Two Queens of King Suuna and their attendants.

A photograph of The Queens of King Suuna and their attendants.It is a photograph taken of The Queens of King Suuna and their attendants.Government of Uganda, Makerere University Research and Innovations Funds (RIF) and Makerere University Library

Charlotte Bronte, Chalk drawing by George Richmond R.A.

A photograph of Charlotte Bronte, Chalk drawing by George Richmond R.A.It is a photograph taken of Charlotte Bronte, Chalk drawing by George Richmond R.A.Government of Uganda, Makerere University Research and Innovations Funds (RIF) and Makerere University Library

Effects of agroforestry initiatives on practices of rural farmers in Iganga District

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Masters of Science in Education Degree of Makerere University.Agroforestry is an old practice in which trees, crops and / or livestock are integrated on the same piece of land. Agroforestry practices have been designed to curb the rate of land degradation. They include Agrisilvicultural systems in which trees, shrubs, vines and tree - crops are grown on the same piece of land. Silvopastoral systems which involve planting trees, pastures and raising animals on the same piece of land and finally Agrosilvopastoral systems which integrate tree growing with crops and pasture / animals. The study was carried out in Iganga District in Ibulanku, Waibuga and Magada sub counties. Respondents included local farmers, NGO officials and District agricultural officers. The study aimed at finding out the Agroforestry practices adopted by farmers in Iganga District; The NGOs and Government bodies involved in Agroforestry activities in Iganga District and the benefits of Agroforestry to the farmers. Major findings of the study revealed that agroforestry practices which had been adopted by the farmers included scattered trees in gardens and compounds; shelter belts and wind breaks; live hedges; trees around farmlands and plots; home gardens of various trees and crops around homesteads; alley cropping and multipurpose woodlots. The tree species popularly grown included mangoes, avocado, jackfruit for fruits; Grevillea, Maesopsis eminii and Ficus natalensis were raised for timber and fuel wood and Moringa was used as a source of medicine by most of the farmers. Acacia and Calliandra were used as fodder crops and for aesthetics farmers grew Grevillea and Maesopsis eminii. Two NGOs were actively involved in agroforestry activities namely; Africa 2000 (A2N) and Women Alliance and children Affairs (WAACHA). Government bodies supporting Agro foresty included NAADS, NEMA and FORRI. Agroforestry activities included providing seeds and seedlings, nursery establishment, demonstration plots, training farmers in agroforestry practices and exchange visits. A number of benefits were realized from practicing agroforestry and they included fuel wood, fruits, medicine, soil conservation, fodder and timber. The findings of the study revealed that once agroforestry initiatives are adopted by the farmers they will go a long way in ensuring sustainable land use

Grasslands: A resource for humanity (Inaugural lecture)

This paper is a compilation of an inaugural lecture which is a Makerere University requirement following promotion to a full Professor in ones area of specialisation. I was promoted to full Professor in December 1998 having risen through at the ranks and files since 1985. My research has focused on grassland and range sciences since 1976 and I have a record of more than 100 scientific publications, the majority falling in these areas. I have attended several conferences, symposia and workshops the World over and accumulated massive knowledge and information about the vital role of grasslands in supporting the well being/ livelihoods of humanity

Risks of Taenia solium cysticercosis in urban and peri-urban areas of Kampala, Uganda

In developing countries, cities are rapidly expanding, and over 50% of Africa’s population is estimated to live in or around cities by 2025 (United Nations 2002). To feed these growing city populations, urban and peri-urban agriculture has become part of the development agenda (FAO 2000). However, it also carries risks of the transmission of zoonotic diseases (Flynn 1999), for example Taenia solium (T. solium) cysticercosis. The usual life cycle of this parasite is maintained between pigs in their muscle (cysticerci) and humans intestine (taeniasis), however, ingestion of the eggs causes human neurocysticercosis, the major symptom being epilepsy (Burneo & Garcia 2001). This study aimed to understand the risks of T. solium cysticercosis, the single most common cause of acquired epilepsy, in urban and peri-urban areas of Kampala, Uganda, where the pig population is more than two times larger than any other Eastern and Southern African countries (FAO 2002)

Factors of stagnation in career development of secondary school teachers in Uganda: a case of Mbarara and Bushenyi Districts

The purpose of the study was to identify the factors, which contribute to the stagnation in career development of secondary school teachers and then establish the possible solution. The study was guided by the following objectives: To establish the socio-economic factors that contribute to the stagnation in career development of secondary school teachers; To establish the school-based factors that contribute to the stagnation in career development of secondary school teachers; and To establish the individual based factors that contribute to the stagnation in career development of secondary school teachers. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Fifty (50) out of 154 secondary schools from the two districts were selected. The sample size was 410 out of 7,238. Simple random sampling was used to select the secondary schools from the two districts. Systematic sampling was used to select teachers. Headteachers of the selected schools was automatically selected. Purposive sampling was used to select Ministry of Education officials. Descriptive data analysis was used to produce frequency tables. Qualitative data design was used to analyze data collected through interviews. The study established that 1) The socio-economic factors that contribute to teachers’ career stagnation were low income, family responsibilities, peer pressure, lack of close relatives/friends/neighbors, and teachers’ avoidance of careers above their status/stature. 2) The school-based factors that contribute to teachers’ career stagnation were failure of the schools administration to help teachers to develop their career, poor proper teacher training programs, lack of valuable feedback on teacher training, failure to hold supervisors accountable for supporting teacher development efforts, and non-response to support requests for alternate work schedules from staff members. 3) The personal factors that contribute to teachers’ career stagnation were failure for teachers to reflect on their career and develop some plans for their future, lack of teacher motivation and interest and teachers’ unwillingness to invest in their career development. The conclusions were that 1) Socio-economic factors contribute to teachers’ career stagnation. 2) School-based factors and personal factors contribute to teachers’ career stagnation 3) Personal factors contribute to teachers’ career stagnation. The study recommends that the schools and various stakeholders (government, private organizations and the teachers) should address the above socio-economic factors if teachers are to advance in their careers. In addition they should address the above school-based factors if teachers are to advance in their careers. Lastly, teachers should address the above personal factors, if they are to advance in their careers

Research – extension – farmer linkage system in the dairy sector in South-Western Uganda

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Masters of Science Degree in Livestock Development, Planning and Management (MLD) of Makerere University.The study was conducted in South-western Uganda in the districts of Mbarara, Kabale and Kisoro to analyze the research – extension – farmer linkage system with the key focus on the dairy sector. Cross sectional survey method was employed to gather data from farmers, farmers’ organizations, extension agents, researchers, processors and Makerere University from December 2009 – May 2010. The study was principally qualitative using case study approach where by two cases were purposively selected, that is to say, one in FAO funded project area (small scale dairy holder), and the other on large scale dairy holder. The cases were studied using individual interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory observations complemented by Delphi technique. Various qualitative analysis tools were used to analyse data. The study found out that the central actors in dairy sector were research scientists, public & private extension service providers and farmers & farmers’ organisations. Conversely, these actors were acting disjointedly whereby research scientists, extension agents and farmers were working in isolation from each other without a formal coordination mechanism. Furthermore the key constraints affecting the strengthening of the linkage between dairy farmers, extension and research were poor feedback mechanisms, inadequate resource allocation, lack of partnership for synergy, informal co-operation at field level and infrequent contacts between the actors. The study revealed opportunities to be exploited for strengthening the linkages; these include among others, rearranging the existing farmers’ organizations into vibrant and sound dairy farmers’ organizations at each local level and the capacity of DDA to the link the active partners in the dairy sector The study recommends that, a well funded dairy coordination unit that links all the active players in the dairy sector should be formed. Furthermore, creation and strengthening of strong and sound dairy farmers’ associations or co-operative movements at each local level, with a national board, will provide opportunities for linking up with the research organizations and extension agencies