Genstat software Edition 4 and the means differentiated using 5 % least significant difference (LSD). The application of mulch significantly improved all the soil hydro-physical properties that were studied (bulk density, Ksat, field capacity, wilting point, porosity, soil organic matter (SOM), mean weight diameter (MWD) after two seasons. The level of improvement was highest with 10 cm mulch thickness while Ksat, porosity and SOM varied significantly (P< 0.05) with mulch thickness. The study recommends the use of 10 cm mulch thickness. This study provides information to stakeholders such as agricultural experts, watershed managers, farmers and policy makers which will help in formulating guidelines on how to incorporate mulching as an effective method for soil and water conservation in the Sub-catchment
Effects of sawdust and adhesive type on the properties of rice husk particleboards
(Elsevier, 2022-11-17) Olupot, Peter Wilberforce; Menya, Emmanuel; Lubwama, Festo; Ssekaluvu, Lawrence; Nabuuma, Betty; Wakatuntu, Joel
This study set out to investigate the effects of adhesive type, rice husk and sawdust proportions on the properties of composite particleboards. Specimens of 200 × 200 × 24 mm were made by blending 500 g of rice husks with each adhesive type at a mass ratio of 1:1. The rest of the specimens of similar dimensions were prepared with addition of sawdust in the range of 10–40 wt%, while maintaining the ratio of biomass particles to adhesive at 1:1. Three commercial synthetic adhesives Fevicol (FV), Ponal (PA) and woodfix (WF) were used. The particle adhesive mixtures were molded into a mat which was subsequently cold pressed at 10 MPa and left to dry in air. Density, water absorption (WA), linear expansion (LE), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and screw holding capacity of the specimens were evaluated. Adhesives were found to have over 42% solid content, with similar liquid constituents but in varying proportions. FTIR library search for the spectra of FV, PA, and WF revealed correlations of 82.5%, 78.6%, and 50.2%, respectively with polyvinyl acetate. The developed boards had a density of 510–610 kg/m3, MOE 13–26 MPa, TS 9–31%, and LE 3–7%. These properties suit them for furniture boards and soundproofing. The properties improved with the increasing proportion of sawdust. FV and PA-bonded particleboards exhibited higher stability and strengths than WF-bonded particleboards due to higher concentrations of polyvinyl-acetate in the latter. Blending 40 wt% sawdust, 10 wt% rice husk with 50 wt% of either FV or PA showed better prospects.
Experimental evaluation of rice husk ash for applications in geopolymer mortars
(Keai publishing, 2021-02-26) Ogwanga, G.; Olupot, P.W.; Kasedde, H.; Menya, E.; Storz, H.; Kiros, Y.
Rice husks obtained from upland and lowland rice varieties were characterized by the composition and content of ash. Each of the rice husk varieties was fired at temperatures of 600, 800, and 900 °C for a soaking period of 3 h. The resultant rice husk ash was analyzed for oxide composition and crystallinity using X-ray fluorescence and diffraction techniques, respectively. The generated amorphous ash with the highest silica content, together with metakaolin, aggregate, water, and an alkaline activator was employed to formulate geo-polymer mortar prisms according to the standard EN 196–1. Results showed that the content of ash in the varieties ranged from 18.3% to 28.6% dry basis. Out of this, 89 wt%–96 wt% was silica, with amorphous and crystalline forms of silica obtained at 600 °C and 900 °C, respectively, regardless of the rice variety. However, at 800 °C, the silica in the generated ash exhibited both amorphous and crystalline forms. The amorphous ash generated at 600 °C was used in the formulation of geopolymer mortars. The compressive and flexural strength of the formulated mortar after 7 days of curing was 1.5 and 1.3 MPa, respectively. These results reveal the firing protocol to form pozzolanic ash, with potential applications in mortar production.
Factors affecting adoption of mulching in Kibaale sub-catchment, South Central Uganda
(International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics, 2016) Kakaire, Joel; Mensah, Albert Kobinah; Menya, Emmanuel
Mulching is one of the major soil and water conservation measures applied for conserving soil moisture and modifying soil's physical environment. The study aimed at determining the factors which influence the adoption of mulching in the Kibaale sub-catchment, Uganda. 100 structured questionnaires; key informant interviews and observation were used to obtain the socio-economic and institutional data. To determine the factors affecting the adoption of mulching, descriptive statistics, and factor analysis were used. Chi-square (P ≤ 05) was used to establish the relationship between the identified factors and adoption. Using the chi-square test, the study also identified the Education level of household head, household size, accessibility to farmland, and marital status as the major factors that significantly affected adoption of mulching. The community leaders should ensure that the members attain some level of education and ensure that the land owned by individuals is within their periphery of management and control.
Financial performance and technical efficiency differentials for apicultural technologies in Nakaseke district, Uganda
(College of Business, Tennessee State University, 2014-01) Kalule, Stephen W.; Ssebbale, Edrisa
Despite apiculture being potentially a large income earner, the financial performance of various apicultural technologies at farm-level is still poor yet very few studies have delved in this sub sector. Using a representative sample of 69 respondents from Nakaseke District, the Ordered Probit analysis revealed that farming experience, apiary plot size, shortness of distance of water source and hive colonization levels were the major positive determinants of apicultural financial performance. A Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) suggested that 62% and 76% of the total variation in honey output in traditional and improved technologies was due to technical inefficiency. The high efficiency levels in traditional technology seemed to suggest that more honey output would only be realized through introduction of improved technologies rather than focusing on technical skills while the low efficiency in improved technology would be improved using technical training. The study recommended policy incentives ranging from specific commodity-targeting extension messages, provision of low interest rate credit products and baiting materials to enhence efficiency.

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