Resilient but Overwhelmed: How do Students in South Sudan Public Universities Cope with the Rising Net Cost?

South Sudan is facing the challenges of transition from a liberation movement to democratic state. The protracted political civil war has increased the country’s fragility, dwindling public allocations to education and other sectors. Should education in fragile states wait for the return of peace? The purpose of this study was to interrogate the influence of net cost on out-of-state students’ access in South Sudan public universities. A total of 378 students were selected through random sampling procedure. Six members of the National Council for Higher Education, four university administrators, four parents and two universities were chosen through purposive sampling. The data collection instruments were questionnaires, interview guide, observation and document analysis guide, Descriptive statistics were presented in form of frequencies, percentages and tables. A one-sample t-test was used to establish whether there was a significant difference in the influence of net cost on students’ decision to access and attend South Sudan public universities between in-state and out-of-state students. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed simultaneously, coded, categorized into themes. The results indicate that although public universities have demonstrated resilience, they are overwhelmed and struggling to provide quality education services to all citizens. Students’ net cost was growing faster than their family income due to the rise in inflation adversely affecting out-ofstate students from low-income families’ access to public universities compared to in-state students. The study recommends that the government fast-track peace and re-engineer its education system to make it more accessible, affordable and equitable to all, particularly those from the marginalized groups. It hopes to contribute to improving policy and practice in educational administration and planning

Progress in cassava technology transfer in Uganda

This publication contains the full text of papers presented at a Workshop held in Masindi, Uganda, 9-12 January 1996, and sponsored by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation. During the Workshop the need became evident for additional statistics on the multiplication, distribution and uptake of improved varieties of cassava in the six districts where activities are supported by The Gatsby Charitable Foundation and also elsewhere. The results of a subsequent survey in selected sub-counties of each of the six Gatsby districts are also presented here, together with estimates of the amount of improved material that has been distributed and the area now grown. These latest figures (Appendix 1) represent the best available estimates and in some instances differ substantially from those compiled and presented in the earlier district reports

Diversity and spatial distribution of sorghum on farmers’ fields in Uganda

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a food security crop in sub-Saharan Africa, which requires constant breeding in response to changes in the fragility of agricultural production environments. Hence, understanding and tenacious use of genetic variation in sorghum germplasm is essential for improving the crop to cope with environmental changes. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of diversity and spatial distribution of sorghum on farmers’ fields in major sorghum growing regions in Uganda. A survey involving 180 fields was conducted in three districts, namely Agago and Apac (northern) and Serere (eastern) all in Uganda. Diversity was measured in terms of number of accessions per field, the Shannon-Weaver and Simpson diversity indices. In order to assess spatial distribution of sorghum diversity on the fields, correlation analysis was carried out between diversity and geographical distances between fields. Overall, Agago district had the highest number of accessions per unit area (4.47); while Apac had the lowest (1.62). The spatial distribution of sorghum diversity showed a positive correlation (r = 0.381 for Agago, 0.124 for Apac and 0.081 for Serere), between geographical distances and diversity across the three districts; implying that fields close together share similar sorghum varieties. This can be due to sharing seeds between farmers within a given location. Sorghum diversity was spatially distributed in the fields, with fields close to each other shared most sorghum types. The levels of sorghum diversity on fields were highest in Agago and lowest in Apac district. The existing on-farm sorghum diversity offers the opportunity for improving sorghum through natural breeding against biotic and abiotic stresses. &nbsp

Cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), in sub-Saharan African farming landscapes: a review of the factors determining abundance

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a pest species complex that causes widespread damage to cassava, a staple food crop for millions of smallholder households in Sub-Saharan Africa. Species in the complex cause direct feeding damage to cassava and are the vectors of multiple plant viruses. Whilst significant work has gone into developing virus-resistant cassava cultivars, there has been little research effort aimed at understanding the ecology of these insect vectors. In this review we critically assess the knowledge base relating to factors that may lead to high population densities of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Bemisia tabaci species in cassava production landscapes of East Africa. We focus first on empirical studies that have examined biotic or abiotic factors that may lead to high populations. We then identify knowledge gaps that need to be filled to deliver long-term sustainable solutions to manage both the vectors and the viruses that they transmit. We found that whilst many hypotheses have been put forward to explain the increases in abundance witnessed since the early 1990s, there are little available published data and these tend to have been collected in a piecemeal manner. The most critical knowledge gaps identified were: (i) understanding how cassava cultivars and alternative host plants impact B. tabaci population dynamics and its natural enemies; (ii) the impact of natural enemies in terms of reducing the frequency of outbreaks and (iii) the use and management of insecticides to delay or avoid the development of resistance. In addition, there are several fundamental methodologies that need to be developed and deployed in East Africa to address some of the more challenging knowledge gaps

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping in Maize for Resistance to Larger Grain Borer

Storability of maize grain is constrained by the larger grain borer (LGB) (Prostephanus truncatus). Host plant resistance is the most feasible way to manage LGB among smallholder farmers. Breeding for resistance to this pest inmaize is dependent on understanding genetic mechanisms underlying the resistance. The objective of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with LGB resistance in tropical maize. A mapping populationof 203 F2:3 derived progenies was developed from a cross between susceptible and resistant inbred lines.The F2:3 progenies were crossed to a tester and testcrosses evaluated across six environments, followed by screening for resistance to LGB. Data was collected on husk cover tip length, and grain texture in the field. Biochemical traits were analyzed on the maize grain. Harvested grain was evaluated for resistance and data recorded on grain damage, weight loss, and several insects. Grain hardness was measured as a putative trait of resistance. Univariate analysis of variance for all the traits was done using the general linear model of the statistical analysis system.Genetic mapping was done using Joinmap 4, while QTL analysis was done using PLABQTL. The QTL for resistance were mapped to 6 out of the ten chromosomes. QTL for resistance traits were located in chromosomes 1, 5 and 9.Chromosome 1 had a common QTL linked to protein content, grain hardness, and husk cover tip length. Additive genetic effects were prevalent in all detected QTL. Overall, the studies show that breeding for resistance to LGB is possible

The prevalence and antibiotics susceptibility pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in patients attending OPD clinics at St. Mary?s Hospital Lacor Uganda

Introduction. Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in developing countries, and the emergence of resistance to antimicrobial agents in Neisseria gon- orrhoeae is a major obstacle in the control of gonorrhoea. Peri- odical determination of the prevalence and monitoring of antimi- crobial susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae is essential for the early detection of emergence of drug resistance. Methods. A total of 640 consecutive patients who attended the Outpatient Department (OPD) Clinics at St. Mary?s Hospital Lacor between Jan 2007-Dec 2011, with gonococcal urethri- tis symptoms and whose urethral swabs and high vagina swabs (HVS) were cultured, were involved in the study. Two hundred and fifty six (256) patients had positive pus swab culture, of which 151 (23.6%) showed growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. All the isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the Kirby Bauer-Disc diffusion techniques. Results. Gonococcal isolates showed rapid decrease in suscepti- bility to the antimicrobials especially to Ampicillin, Tetracycline and Erythomycin, Ciprofloxacin, and intermediate to chloram- phenicol, however, Gentamicin and cefotaxime have remained as a single dose sensitive treatment for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Sen- sitization on drug use and adopting preventive measures and con- tinuous education on safer sexual behavior through health care authorities would lead to reduction in the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and resistance to antimicrobial. Discussion. Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually trans- mitted infections (STIs) in developing countries, and the emer- gence of resistance to antimicrobial agents in Neisseria gonor- rhoeae is a major obstacle in the control of gonorrhea. Periodi- cal monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility of N. gonorrhea is essential for the early detection of emergence of drug resistance

Protein and amino acid composition of different quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd) cultivars grown under field conditions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) remains a public health concern in most developing nations. In Africa, PEM can be attributed to monotonous diets based on cereals, roots, and tubers, with little or no protein of animal origin. Diversifying cropping systems to include protein dense pseudo-cereals such as Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) could help provide more protein in the diet of vulnerable populations. Quinoa is a crop with potential for biodiversification because it has a high nutritional value; however, it is underutilized in Africa, and information about the nutritional quality of the grain grown in contrasting environments is limited. Within the framework of FAO’s commemoration of 2013 as the ‘The International Year of the Quinoa’ (IYQ), a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project was developed with some African countries to assess the capacity of quinoa to adapt to different agro-ecological regions and the nutritional quality of the resulting grain. For this study, we evaluated the protein content and amino acidprofile of three genotypes of quinoa that had been grown under diverse altitudes, soil, and climate conditions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. The mean protein content (g/100g) of Kancolla, Titicaca and BBR varieties grown in Africa ranged from 14.33 ±0.20 to 17.61 ±0.55, 14.23 ±0.25 to 16.65 ±0.55, and 13.13 ±0.2 to 16.23 ±0.49, respectively. On the other hand, the protein content (g/100g) of Kancolla, Titicaca, and BBR seeds grown in Peru was 13.80 ±0.10, 17.43 ±0.31, and 17.07 ±0.11, respectively. The Kancolla variety [grown in Ethiopia and Kenya] had a significantly higher protein content than that obtained from Peru [P < 0.001]. Regarding the profile of essential amino acids, Quinoa is essentially richer in methionine than most cereals. Levels of methionine were lower in the seeds grown in Africa compared to those from Peru [P < 0.001]. In terms of environmental influences, the protein content was relatively higher in quinoa seeds grown in high-altitude areas, where soils have a low pH and high nitrogen content. We conclude that Quinoa can be introduced to Africa, especially to high altitudes and warm regions where the soil has a low pH and high nitrogen content. Thecrop would be ideal for diversifying local diets. Key words: Africa, Agro-ecology, Chenopodium quinoa, protein, amino acid content, biodiversity, diet

Protein and amino acid composition of different quinoa (chenopodium quinoa willd) cultivars grown under field conditions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) remains a public health concern in most developing nations. In Africa, PEM can be attributed to monotonous diets based on cereals, roots, and tubers, with little or no protein of animal origin. Diversifying cropping systems to include protein dense pseudo-cereals such as Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) could help provide more protein in the diet of vulnerable populations. Quinoa is a crop with potential for biodiversification because it has a high nutritional value; however, it is underutilized in Africa, and information about the nutritional quality of the grain grown in contrasting environments is limited. Within the framework of FAO’s commemoration of 2013 as the ‘The International Year of the Quinoa’ (IYQ), a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project was developed with some African countries to assess the capacity of quinoa to adapt to different agro-ecological regions and the nutritional quality of the resulting grain. For this study, we evaluated the protein content and amino acid profile of three genotypes of quinoa that had been grown under diverse altitudes, soil, and climate conditions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. The mean protein content (g/100g) of Kancolla, Titicaca and BBR varieties grown in Africa ranged from 14.33 ±0.20 to 17.61 ±0.55, 14.23 ±0.25 to 16.65 ±0.55, and 13.13 ±0.2 to 16.23 ±0.49, respectively. On the other hand, the protein content (g/100g) of Kancolla, Titicaca, and BBR seeds grown in Peru was 13.80 ±0.10, 17.43 ±0.31, and 17.07 ±0.11, respectively. The Kancolla variety [grown in Ethiopia and Kenya] had a significantly higher protein content than that obtained from Peru [P < 0.001]. Regarding the profile of essential amino acids, Quinoa is essentially richer in methionine than most cereals. Levels of methionine were lower in the seeds grown in Africa compared to those from Peru [P < 0.001]. In terms of environmental influences, the protein content was relatively higher in quinoa seeds grown in high-altitude areas, where soils have a low pH and high nitrogen content. We conclude that Quinoa can be introduced to Africa, especially to high altitudes and warm regions where the soil has a low pH and high nitrogen content. The crop would be ideal for diversifying local diets

Indigenous knowledge of field insect pests and their management around lake Victoria basin in Uganda

Food security and poverty alleviation has remained the primary agenda in the Eastern Africa regional food policies, and Uganda is no exception. Field pests that attack crops are among the greatest threat to increased food production. The subsistence farmers in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) rarely use synthetic pesticides in the field due to the high cost and availability issues. Therefore, some rely on the use of botanical pesticides and other natural methods of pest control. However, this indigenous knowledge (IK) on botanicals has remained largely unexploited with limited regional research and resources committed and these are the premises upon which this ethnobotanical fieldpests management survey was launched and conducted. Most of the respondents were women (59%). The study findings revealed that the major field pests reported by farmers in declining order of importance, included banana weevil, bean fly, cereal stem borers, pod feeders, grain moth, rodents, moths, termites, birds, aphids and cutworms. The anti-pest plants documented included, Capsicum frutescens, Tagetes spp, Nicotiana tabacum, Cypressus spp., Tephrosia vogelii, Azadirachta indica, Musa spp, Moringa oleifera, Tithonia diversifolia, Lantana camara, Phytollacca dodecandra, Vernonia amygdalina, Aloe spp., Eucalyptus spp., Cannabis sativa, Cofea species and Carica papaya. The study has demonstrated that usage of botanical pesticides in field pest management is normal around Lake Victoria basin for the subsistence farmers since all the 117 respondents had ever tried or used botanical pesticides. We recommend more specialized studies in the usage of the plant-based pesticides to ensure safety and effectiveness that will enhance food security and environment protection. In addition, appropriate recommendations generated on the issues investigated will be advanced as leads for further research, extension and regional industrial endeavors in the LVB.Key words: Indigenous knowledge, field pests, pesticide plants, Uganda, Lake Victoria Basin

Responses of tropical maize landraces to damage by Chilo partellus stem borer

The potential to manage insect pests using host-plant resistance exists, but has not been exploited adequately. The objective of this study was to determine the resistance of 75 tropical maize landraces through artificial infestation with Chilo partellus Swinhoe. The trial was laid in alpha-lattice design and each seedling was infested with five neonates three weeks after planting, over two seasons in 2009 and 2010. The number of exit holes, tunnel length, ear diameter, ear length, plant height, stem diameter, stem lodging and grain yield were measured and a selection index computed. GUAT 1050 was the most resistant with an index of 0.56, while BRAZ 2179 was the most susceptible with an index of 1.66. Ear characteristics were negatively correlated with damage parameters. The principal component biplot suggested that exit holes, cumulative tunnel length, leaf damage, cob diameter, stem lodging, selection index, ear and plant height contributed 71.2% of the variation in resistance. The mean number of exit holes and tunnel length for resistant landraces and resistant hybrid checks were similar; at 5.5 and 2.48 cm, respectively. The identified resistant landraces (GUAT 1050, GUAT 280, GUAT 1093, GUAT 1082, GUAT 1014, CHIS 114, and GUAN 34) could be used to develop C. partellus stem borer-resistant maize genotypes.Key words: Chilo partellus, ear length, exit holes, stem borer resistance, tunnel length