The application of Jus in Bello to indiscriminate attacks in non-international armed conflicts

Includes bibliographical references.This thesis examines the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks in non-international armed conflicts. The world has seen an increase in the number of armed conflicts that are not of an international character. Most of these conflicts have proven to be very destructive and detrimental to persons not taking part in the hostilities. Having in mind the fact that International Humanitarian Law seeks to protect persons not taking part in armed conflicts, this thesis is an appraisal of whether International Humanitarian Law prohibits indiscriminate attacks in non-international armed conflicts

Modelling the hydrological responses to changes in land use and cover in the Malaba River Catchment, Eastern Uganda

Hydrological responses vary from one catchment to another, depending on the nature of land use and cover changes. Modelling the hydrological responses to changes in land use and cover at different catchment spatial scales was the major focus of this study. This study assessed the hydrological responses attributed to changes in land use and extreme weather events resulting into increased sediment loading/concentration, rainfall-runoff generation/volume, streamflow fluctuation and modification of the river channel in the Malaba River Catchment, Eastern Uganda. The hydrological responses were assessed using hydrological models (IHACRES, SCS CN, and SHETRAN) to examine the effect of land use on soil physio-chemical properties susceptibility to rainfall-runoff generation and volume, frequency and severity of extreme weather events, changes in streamflow variations, sediment loading/concentration and river channel morphology. The preliminary study results showed that the frequency of extreme weather events reduced from 4-10 to 1-3 years over the catchment. The performance of the IHACRES model with a Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.89 showed that streamflow comparatively corresponded with the results obtained the drought indices in predicting the recorded events of severe drought (2005) and flood (1997). Changes in land use and cover types showed that the highest change in the gain of land was experienced from the agricultural land use (36.7 percent), and tropical forest (regeneration) (2.2 percent). The biggest losses in land were experienced in the wetlands (24.6 percent) and bushland and thickets (15.3 percent) land cover types. The SHETRAN model calibrated period had a NSE of 0.78 and 0.81 in the validation period showed satisfactory fits between the measured and simulated streamflow. The agricultural land use (crop growing) had a higher influence on the rainfall-runoff generation and increase in the streamflow than the tropical forest, and bushland cover types in the simulated period. Similarly, the curve number model estimated a comparatively higher surface rainfall-runoff volume generated from the agricultural land use (crop growing) (71,740 m3) than in the bushlands and thickets (42,872 m3) from a rainstorm followed by the tropical forest cover type. This was also reflected in the lower rates of saturated hydraulic conductivity from the agricultural land use (crop growing). The study also showed that human-induced sediment loading due to gold mining activities contributed a much higher impact on the concentration of suspended sediments and streamflow than sediments from rainfall-runoff from the sampled streams. The main contributor of human-induced sediments to the Malaba River were Nankuke River (130.6kg/annum), followed by Omanyi River (70.6kg/annum), and Nabewo River (66.8kg/annum). Human-induced sediment loading had a profound impact on the streamflow variations both in the dry and wet seasons from the sampled tributaries. Lastly, in regard to the effect of land use and cover types on the river channel morphology, tree plantation (cohesion=12, angle of internal friction=27) and bushland and thickets (cohesion=14, angle of internal friction=22) cover types had the most stable river banks compared to the wetland and agricultural land use and cover types that exhibited higher levels of sediment concentration

Influence of Literacy on the Smallholder Farmer’s Ability to Adapt to Drought in Pallisa District, Eastern Uganda

Functional literacy if well-applied increases lifelong livelihood opportunities for the smallholder farmers faced with drought episodes. This study examined the influence of literacy on the smallholder farmer’s ability to adapt to drought. The social-economic data was collected and analysed using both multi-stage and cross-sectional sampling methods. A total sample of 153 smallholder farmers was randomly selected from Gogonyo, Kameke, Kamuge and Kasodo sub-counties and administered household questionnaires. The study results revealed that there was a very significant relationship between literacy (reading and writing) and adaptation to drought by the smallholder farmers (p<0.05). This was brought about by remarkable functional literacy players. The farmers recognised non-governmental organisations (65%) and farmer associations (20%) as the major contributors of their functional literacy levels followed by the government (15%) through extension programmes. Specifically, community public gathering including public announcements, farmer field schools with 70% and use of visual aids (posters) –(20%) were the major modes of adaptation content delivery to the smallholder farmers followed by the use of electronic media such as radios, television (6%) and use of public documents like newspapers and magazines with 4%. However, the shortfalls in the acquisition of literacy were largely caused by the farmer’s nonattendance to the schools and training, insufficient knowledge to comprehend, shortage of scholastic writing materials, trekking longer distances to educational centres and inadequate financial resources to meet their school requirements. Above all, the promotion of reading and writing literacy skills amongst the smallholder farmers is more likely to trigger, improve and lead to the introduction of adaptation innovations that are critical in improving the farmer’s resilience and livelihood status. Keywords: Smallholder farmers, drought, literacy, adapt, Pallisa, Ugand

Effect of Cooperative Learning Approach on Students’ Academic Achievement in English in Co-Educational Public Secondary Schools, Nakuru County, Kenya

A lot of scholarly research articles have lauded the positive significant contribution of Cooperative Learning Approach (CLA) and its effect on student’s academic achievement. However none of those studies have been conducted on English subject, therefore this study investigated how the use of CLA affects students’ academic achievement in English in public coeducational secondary schools in Nakuru County. The study adopted quasi experimental design, based on Solomon Four- group, Non-equivalent Control Group Design. The study involved two Experimental groups, E1 and E2 which were taught through CLA method and two Control groups, C1 and C2 which were taught through the Conventional methods. The target populations were students and teachers from the four co-educational public secondary schools of Nakuru County. The accessible population was 766 form three students in the four schools. The study sample size was 242 Form three students from the four co-educational public secondary schools in Nakuru County. The study used English Achievement Test (EAT) to collect quantitative data. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24). Comparing the mean gain for the two groups of students’, it was established that students using cooperative learning approach were 12% higher in English achievement test as compared to their peers who were taught using conventional methods. The study concluded that there was statistically significant effect of cooperative learning approach on students’ achievement of English in public co-educational secondary schools in Nakuru, County Kenya (F(1,216)=113043.974, p<0.05). The study further concluded that use of cooperative learning approach improves student achievement in English compared to use conventional methods. The study recommended teachers to adopt modern constructivism approaches to teaching students especially Cooperative learning approach that is student centered. Keywords: Cooperative Learning Approach, Academic Achievement DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/64-07 Publication date: January 31st 202

Dynamics of Land Use/Cover Trends in Kanungu District, South-western Uganda

Like other countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda is not an exception to the effects of land use/cover changes on the environment. Specifically the study intended to; determine the magnitude and trend of land use/cover changes  in Kanungu District for the last 35 years. A series of Landsat TM/ETM orthorectified satellite imagery of 1975, 1987 and 1999 were classified using unsupervised classification procedures in ILWIS 3.3 software to determine the magnitude and trend of land use/cover changes. A total of 65 local residents were randomly selected for questionnaire administration with the help of village leaders to examine the underlying drivers of land use/cover change. The results showed that the magnitude of small scale (Non-uniform) farming largely increased by 5% from 1975 to 1999 while areas covered by Tropical high forest  relatively decreased by 16% between 1975 and 1987 but slightly increased by 1% in 1999. The areas covered by wetlands comparatively increased by 4% from 1975 to 1987 and by 1999 they slightly decreased by 3%. The woodland areas decreased by 3% from 1975 to 1987 and to some extent also increased by 2% in 1999. Household size, type of crops grown, customary  land tenure system, availability of agricultural extension workers, weak environmental laws and policies are significant predictors of land  use/cover change in Kanungu District.@ JASEMJ. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. December, 2010, Vol. 14 (4) 67 – 7

Rainwater harvesting knowledge and practice for agricultural production in a changing climate: A review from Uganda’s perspective

With a changing climate in Uganda, rainfall distribution patterns have become more irregular over time and space. Excess water during rainy season is causing runoff, soil erosion, nutrient depletion and crop damage which reduce the productive capacity of land, while on the other hand, prolonged droughts during the crop growing period have become common occurrences. Additionally, pastoralists lose livestock during the dry period each year in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda due to water shortage and lack of forage. It thus remains difficult to achieve the agricultural development targets identified in the National Development Plan for Uganda, without addressing regular incidences of adverse impacts of climate change. Currently there are no well explained approaches which can contribute to adoption of technologies like rainwater management systems which are crucial in enhancing crop yields and livestock production during periods of water shortage. The overarching objective of this paper was to carry out an assessment of the status, performance, and scope for improving rainwater harvesting (RWH) for small-scale agriculture under local conditions. Accordingly, research gaps in RWH technologies were identified and documented to inform future studies. The research was carried out in the semi-arid areas of Nakasongola, Rakai, and Hoima Districts characterized by crop-livestock dependent livelihoods. Findings show that RWH Technologies can enable smallholder farmers and agro-pastoralists to become more resilient to increasing climate variability and climate change by conserving soil and water thus increasing food production and enhancing food security. Small-scale irrigation systems have enabled farmers adapt to drought challenges by enhancing crop yields and allowing farmers to target for higher market prices usually associated with the effects of drought. However, there are challenges including threats to sustainability of such established systems because of lack of community participation in systems’ monitoring and maintenances, and vandalism, and some systems require high investment costs.

Carbon Sequestration of Fruit Trees under Contrasting Management Regimes

This study aimed at establishing the potential of fruit trees in carbon sequestration. The specific objectives were to establish the carbon stocks in fruit trees compare the potential of carbon stocks in citrus and mango trees and examine the relationship between the management practices and carbon stocks in fruit trees. At the farm level, plots were identified and transects established and individual fruit trees from sampled individual farms along the transect were selected. At the tree level, measurements of tree height and diameter at breast height were made. They were converted to biomass using allometric equations. Analysis of Variance was used to compare the differences in carbon stocks between the fruit trees and between the different management practices.  Findings revealed higher biomass and carbon stocks in mango trees as compared to citrus (74.57 ± 14.95 and 13.52 ± 1.25 t/ha respectively). Significant differences are also reported in carbon stocks under different management practices (p < 0.05). Irrespective of the species type, above-ground carbon under different management practices followed the order (from highest to lowest): Inorganic fertilizer < Intercrop < Monocrop < organic fertilizer and irrigation < intercrop and inorganic fertilizer.  The results also point out that mango fruits have a high potential to sequestrate carbon emissions hence mitigating global warming

Comparison of Microscopy and PCR for Detection of Giardia Lamblia and Entamoeba Histolytica in Human Stool Specimens in a Resource Limited Setting in Western Kenya

BACKGROUND፡ Accurate diagnosis of Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica is important since these intestinal parasites account for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality globally. Microscopy is the key diagnostic test used for diagnosis of the two parasites. Other tests including rapid diagnostic tests and polymerase chain reaction have been developed to improve the detection of these parasites. Most of these newer tests are not affordable in resource limited settings, hence the over reliance on microscopy. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability of microscopy in a resource limited setting in Western Kenya, a region endemic for the two intestinal parasites.METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction, the gold standard test, was performed on stool samples suspected for G. lamblia and E. histolytica. Microscopy was then performed on the same samples and the two tests compared.RESULTS: Microscopy was found to be 64.4% sensitive, 86.6% specific for the detection of G. lamblia. Additionally, this test was 64.2% sensitive and 83.6% specific for the diagnosis of E. histolytica. Cohen’s kappa values of 0.51 and 0.47 were determined for microscopy for G. lamblia and E. histolytica respectively. McNemar’s test revealed a significant difference between the two tests, P&lt;0.001.CONCLUSION: This study found microscopy to be a reliable diagnostic test in this resource limited setting

The role of indigenous knowledge (IK) in adaptation to drought by agropastoral smallholder farmers in Uganda

44-52Majority of agro pastoral smallholder farmers in developing countries are characterised by low pay status, high illiteracy levels and are tied to cultural beliefs and spirits. These drawbacks have led them into using more indigenous knowledge as a way of adapting to droughts. This study explored the contribution of IK in enhancing farmer’s resilience to drought in crop and livestock production systems in semi-arid areas. The objectives were: (i) to examine the agro pastoral farmer’s perceptions of drought indicators and associated impacts and (ii) determinants for the adoption of indigenous knowledge drought adaptation responses. Socio-economic data was collected using oral interviews. The farmers (240) were selected using random sampling procedures and subjected to structured questionnaires and key informant guides. This study highlights that the droughts experienced were perceived to be more severe, recurrent and pervasive but also erratic. The IK drought signs were: flowering of wild plants, blowing of strong winds and appearance of flying and crawling insects. In crop-based systems, droughts reduced yields, caused plant stunted growth, increased incidences of diseases and invasive weed species. In livestock, droughts reduced surface water levels, lowered milk and beef yields, and increased diseases. The farmers reacted to droughts by practicing indigenous agro forestry, mulching, changing planting time, crop rotation and hoeing of trenches to control fires and pests/diseases. They also took their animals to wetlands for foraging and drew water for animals to drink. The uptake of IK drought adaptation practices was related to: household size, personal farming life experience, gender and age of the agro pastoral farmers. Therefore, employing IK drought adaptation responses is an important step towards increasing the resilience of agro pastoral smallholder farmers but also the conservation of IK for forthcoming generations

A Simplified Spatial Methodology for Assessing Land Productivity Status in Africa

The degradation of soil, vegetation and socio-economic transformations are a huge threat to Africa’s land production. This study aimed to (i) assess the soil and land productivity of standing biomass and (ii) determine the effect of rainfall on the standing biomass in Eastern Africa. Soil productivity was determined using the Soil Productivity Index (SPI) and a simplified model was developed to estimate the Net Primary Productivity (NPP). The SPI indicators used included soil-organic matter, texture, soil moisture, base-saturation, pH, cation-exchange-capacity, soil-depth and drainage. The inputs of the simplified model are: MODIS Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), soil erosion, soil nutrient content and input, rainfall, land-use/cover and agro-ecological zones. The findings reveal that the countries with the most productive soils are Mauritius, Rwanda and South Sudan—while, for standing biomass, the countries with the highest spatial extent are Mauritius (97%), Rwanda (96%), Uganda (95%), South Sudan (89%), Ethiopia (47%) and Kenya (36%). Standing biomass is dominant in biomes such as natural forests, woodlands, croplands, grasslands, wetlands and tree-plantations. High land productivity was attributed to soil quality and management, land policy reforms, favourable climatic conditions and sustainable land husbandry activities. Rainfall was significantly correlated with standing biomass in most of the studied countries (p < 0.05) except Djibouti and Rwanda. Therefore, monitoring soil health, use and land reforms are key to sustaining vegetative biomass