Academic submissions (CAES)

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    Effects of home garden agroforestry on people’s livelihoods in peri-urban areas of Kampala: Case study of Nakawa Division
    (Makerere University, 2017) Muriisa, Benson
    A study to elicit the knowledge effects of home garden agroforestry on people’s livelihoods in peri-urban areas of Kampalawas carried out in Nakawa division Kampala District between June and July 2017. The specific objectives were to: (i)To inventory home garden agroforestry trees and crops in the study area. (ii) To examine the contribution of home garden agroforestry to food security and incomes of the households. (iii) To examine the challenges faced by households practicing home garden agroforestry in Nakawa Division.Cross sectional socio-economic surveys was used to collect data in which questionnaires having both open and close ended questions, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted. Questionnaires were coded and entered into SPSS program and analyzed for the preferredPractice, Maintenance and contribution of home garden agroforestry. Home garden agroforestry contributed to the economy of Nakawa division by providing food security and household’s income generation. Management of home garden agroforestry was being constrained by the high growth of household’s sentization techniques and good relationships between the community and stalk holds in the division. Utilization of home gardenshad a positive significant attitude on household’s willingness to keep and manage it. Indeed many respondents were motivated to retain home gardenson their homes such as home gardens due to the attraction of visitors and food security and income generation of households which were obtained from it since they have a very big positive impact on households and well-being. There is urgent need to formulate and implement laws and policies to guide and promote agriculture and commercialization of FAO like some home gardensand this should be spearheaded by institutions like Uganda Food agriculture Organization (FAO) and Community Based Organizations and backed by the provision of both financial and management support. All communities should maintain and sustain these home gardens through establishment and maintenance of commercial gardens containing some important tree and crop species. This may be one of the most effective avenues or enhancing the keeping and managing of home garden agroforestry.
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    Profitability of rice production by rice farmers in Namalemba Sub County Iganga District
    (Makerere University, 2017-11) Gatama, Kenneth
    This study looked at profitability of rice production by rice farmers in Namalemba sub county Iganga district. The objectives of the study were to characterize the farmers engaged in rice production in Namalemba sub-county, Iganga district, determine the profitability of rice production in Namalemba sub-county, Iganga district and to determine constraints of rice productivity and profitability in Namalemba sub-county, Iganga district. Different methods were to get reliable data from the field. These included both primary data and secondary data. The data collection instruments included the questionnaire and documentary sources. From the study majority in the community know how to read and write where 41.2% of the farmers had completed secondary level. Majority 67.5% of the farmers had an off farm employment (income) to supplement on their farm incomes. Majority 82.5% of the farmers earn More than 10,000 Ushs, while few 17.5% earn below the poverty line. The results suggest that the profit in rice production is highly associated with the type of Rice farmers grow with a mean of 2.4500 and SD of 1.25183. It is clear that, Families producing Rice have a high positive return to labor per acre hence indicating that Rice production is profitable. Results show that the Total Variable Cost (TVC) was higher than the Total Fixed Cost (TFC) per hectare associated with rice production. Farmers with no access to market information were being exploited by middlemen and traders by offering them low prices for their produce which would negatively impact on their profits (gross margin). The results revealed that farmers in Namalemba are faced with faced with Poor Soil Fertility, Poor Soil Fertility, Long drought, Poor seeds, Pests and diseases, Low skills for Irrigation, Land fragmentation and Inadequate manpower during production The study recommends that, there is need for farmers’ timely access to inputs at affordable prices and guaranteed facilitation to enable them stock adequate quantities like seeds and pesticides ahead of planting season. there is need to avail extension services to the farmers in Namalemba Sub County to inform and educate farmers in the sub county in question about the farming practices and management to increase the acceptability and adoption of rice production in the sub county. This could create awareness and spread information between farmers about the rice production.
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    Effects of crop raiding on livehoods of households around Kalinzu Forest Reserve: Case study of Kyamuhunga Parish
    (Makekere University, 2018) Twinamatsiko, Gonzaga
    This research dealt with the effects of crop raiding on lively hoods of households around Kalinzu forest Reserve on farmers. The research was carried out with the objectives of finding out the animal species most involved in crop raiding, type of crops most affected, the factors that lead to crop raiding and effects of crop raiding on the livelihoods of the people surrounding the forest reserve. The research conducted was both qualitative and quantitative in nature whereby descriptive cross sectional methods were used. Data were collected using questionnaires, one to one interviews, direct assessments/observations, reviewing of literature, and was later analyzed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). The results of the study indicate that animal species most involved in crop raiding/damage from Kalinzu Forest Reserve are baboons, monkeys, wild pigs, several species of birds, squirrels, edible rats, porcupines and chimpanzees. Most raided crops were sweet potatoes, cassava, maize, and sugar cane by wild animals both vermin and non vermin animals. The least raided crops include: rice, millet, beans and peas. These are mainly raided by avian species. However there are some crop species which are not eaten by wild animals but vandalized. Some of the vandalized crops include onion, pepper, cabbage, and simsim. Over 96% of the population of Kyamuhunga parish adjacent to the forest reserve was affected by crop raiders. Factors that lead to crop raiding include; proximity to the forest reserve, increased habitat destruction, high population, lack of grazing land and poor guarding method, and inadequate help from government institutions .Therefore palatable and nutritive crops should not be grown within the fringes of the forest reserve, conservation education is paramount, coherent land use plans should be emphasized to determine where certain crops can be grown.
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    Assessing the role of tour companies in growth of tourism as a business in Uganda: A case study of four selected tour companies in Kampala District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Kamugira, Pophia
    The main aim of this study was to investigate the role of tour companies in the growth of tourism as a business in Uganda among the four selected tour companies in Kampala which include; African Pearl Safaris, Prime Safaris, Great Lake Safaris, and Gorilla Link Tours Ltd. The objectives of the study were to: identify the services provided by tour companies to tourists in Uganda, establish ways in which tour companies support tourist stay while visiting Uganda and documents strategies that can be adopted in Uganda to streamline the activities of tour companies in providing professional services. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted because it provides a systematic description that is as factual and as accurate as possible, (Amin, 2005). The total population of management, staff and members of four selected tour companies which were; African Pearl Safaris, Prime Safaris, Great Lakes Safaris and Gorilla Link Tours Ltd. The study was based on a sample size of 64 that was drawn from a population of 100. The study used simple random sampling techniques. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample the company administrators, staff and customers. It was concluded that tour companies can be seen as a central link in the distribution chain and also agreed that tour companies help in reducing time of stressed and less free time tourists by providing them reliable tour services which means that acting as a central links and at the same time reducing time of stressed tourists are the most important services provided by tour companies to tourists in Uganda. It was concluded tour companies do not provide tourists with good services through caring for which makes us feel safe. It was concluded that regulation of the legal framework to make it easier for tour operators to adapt and implement their business operations. It was recommended that there is a need to put strategies for improving the operation of working guidelines for tour companies in Uganda. It was recommended that tour companies need to improve their services in order to attract tourists that visit Uganda and improve their business operation. It was recommended that authorities responsible for tourism in Uganda need to set policies for tour company operation and this will improve standard of activities done by the tour companies.
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    Assessment of the effect of soil amendments on soil health and productivity of tomato (Lycoperscon esculentum)
    (Makerere University, 2018) Malaala, Alex
    Different soil inputs have varying effects on yield and post production soil properties. This study assessed the effect of three soil inputs namely; poultry manure (PM), NPK 17:17:17, and organo yield biochar-based enhancer on tomato growth, yield and the post cropping soil properties. An experiment was conducted at National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters; plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of flower clusters, number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant and soil tests before and after the experiment. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess the effect of treatments on tomato growth and yield. Effect of the inputs on post production properties were assessed through comparing soil properties before and after cropping with published critical values. Results indicated that all inputs increased growth and yield of tomatoes significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Organo yield biochar-based enhancer had superior effect with highest yield of averagely 24.8 fruits per plant and 1192g yield per plant while the unfertilized (control) had the least 8.6 fruits per plant with average weight 335g per plant. Also, NPK increased the tomato growth parameters followed by poultry manure and organo yield. Poultry manure and organo yield fertilizers improved the soil chemical and physical properties. Organo yield decreased the soil bulk density and increased the pH from 4.8 to 5.5. NPK treatment only increased the calcium content in the soil. Use of fertilizers increased growth and yield of tomatoes as well as the soil improvement; however, organo yield biochar-based soil enhancer is recommendable for sustainable tomato production since less quantities are required to reduce on the amounts of money spent on chemical fertilizers.
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    Potential contributions of white water rafting to adventure tourism development in Jinja district .case study Itanda falls
    ( 2018) Nabulwa, Ivan
    The intention of this report was to explore the whitewater rafting industry on the Upper White Nile. Although the White Nile is widely considered one of the greatest stretches of whitewater in the world, there is little actually known about the industry itself? As a result the following research investigates the potential contributions of whitewater rafting to adventure tourism development in Jinja. Additionally the research investigates the role played of whitewater rafting to adventure tourism development. And to find out the challenges affecting whitewater rafting. Finally the strategies for promoting whitewater rafting were also examined in this report. Through this research a vast amount of information was gained on the nature of this industry. Two survey instruments were used for data collection from 70 respondents who were considered, questionnaires were designed and interviews were carried out. Data collected from the respondents was entered, coded and managed in Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 17.0). The results revealed the contributions of whitewater rafting to adventure tourism development in Jinja. The findings proved that the roles played by white-water rafting to adventure tourism development are both positive and negative and these affect the social, economic and environmental structures of the local communities. The findings also showed the challenges affecting white-water rafting and also presented the strategies used to promote white-water rafting in Jinja district. In conclusion, the objectives of the research were met and effectively exposed new information about the rafting industry. The research proved the potential contributions of white-water rafting to adventure tourism as social, economic and environmental in both positive and negative ways The researcher recommended the rafting companies for example Adrift, Nalubale, NRE to improve on their marketing tools, customer service and also government involvement in the rafting industry either through provision of incentives for example tax holidays or in regulatory processes in order to maintain and manage the authenticity of the rafting business.
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    Assessment of the factors influencing consumer choice of accommodation facilities in Kampala Central Division
    (Makerere University, 2018) Mwebaza, Peace
    The study was carried out to assess the factors influencing consumer choice of accommodation facilities in Kampala Central Division. The objectives of the study were; To assess services and facilities offered to tourists at the hotel, To establish the factors that influence tourist choice of a hotel, To assess the measures put in place to enhance tourist satisfaction with hotel facilities. In a bid to achieve the above objectives primary and secondary data was collected by the researcher and descriptive analysis was carried out. A sample size of 60 respondents was interviewed this included 20 staff at the hotels which were sampled and 40 tourists who were picked through both simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The research findings revealed that for both clients and staff that the most attracting and important factors that would influence consumer‟s choice are quality customer service by staff, safety and security at the hotel and cleanliness of the rooms. This research also revealed that quality of various services and facilities at the hotel play an important role as well. It was recommended in the study that hotels should communicate better with their clients, acquire better marketing techniques and improve some facilities at the hotel. This will enhance satisfaction and build customer loyalty.
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    Assessement of awareness and attitude of the community towards wetland conservation
    (Makerere University, 2018) Arineitwe, Derrick
    The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of community awareness and attitudes on wetland conservation in Rukiiri Sub-country, Ibanda district. The method used for data collection was interviews which were administered to 70 respondents of which 60 were local community members and 10 were local leaders and district officials to achieve all the objectives. Field observation and photography were also used as supplementary data collection efforts. The findings suggest that 84.3% of the respondents interviewed were aware of the services and functions provided by wetland while 15.7% were not aware. This indicates high level of awareness of wetland functions. This need for conservation of the wetland was supported by 82.6%, from both kyanguhanda and Katehe,75% from Rwobuhungye parish from shifting their activities from wetlands, 17.4% from kyanguhanda,25% from Rwobuhungye ,16.7% from Katehe parish were not willing to conserve the wetland despite its uses, values and benefits. Wetland reclamation was supported by 15.7% of respondents, 34.3%respondents did not support wetland reclamation while 50% of respondents didn’t mind about reclamation of wetlands. Concerning means through which information about wetland conservation received by people, 76% of respondents heard it on radios, 10% of respondents read it in newspapers, 4.3% of respondents heard it from local leaders, 10% of respondents saw it on televisions The study results show that awareness is still low, attitude is relatively positive though participation is low. The study therefore, concludes that environmental organisations and institutions are not effective since local communities revealed less awareness and there is low mass involvement into wetland conservation activitiesthus the research recommended that sensitization of the people about the wetland legislation, management and sustainable utilization should be undertaken ,alternative land should be looked for to ensure that people carrying out activities like brick laying and agriculture farming may shift from wetlands to these places transforming in wetland conservation as well as public participation should be enforced in order to punish the law breakers all the geared towards wetland conservation and management
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    Development of flavored amaranth juice
    (Makerere University, 2018) Luganda, Dennis Kizito
    Red amaranth is a crop with a rich nutritional profile. It is rich in vitamin C, proteins, iron, folic acid and polyphenols that possess antioxidant activity. Red amaranth plays a big role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, various cancers, iron deficient anemia and also lowers the blood cholesterol levels. However present studies indicate that red amaranth is faced with high postharvest losses (>30%) during the peak season and this is basically attributed to the perishable nature of the crop. The major objective of this study was to develop a vegetable juice from red amaranth. Four products with different flavors were developed namely: unflavored amaranth juice, ginger flavored amaranth juice, vanilla flavored amaranth juice and strawberry amaranth juice. The samples were evaluated for overall consumer acceptability using untrained panelists (n = 40). The nutritional quality (protein, fiber, iron) and antioxidant activity of the most acceptable formulation and that of the control sample were determined using standard methods. Shelf stability was also determined by evaluating changes in sensory acceptability, titratable acidity, pH, color and vitamin C of samples stored at 4 0C for 2 weeks. Ginger flavored amaranth juice was the most liked with an overall acceptability of 7.5 while the unflavored flavored amaranth juice was the least liked with an overall acceptability of 5.4 on a nine point hedonic scale. However, since the overall acceptability of the juices was above 5 (neither like nor dislike) they were both acceptable. The protein, fiber, iron and antioxidant capacity of the amaranth juice ranged between 0.96-1.20%, 1.25-1.37%, 0.19-0.27 mg/100 ml and 44.61-37.61mg/100ml equivalent vitamin C, respectively. Ginger flavored amaranth juice had a significantly (p<0.05) higher antioxidant activity. Ginger flavored amaranth juice had higher total titratable acid (TTA) and pH (0.35%, 4.12) compared to the unflavored amaranth juice (0.25%, 4.14).The vitamin C content (10.32mg/100ml) was the same for both the ginger flavored and unflavored amaranth juice while the colour intensity absorbance varied between 6.32-6.09nm at 538nm reading. There were no significant changes in pH, acidity and color of the juice stored for two weeks and both samples received acceptability scores greater than 5 (neither like nor dislike). It is therefore possible to produce an acceptable antioxidant rich ginger flavored amaranth juice.
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    Determinants of youth participation in tomato production and marketing in Mukono District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Mutumba, Robert Ssebuliba
    This study sought to establish the determinants of youth participation in tomato production and marketing in Mukono district, Uganda. It was guided by the following objectives: To assess the influence of productivity, socio-economic and institutional factors on youth participation in tomato production and marketing in Mukono district. The purpose of the study is therefore to assess and document the most important socio-economic and institutional factors that influence tomato production, and marketing in Mukono district. In addition to this, it would commit the government to fulfilling its national obligations in development of the youth in relation to the National development plan, the Uganda constitution and Vision 2040. This study employed a descriptive survey design, as it is focused on collecting data to explore, find out and explain the determinants of youth participation in tomato production and marketing in Mukono district. The sample size of this study was 50 respondents. Primary data was collected by administering a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. The study found that economic factors such as inadequate land limited youth participation in tomato production and marketing in Mukono district. Further, majority of the youth indicated that they participated in production due to drop out of school. Access to credit had minimal effects on youth participation. The study recommends that the local government should assist in creating ready markets and facilitating linkages to other markets, for agricultural produce, this will encourage the youth to participate in farming activities since they are assured of making sales and increasing their profits which will contribute to employment, improved income and household food security.
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    A study on maize production and profitability in Buhimba Sub-County Hoima District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Tumwesige, Gilbert
    The study was to assess the productivity and profitability of maize production in Buhimba sub-county Hoima district. Well-designed questionnaires were used to collect data from 80 maize farmers. The respondents were selected by random sampling so as to avoid bias in the study. These data were coded and entered into SPSS (version 16.0) computer software for analysis. Results of this study show that out of the 80 farmers, majority (57.5%) of farmers were males while only 42.5% were females. Analysis of the marital status showed that (70%) of them were married, singles, (21.25%) and only 8.75% were separated. This means that most people who were married engaged themselves maize production probably due to the fact they have responsibilities and families to take care of as compared to single and separated people. The average gross margin is 160,034.98Uganda shillings implying that the profitability in maize enterprises is still low due to the various factors that influence the level of maize production like education level, experience and also extension services maybe lacking hence the low average gross margin between the respondents. Household size, experience, distance to the market, size of land under maize production and access to credit had a significant effect on the quantity of maize produced by farmers. The major problem the farmers are facing during production is the pest and disease prevalence which has a frequency of 47 and 87% of the respondents mentioned it as their first challenge. Then too much sunshine that can possibly lead to scorching of the plants had a frequency of 35 and 64.8% of the respondents saying it’s one of the challenges that is had to control because it’s natural. Based on the results the study recommend the government of Uganda and other relevant authorities targeting agricultural development and food security focusing on smallholder maize production and marketing with the aim of improving the welfare of the farmers out to adopt recommendations such as improving on the maize marketing system especially the pricing to improve the profitability of the crop in the smallholder farmers and ultimately luring more farmers to cultivate the staple crop. The study recommends the government to recapitalize the grain marketing institution, to improve its operations.
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    Social economic impacts of tourism promotion on the people living around the shores of Lake Victoria, Jinja
    (Makerere University, 2018) Mbulambago, Eunice
    The study was aimed at examining the social economic impacts of tourism promotion on the people leaving around the shores of Lake Victoria in Jinja District, Masese village and Walukuba division. Specifically the study determined the impacts of tourism to the local people, factors influencing their choice over tourism promotion and the opinions that they have over tourism promotion besides the factors. The data was collected by executing a questionnaire to 50 respondents who were randomly selected from the one village .The data collected was coded and entered in a statistical package for social scientists (SPSS V.11).cross-tabulations were used to determine the most dominant responses on contributions of social and economic impacts of tourism promotion and the factors that influence them to do tourism around. Creation of employment opportunities was the most mentioned economic impacts of tourism promotion. The main source of information was first-hand information from the respondents, books, journals and articles as well. Social demographic characteristics of the respondents affected the choice of a given factor of tourism promotion in Masese village. This was based on basically because, most of the responses were obtained from different ages, sexs, and other demographics.
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    Factors affecting nutrition status of the South Sudan refugees in Nyumanzi settlement, Adjumani District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Ararakit, Joyce
    Introduction: In 2014, the GAM among South Sudanese refugee children was 19.6%, the Country Level Submission, South Sudan Regional RRP Revision April, 2017 also stated GAM among South Sudan refugees was 9.4% which is also above the acceptable GAM rate of greater than 5 according to WHO standards. Given the continuing influx of South Sudan refugees in Uganda, the problem of malnutrition cannot be ignored because malnutrition is too expensive for the state. It is on this account that a study was done to find out the factors affecting nutrition status of the refugees such that an intervention is sought and the problem combatted. General objective: To determine the factors affecting nutrition status of the South Sudanese refugees in Nyumanzi settlement, Adjumani district. Methods: A cross- sectional study using both qualitative and quantitative methods was done. Focus group discussions were held and interviews done. Data was analyzed using SPSS, frequencies, means and standard deviations obtained as appropriate. Results were presented in tables, pie charts, bar charts and qualitative data presented as a narrative. Results: Most malnourished children came from households with a number more than five and the household’s only income as the cash provided by WFP. It was also noted that majority of the malnourished came from households which were food insecure. Lack of a sustainable livelihood to meet the demands of the non-food items of their household members resulted into use of the money given for food assistance for purchase of the non-food items. Whatever amount of money left was not sufficient to meet nutritional needs of the members therefore whether or not a child of a mother or care taker in Nyumanzi became malnourished was dependent on the household number and source of income of the household head. Conclusion: Lack of family planning as influenced by culture and tradition puts those with less financial resources at a disadvantage since one will give birth to as many children as possible in view of keeping tradition. This explains the higher prevalence of malnutrition in households with more than 5 people with the household only depending on cash given by WFP. Household heads with more than 5 members but with other sources of income didn’t witness their children getting malnourished. Getting a manageable number of children according to one’s resources should be encouraged among the South Sudanese refugees staying in Nyumanzi camp.
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    A survey of stakeholders promoting Uganda's Sports Tourism potential
    (Makerere University, 2018) Tumwekwatse, Grahams
    Sports Tourism is a growing sector within both the tourism and sports industry with some countries are becoming dependant on it. However, the promotion of Sports Tourism in Uganda is still low due to the little attention given to sports promotion and development. There is also a lot of competition from the already established tourism activities like cultural tourism and eco tourism. Yet sports tourists are characterized by long stays in a destination and high disposable income which Uganda should tap into. This study set out to survey the stakeholders in promoting Uganda’s Sports Tourism potential and it was guided by the following objectives; to analyze the different stakeholders in, to examine different sports activities that can be developed and to establish the challenges associated with promoting Sports Tourism in Uganda. The analysis from the findings indicate the different stakeholders in promoting Uganda’s Sports Tourism potential which include the government through Ministry of Education and Sports as well as Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, private sector, KCCA, UTB, local people, National Council of Sports, tourists and Uganda Wildlife Authority. Sports industry in Uganda has largely been dominated by sports like football, Athletics, rugby, golf, basketball among other games. However, the promotion of Sports Tourism in Uganda has experienced challenges such as limited funds, limited knowledge about Sports Tourism, competition from other tourism activities, insecurity around some sports facilities, congestion/ overcrowding on some sports facilities and poor co- ordination among stakeholders among other challenges. The study therefore recommends that the government should increase funding for sports. It should also encourage more private investors to invest in Sports Tourism, increase advertising and sensitization. The study also recommends proper accountability of sports funds to avoid corruption and embezzlement of sports funds if Uganda is to promote and be recognized as a top Sports Tourism destination in Africa.
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    The potential for development of farm tourism in Uganda: A case study of Buwama Crocodile Farm in Mpigi District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Mbabazi, Specioza
    The study was carried out analyze the tourism potentials of Buwama crocodile farm in Mpigi district. It was guided by objectives; to identify tourism resources at Buwama crocodile farm, to examine the tourism opportunities that can be developed at Buwama crocodile farm and to establish the challenges associated with at Buwama crocodile farm. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to 60 randomly selected respondents and structured interviews were held with farm managers and local leaders who were selected purposively. Findings were later analyzed with the aid of a computer package for social sciences to attach the meaning. The study established that Buwama crocodile farm has various tourism attractions such as crocodile, Lake Victoria, Kitebo pier, accommodation facilities like bandas among others. The study too revealed the various tourism opportunities available at Buwama crocodile farm that have not yet developed and identified are; boat cruise at the lake, bird watching, picnic viewing and rapidly expanding infrastructures most especially accommodation. Lastly the study established challenges associated with the farms which among others include still competition, limited markets, lack of knowledge about crocodile farming and diseases which affect the health of the crocodiles. Based on these findings , the study recommends the need to develop more tourism products in and around Buwama crocodile farm to increase on the number of tourists visiting the farm , Improving the management of crocodile farming aiming at producing good quality products from the farm, and establishing pattern ships with other countries, are considered essential in providing crocodile market and a call for farm management to partner with the association of Uganda Tourism Board and tour companies in increasing visibility.
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    Analysis of past and future precipitation extremes in Uganda’s climate
    (Makerere University, 2018) Abigaba, Claire
    Analyzing long term changes in precipitation extremes is of great importance to the welfare of human beings as well as the entire ecosystem. Increase in maximum number of consecutive wet days can lead to more and worse floods while high maximum number of consecutive dry days can pose a threat to the drought problem that greatly affects water sources and soil moisture. The occurrence of dry spells (consecutive dry days) within a rainfall season greatly affect agriculture and other sectors such as tourism and fisheries. This study addressed the past and future changes in extreme rainfall over Uganda using the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment model outputs for the two rainy seasons of March-May and September-November. The analysis was performed for two time periods: historical/past (1986-2015) and future(2021-2050). Downscaled data from CanESM for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 was used. The significance in the time series trend was tested using Mann-Kendall test and the results were analyzed using python software. The results indicated that there was no significant trend in historical time series for both consecutive dry days and consecutive wet days.The future trends were non-significant with very mixed spatial patterns of positive and negative trends. There were no significant trends in historical time series for both consecutive dry days and consecutive wet days for both rain seasons with constant number of consecutive wet days over most parts of the country. For September-November season, maximum number of consecutive dry days increased while number of consecutive wet days decreased. Projections show that maximum number of consecutive dry days will increase while number of consecutive wet days will decrease for most parts of the country but with no significant trends for both rain seasons.
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    Assessment of lead concentration in cocoyam (colacasia esculenta) harvested in Lubigi Wetland Kampala District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Wafula, Dickson
    Heavy metal concentration in colacasia esculenta was investigated in lubigi wetland in Kampala district and some from upland soils around Kampala region and near by market (Kalerwe). Samples of the plant (colacasia esculenta) were analysed for total Pb concentrations using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer(AAS). Excessive accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils may not only result in environmental contamination, but lead to elevated heavy metal uptake by crops, which may affect food quality and safety. The heavy metal concentrations in cocoyam were high in the yams got from the market due to different areas of origin where some were got from areas prone to Lead disposal and others from areas free from lead. The samples got from Lubigi wetland did not reflect any Lead available since the concentrations were ˂0.005 which is below the detectable levels. In the areas of Bwaise also lead samples indicated low levels of the metal since it was also ˂0.005 . These findings are indicative of potential health hazards faced by the indigenous population who feed on these crops. There is need to closely monitor the great danger posed by the bioaccumulation of these trace heavy metals on the health of the population animals and plants in the area.
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    Solid waste management assessment at gabba landing site in the context of sustainable lake victoria environmental management needs
    (Makerere University, 2018) Namutebi, Liz Lucy
    There are different categories of land use on Lake Victoria beach towns of Uganda. The main landing site town in Uganda is Gabba. There are various unregulated socio-economic activities which pose a threat to the water quality of Lake Victoria. The objectives for the study included determining the types of solid waste generated and waste management at Gabba landing site, whether the community was aware of the impacts of poor waste management on the lake and examining the efficiency of solid waste management organisational and institutional frame work. Data was collected with aid of questionnaires, checklists and interview guides. A total of 47 questionnaires were given out to randomly selected respondents who included fishermen, boat makers, market vendors and restaurant operators. The interviews were held with the KCCA fisheries inspector and the chairman Gabba market. Data was analysed using Microsoft excel for assessing the effects of poor waste management, categorising demographic characteristic of the respondents. The results showed presence of various waste disposal methods which included burning (14.893%), dumping in the lake (19.148) and collection and disposal by authorities (51.063%). Other minor methods accounted for 14. 893%.The research also indicated awareness of the respondents on the effects of poor waste management was 100%. There are relevant national and international laws and policies in existence as well as regulations regarding waste management. However, these are not effective since the wastes are not fully effectively managed at the landing site. Lake Victoria water quality is still at risk of deterioration. There is still a management and monitoring gap in waste handling at Gabba. In conclusion; Government has to reinforce the regulations and support the local leaders of Gabba who are at the ground and easily interact or communicate with the community to ensure Lake Victoria protection.
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    Assessment of nutrition status of children aged 6-14 years in the day and boarding sections of private primary schools in Kampala Capital City
    (Makerere University, 2018) Achipa, Linda Angella
    Malnutrition is affecting millions of children all over the world and the situation is made worse by the coexistence of under and over-nutrition that is on the rise in many developing countries such as Uganda. Many of the studies done concerning malnutrition and its risk factors are based on children less than five years of age, indicating that there is less focus on the nutrition status of school age children 6-14 years of age. A cross-sectional study was done in day and boarding private primary schools in Central and Nakawa division. The nutrition status of the children was assessed using and anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and mid upper arm circumference measurements. The children’s eating habits and physical activity patterns were assessed using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of wasting, overweight and obesity among the children were 4.8%, 5.7% and 2.9% respectively. The day scholars were more overweight and obese (8.9% and 3.6% respectively) compared to the boarding pupils (2.0% overweight and 2.0% obese). The prevalence of wasting was more observed among the boarding pupils (6.1%) compared to the day scholars (3.6%). The risk factors to overweight and obesity included consumption of processed foods (p=0.01), consumption of meats (p=0.004), level of physical activity (p=0.009) and watching television (p = 0.007). These results indicated that malnutrition exists among school children aged 6-14 years enrolled both in day and boarding sections of private primary schools. Nutrition status is also seen to transition from under-nutrition in the younger years into over-nutrition in the older ages. Therefore interventions such as provision of balanced diets, selling a variety of unprocessed foods in the school canteens and ensuring a hygienic environment for the pupils should be put in place to tackle some of the risk factors that are associated with malnutrition among the primary school children.
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    The influence of value addition on the profitability of cassava production among farmers in Alito Sub-County, Kole District
    (Makerere University, 2018) Okodi, Emmanuel
    The study aimed at assessing the influence of value addition to the profitability of cassava production among farmers in Alito sub-county, Kole District. The specific objectives were to: i) identify the various methods of cassava value additions and cassava value added products in the area. (i) determine the influence of income attributed to cassava value additions in the area. (ii) assess the constraints facing cassava value addition in the study area. A total of 60 respondents were involved in this study and out of these 43.3% were male and 56.7% were female. These were selected by random sampling so as to avoid selection bias in the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and key informants interviews guides. This data was coded and entered into SPSS (version 16.0) computer software for analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using simple descriptive and linear regression model which was used to analyze the extent to which value addition can influence the profitability of cassava production. Results show that age of the farmer significantly influences the gross margin realized from cassava with a P value = 0.007. A unit change in the age of the farmer reduces the gross margin 0.191 per unit. Age has a negative relationship with the gross margin. Household size significantly explains the variation in the profitability of cassava enterprises (P=0.003).Therefore, a unit increase in the number people in a household reduces the profitability of the cassava enterprise by 0.141 per unit. This may be due to the fact that a large family size consumes more food reducing on the quantity of cassava sold. Cassava value addition has a significant impact on the profitability of cassava enterprises (P = 0.042). Adding value to cassava increases the gross margin by 230.777 Uganda shillings therefore it has a positive relationship with the gross margin. Access to training has a positive significant relationship with the gross margin and this influences the variation in the gross margin (P = 0.005). Farmers who have access to training and increase on their profitability by 0.097 per unit. The challenges that cassava farmers face during value addition of cassava with the majority of the farmers have limited knowledge at 48.3% followed by inadequate machines used for cassava processing at 46.7% and rainy season at 5% least affects them in the drying process of cassava causing damage in form of rotting. It is recommended that government intervention modernizing smallholder cassava cultivation and the small-scale processing through improved technology, provision of extra extension services for knowledge and skills, subsidizing of farm inputs at affordable costs to reduce total costs and encouraging investors to increase on the technology for value addition.