Department of Geography

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A critical analysis of western environmental knowledge as a neocolonial strategy: The case of Uganda
(Agricultural and Environmental Education, 2025-06-28) Tina Aciro; Agatha Alidri; Expedito Nuwategeka; Wilfred Lajul,
To curb environmental challenges effectively, Western environmental knowledge has been adopted besides indigenous environmental knowledge system in Africa. However, the dualistic nature of knowledge integration, this paper notes, is tinted by unfair powerrelations where indigenous knowledge is masked by neo-colonialtenets of the West. Neo-colonialism, as argued in this paper, is the attempt of the Western societies to impose their knowledge system to micro-manage the environmental and other affairs in Africa, taking a case study of Uganda. Our central inquiry is why Africa is gradually deviating from indigenous knowledge systems in preference of Western environmental knowledge. Using a critical analytical survey method, this paper argues that there is environmental knowledge neo-colonialism in Africa today characterized by Western identity construction, language dominance, cross-cultural cloning, undermining of indigenous education patterns, academic division of labor, education as an investment, top-down distribution of knowledge, and improper contextualization of knowledge construction and application. This appeals for Africanized production of knowledge to suit the continent’s environmental needs and achieve African epistemic autonomy.
A Synthesis of Determinants of Urban Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Springer, 2019) Oriangi,George
Urban resilience to natural and human-induced shocks and stresses has become an important issue in the contemporary world. Several reviews exist on urban resilience, but limited attempts have been made to critically review studies that shed light on determinants of urban resilience in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study synthesizes both peer-reviewed and grey literature on the determinants of urban resilience to natural and human-induced shocks and stresses in SSA. A considerable number of studies that shed some light on the determinants of urban resilience in SSA have been conducted since the year 2000, but limited attempts have been made to synthesize and integrate them into the pool of knowledge. In this study, the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocol was followed. Findings indicate that urban resilience in SSA is understood, firstly, as a social and organizational construct and, secondly, as a social, organizational, and ecological construct. The most reported determinants of resilience in cities of SSA are access to basic services, social networks, employment, ownership of productive assets, involvement in none-agricultural activities, building flood retention facilities, and environmental preservation. In conclusion, necessity exists to conduct more studies in secondary cities in SSA while considering the social, institutional, economic, and ecological aspects of resilience so as to understand the multidimensional, location-specific dynamics of the determinants of resilience, given the growing role that secondary cities will play in the strong urban growth trajectories projected over the next decades.
AN ASSESSMENT OF METEOROLOGICAL DROUGHT AND ITS EFFECTS ON MAIZE YIELDS IN PALABEK OGILI SUB COUNTY, LAMWO DISTRICT
(Gulu University, 2025-11) ACIRO, FLORENCE
Globally, droughts have continued to be a major threat to agricultural production. This study examined the effects of meteorological drought on maize yields in Palabek Ogili Sub County, Lamwo District, with a focus on drought severity, intensity, and duration which affect output.By assessing historical climate data base alongside maize yield performance, the researcher seeks to identify the effects of drought on maize yields and offer insights into potential adaptation strategies to drought. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative data from 302 structured questionnaires and qualitative insights from key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using Standardized Precipitation index, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and descriptive statistics. Whereas qualitative data were analyzed using Thematic analysis. The analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between drought severity and reduced maize yields (r = 0.692, p = 0.01), a moderate positive correlation for drought intensity (r = 0.621, p = 0.01), and a weaker but significant correlation for drought duration (r = 0.366, p = 0.01), indicating that all aspects of drought negatively affect maize productivity, with severity being the most influential. The qualitative analysis showed limited access to timely weather information, low use of modern adaptation techniques, and reliance on traditional adaptation strategies are the major challenges to adapting to drought. The study concludes that meteorological drought significantly reduces maize yields while farmer access to accurate climate data, drought-tolerant maize varieties, and farmer training improve on adaptation to drought. It recommends strengthening partnerships among farmers,meteorological services, and agricultural officers, as well as scaling up climate-smart agriculture to boost resilience and protect food security in Palabek Ogili sub county, Lamwo district.
Assessment of hydropedological characteristics at medium-sized landslide sites in Manafwa catchment, Mount Elgon, Uganda
(Taylor and Francis, 2024-05-17) Kutosi,Moses; Bamutaze,Yazidhi; Nakileza,Bob.R; Kisira, Yeeko; Gabiri,Geofrey
Though strongly linked to landslides, hydropedological characteristics are inadequately investigated in Manafwa catchment. This study investigated hydropedological characteristics at medium landslide sites in Manafwa catchment. The design included 12 infiltration experiments that were conducted at each site. To determine the selected soil physical properties, composite soil samples were extracted from the infiltration sites for soil laboratory analysis. Soil cores were extracted to determine saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and bulk density. The observed high infiltration rates and rapid Ksat underscore the susceptibility of the studied sites to landslide hazards. Additionally, soil organic matter, clay content, and bulk density further contribute to the understanding of the hydropedological factors influencing land slide occurrences. These findings reveal the need for comprehensive investigations into hydropedologi cal characteristics of other landslide categories to assist in landslide risk assessment and management strategies
ASSESSMENT OF POPULATION DYNAMICS AND FOREST COVER CHANGE IN YUMBE DISTRICT, UGANDA
(African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and development, 2023-05) Alule,RJ; Nuwategeka, E; Oriangi,G
Sub-Saharan Africa is well endowed with both renewable and non-renewable natural resources critical in supporting several forms of development on the continent. Key among these is natural forest resources. However, the population explosion in sub-Saharan Africa in general and Uganda, in particular, is threatening the survival of these forests due to the associated increasing demand or food, fodder, energy, and land for settlement. The study was conducted in Yumbe district where the forests considered included woodland and bushland since tropical high forests have been depleted or degraded by human activities. We used a predictive model to map future forest cover loss amidst the rapidly increasing population in Yumbe district in Uganda. Specifically, the study analyzed the relationship between population dynamics and forest cover change to predict future forest cover changes. To analyze changes in forest cover, the study utilized Landsat satellite imagery for 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2021; while the population data for the respective years was obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). To explain the role of anthropogenic forces on forest cover change, the study considered different land use types as explanatory variables: planted forests, subsistence farmland, built-up areas, and other land use types. It then explored the interactions between these variables and forest cover change in the study area. Population-forest cover change model was developed to evaluate three decades of population and trends of forest cover to predict forest cover for 2032. The results indicate that in the three decades, the population increased by more than sixfold, and land area under subsistence agriculture, a proxy of population increased by 195.2%, but the forest cover declined by 80.3%. It is predicted that the forest cover will be lost completely by 2032 when the population reaches an estimated 838,078 from the current 657,430 people. This study, therefore, recommends that off-land employment opportunities such as tourism, apiary, transport, and manufacturing industries should be expanded in order to save forest resources from spatially extensive agricultural land uses.
Climate Change Impacts On Smallholder Cotton Farming: Risks, Vunerability, And Adaptation In Kitgum District, Uganda
(Gulu University, 2026) Aneno Irene Apwoyochan
Climate change presents a significant global problem that greatly affects agriculture, especially in developing countries impacting small-scale farmers. This study focused on assessing the impact of climate change on smallholder cotton farmers’ risks, adaptation strategies, and vulnerability in Kitgum District, Northern Uganda. The study was conducted using a descriptive case study design involving qualitative and quantitative research approaches targeting 291 respondents including smallholder cotton farmers, government officials and Non-Governmental Organization. The study analyzed 188 fully filled household semi-structured questionnaires using SPSS, Pearson correlation coefficient and thematic analysis and (i) determined the perception of farmers to climate change risk, (ii) assessed coping mechanisms and (iii) identified factors that influence their vulnerability. Content analysis was used to analyze data of 7 key informant and 1 focus group discussion. The results indicate that farmers perceive erratic rainfall (70%) and increased temperatures (65%), as significant climate change risks. To adapt, they employ strategies such as crop diversification (60%) and using drought-resistant varieties (50%). Factors influencing vulnerability majorly include limited access to financial resources (75%), lack of climate information (68%). However, the challenges faced by farmers show weaker but still significant correlations with both community impacts (r=.240, p<.01) and adaptation hindrances (r=.226, p<.01), indicating that perceived problems align with actual climate vulnerabilities. In conclusion, smallholder cotton farmers are acutely aware of changing weather patterns, notably rainfall unpredictability, which they perceive regularly. Additionally, climate change is no longer a myth but a reality being experienced by smallholder farmers impacting on their farming activities and livelihood. My study recommends adoption of integrated approaches that advance access to both drought-resistant seed, financial resources and irrigation farming to ensure sustainable agricultural practices to strengthen resilience against climate change impacts.
Community Perceptions on the Contributions of Public Universities to Community Transformation
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2024-08-06) Adebua,Asaf,; Ologe,Daniel Ochieng,; Edekebon,Elaijah,; Oriangi,George,; Ezati, Akullu Betty,; Amone, Charles,
Much as the role of higher education has been recognised for promoting development globally, communities surrounding universities in Sub-Saharan Africa are still grappling with poor quality health, low income, poor housing, unreliable electricity and other social amenities. This study determined community perceptions of the contributions of Gulu University to communitytransformation in post-conflict northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data while using researcher-administered questionnaires and geospatial techniques. Questionnaire data was analysed using principal component analysis, and descriptive statistics while geospatial data was analysed using buffers, spatial join tool, and overlay analysis in GISenvironment. Findings revealed that the economic, political, spiritual and physical dimensions were important in explaining the transformation of communities surrounding Gulu University. The community surrounding Gulu University is perceived to have progressed well in terms of savings, business, commercial farming, and civil service; consumption of more than 3 meals per day, access to credit and remittances; easy access to health care, and quality education. The majority of the population can make free and independent decisions, are good at self-expression, exercise love for one another, enjoy living with community members, are at peace with one another, exercise kindness, waste is properly managed, and there is good access to water. However, there is slow progress in having alternative sources of income, onlya few community members perceived: their level of education to have improved, participate in leadership and are taking part in politics. There is also a scarcity of respect for one another, endurance and faithfulness. The study concludes that (i) households need to think of alternative ways of generating income, given its relevance in enabling households to meet their daily income, (ii) education policies and other stakeholders need to provide more support for community members to pursue higher levels of education, (iii) more civic education to create awareness on the importance of participating in leadership and politics, and (iv) a need by religious sects to continue with more teachings on respect for one another, endurance and faithfulness in the community surrounding Gulu University.
Craving for Knowledge: The Urge to Access Online Reading Materials by Students during Scientific Research Writing, a Case of Urban Universities of Uganda
(The Uganda Higher Education Review Journal, 2024-05-01) Nassanga, Loy; Kisira Yeeko; Beinomugisha,Peninnah; Muganga, Lawrence; Kakeeto,David; Kabeera,Pontian
Addressing concerns related to online reading materials is paramount as the internet establishes itself as the defining medium for literacy in higher education institutions among the current generation. Globally current debates consistently underscore the relevance of online reading materials to scientific research writing among university students. The current study explored the students’ urge to access online reading materials based on four selected universities in an urban geographical context of Uganda. Using a cross-sectional exploratory research design comprised of mixed approaches, we used descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to investigate the disparity in accessed online reading materials across the universities. An ordinal logistic model established the factors that influence access to online reading materials. The study revealed that university students exhibited moderate utilisation of online resources, primarily accessing materials through platforms like MyLOFT, Google Scholar, University online catalogs, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB). Additionally, the findings underscored notable variations in the mode of access across the studied universities, with access influenced by factors such as sex, type of degree pursued, availability of university ICT equipment, and the research level of students. These insights shed light on the need for tailored strategies to enhance online reading materials accessibility and to support diverse student populations in their academic pursuits, such as subscribing to the publishers of scientific journals. This may improve students’ scientific research writing skills and completion rate, which have remained a formidable challenge in higher education institutions in Uganda.
Exploring the Determinants of Entry Grades and Challenges Faced by Students Admitted to Public Universities in Uganda through Direct Entry Schemes?
(African Higher Education, 2025) Aciro,Rosalba; Oriangi,George; Openjuru, George Ladaah; Onen, David; Rasmussen,Palle; Ezati,Betty Akullu
Entry into public universities in developing countries is highly competitive, presenting significant opportunities for aspiring students. While existing research primarily focuses on determinants of academic performance during university studies, there is limited exploration of factors influencing entry grades and challenges faced by students while at the university. Using the Input-Transformation-Output model, this research examines determinants of students’ entry grades and challenges encountered by students in Gulu University in Northern Uganda and Makerere University in Central Region. Data on determinants of students’ entry grades and insights into challenges faced by students while at the university were collected using key informant interviews and analysed using content analysis. Findings revealed that the programme of study, entry scheme, selection criteria, entry academic performance, and intake capacity determined students’ entry grades. Students face numerous challenges, including inadequate facilities for those with disabilities, difficulties balancing academics with co-curricular activities, lack of career guidance, financial constraints, insufficient learning materials, limited internet access, high student-teacher ratios, and social obstacles. The study highlights the complex determinants of entry grades and the diverse challenges faced by students in Ugandan public universities and proposes targeted interventions to address these issues, thereby fostering academic success and equitable opportunities for all students.
Exploring variation in adaptation levels to climate extremes among farmers of the Kyoga Agro ecological zone in Uganda using a cross sectional design
(BMC Environmental Science, 2024-01-14) Oketch,chombo; Mukwaya,Paul Isolo; Orianga,George; Kisira,Yeeko
Background Adaptation to climate change among smallholder farmers is a paramount step in achieving sustainable livelihoods in line with SDG 1, 2 and 13 since these communities face significant challenges due climate extremes which impacts on impacts on their only means of livelihood. Determining the levels in adaptation is crucial in under standing the socio-economics of the impact of climate change in the rural communities. The study investigated adap tation levels and determinants among smallholder farmers in the Kyoga Agro-ecology of Uganda. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey involving 384 face-to-face household interviews using structured questionnaires was conducted. Farmers, selected based on climate change awareness, were targeted to respond to their reported adaptation levels. Descriptive statistics analyzed adaptation levels among smallholder farmers of various socioeconomic characteristics across different subzones. A Multinomial Logistic (MNL) model examined the determinants of variation in adaptation levels. Results Majority of the respondents, 85.9% in the BCMS and 93.8% in the TS sub zone observed that indeed climate change is occurring. Female farmers in the TS subzone were significantly less likely to adopt 3–4 (p < 0.01) or 5–7 (p < 0.01) adaptation strategies compared to the base category (1–2 strategies), while the relationship in the BCMS subzone was negative but not significant. Male farmers consistently demonstrated greater capacity to adopt higher levels of adaptation strategies. Annual income was positively and significantly related to adoption of 3—4 (P < z = 0.70) and 5—7 (P < z = 0.013). Also Education was positively and significantly associated with adopting 5–7 adaptation strategies in both the TS and BCMS subzones compared to the base category (1–2 strategies). Primary education showed significance at P < z = 0.05 in TS (P < z = 0.018) and BCMS (P < z = 0.03), while secondary education was also significant in TS (P < z = 0.052) and BCMS (P < z = 0.014). Essential support, particularly for female farmers, is crucial to bridge the gender gap. Conclusion The findings are pivotal for informing the formulation of inclusive adaptation strategies among farmers in various subzones. We recommend that the ongoing reforms in the National Adaptation Plans of Uganda and inter national development frameworks in line with climate adaptation consider socio-economic disparities among famers
Exploring variation in adaptation levels to climate extremes among farmers of the Kyoga Agro ecological zone in Uganda using a cross sectional design
(2024) Oketcho Chombo; Mukwaya Paul Isolo; Oriangi George; Kisira Yeeko
Background Adaptation to climate change among smallholder farmers is a paramount step in achieving sustainable livelihoods in line with SDG 1, 2 and 13 since these communities face significant challenges due climate extremes which impacts on impacts on their only means of livelihood. Determining the levels in adaptation is crucial in understanding the socio-economics of the impact of climate change in the rural communities. The study investigated adaptation levels and determinants among smallholder farmers in the Kyoga Agro-ecology of Uganda. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey involving 384 face-to-face household interviews using structured questionnaires was conducted. Farmers, selected based on climate change awareness, were targeted to respond to their reported adaptation levels. Descriptive statistics analyzed adaptation levels among smallholder farmers of various socioeconomic characteristics across different subzones. A Multinomial Logistic (MNL) model examined the determinants of variation in adaptation levels. Results Majority of the respondents, 85.9% in the BCMS and 93.8% in the TS subzone observed that indeed climate change is occurring. Female farmers in the TS subzone were significantly less likely to adopt 3–4 (p<0.01) or 5–7 (p<0.01) adaptation strategies compared to the base category (1–2 strategies), while the relationship in the BCMS subzone was negative but not significant. Male farmers consistently demonstrated greater capacity to adopt higher levels of adaptation strategies. Annual income was positively and significantly related to adoption of 3—4 (P
Factors Influencing Public University’s Role in Community Transformation
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2024-07-17) Adebua Asaf,; Oriangi George,; Edekebon Elaijah,; Ezati Akullu Betty,; Amone Charles,
Paucity of knowledge exists on the factors that influence the capacity of universities to transform communities, particularly in the Ugandan context. This study examined the internal factors that influence the capacity of Gulu University to contribute to community transformation in Gulu City in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study design was used while employing self-administered questionnaire to sample 390 households. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the influence of internal factors on Gulu University’s role in transforming the surrounding communities. Findings revealed that scholarships by the university (p=.000), enterprises developed within the community through Gulu University’s engagement (p=.007), religious meetings for spiritual transformation (p=.036), and the teaching done at the university (p=.045) had a statistically significant influence on the university’s role in transforming the surrounding community in Gulu city. The study concludes that universities, the central government, and other stakeholders need to focus more on scholarships for further education, enterprise development, supporting the church, and teaching in the university to realise multiplied transformation of the surrounding communities.
Farmers Coping and Adaptation Mechanisms to PerceivedChangesandVariability in Climate
(East African Journal of Environment andNatural Resources, 2024-08-28) Oriangi,George; Edekebon,Elaijah; Ologe,Daniel Ochieng; Bamutaze,Yazidhi
There is a growing global concern about the detrimental effects of climatechange and variations on rain-fed agriculture. This study determinedhouseholds’ perceptions of changes and variations in climate and institutional roles in farmers' coping and adaptation mechanisms to changes and variationsin climate in Paicho Sub County (S/C), Gulu district in Northern Uganda. Datawas collected through structured household interviews and analyzedusingregression analysis and descriptive statistics. Findings showed that respondentsperceived rainfall and temperature to be the climatic parameters that hadchanged most with rainfall onset largely unpredictable. The major copingmechanisms to changes and variations in climate included: buying foodfromthe market, exchange of labor for food, and getting food help fromrelatives, community, and food agencies while, the major adaptation mechanismsincluded: getting jobs outside agriculture, adjustment of plantingdates, diversification of production, carrying out mixed cropping, and growingimproved crop and animal varieties. Additionally, the gender (P<0.05), thesizeof the land (P<0.05), and the age of the household head (P<0.05) were foundtobe the mostsignificant factorsinfluencing adaptation mechanisms. Furthermore, the role of existing institutions in community adaptation to changes andvariations in climate included: making decisions on planting time, providingaccess to information relevant to coping and adaptation, providing access tocredit, governing entitlements, and capacity building. In conclusion, thereisaneed for better and new crop varieties that can survive under changed andvariedclimatic conditions, and a need for more enhanced adaptation mechanisms.
Household resilience to climate change hazards in Uganda
(International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 2019-10-11) Oriangi, George; Albrecht,Frederike; Baldassarre,Giuliano Di; Bamutaze,Yazidhi; Mukwaya,Paul Isolo; Ardo,Jonas; Pilesjo Petter
Purpose – As climate change shocks and stresses increasingly affect urban areas in developing countries, resilience is imperative for the purposes of preparation, recovery and adaptation. This study aims to investigate demographic characteristics and social networks that influence the household capacity to prepare, recover and adapt when faced with prolonged droughts or erratic rainfall events in Mbale municipality in Eastern Uganda. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional research design was used to elicit subjective opinions. Previous studies indicate the importance of subjective approaches for measuring social resilience but their use has not been well explored in the context of quantifying urban resilience to climate change shocks and stresses. This study uses 389 structured household interviews to capture demographic characteristics, social networks and resilience capacities. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Findings – The ability of low-income households to meet their daily expenditure needs, household size, and networks with relatives and non government organizations (NGOs) were significant determinants of preparedness, recovery and adaptation to prolonged droughts or erratic rainfall events. Practical implications – The results imply that policymakers and practitioners have an important rolevis-à-vis encouraging activities that boost the ability of households to meet their daily expenditure needs, promoting small household size and reinforcing social networks that enhance household resilience.
Medium Term Climate Change Effects on Millet Yields in Gulu District, Northern Uganda
(African Journal of Climate Change and Resource Sustainability, 2024-05-12) Oriangi George; Bamutaze Yazidhi; Mukwaya Paul Isolo; Edekebon Elaijah
Climate change is expected to adversely affect crop yields and livelihoods of agro-dependent societies, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there remain gaps on the effects of expected regional climatic changes onkey food security crops. This study assessed the projected climatic conditions and expected changes in millet yields for Paicho Sub County(S/C) in Gulu District up to the year 2033 using a cross sectional study design. To determine future climatic conditions, PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impact Studies) model was used based on projected conditions at a 50 km spatial resolution while millet yields were modelled using Penman Grindley soil moisture balance model. PRECIS projected changes for 2033 reveal a strong and significant decrease in rainfall (p<0.05). This is likely to decrease millet yields by 2.6%belowthe average current yields of 1.8 tons per hectare per year under business-as-usual scenario. The finding indicates a need for improved millet varieties that can survive under changed climatic conditions.
Modelling Academic Performance in Science-Based Subjects in Primary Schools in Uganda
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2023) Wafula, Alfred; Oriangi,George; Odama,Stephene; Ologe,Daniel Ochieng
Poor academic performance in science subjects continues to be a major setback in schools of developing countries, despite several interventions to curb the vice. This study investigated the trend in academic performance in mathematics and integrated science in Kigumba town council in Kiryandongo district in Uganda. It used a retrospective cohort analysis design of 8 government-aided and privately funded primary schools while employing documentary analysis to obtain primary leaving examinations (PLE) results. PLE data obtained using documentary analysis was subjected to trend analysis to determine trends in pupils’ performance in the last decade. The findings indicate that performance in mathematics and integrated science in private schools was better than that in government schools over the last decade. In conclusion, teachers in Ugandan government primary schools need to be more committed to teaching mathematics and integrated science so as to improve the academic performance of pupils. In turn, the government and other stakeholders need to provide the necessary prerequisites to enable the teachers to do their work effectively.
Modelling Academic Performance in Science-Based Subjects in Primary Schools Using Elements of Teacher Preparation in Uganda
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2023-05-16) Wafula,Alfred; Oriangi,George; Odama,; Ofoyuru,Denis Thadeus; Ogwang,Henry; Ologe,Daniel Ochieng
Low academic performance in science subjects has continued to characterise primary education in sub–Saharan Africa, despite several interventions by stakeholders. This study investigated the influence of teachers’ preparation for teaching and learning on pupils’ academic performance in mathematics and integrated science in Kigumba town council in Uganda. It used a cross-sectional survey design with a sample size of 180 teachers and pupils from both government-aided and privately funded schools. Interviews were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics was used to determine teachers’ level of preparation for teaching and learners’ level of academic performance, while a regression model was used to establish the influence of teacher’s preparation on pupils’ academic performance. Findings indicate that teachers’ level of preparation was generally good and significantly (P<0.05) influenced by their teaching experience and access to insurance. Furthermore, academic performance in mathematics and integrated science was significantly influenced by teacher preparation (P<0.05) arising from lesson planning, updating learners’ discipline records, and creativity. In conclusion, teachers need to continue being creative, planning lessons on a daily basis, and updating learners’ discipline records in order to improve pupil performance. In turn, the government needs to provide teachers with insurance coverage, e.g., health insurance, in order to free more of their time for lesson preparation. The study informs education and economic planning policies.
Modelling Transformation of Communities by Public Universities in Post Conflict Northern Uganda Using Economic and Demographic factors
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2024-07-02) Adebua,Asaf; Oriangi,George; Abola,Benard; Amone,Charles; Ezati,Betty Akullu
Scarcity of knowledge exists on how economic and demographic factors of surrounding communities influence the capacity of universities to transformthem. This study examines the dimensions that contribute to community transformation in the context of the community surrounding Gulu University in post-conflict northern Uganda and the economic and demographic factors of the surrounding community that influence their transformation by Gulu University. The study employed a cross-sectional research design with a sampleof 390 households. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect dataon household economic and demographic factors and data on dimensions ofcommunity transformation. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used todetermine the contributions of the dimensions of community transformation, while logistic regression model was employed to determine economic and demographic factors that influence community transformation by Gulu University. The independent variables tested in the economic and demographic categories included age, gender, household size, occupation, alternative income, savings, credit, remittances, and education, while transformation formed the dependent variable. Findings revealed that the economic, physical, political and spiritual dimensions contribute more to the transformation of the community surrounding Gulu University, while the economic and demographic factors that had a significant influence on community transformation included occupation in civil service, business, and commercial farming (P=.004); and thelevel of education (P=0.044). The study concludes that the economic, physical, political and spiritual dimensions with their associated variables contributed more to community transformation. These can be used by other related studies to measure community transformation by universities in the context of developing countries. Furthermore, policies need to focus more on supporting the improvement of the business environment to promote commercial farming and university education since they have a higher multiplier effect on community transformation. Consequently, community members need to focus on business, harness commercial farming and achieve university level of education.
Perceptions of resilience to climate-induced disasters in Mbale municipality in Uganda
(Taylor and francis group, 2020-01-29) Oriangi,George; Albrecht,Frederike; Bamutaze,Yazidhi; Mukwaya,Paul Isolo; Nakileza,Bob; Pilesjo,Petter
Resilience has been raised as a core task within disaster risk reduction frameworks, yet it remains difficult to implement these global ideas in local communities. This study used Community Based Resilience Analysis Approach to investigate the components that are perceived as important in resilience and the extent to which these components have been achieved. It explored the trend of resilience and beneficial interventions for building resilience as perceived by interviewed participants in Mbale Municipality in Eastern Uganda. The study results indicate that access to education, healthcare, employment, peace and security were the most important components of resilience. Respondents perceived to have progressed in accessing credit, building productive farms and sustaining peace and security byJuly 2017. However, they assessed a lack of diverse income-generating activities, access to insurance, food security,employment and health care. Moreover, the study showed that respondents from marginalised parts of the municipality experienced decreasing resilience while respondents in other divisions had increased resilience. These results provide context-specific components of resilience by the local people. This can inform the formulation of resilience indices and bear relevance for policy-makers and practitioners to understand areas to invest more resources to achieve resilience.
Relevance of Indigenous Knowledge in Sustainable Management of Forest Resources in the 21st Century Uganda
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2023-09-04) Alule,Jimmy Rhombe; Nuwategeka,Expedito; Oriangi,George; Lajul,Wilfred
Sub-Saharan Africa is endowed with indigenous knowledge systems and natural forest resources critical to supporting several forms of development. However, the region has experienced rapid population growth and demographic changes, which may lead to a decline in forest resources. Sustainable management of these resources is critical for a healthy forest ecosystem that should continue to provide goods and services to the present and future generations. Of the variety of management strategies employed in the sustainable management of forest resources, indigenous knowledge provides a plausible alternative. To ascertain the relevance of this knowledge, the Lugbara community in Yumbe district, northwestern Uganda, was considered. Data were collected from 371 respondents using questionnaires and 19 key informants using interviews; others included participatory GIS and remote sensing. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, thematic and content analysis, and a forest cover change matrix. The results indicated a highly significant correlation between IK availability and usefulness of 0.703 at 0.01 level, and the socioeconomic and demographic variables tested statistically significant with sub-county of origin alone accounting for 11.7% of the variations in utilisation of IK in forest management. Indigenous knowledge was mostly used in the management of community forest resources, while modern scientific approaches were used in managing public forests. The forest resources were not sustainably managed despite the relatively high prevalence of IK. The linear model summary results were marginally significant, indicating that the prevalence of IK accounted for only approximately six% (R2 = .059) of the variations in SMFR. However, there was a resurrected interest in the use of IK since some forests managed using strict customary laws were the most biologically diverse. The resurrected interest implies that the IK remains relevant in the 21st century. The study therefore, recommends that IK practises be documented, promoted, and integrated into modern formal approaches to achieve SMFR.

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