Breeding and evaluation of cassava for high storage root yield and early bulking in Uganda.

Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), is the world’s most widely grown starch storage root crop. It is a principal food staple in sub-Saharan Africa where it accounts for approximately one-third of the total production of staple food crops. It plays a key role as a food security and an income-generating crop for millions of smallholder farmers. In Uganda, cassava ranks second to bananas (Musa spp.) in terms of area occupied, total production and per capita consumption; however, nearly 5% of the total population experiences hunger with the prevalence of food energy deficiency at the country level standing at 48%. Cassava is a crop with high potential to alleviate food shortages and energy deficiencies, owing to its unique advantages of producing acceptable yields and starch on infertile soils amidst erratic rainfall, when most other crops would fail. Hoewever, its yield potential has not been fully realised since most of the cassava cultivars grown are susceptible to pests and diseases, low yielding and late bulking. The main objective of the research was to develop high yielding, early bulking cassava genotypes that combine resistance to cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease (CMD) with farmer preferred traits for cultivation in Uganda. The specific objectives were to: (i) evaluate farmers’ attitudes to and/or perceptions of cassava early bulking, production constraints and cultivar preferences; (ii) determine the extent of genetic variability in storage root bulking and other important traits of selected cassava genotypes; (iii) assess the effects of genotype x environment interaction on early bulking and related traits of selected cassava genotypes; (iv) develop and evaluate cassava F1 families for early bulking in terms of the attainment of early, high fresh storage root yield (FSRY) and resistance to CBSD and CMD; and (v) determine the combining ability and gene action controlling early bulking and yield-related traits, as well as resistance to CBSD and CMD. Through the farmer participatory survey, a number of cassava production constraints were identified, key of which were: diseases, especially CBSD and CMD; lack of early bulking cultivars; rodents and insect pests. Farmers rated early bulking as the second most important preferred trait after FSRY, but suggested that early bulking should be complemented with high dry mass content (DMC), sweetness, high FSRY and resistance to pests and diseases. The analysis of variance of 12 cassava genotypes selected for evaluation in three diverse locations and at five different harvest times indicated significant variation among genotypes, harvest times, locations and their interactions for FSRY and most of the other traits evaluated. Fresh storage root yield and the other traits evaluated were predominantly under the control of genetic variation, indicating that genetic advance would be achieved through hybridisation of the test genotypes. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis of the data collected at nine months after planting (MAP) indicated a non-significant GEI for early FSRY, but significant GEI for other traits assessed. Eight of the 12 genotypes analysed had relatively low interaction with locations for early FSRY, signifying that these genotypes were relatively stable for early FSRY. Thirty-six F1 families were generated from a 9 x 9 diallel and exhibited a high degree of variation between and within families for all the traits assessed at the seedling evaluation stage. Diallel analysis at the seedling evaluation stage at 10 MAP indicated that additive gene effects were predominant in the expression of early FSRY and most of the other traits analysed. At the clonal evaluation stage, the 36 families were assessed for early FSRY at 8 MAP and this trait together with most of the other traits assessed were found to be predominantly under the control of non-additive gene effects. High mid- and better-parent heterosis for early FSRY was recorded in most families at the clonal evaluation stage with NASE3 x Nyara, Nyara x B11 and NASE3 x B11 recording the highest. Selection from the 36 families at the clonal evaluation stage based on farmers’ top two preferred traits, viz. early bulking for FSRY and DMC, plus resistance to CBSD and CMD identified 50 genotypes that had early FSRY of ≥25 t ha-1 at 8 MAP compared to the best parent, CT1 that had 15.9 t ha-1 at 8 MAP. The selected genotypes also had high DMC and dual resistance to CMD and CBSD. Advancement of the selected genotypes should go a long way towards increasing cassava yield per unit time, reducing food shortages and increasing the income of smallholder farmers in Uganda

Employees’ Perception of Internal Audit Role in Promoting Accountability among Public Universities in Uganda: Evidence from Mbarara University of Science and Technology

The paper examines how employees perceive the internal audit role in promoting accountability in Public Universities of Uganda. Assessment of internal audit focused on internal controls, procedures and practices. On the other hand, assessment of accountability in the study focused on transparency and compliancy. The Agency theory informed the study. A cross sectional survey in a case study design was adopted. Accordingly, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) was the case study. MUST, established by the Act of Parliament in 1993, and was purposively selected out of six (6) Public universities in Uganda. The six universities include Makerere, MUST, Kyambogo, Gulu, Busitema, and Muni (NCHE, 2015). Out of 196 respondents, data was collected by administering 182 questionnaires. Thus the study attained a response rate of 84.3%. The level of validity and reliability of the research instruments was at 0.951. Based on the perception responses, the study reveals presence of weak internal audit. Correspondingly, accountability was perceived weak too.Regression results confirm that internal audit as a predictor variable positively influences change in accountability (R2 = .347; p < 0.05). Therefore, this paper confirms that there is a weak perceived role of internal audit in promoting accountability at MUST. The paper concludes that Public Universities need to continuously improve and strengthen the internal audit function in order to promote accountability. Changes in internal control processes, procedures and practice yields proportionate positive change in accountability.The study recommends MUST executive to initiate measures to strengthen the internal audit function. In particular, the study recommends review of university internal controls. The university should also consider ‘individualizing and socializing’ internal audit procedures and practices by inspiring two-way communication among university staff.

CHARACTERISATION OF POTATO VARIETIES COMMONLY GROWN IN UGANDA FOR FOOD PROCESSING SUITABILITY

Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important crop for food and income generation in Uganda. However, lack of data on the physico-chemical characteristics of the major potato varieties to support industrial-level processing is one of the major limitations. To bridge the existing information gap, nine major potato varieties grown in Uganda; namely: Cruza, Kachpot1, Kimuli, Kinigi, Mbumbamagara, Rutuku, Rwashaki, Rwangume and Victoria were characterised to generate information on physical, chemical and processing traits. The results indicated that Kinigi had the highest dry matter (27.2%); whereas Rutuku had the lowest (19.28 %). Most varieties had tubers of medium size (50-60 mm), round in shape with medium eye depth. Kimuli recorded the highest (0.55 g 100 g-1 FW) levels of reducing sugars; whereas Kinigi had the lowest (0.02 g 100 g-1 FW). Cluster analysis separated the varieties into three groups; group 1 included varieties Cruza, Kimuli and Rwangume, which were found unsuitable for processing French fries and crisps due to high levels of reducing sugars; but are excellent candidates for preparation of mashed potato and salads. The second group included Kachpot1, Kinigi and Rwashaki and was found suitable for processing French fries, crisps and starch due to high dry matter and low reducing sugars. Group 3 included Mbumbamagara, Rutuku and Victoria and was found only suitable for production of potato flour, mashed potato and salads due to low dry matter content and small tubers.The information generated by the study is important in guiding interventions aimed at improving the potato value chain in Uganda and its contribution to socio-economic development.La pomme de terre (Solanum tuberosum L.) est une culture importante pour l\u2019alimentation et la g\ue9n\ue9ration de revenus en Ouganda. Cependant, le manque de donn\ue9es sur les caract\ue9ristiques physico-chimiques des principales vari\ue9t\ue9s de pommes de terre pour appuyer la transformation au niveau industriel est l\u2019une des principales contraintes. Pour combler ce manque d\u2019information, neuf vari\ue9t\ue9s de pommes de terre cultiv\ue9es en Ouganda, \ue0 savoir : Cruza, Kachpot1, Kimuli, Kinigi, Mbumbamagara, Rutuku, Rwashaki, Rwangume et Victoria ont \ue9t\ue9 caract\ue9ris\ue9es pour g\ue9n\ue9rer des informations sur les traits physiques, chimiques et de transformation. Les r\ue9sultats ont indiqu\ue9 que Kinigi avait la teneur en mati\ue8re s\ue8che la plus \ue9lev\ue9e (27,2%), tandis que Rutuku en avait la plus faible (19,28%). La plupart des vari\ue9t\ue9s avaient des tubercules de taille moyenne (50-60 mm), de forme ronde avec une profondeur d\u2019\u153il moyenne. Kimuli a enregistr\ue9 la concentration la plus \ue9lev\ue9e (0,55 g 100 g-1 FW) de sucres r\ue9ducteurs, tandis que Kinigi a enregistr\ue9 la plus faible (0,02 g 100 g-1 FW). L\u2019analyse typologique (Cluster) a synth\ue9tis\ue9 les vari\ue9t\ue9s en trois groupes. Le groupe 1 comprenait les vari\ue9t\ue9s Cruza, Kimuli et Rwangume, qui se sont av\ue9r\ue9es inadapt\ue9es \ue0 la production des frites et des chips en raison de leurs niveaux \ue9lev\ue9s de sucres r\ue9ducteurs, mais sont d\u2019excellents candidats pour la pr\ue9paration de pur\ue9e de pommes de terre et de salades. Le deuxi\ue8me groupe comprenait Kachpot1, Kinigi et Rwashaki et s\u2019est av\ue9r\ue9 adapt\ue9 \ue0 la pr\ue9paration des frites, des chips et de l\u2019amidon en raison de leur mati\ue8re s\ue8che \ue9lev\ue9e et de faibles concentrations en sucres r\ue9ducteurs. Le groupe 3 comprenait Mbumbamagara, Rutuku et Victoria et n\u2019\ue9tait adapt\ue9 qu\u2019\ue0 la production de farine de pommes de terre, de pur\ue9e de pommes de terre et de salades en raison de la faible teneur en mati\ue8re s\ue8che et des petits tubercules. Les informations g\ue9n\ue9r\ue9es par cette \ue9tude sont importantes pour guider les interventions visant \ue0 am\ue9liorer la cha\ueene de valeur de la pomme de terre en Ouganda et sa contribution au d\ue9veloppement socio-\ue9conomique

Understanding intra-community disparity in food and nutrition security in a generally food insecure part of eastern Africa

Food and nutrition insecurity continues to be one of the major development challenges in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions of the world. Karamoja sub-region, located in northern Uganda, is one of the poorest and most food insecure part of Eastern Africa. Previous studies have generalized the sub-region as food insecure. However, limited attention has been paid to locational differences in the food and nutrition security situation within this culturally and ecologically diverse part of the country. A crosssectional study design was used to examine at a community level, disparity in food and nutrition security situation among communities in Kotido and Moroto districts of the Karamoja sub-region. The study investigated the status of agricultural production, dietary habits and food security situation using individual household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) and food insecurity coping strategy index (CSI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and correlation and regression methods, at 5 % level of significance. The results showed that irrespective of ethnic differences, majority of households (78.8%) consumed less than 3 meals 24 hours preceding the interview. Generally, agricultural production was inadequate to support household food security and less than 30% of the households had adequate calorie intake. However, calorie intake adequacy was at least three (3) times higher in Kotido than in Moroto district. Plant foods were more frequently consumed than animal-source foods. At least 57% and 73% of households in Kotido and Moroto districts, respectively, never consumed fish. Food security was generally predicted by household size, ownership of food stores, occupation of household caregivers, number of livestock (especially goats) owned by households, time taken to fetch water (related to distance to water source) and sorghum production. Whereas it is generally known that Karamoja sub-region is highly food insecure, this study has demonstrated that communities in Moroto district are worse-off than those in Kotido district. Therefore, community-level characteristics ought to be an essential baseline consideration in designing food and nutrition interventions in Karamoja, and indeed in food insecure localities in general.Keywords: Karamoja, Eastern Africa, dietary practices, coping strategies, animal source food

Challenges Facing Female Headed Households in Accessing and Utilizing Microfinance Lending among Selected Municipalities of South West Uganda

Sub-Saharan Africa is characterized by gender inequality in the form of income, health, education, employment and human rights; suggesting that efforts aimed at reducing extreme poverty benefit males relatively more than females. Access to microfinance is one single factor identified to contribute to reduction in gender inequality. However, female headed households continue to be excluded from utilizing microfinance services either due to their relatively low income levels and lack of assets as collateral.  The central question of this paper is whether increased access to microfinance leads to reduction of poverty among female headed households in selected municipalities of south west Uganda. This paper contributes to the existing literature by examining the local context faced by female headed households; in relation to ownership of household assets, health and education expenditures. The study was carried out in Mbarara and Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipalities. Data was collected from a total of 209 respondents by use of questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions.The study reveals that female headed household face accessibility challenges like bureaucracy, limited collateral security, discrimination, loan delays and high cost of borrowing.  Challenges related to loan utilization included group tension over loan repayment, loan terms, grace period, interest rates, fines and penalties.There is need for government intervention so as to embrace flexible lending policies and accommodate the gender needs and challenges of FHH borrowers. The study findings will be used by policy and development planners to redesign microfinance strategies aimed at improving the plight of the marginalized groups like women in FHH.

The role of mobile health technologies in promoting COVID-19 prevention

Background: Researchers have found innovative ways of using mobile health (mHealth) technologies to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, fewer studies have been done to determine their adoption and effectiveness. Objective: This review summarises the published evidence on the effect of mHealth technologies on the adoption of COVID-19 preventive measures, prevention knowledge acquisition and risk perception as well as technology adoption features for COVID-19 prevention. Methods: PubMed, IEEE and Google Scholar databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature from 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022 for studies that evaluated the effect of mHealth technologies on COVID-19 preventive measures adoption, prevention knowledge acquisition and risk perception. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All the included studies were checked for quality using the mHealth evidence reporting and assessment (mERA) checklist. Results: The review found out that the utilisation of mHealth interventions such as alert text messages, tracing apps and social media platforms was associated with adherence behaviour such as wearing masks, washing hands and using sanitisers, maintaining social distance and avoiding crowded places. The use of contact tracing was linked to low-risk perception as users considered themselves well informed about their status and less likely to pose transmission risks compared to non-users. Privacy and security issues, message personalisation and frequency, technical issues and trust concerns were identified as technology adoption features that influence the use of mHealth technologies for promoting COVID-19 prevention. Conclusion: Utilisation of mHealth may be a feasible and effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, the small study samples and short study periods prevent generalisation of the findings and calls for larger, longitudinal studies that encompass diverse study settings.Peer Reviewe

Ploidy level of the banana (Musa spp.) accessions at the germplasm collection centre for the East and Central Africa

Banana germplasm collections serves as a source of useful genes for banana breeding. However, insufficient and/or inaccurate information on the ploidy level of the germplasm renders its utilization in breeding difficult. The objective of this study was to determine and validate the ploidy level of 120 banana accessions in the ex situ germplasm collection centre for the East and Central Africa, located in Mbarara, Uganda. Flow cytometric analysis of the nuclear DNA content was used to determine the ploidy level of the accessions. Results indicate that accessions: Bura, Diana, Kambani-Rungwe, Paji and Pagatau, and Rungwe that were previously classified as diploids are actually triploids, whereas Selangor previously known to be a diploid is a tetraploid. Accessions such as Galeo, Mwitupemba and Ntindi 1 that were previously classified as triploids were found diploids. GT, FHIA 25 and Muzungu Mwekundu that were considered as tetraploids, were found triploids. The information generated will guide correct placement of these accessions in the regional germplasm collection centre for the East and Central Africa and their utilization in banana breeding

The East African highland cooking bananas 'Matooke' preferences of farmers and traders: Implications for variety development

'Matooke' is a staple food made from Highland cooking bananas in the Great Lakes region of East Africa. Genetic improvement of these bananas for resistance to pests and diseases has been a priority breeding objective. However, there is insufficient information on fruit quality characteristics that different users prefer, resulting in sub‐optimal adoption of new varieties. This study identified matooke characteristics preferred by farmers and traders, using survey data from 123 farmers, 14 focus group discussions and 40 traders. Gender differences were considered. The main characteristics that were found to drive variety preferences were agronomic (big bunch, big fruits) and quality (soft texture, good taste, good aroma, yellow food). There were minimal geographical and gender differences for trait preferences. Quality characteristics need to be defined in terms of physical–chemical underpinnings so that breeding programmes can apply accurate high‐throughput systems, thereby improving adoption and impact of new banana varieties

Selection of cooking banana genotypes for yield and black Sigatoka resistance in different locations in Uganda

It is imperative to systematically evaluate new banana genotypes in different locations before national release. This enables selection and recommendation of superior genotypes as new varieties for a wider range of environments. The objective of the present study was to select banana genotypes with stable and high performance for bunch yield and leaf black Sigatoka resistance. Eleven cooking banana genotypes developed by the Uganda National Agricultural Research Organization in collaboration with Bioversity International, and two check varieties were evaluated in multi-location preliminary yield trials in Uganda. Data collected were analyzed using Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model, AMMI Stability Value, and Genotype Selection Index (GSI). Genotype × location interaction was significant for all the traits assessed. Most of the new genotypes had low interaction effects with locations for bunch yield (69.2%) and black Sigatoka (92.3%). The most stable genotypes for bunch yield were NABIO815, NABIO1117, NABIO216 and NABIO306 whereas for black Sigatoka resistance, were NABIO1011, NABIO815, NABIO1009 and NABIO216. Using the GSI that defines the most desirable genotypes as those that combine high agronomic performance and stability across environments, four genotypes (NABIO306, NABIO1011, NABIO808 and NABIO1009) were selected. These genotypes, in addition to their high performance for agronomic traits and stability, had soft and yellow fruit pulp on cooking, and will be advanced on farm for further evaluatio

Analysis of genetic diversity of banana weevils (Cosmopolites sordidus) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) using tanscriptome-derived simple sequence repeat markers

The banana weevil, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an economically important insect pest of bananas. It causes up to 100% yield losses and substantial lifespan reduction in bananas. Advances in genomics, proteomics, and sequencing technologies have provided powerful pathways to genotyping disastrous pests such as C. sordidus. However, such technologies are often not available to the majority of rural subtropical African banana growers and pest control managers. This study was therefore motivated by the need to create cheap and easily accessible C. sordidus genotyping methods that could be deployed by banana pest control managers to the benefit of C. sordidus control programs in the tropics where such advanced technologies are not readily accessible. We used an in-house C. sordidus transcriptome from the an-ongoing study from which we mined an array of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Of these, six highly polymorphic transcriptome-derived SSR markers were used to successfully genotype within and among banana weevil population genetic diversity of 12 C. sordidus populations collected from four banana-growing agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Uganda. The developed transcriptome-derived SSR markers can be used by researchers in population genetics for characterization of the C. sordidus and identification of new genes that are linked to traits of particular interest. The significant genetic diversity revealed in C. sordidus provides pertinent information for integrated pest management strategies