The Effect of Land use/cover change on Biomass Stock in Dryland Areas of Eastern Uganda. A case study of Olio Sub-county in Soroti District

Drylands occupy 44% of Uganda’s land surface and provide livelihood to a cross-section of both rural and urban folks. However in the face of population pressure, drylands are increasingly in the path of conversion and degradation. This study therefore, performed an assessment of the effect of land use/cover change on biomass stock in olio sub-county from 1973 to 2001. A series of systematically corrected Orthorectified Landsat imageries of 1973, 1986 and 2001 obtained from the Landsat website were used. The images were analysed using  unsupervised approach in Integrated Land and Water Information System version 3.3 and validated using field observations and historic memories of village elders. Findings indicate that land use/cover change is driven by small-scale farming. Between 1973-1986 significant declines were identified among small-scale farming (23.2%), grasslands (8.7%) and large scale-farming (9.9%). Further, declines were also registered between 1986-2001 in Bushland (12.1%), woodlands (13.9%) and wetlands (8.2%) while dramatic gains were registered in small-scale farming by 19.4%. These declines led to losses in the available biomass stock by 2001 within bushlands, wetlands and woodlands loosing 29.1 million tons, 669.1 metric tons and 87.3 million tons respectively. We conclude that small-scale farming by resource poor farmers is rapidly transforming the vegetation landscape. Therefore, there is need for increased use of remote sensing and GIS to quantify change patterns at local scales for essential monitoring and assessment of land use and or/cover change effects and human interference on the landscape. @JASEMJ. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. December, 2010, Vol. 14 (4) 101 - 10

SOIL CARBON AND NITROGEN STOCKS IN TRADITIONALLY MANAGED RANGELAND BIOMES IN KARAMOJA SUB-REGION, UGANDA

Rangelands are known for their potential in mitigating rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the world. The objective of this study was to investigate the patterns of soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) in rangelands under traditional management systems in Karamoja sub-region in Uganda, with a view to facilitating the development of appropriate and strategic management practices for the rangeland resources. The study was conducted during the wet season of the sub-region. Four land use/cover types (cropland, grassland, woodland and thickets/shrubland) were laid out in a completely randomised design. Soil samples were collected from four plots each one measuring 50 m x 40 m in each land use/cover type. A diagonal design was used for sample collection at depths of 0 - 15 and 15 - 30 cm. Results showed that at both soil depths, croplands had the lowest mean SOC and highest N; while grasslands had the highest SOC. Also, cropland recorded the highest mean soil bulk density at both depths. Based on soil analysis only, this study showed that conversion to cropland over a specified period of time can considerably reduce the ability of rangelands to sequester carbon. Further studies to include assessment of carbon stocks in the respective vegetation biomass are recommended.Les p\ue2turages sont connus pour leur potentiel d\u2019att\ue9nuation des concentrations croissantes de dioxyde de carbone (CO2) atmosph\ue9rique dans le monde. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019\ue9tudier les mod\ue8les de carbone organique du sol (COS) et d\u2019azote (N) dans les p\ue2turages sous les syst\ue8mes de gestion traditionnels dans la sous-r\ue9gion de Karamoja en Ouganda, en vue de faciliter le d\ue9veloppement de pratiques de gestion appropri\ue9es et strat\ue9giques pour les ressources des p\ue2turages. L\u2019\ue9tude a \ue9t\ue9 men\ue9e pendant la saison des pluies de la sous-r\ue9gion. Quatre types d\u2019utilisation/de couverture des terres (terres cultiv\ue9es, prairies, terres bois\ue9es et fourr\ue9s/arbustes) ont \ue9t\ue9 d\ue9finis dans un plan compl\ue8tement al\ue9atoire. Des \ue9chantillons de sol ont \ue9t\ue9 pr\ue9lev\ue9s dans quatre parcelles mesurant chacune 50 m x 40 m dans chaque type d\u2019utilisation/couverture des terres. Une conception diagonale a \ue9t\ue9 utilis\ue9e pour la collecte d\u2019\ue9chantillons \ue0 des profondeurs de 0 - 15 et 15 - 30 cm. Les r\ue9sultats ont montr\ue9 qu\u2019aux deux profondeurs du sol, les terres cultiv\ue9es avaient le COS moyen le plus bas et le N le plus \ue9lev\ue9 ; tandis que les prairies avaient le COS le plus \ue9lev\ue9. De plus, les terres cultiv\ue9es ont enregistr\ue9 la densit\ue9 apparente moyenne du sol la plus \ue9lev\ue9e aux deux profondeurs. Bas\ue9e uniquement sur l\u2019analyse des sols, cette \ue9tude a montr\ue9 que la conversion en terres cultiv\ue9es sur une p\ue9riode de temps sp\ue9cifi\ue9e peut r\ue9duire consid\ue9rablement la capacit\ue9 des terres des p\ue2turages \ue0 s\ue9questrer le carbone. D\u2019autres \ue9tudes pour inclure l\u2019\ue9valuation des stocks de carbone dans la biomasse v\ue9g\ue9tale respective sont recommand\ue9es

ANALYSIS OF ADAPTATION DIVERSITY TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE AMONG PASTORAL COMMUNITIES IN NORTH-EASTERN UGANDA

Adaptation framing remains one of the major challenges to achieving greater implementation of adaptation initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using an integrated analytical framework that frames adaptation indicators into three dimensions; adaptive, absorptive and transformative capacities, we analysed the adaptation diversity in Karamoja sub-region, Uganda. We found a strong perception of the existence of climate variability and change manifested through the occurrence of droughts, floods, hailstorms, late onset and early rainfall onset. Absorptive capacity revealed varied status of asset ownership, custodianships, and access to these assets, presence of informal social safety nets, and social cohesion. Adaptive capacity revealed the presence of a diversity of livelihood sources, livelihood assets and associated income, but its human capital indicator revealed considerably high illiteracy levels among respondents. Meanwhile, transformative capacity revealed existence of network structures, governance and institutions, facilitated access to early warning information on pests, diseases and rainfall onset. Traditional institutions and the justice system played a key role in conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation for kraals establishment, grazing, and watering rights. We conclude that pastoral communities in Karamoja have a high inclination to maintenance of stability while their flexibility and ability to change decreases with the intensity of change pro-rata.Le cadrage de l\u2019adaptation reste l\u2019un des d\ue9fis majeurs pour parvenir \ue0 une plus grande mise en \u153uvre des initiatives d\u2019adaptation en Afrique subsaharienne (ASS). En utilisant un cadre analytique int\ue9gr\ue9 qui encadre les indicateurs d\u2019adaptation en trois dimensions; capacit\ue9s d\u2019adaptation, d\u2019absorption et de transformation, nous avons analys\ue9 la diversit\ue9 de l\u2019adaptation dans la sous-r\ue9gion de Karamoja, en Ouganda. Nous avons trouv\ue9 une forte perception de l\u2019existence de la variabilit\ue9 et des changements climatiques qui se manifestent par la survenue de s\ue9cheresses, d\u2019inondations, de temp\ueates de gr\ueale, d\u2019apparition tardive et pr\ue9coce des pr\ue9cipitations. La capacit\ue9 d\u2019absorption a r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9 des statuts vari\ue9s d\u2018\ua0actifs\ua0de\ua0propri\ue9t\ue9, de la protection de ses actifs et d\u2019acc\ue8s \ue0 ces actifs, la pr\ue9sence des r\ue9seaux de la s\ue9curit\ue9 sociale informels et la coh\ue9sion sociale. La capacit\ue9 d\u2019adaptation a r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9 la pr\ue9sence d\u2019une diversit\ue9 de sources de subsistance, d\u2019actifs de subsistance et de revenus associ\ue9s, mais son indicateur de capital humain a r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9 des niveaux d\u2019analphab\ue9tisme consid\ue9rablement \ue9lev\ue9s parmi les r\ue9pondants. Pendant ce temps, la capacit\ue9 de la transformation a r\ue9v\ue9l\ue9 l\u2019existence de structures de r\ue9seau, de gouvernance et d\u2019institutions, a facilit\ue9 l\u2019acc\ue8s aux informations d\u2019alerte pr\ue9coce sur les ravageurs, les maladies et l\u2019apparition des pluies. Les institutions traditionnelles et le syst\ue8me judiciaire ont jou\ue9 un r\uf4le cl\ue9 dans la r\ue9solution des conflits, la m\ue9diation et la n\ue9gociation pour l\u2019\ue9tablissement des \ue9tables et les droits de p\ue2turage et d\u2019abreuvement. Nous concluons que les communaut\ue9s pastorales du Karamoja ont une forte tendance au maintien de la stabilit\ue9 tandis que leur flexibilit\ue9 et leur capacit\ue9 \ue0 changer diminuent avec l\u2019intensit\ue9 du changement au prorata

FACTORS DETERMINING INTENSITY OF CAMEL ADOPTION IN SEMI-ARID NORTH-EASTERN UGANDA

Integration of camel ( Camelus dromedarius ) production in the traditional livestock systems is increasingly gaining significance as a strategy for household adaptation to prolonged and recurrent droughts in African arid and semi-arid lands. There is increasing interest in promoting camels as a strategy to mitigate the effects of prolonged droughts in communities where camels have not been reared before. However, the intensity of camel adoption and the factors that drive camel adoption process in semi-arid Uganda are not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the level of intensity and socio-economic factors influencing the intensity of camel adoption in Karamoja sub-region in Uganda. Econometric results show that age the of a household head was significantly associated with the intensity of camel adoption; whereas household size, credit access and crop area cultivated significantly decreased with the intensity of camel adoption in the region. Increasing camel adoption was possible with increasing access to capital; as well as carefully balancing the competition for labour with crop cultivation.L\u2019int\ue9gration de la production de chameaux (Camelus dromedarius) dans les syst\ue8mes d\u2019\ue9levage traditionnels prend de plus en plus d\u2019importance en tant que strat\ue9gie d\u2019adaptation des m\ue9nages aux s\ue9cheresses prolong\ue9es et r\ue9currentes dans les regions arides et semi-arides d\u2019Afrique. Il y a un int\ue9r\ueat croissant pour la promotion des chameaux comme strat\ue9gie pour att\ue9nuer les effets des s\ue9cheresses prolong\ue9es dans les communaut\ue9s o\uf9 les chameaux n\u2019ont pas \ue9t\ue9 \ue9lev\ue9s auparavant. Cependant, l\u2019intensit\ue9 de l\u2019adoption des chameaux et les facteurs qui motivent le processus d\u2019adoption des chameaux dans la r\ue9gion semi-aride de l\u2019Ouganda ne sont pas clairs. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait de d\ue9terminer le niveau d\u2019intensit\ue9 et les facteurs socio-\ue9conomiques influen\ue7ant l\u2019intensit\ue9 de l\u2019adoption de chameaux dans la sous-r\ue9gion de Karamoja en Ouganda. Les r\ue9sultats \ue9conom\ue9triques ont montr\ue9 que l\u2019\ue2ge du chef de m\ue9nage \ue9tait significativement associ\ue9 \ue0 l\u2019intensit\ue9 de l\u2019adoption de chameaux ; tandis que la taille des m\ue9nages, l\u2019acc\ue8s au cr\ue9dit et la superficie cultiv\ue9e ont consid\ue9rablement diminu\ue9 avec l\u2019intensit\ue9 de l\u2019adoption de chameaux dans la r\ue9gion. L\u2019augmentation de l\u2019adoption de chameaux \ue9tait possible avec un acc\ue8s accru au capital; ainsi que d\u2019\ue9quilibrer soigneusement la concurrence pour la main-d\u2019\u153uvre avec la culture des plantes

Farmers’ selection cues in cowpea for vegetable use in eastern Uganda

This is a research article on participatory cowpea varietal selection was carried out in Eastern Uganda in Kumi district among farmersA participatory cowpea varietal selection was carried out in Eastern Uganda in the Kumi district among farmers (n=30) in the sub-Counties of Ongino, Kumi and Kanyum. An arange of opinions were collected to identify farmers’ selection criteria based on different sensory attributes and their most preferred genotypes for vegetable use. A Apreference analysis was carried out to obtain quantitative preference scores of each plot. This was followed by organoleptic tests which included attributes like taste, aroma and texture of the genotypes at the vegetative and immature R4 stages. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were also held to find a consensus of the independent evaluations made by individual farmers. Data for sixteen (16) cowpea genotypes were collected at the different above-mentioned stages. Quantitative data were analyzed based on farmers’ scores made on the different evaluated attributes and ANOVA was used to provide mean differences between location, gender and genotype at a significant level of 5%. The preference score for each of the varieties tested was determined and presented. Data from FGDs were grouped, similarities and differences were later determined depending on their level of importance to the farmers. Significant differences (p<0.05) in farmer choices were observed for leaf taste, immature pod aroma, taste and texture; mature pod aroma, taste between farmer groups, age genotype and gender. Irrespective of age, gender, farmer group and genotype, farmers seemed to give more importance to the smooth texture, little hard leaves when chewing, sweet taste with a mild aroma (leaves) and a moderate aroma (pods). Majority (9%) of the farmers preferred Ebelat (landrace) at V4 stage; this was followed by Danila (8.7%). On the other hand, UCUCOW1 (13% at immature and 10.2% at mature cooked R4 stage) followed by Ebelat (9% and 9.8% for immature and mature R4 stage, respectively) were preferred by the majority of the farmers. In terms of sensory attributes, farmers preferred genotypes with a sweet taste, moderate aroma and tender texture. The information is a baseline for understanding key farmer selection criteria in the utilization of cowpea as a vegetable which can be used in generating a demand-led variety design for the crop

Farmers’ selection cues in cowpea for vegetable use in eastern Uganda

A participatory cowpea varietal selection was carried out in Eastern Uganda in Kumi district among farmers (n=30) in the sub-Counties of: Ongino, Kumi and Kanyum. A range of opinions were collected to identify farmers’ selection criteria based on different sensory attributes and their most preferred genotypes for vegetable use. A preference analysis was carried out to obtain quantitative preference scores of each plot. This was followed by organoleptic tests which included attributes like taste, aroma and texture of the genotypes at the vegetative and immature R4 stages. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were also held to find consensus of the independent evaluations made by individual farmers. Data for sixteen (16) cowpea genotypes were collected at the different above mentioned stages. Quantitative data were analyzed based on farmers’ scores made on the different evaluated attributes and ANOVA was used to provide mean differences between location, gender and genotype at a significant level of 5%. Preference score for each of the varieties tested was determined and presented. Data from FGDs were grouped, similarities and differences were later determined depending on their level of importance to the farmers. Significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in farmer choices were observed for leaf taste, immature pod aroma, taste and texture; mature pod aroma, taste between farmer groups, age genotype and gender. Irrespective of age, gender, farmer group and genotype, farmers seemed to give more importance to the smooth texture, little hard leaves when chewing, sweet taste with a mild aroma (leaves) and a moderate aroma (pods). Majority (9%) of the farmers preferred Ebelat (landrace) at V4 stage; this was followed by Danila (8.7%). On the other hand, UCUCOW1 (13% at immature and 10.2% at mature cooked R4 stage) followed by Ebelat (9% and 9.8% for immature and mature R4 stage, respectively) were preferred by majority of the farmers. In terms of sensory attributes, farmers preferred genotypes with sweet taste, moderate aroma and tender texture. The information is a baseline for understanding key farmer selection criteria in utilization of cowpea as a vegetable which can be used in generating a demand-led variety design for the crop.&nbsp

Evidence-based opportunities for out-scaling climate-smart agriculture in East Africa

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is being widely promoted as a solution for food insecurity and climate change adaptation in food systems of sub-Saharan Africa, while simultaneously reducing the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. Governments throughout Africa are writing policies and programs to promote CSA practices despite uncertainty about the ability for practices to meet the triple CSA objectives of CSA. We conducted a systematic review of 175 peer-reviewed and grey literature studies, to gauge the impact of over seventy potential CSA practices on CSA outcomes in Tanzania and Uganda. Using a total of 6,342 observations, we found that practice impacts were highly context (i.e. farming system and location) specific. Nevertheless, practice effect across CSA outcomes generally agreed in direction. While our results suggest that CSA is indeed possible, lack of mitigation data precludes a more conclusive statement. Furthermore, the inclusion of potential adoption rates changes the potential of CSA practices to achieve benefits at scale. Given the uncertainty and variable impacts of practices across regions and outcomes, it is critical for decision makers to prioritize practices based on their desired outcomes and local context

Water use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) crop under selected soil and water conservation practices along the slope gradient in Ruzizi watershed, eastern D.R. Congo

Open Access Journal; Published online: 18 Oct 2022Maize (Zea mays L.) productivity is constrained by water shortages in the predominantly rainfed agriculture of the tropical semi-arid Ruzizi Plain, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The region is characterized by a high seasonal and inter-annual rainfall variability and a frequent occurrence of consecutive dry days within growing seasons. Consequently, planning water utilization in rainfed agriculture has become complex, as appropriate soil water conservation (SWC) practices are lacking among most smallholder farmers. Identifying practices that increase water use efficiency (WUE) along the slope gradient is crucial for supporting maize production in the region. In this study, we assessed, for three growing seasons, the effectiveness of two SWC practices (tied ridges and Zai pits) in improving the WUE of two maize varieties along three slope gradients (0–2, 2–8, and 8–15%) in the tropical semi-arid Ruzizi Plain. In this area, rainfall amounts (142–289 mm) were consistently below the evapotranspiration demands (356–533 mm) across the three growing seasons. Tied ridges recorded the highest grain yield (2.16 t ha−1) and WUE (15.23 kg mm−1), especially at low slopes, when compared to Zai pits and conventional tillage. For all SWC practices, WUE decreased with the slope gradient (p < 0.01). Furthermore, a decrease in stored soil water (SWS) at silking and maturity stages (milk, dough, and dent stages) negatively affected the WUE. The variety had no significant effect on grain yield and WUE. Root biomass (RBM), shoot biomass (SBM), and leaf area index (LAI) at the flowering stage were the most associated with the WUE (R2 = 58.5%). In conclusion, tied ridges showed potential for improving maize WUE and yield in the water-deficient conditions that characterize the Ruzizi Plain, and could be promoted to improve the maize productivity among smallholder farmers

One Hundred Priority Questions for the Development of Sustainable Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing an expected doubling of human population and tripling of food demand over the next quarter century, posing a range of severe environmental, political, and socio-economic challenges. In some cases, key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in direct conflict, raising difficult policy and funding decisions, particularly in relation to trade-offs between food production, social inequality, and ecosystem health. In this study, we used a horizon-scanning approach to identify 100 practical or research-focused questions that, if answered, would have the greatest positive impact on addressing these trade-offs and ensuring future productivity and resilience of food-production systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Through direct canvassing of opinions, we obtained 1339 questions from 331 experts based in 55 countries. We then used online voting and participatory workshops to produce a final list of 100 questions divided into 12 thematic sections spanning topics from gender inequality to technological adoption and climate change. Using data on the background of respondents, we show that perspectives and priorities can vary, but they are largely consistent across different professional and geographical contexts. We hope these questions provide a template for establishing new research directions and prioritising funding decisions in sub-Saharan Africa

One hundred priority questions for the development of sustainable food systems in sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing an expected doubling of human population and tripling of food demand over the next quarter century, posing a range of severe environmental, political, and socio-economic challenges. In some cases, key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are in direct conflict, raising difficult policy and funding decisions, particularly in relation to trade-offs between food production, social inequality, and ecosystem health. In this study, we used a horizon-scanning approach to identify 100 practical or research-focused questions that, if answered, would have the greatest positive impact on addressing these trade-offs and ensuring future productivity and resilience of food-production systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Through direct canvassing of opinions, we obtained 1339 questions from 331 experts based in 55 countries. We then used online voting and participatory workshops to produce a final list of 100 questions divided into 12 thematic sections spanning topics from gender inequality to technological adoption and climate change. Using data on the background of respondents, we show that perspectives and priorities can vary, but they are largely consistent across different professional and geographical contexts. We hope these questions provide a template for establishing new research directions and prioritising funding decisions in sub-Saharan Africa