LAND USE AND COVER CHANGE IN PASTORAL SYSTEMS OF UGANDA: IMPLICATIONS ON LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT UNDER DROUGHT INDUCED PASTURE

The rangelands of Uganda used to be historically managed under traditional systems where grazers had open access with mobility as a main coping strategy to drought. Changes in land ownership, increased population and demand for food and fuel have led to changes in land use and cover types, affecting livestock management practices. This study assessed the extent of land use and cover change in Buliisa and Nakasongola Districts in the cattle corridor of Uganda over 27 years (1986 \u20132013), and their impacts on livestock management under drought induced pasture. Landsat TM (1986) and Landsat ETM+ (2000 and 2013) images were processed using a hybrid of supervised and unsupervised classification algorithm, using ENV1 software 4.7. Area under open water and grassland declined by 3.5 and 48.3%, while woodland, wetland, small scale farming and forest increased by 0.2, 62.2, 320.7 and 64.1%, respectively, in Buliisa. In Nakasongola, grassland, bushland and forest decreased by 96.1, 25.6 and 17.2%, respectively; while open water, bare ground, wetland, and small scale farming increased by 5.3, 210.9, 2.7 and 26.8%, respectively, between 1986 and 2013. Individualisation of land in Nakasongola led to settlement of cultivators and fencing of land leading to blockage of livestock migration routes. Reduced mobility of livestock during drought, increased stock densities resulting in land degradation exemplified by bare land in Nakasongola compared to Buliisa, where communal land ownership and limited cultivation enabled mobility. The current land use and cover changes have delineated mobility as a coping strategy to drought, contributed to degradation of rangelands, reduced the resilience of pastoral systems to drought and increased their vulnerability to climate change. Farm based water and forage conservation should be enhanced to sustain livestock production.Les p\ue2turages de l\u2019 Ouganda \ue9taient historiquement g\ue9r\ue9s sous syst\ue8me traditionnel o\uf9 les \ue9leveurs avaient un acc\ue8s facile avec libre mouvement comme strat\ue9gie d\u2019adaptation aux conditions de s\ue9cheresse. Les changements dans les syst\ue8mes de propri\ue9te fonci\ue8re , l\u2019augmentation de la population et la demande accrue de la nourriture et produits de chauffe ont induit des changements dans l\u2019utilisation des terres et types de couvert, affectant ainsi les pratiques de gestion de l\u2019\ue9levage. Cette \ue9tude a \ue9valu\ue9 l\u2019ampleur du changement dans l\u2019utilisation des terres et couvert v\ue9g\ue9tal dans les districts de Buliisa et Nakasongola dans le corridor du b\ue9tail en Ouganda depuis 27 ans (1986 \u20132013), et leurs impacts sur la gestion de l\u2019\ue9levage en conditions de s\ue9cheresse. Les images Landsat TM (1986) et ETM+ (2000 et 2013) \ue9taient exploit\ue9es par utilisation d\u2019un m\ue9lange d\u2019algorithme de classification supervis\ue9e ou non supervis\ue9e utilisant le logiciel 4.7 ENV1. Les surfaces d\u2019eau et les p\ue2turages ont diminu\ue9 de 3.5 et 48.3%, pendant que les zonesz bois\ue9es , les marrais, les surfaces cultiv\ue9es et les forets ont augment\ue9 de 0.2, 62.2, 320.7 et 64.1%, respectivement, dans Buliisa. Dans la r\ue9gion de Nakasongola, les p\ue2turages, les terres sur-brulis et les forets ont diminu\ue9 de 96.1, 25.6 et 17.2% respectivement; pendant que les surfaces d\u2019eau, les surfaces d\ue9nud\ue9es , les marrais et les surfaces cultiv\ue9es ont augment\ue9 de 5.3, 210.9, 2.7 et 26.8%, respectivement, entre 1986 et 2013. La privatisation des terres \ue0 Nakasongola a conduit \ue0 l\u2019occupation des terres par les cultivateurs, restreignant ainsi les mouvement migratoire du b\ue9tail. Cette r\ue9duction de la mobilit\ue9 du b\ue9tail durant la saison s\ue8che a entrain\ue9 une augmentation de leur densit\ue9 entrainant une d\ue9gradation avec d\ue9nudation des terres en comparaison avec Buliisa, o\uf9 l\u2019utilisation des terres communales et l\u2019activit\ue9 agricole limit\ue9e ont facilit\ue9 la mobilit\ue9. L\u2019utilisation actuelle des terres et les changements du couvert v\ue9g\ue9tal ont renforc\ue9 la mobilit\ue9 du b\ue9tail comme strat\ue9gie d\u2019adaptation \ue0 la s\ue9cheresse, contribu\ue9 \ue0 la d\ue9gradation des p\ue2turages, r\ue9duit la r\ue9silience des syst\ue8mes pastoraux \ue0 la s\ue9cheresse et augment\ue9 leur vuln\ue9rabilit\ue9 au changement climatique. La conservation du fourrage et de l\u2019eau au niveau des exploitations devrair \ueatre renforc\ue9e pour permettre un \ue9levage durable

PERFORMANCE OF ARTEMIA SHELL-FREE EMBRYOS, Moina micrura AND PHYTOPLANKTON ON LARVAE OF REARED AFRICAN CATFISH

Starter feeds are important in the growth of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) larvae. A study was conducted to investigate the performance of Artemia shell-free embryos, Moina micrura (Kurz) and phytoplankton as starter feed for larvae rearing of C. gariepinus. The experiment lasted 15 days in a set of nine tanks of 900-litre capacity. The study was divided into two phases of 5 and 10 days. During the end of the 15 days, the larvae fed on M. micrura had a growth rate of 32.95\ub112.62 % day-1, survival of 76.51\ub17.33% and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of 0.17\ub10.00. The larvae fed on Artemia exhibited a growth rate, survival and SGR of 85.5\ub174.4% day-1, 97.71\ub10.00 % and 0.28\ub10.18, respectively. The larvae fed on phytoplankton exhibited a growth rate, survival and SGR of 36.1\ub1 44.58% day-1, 45.73\ub124.14% and 0.12\ub10.11, respectively. The difference in performance between the feeds was mainly due to differences in their nutrient composition and levels. This study recommends the use of Artemia embryos as the best starter feed for the rearing of C. gariepinus larvae followed by the M. micrura.Les aliments d\u2019entr\ue9e sont importants pour la croissance des larves du poisson-chat Africain Clarias gariepinus (Burchell). Une \ue9tude \ue9tait men\ue9e \ue0 la station de recherche de l\u2019Institut de Recherche sur la P\ueache (TAFIRI) de Mwanza en Tanzanie pour \ue9valuer la performance des embryons d\ue9nud\ue9s d\u2019Art\ue9mia, Moina micrura (Kurz) et les phytoplanctons comme aliments d\u2019entr\ue9e pour la croissance des larves de C. gariepinus. L\u2019exp\ue9rience a dur\ue9e 15 jours dans un ensemble de neuf r\ue9servoirs d\u2019une capacit\ue9 de 900 litres. L\u2019\ue9tude \ue9tait subdivis\ue9e en deux phases de 5 et 10 jours. Vers la fin de ces 15 jours, les larves nourris de M. micrura avaient un taux de croissance de 32.95\ub112.62 % par jour, 76.51\ub17.33% de survie et un taux de croissance sp\ue9cifique (SGR) de 0.17\ub10.00. Les larves nourries sur base d\u2019Art\ue9mia ont montr\ue9 un taux de croissance\ua0; un taux de survie et une SGR de 85.5\ub174.4% par jour, 97.71\ub10.00 % et 0.28\ub10.18, respectivement. Les larves nourries de phytoplanctons ont manifest\ue9 un taux de croissance, une survie et un SGR of 36.1\ub1 44.58% par jour, 45.73\ub124.14% et 0.12\ub10.11, respectivement. La diff\ue9rence en termes de performance entre les aliments utilis\ue9s \ue9tait principalement d\ufbe aux diff\ue9rences dans leur composition en mati\ue8re nutritives et concentration min\ue9rales. Cette \ue9tude recommande l\u2019utilisation d\u2019embryons d\u2019art\ue9mia comme meilleur aliment d\u2019entr\ue9e pour la croissance des larves de C. gariepinus, suivie de M. micrura

PERFORMANCE OF LOCALLY FORMULATED FEEDS FOR REARING OF AFRICAN CATFISH IN TANZANIA

Fisheries is an important food production sub-sector, providing almost 20% of the world\u2019s protein supply; however, the trend in fish production from capture fisheries has reached its limits due to overfishing. A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of two locally formulated feeds as possible replacements for an imported costly commercial feed (CMF) commonly used in rearing of African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus Burchell) in Tanzania. Two feed types, namely TAF 1 and TAF 2, denoting TAFIRI feed type 1 and 2 were formulated from fish meal ( Rastrineobola argentea ) and soybean ( Glycine max L.), respectively. Nine concrete tanks of 12 m3 each were stocked with 320 catfish fry each, and fed with formulated feeds at 5% of their mean body weight for four months. Water in the tanks was wholly flushed out on a weekly basis and fish sorted for the fast growers to reduce cannibalism. On a monthly basis, fish were randomly sampled for body length and weight. The mean values for temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH ranged from 21.62\ub10.04 to 25.16\ub10.05 \ub0C, 5.43\ub10.05 to 5.7\ub10.07 mg O2 L-1, and 6.5\ub10.05 to 6.61\ub10.03, respectively. Feed TAF 1 was the best performer with weight gain of 33.72\ub10.89, average daily gain of 0.28\ub10.01, FCR of 1.35\ub10.05 and specific growth rate of 4.61\ub10.04. Fish fed on the commercial feed performed the poorest, with weight gain of 6.17\ub14.8, average daily gain of 0.05\ub10.004, FCR of 1.56\ub10.11 and specific growth rate of 2.98\ub10.05. Results from this study suggest that locally formulated feeds can cost effectively be used for the rearing of African catfish in Tanzania.La p\ueache et l\u2019aquaculture constituent un sous secteur important de production alimentaire, fournissant environ 20% des besoins en prot\ue9ines mondiales\ua0; par ailleurs, la tendance de la production des poissons \ue0 partir de la p\ueache dans les lacs et les oc\ue9ans a atteint ses limites par suite d\u2019une trop forte pression sur les resources halieutiques. Une \ue9tude \ue9tait men\ue9e pour \ue9valuer la performance de deux aliments locaux formul\ue9s afin de remplacer les aliments commerciaux ch\ue8rement import\ue9s couramment utilis\ue9s dans la nutrition des poissons ( Clarias gariepinus Burchell) en Tanzanie. Deux types d\u2019aliments TAF 1 et TAF 2, aussi appel\ue9s aliments TAFIRI type 1 et 2 \ue9taient formul\ue9s \ue0 partir des aliments de poissons ( Rastrineobola argentea ) et du soja ( Glycine max L.), respectivement. Neuf r\ue9servoirs de 12 m3 chacun \ue9taient approvisionn\ue9s chacun avec 320 clarias, et nourris avec des aliments formul\ue9s sur base de 5% de leur poids corporel moyen pendant quatre mois. L\u2019eau dans les r\ue9servoirs \ue9tait renouvel\ue9e une fois la semaine et ainsi le triage des grands poissons pour r\ue9duire le cannibalisme. Chaque mois, les poissons \ue9taient al\ue9atoirement \ue9chantillonn\ue9s pour les mesures de la longueur du corps et du poids corporel. Les valeurs moyennes de la temp\ue9rature, de l\u2019oxyg\ue8ne dissous et du pH variaient de 21.62\ub10.04 \ue0 25.16\ub10.05 \ub0C, 5.43\ub10.05 \ue0 5.7\ub10.07mg O2 L-1, et 6.5\ub10.05 \ue0 6.61\ub10.03, respectivement. L\u2019aliment TAF 1 \ue9tait le meilleur et a induit un gain de poids de 33.72\ub10.89, un gain quotidien moyen de 0.28\ub10.01, un FCR de 1.35\ub10.05 et un taux de croissance sp\ue9cifique de 4.61\ub10.04. Les aliments de poissons import\ue9s ont induit une performance inf\ue9rieure \ue0 celle des aliments locaux avec un gain de poids de 6.17\ub14.8, un gain de poids quotidien moyen de 0.05\ub10.004, un FCR de 1.56\ub10.11 et un taux de croissance sp\ue9cifique de 2.98\ub10.05. Les r\ue9sultats de cette \ue9tude montrent que les aliments localement formul\ue9s peuvent remplacer efficac\ue9ment et de mani\ue8re \ue9conomiquement comp\ue9titive les aliments import\ue9s pour l\u2019\ue9levage du poisson-chat en Tanzanie

Contrasting impact of rural, versus urban, living on glucose metabolism and blood pressure in Uganda.

Background: The burden of cardiometabolic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa and this has been linked to urbanisation. Helminths, through their immunomodulatory properties, may protect against these disorders. We hypothesised that the rural environment protects against cardiometabolic diseases and that helminths may influence rural-urban disparity of cardiometabolic disease risk. Methods: We compared metabolic parameters of individuals aged ≥10 years living in rural, high-helminth-transmission and urban, lower-helminth-transmission settings in Uganda. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in rural Lake Victoria island fishing communities and in urban sub-wards in Entebbe municipality. Helminth infection and outcomes, including insulin resistance (computed using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), fasting blood glucose, fasting blood lipids, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, were assessed. Results: We analysed 1,898 rural and 930 urban participants. Adjusting for BMI, exercise, smoking, alcohol intake, age and sex, urban residents had lower mean fasting glucose (adjusted mean difference [95%CI] 0.18 [-0.32, -0.05] p=0.01) and HOMA-IR (-0.26 [-0.40, -0.11] p=0.001) but higher blood pressure (systolic, 5.45 [3.75, 7.15] p<0.001; diastolic, 1.93 [0.57, 3.29] p=0.006). Current helminth infection did not explain the observed differences. Conclusions: In the Ugandan context, living in rural fishing communities may protect against hypertension but worsen glucose metabolism

Cellular immune activation in cerebrospinal fluid from ugandans with cryptococcal meningitis and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is characterized by high fungal burden and limited leukocyte trafficking to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The immunopathogenesis of CM immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after initiation of antiretroviral therapy at the site of infection is poorly understood. METHODS: We characterized the lineage and activation status of mononuclear cells in blood and CSF of HIV-infected patients with noncryptococcal meningitis (NCM) (n = 10), those with CM at day 0 (n = 40) or day 14 (n = 21) of antifungal therapy, and those with CM-IRIS (n = 10). RESULTS: At diagnosis, highly activated CD8(+) T cells predominated in CSF in both CM and NCM. CM-IRIS was associated with an increasing frequency of CSF CD4(+) T cells (increased from 2.2% to 23%; P = .06), a shift in monocyte phenotype from classic to an intermediate/proinflammatory, and increased programmed death ligand 1 expression on natural killer cells (increased from 11.9% to 61.6%, P = .03). CSF cellular responses were distinct from responses in peripheral blood. CONCLUSIONS: After CM, T cells in CSF tend to evolve with the development of IRIS, with increasing proportions of activated CD4(+) T cells, migration of intermediate monocytes to the CSF, and declining fungal burden. These changes provide insight into IRIS pathogenesis and could be exploited to more effectively treat CM and prevent CM-IRIS

Timber management practices and timber species used by small scale furniture workshops in Uganda

A study was done in Kampala District, Central Uganda, to document the timber species and timbermanagement practices used in furniture workshops. A check list was used to document the commontimber species, their grades, moisture contents and related timber management practices in furnitureworkshops. Results showed that Albizia coriaria, Markhamia lutea and Chrysophyllum albidum werethe most common species while Khaya spp, Milicia excelsa and Olea spp were the least used speciesin the furniture workshops. Sixty nine percent of the furniture workshops lacked timber storage sheds,whereas only 3% had the recommended timber stacks. Majority (95%) of the carpenters in the furnitureworkshops did not season timber and hence the moisture content of the timber ranged from 31% to35%. Forty nine percent of the workshops exposed their finished products to environmental and weatherdeterioration. The commonest type of wood waste was planer shavings which were not utilised effectively.Since 97% of carpenters did not grade timber, the quality of their products was inherently poor. Thestudy concluded that several lesser known timber species were used for making furniture amidst verypoor timber management. The study recommends that the government of Uganda through its policyimplementingarms should create awareness programmes to carpenters on efficient timber managementpractices. Further research on physical, processing and strength properties of the documented speciesshould be undertaken so as to improve their utilisation

The Impact of Intensive Versus Standard Anthelminthic Treatment on Allergy-related Outcomes, Helminth Infection Intensity, and Helminth-related Morbidity in Lake Victoria Fishing Communities, Uganda: Results From the LaVIISWA Cluster-randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of allergy-related diseases is increasing in low-income countries. Parasitic helminths, common in these settings, may be protective. We hypothesized that intensive, community-wide, anthelminthic mass drug administration (MDA) would increase allergy-related diseases, while reducing helminth-related morbidity. METHODS: In an open, cluster-randomized trial (ISRCTN47196031), we randomized 26 high-schistosomiasis-transmission fishing villages in Lake Victoria, Uganda, in a 1:1 ratio to receive community-wide intensive (quarterly single-dose praziquantel plus albendazole daily for 3 days) or standard (annual praziquantel plus 6 monthly single-dose albendazole) MDA. Primary outcomes were recent wheezing, skin prick test positivity (SPT), and allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (asIgE) after 3 years of intervention. Secondary outcomes included helminths, haemoglobin, and hepatosplenomegaly. RESULTS: The outcome survey comprised 3350 individuals. Intensive MDA had no effect on wheezing (risk ratio [RR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-1.93), SPT (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.85-1.42), or asIgE (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.82-1.12). Intensive MDA reduced Schistosoma mansoni infection intensity: the prevalence from Kato Katz examinations of single stool samples from each patient was 23% versus 39% (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55-0.88), but the urine circulating cathodic antigen test remained positive in 85% participants in both trial arms. Hookworm prevalence was 8% versus 11% (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-1.00). There were no differences in anemia or hepatospenomegaly between trial arms. CONCLUSIONS: Despite reductions in S. mansoni intensity and hookworm prevalence, intensive MDA had no effect on atopy, allergy-related diseases, or helminth-related pathology. This could be due to sustained low-intensity infections; thus, a causal link between helminths and allergy outcomes cannot be discounted. Intensive community-based MDA has a limited impact in high-schistosomiasis-transmission fishing communities, in the absence of other interventions. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ISRCTN47196031

The Effect of Helminth Infections and Their Treatment on Metabolic Outcomes: Results of a Cluster-Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Helminths may protect against cardiometabolic risk through effects on inflammation and metabolism; their treatment may be detrimental to metabolic outcomes. METHODS: In a cluster-randomized trial in 26 Ugandan fishing communities we investigated effects of community-wide intensive (quarterly single-dose praziquantel, triple-dose albendazole) vs standard (annual single-dose praziquantel, biannual single-dose albendazole) anthelminthic treatment on metabolic outcomes, and observational associations between helminths and metabolic outcomes. The primary outcome, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and secondary outcomes (including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipids) were assessed after 4 years' intervention among individuals aged ≥10 years. RESULTS: We analyzed 1898 participants. Intensive treatment had no effect on HOMA-IR (adjusted geometric mean ratio, 0.96 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .86-1.07]; P = .42) but resulted in higher mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (2.86 vs 2.60 mmol/L; adjusted mean difference, 0.26 [95% CI, -.03 to .56]; P = .08). Lower LDL-c levels were associated with Schistosoma mansoni (2.37 vs 2.80 mmol/L; -0.25 [95% CI, -.49 to -.02]; P = .04) or Strongyloides (2.34 vs 2.69 mmol/L; -0.32 [95% CI, -.53 to -.12]; P = .003) infection. Schistosoma mansoni was associated with lower total cholesterol (4.24 vs 4.64 mmol/L; -0.25 [95% CI, -.44 to -.07]; P = .01) and moderate to heavy S. mansoni infection with lower triglycerides, LDL-c, and diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Helminth infections improve lipid profiles and may lower blood pressure. Studies to confirm causality and investigate mechanisms may contribute to understanding the epidemiological transition and suggest new approaches to prevent cardiometabolic disease. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ISRCTN47196031

Do helminth infections underpin urban-rural differences in risk factors for allergy-related outcomes?

BACKGROUND: It is proposed that helminth exposure protects against allergy-related disease, by mechanisms that include disconnecting risk factors (such as atopy) from effector responses. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess how helminth exposure influences rural-urban differences in risk factors for allergy-related outcomes in tropical low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: In cross-sectional surveys in Ugandan rural Schistosoma mansoni (Sm)-endemic islands, and in nearby mainland urban communities with lower helminth exposure, we assessed risk factors for atopy (allergen-specific skin prick test [SPT] reactivity and IgE [asIgE] sensitization) and clinical allergy-related outcomes (wheeze, urticaria, rhinitis and visible flexural dermatitis), and effect modification by Sm exposure. RESULTS: Dermatitis and SPT reactivity were more prevalent among urban participants, urticaria and asIgE sensitization among rural participants. Pairwise associations between clinical outcomes, and between atopy and clinical outcomes, were stronger in the urban survey. In the rural survey, SPT positivity was inversely associated with bathing in lakewater, Schistosoma-specific IgG4 and Sm infection. In the urban survey, SPT positivity was positively associated with age, non-Ugandan maternal tribe, being born in a city/town, BCG scar and light Sm infection. Setting (rural vs urban) was an effect modifier for risk factors including Sm- and Schistosoma-specific IgG4. In both surveys, the dominant risk factors for asIgE sensitization were Schistosoma-specific antibody levels and helminth infections. Handwashing and recent malaria treatment reduced odds of asIgE sensitization among rural but not urban participants. Risk factors for clinical outcomes also differed by setting. Despite suggestive trends, we did not find sufficient evidence to conclude that helminth (Sm) exposure explained rural-urban differences in risk factors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Risk factors for allergy-related outcomes differ between rural and urban communities in Uganda but helminth exposure is unlikely to be the sole mechanism of the observed effect modification between the two settings. Other environmental exposures may contribute significantly

Nutritional and physicochemical properties of stored solar-dried cowpea leafy vegetables

Preservation techniques for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) leaves, a green leafy vegetable mainly consumed in the eastern and northern parts of Uganda, are still lacking. The study aimed at determining the effect of blanching, open sun and solar-drying on the nutrient content, organoleptic acceptability and physicochemical properties of cowpea leafy vegetables (CLV) during storage. Proximate composition, sensory quality and colour of the CLV were determined. No significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in nutrient composition were observed between drying methods, except the dietary fibre, zinc and total carotenoid content. Blanched-solar dried CLV showed higher dietary fibre and total carotenoid content compared to raw dried CLV. No significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in appearance, taste, flavour, and texture of dried CLV were observed, except for the fresh CLV (control). Water activity levels ranged from 0.34 to 0.54 indicative of storage stability. Positive ‘L’ colour values (37.90 to 44.95) indicative of light green to green, negative ‘a’ values (-7.28 to -4.15) for greenishness and positive ‘b’ values (3.45 to 9.25) for yellowishness for raw-dried and blanched green leafy cowpea vegetable, respectively, were obtained. Marked increases in browning index and total colour difference were observed in the dried CLV during storage. Blanching and solar drying treatment formed stable and highly acceptable vegetables during storage, which could be recommended for market.Keywords: Acceptability, colour, nutrient content, Vigna unguiculata, water activit