School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS)

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    Access to and use of meteorological information by smallholder farmers in Rwanyamahembe subcounty
    (Makerere University, 2022-04-30) Keinembabazi, Daisy
    Weather and climate variability are the major production risks and uncertainties impacting agricultural systems performance and management. This study investigated the access and factors that influence the utility of meteorological information by smallholder farmers in Rwanyamahembe subcounty, Mbarara District. A random sampling procedure was carried out in three villages in Rwanyamahembe sub county and a sample size of 77 farmers was used. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit responses from farmers and data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results indicated that more than 93% of the farmers could not access agro meteorological information from a weather station. Lack of awareness about the existence of a weather station (90%) cited as a major factor affecting farmers access to weather forecasts. Most of the farmers revealed they owned radios (56%) which makes it the best to deliver weather information. Other farmers revealed that they use their traditional knowledge and experience to predict weather changes. More than (58%) respondents do not use weather information to make decisions. The factors affecting farmers' utility of agro_meteorological information were related to the inaccuracy of forecasts, inadequate weather forecasts information for meaningful decisions and less understanding of weather information especially bulletins that are always broadcasted in English which is hard to be understood. It was concluded that socio_economic factors affect the level of adoption of agro meteorological information. The study emphasizes the need for meteorological station to broadcast weather forecasts at an appropriate and convenient time for farmers and translated into the local language,Runyankole which people can easily read and understand to increase the usability of the information and the use of feasible demonstrations to enhance the adoption of agro_meteorological products
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    Access to and use of metrological information by farmers in Mbarara district
    (Makerere University, 2021-02) Turinawe, Gift
    This study aimed at assessing the access and use of meteorological information by farmers in Mbarara district. The study was carried out in four randomly selected villages in Mbarara district Rugando sub-county and a sample size of 110 respondents was used. The study employed a survey research approach which used a combination of methods to collect quantitative data. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and interview guide and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Most of the farmers interviewed had accessed weather information. Most of the farmers revealed that they usually get information from the radio (90%) and a few of them from televisions, newspapers, extension workers and fellow farmers. Other farmers also revealed that they use their traditional knowledge and experience to predict weather changes. However, the results from the study revealed that most of the local farmers do not use weather information in their decision making. This was attributed to two major constraints which included poor timing of weather forecasts and less understanding of weather information especially bulletins that are always broadcasted in English which is hard to be understood by local people. It is therefore recommended that management of the meteorological station should make sure that forecasts are broadcast at an appropriate and convenient time for farmers and translated into the local language, Runyankore, which people can easily read and understand to increase the usability of the information.
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    Accessibility to drinkable water and its implications on the rural community health and wellbeing
    (Makerere University, 2022) Ndungo, Benjamin
    In majority of Uganda’s villages, people are faced with drinkable water related problems which have left most communities in fear of acquiring water related infections and hindering sustainable development. The world health organization (WHO) estimates that 411 million people lack access to drinkable water worldwide. The water accessibility in rural areas according to the ministry of water and environment is estimated at 67%. This study will examine the accessibility to drinkable water and its implications to rural community health and wellbeing in Kitholhu subcounty, Kasese district, western Uganda. The objectives were to identify the different sources of water in the community, find out the mechanisms and methods used by rural people to treat water and also understand the practices used by rural communities to protect and preserve water sources. The study employed a researcher administered questionnaire and observation and the results of the study were analyzed using SPSS. The research found out that drinkable water accessibility in the study area is still a great concern with majority of the population using water from wells and streams as the main source of water. Wells and streams were the most dominant sources of water, also a few taps were observed although the community complained of the unreliability of the taps. The safety of water from wells and streams is not a guarantee yet the majority of the community did not employ any treatment methods before using the water. The community linked the water problems to limited funds, illiteracy and ignorance among others. To solve the problems, the research recommended massive sensitization and community involvement, planning at both district and subcounty level to allocate funds to construct taps, boreholes, and underground tanks to improve accessibility to safe water.
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    Adaptations to climate change and variability by subsistence farmers in Mukoto Subcounty, Namisindwa district, Eastern Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2022-02-22) Masongole, Ronald
    The agricultural sector is the major source of livelihood to rural communities in Uganda but it is currently faced by climate change as a major challenge. The study investigated the adaptations to climate change and variability by subsistence farmers in Mukoto Sub County and its main aim was to generate information that will promote climate change adaptation strategies that will enhance resilient, productive and sustainable agricultural systems. The study had three specific objectives’ which were; (i) To identify the effects of drought and flooding on the farmers of Mukoto Sub county, (ii) To assess the present agricultural practices being used by local farmers to adapt against drought and flooding and hailstorms. (iii)To establish the factors that influence small holder farmers’ adaptation decisions. Data will be collected through focus group discussions and a household survey using structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed from 56 respondents from randomly selected households in purposefully selected parishes of Mukoto Sub County. The data was analyzed using multiple regression models because of its multiple response nature. The results indicated reduced yields (87.3%) and outbreak of pests (81.8%) as the most felt effect of flooding and drought in the Sub County respectively, application of foliar fertilizers (81%) and agroforestry (78%) as the most agricultural practice used by farmers to adapt against drought and flooding in the Sub County exchange of information between farmers as the most factor which influences farmers adaptation choices. According to the information from focus group interviews, prolonged and periodic Elinino rains cause flooding in people’s gardens, roads and even homes. This brings destruction to crops and peoples properties leaving them poor and food insecure. Droughts cause crop failures especially vegetables which are very sensitive to temperature changes like onions. In Mukoto Sub County Namisindwa district, climate change is a pressing problem, which is beyond the capacity of smallholders to respond to autonomously. Farmers’ capacity to choose effective adaptation options is influenced by household demography, as well access to information from local leaders, use of indigenous knowledge, information from fellow farmers ,training by extension workers, education programs on radios and information from research institutions. This implies the need to support the indigenous adaptation strategies of the smallholder farmers with a wide range of institutional, policy, and technology support; some of it targeted on smaller, poorer or female-headed households. Moreover, creating opportunities for non-farm income sources is important as this helps farmers to engage in those activities that are less sensitive to climate change.
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    Adoption and effectiveness of open distance E-Learning in tourism and hospitality training case study Makerere University
    (Makerere university, 2022-11) Kawerere, Wambi Brian
    Since the integration of technology in teaching and learning, it has been observed that there is improvement in the acquisition and retention of knowledge. There is also existing body of research on adoption of e-learning platforms by students in institutions of Higher Education across the world. However, few of the existing studies has involved students in public education institutions in Uganda. Therefore, this study has set out to explore student adoption and effectiveness of elearning platforms, their attitudes, and the hurdles that they face in their daily usage of e-learning platforms in Makerere University. The target population for the study was students of Makerere university School of forestry environmental and geographical sciences. Stratified random sampling was used to select participants with data collected from a total of 80 students (36 males and 44 females) across all programs and years of study at the school. The research tools used were questionnaire, focus group interviews, and interviews to collect data. The study revealed a significant usage of e-learning platforms as the majority of learners belonged to the category of basic users of e-learning platforms. This was shown by their positive ratings of the e-learning platforms (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and actual system usage). The study further collected learner’s views about the challenges/hindrances that they face in their daily usage of e-learning platforms. The learners appreciated the learning technology and shared that the features available in e-learning platforms allow them to extend their learning outside the traditional form of learning, thus accommodating their learning needs. However, they noted challenges that normally hinder their learning such as files not opening or not downloading when needed, limited interaction and unreliable internet connection. Most of these barriers showed the technical problems that are common in e-Learning. Participants shared their suggestions to address the challenges identified. The study concluded that E-learning has been highly adopted by many students at campus on platforms like MUELE, Zoom cloud meetings, social media platforms like WhatsApp. The study also revealed that there have been significant hindrances faced by students in accessing the Elearning platforms like the unstable internet connectivity
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    Adoption of agroforestry practices for food security and improved livelihoods: case study of Nangabo Sub County, Wakiso District
    (Makerere University, 2022-01) Bisirikirwa, Asiat
    This study assessed the adoption of agroforestry practices for food security and improved livelihoods in Nangabo sub county Wakiso District. The study examined and documented the agroforestry tree species and agricultural crops grown and livestock reared by farmers, assessed food availability and accessibility by farmers who practice agroforestry and the extent to which farmers regard agroforestry as a land use practice that contributes to food security. The specific objectives were to examine (i) the agroforestry practices and technologies adopted by farmers (ii) food and livestock production components of agroforestry practices and their contribution to food security and (iii) the contribution of agroforestry products to the livelihoods of farming in households. The study adopted descriptive research design involving qualitative and quantitative data. A sample size of 100 farmers was selected for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS and Excel. Income was the key reason for practicing agroforestry as reported by 42.9% of the respondents, food and fruits for home consumption (28.6%) and firewood reported by the same percentage of respondents. Other benefits included poultry feed, medicine and boundary. Agroforestry system was most practiced in home gardening reported by 49.4% and mixture of trees, crops and livestock reported by 47.1% of the respondents. This was due to the small piece of land and the high advantage in terms of food consumption and income generating. This resulted from the limited land and higher rate of demand for food production as informed by the respondents. Trees spared on the farm was reported by 14.1%, trees planted from seedling by 10.6%, fish farming, tree growing and agricultural crops by 7.1% because large land, requires skilled labor and less informed. Compound tree planting for shade was reported by 40% of the respondents and firewood was reported by 24.7%. The study further revealed that agroforestry contributes to food security and improved livelihoods through income that helps many farmers to meet basic needs (82.8%). There is need to mobilize farmers to join groups or farmer associations to practice agroforestry.
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    Alkaline pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse and co-digestion with cow dung for potential biogas production
    (Makerere University, 2023-01-24) Kaduma, Richard
    Sugarcane production in Uganda is growing at an average annual rate of 3.76% resulting in large amounts of wastes i.e., bagasse. Anaerobic digestion is a microbial degradation of organic waste in the absence of oxygen, this occurs in a sequence of biochemical reactions to produce biogas (carbon-dioxide and methane gases). The aim of the study was to evaluate potential biogas production from alkaline pre-treated bagasse and co-digested with cow dung, under mesophilic temperatures at 35±2°C with the following objectives; (i) To determine the effectiveness of alkali pretreatment on biogas production from bagasse and (ii) To estimate the effectiveness of co-digesting pre-treated sugarcane bagasse with cow dung for biogas production. The study was conducted from School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, laboratory at 3% TS at a working volume of 700ml in 1000ml digesters with three different substrate ratios of pre-treated sugarcane bagasse to cow-dung (SB:CD) (1:0, 2:1 and 1:1) and a control (untreated bagasse). The collected data was then analysed using Excel and Minitab software, in a number of analytical tools like averages, standard deviations, Analysis of Variance (Two-Way ANOVA) and t-test. Results showed that pre-treated bagasse produced the most biogas compared to untreated bagasse. Daily biogas collection at 1:1 ratio of SB:CD resulted into the highest cumulative biogas production of 3620 ml, followed by 2:1 ratio with 2672.5 ml biogas yield. Overall, the production of biogas from bagasse co-digested with cow dung is proven to be a good strategy to utilize solid wastes mainly bagasse.
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    Analysing the determinants and effectiveness of farmers adaptation strategies to rainfall variability in Kigorobya Subcounty, Hoima district
    (Makerere University, 2022-11-23) Wabyona, Collins
    Climate change characterized by rainfall variability is a major constraint to Uganda‟s agricultural sector. The threat can be reversed through adopting effective measures that aim at minimizing the impacts of rainfall variability. The goal of the study was to develop effective adaptation strategies to rainfall variability in Kigorobya sub-county. Specifically, the study sought to identify strategies used by farmers to adapt to rainfall variability, and their determinants of farmer‟s adaptation strategies, and their effectiveness towards minimizing the impacts of rainfall variability. A cross sectional research study was undertaken using a mixed approach where simple random sampling was employed in selection of the households for interviews and purposive sampling on the key informants. Data was collected through field surveys, interviews and direct field observations and then analyzed using thematic content analysis was descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed that the most adaptation strategies used by farmers in response to rainfall variability in the study area were mixed cropping (97.3%) followed by cover cropping (92.5%), and mulching (85%). The determinants of farmer's adaptation strategies were age, family size, level of education, income levels and tenure arrangements. Age and income levels were the most influential contributing 30% and 25% respectively. These influenced adoption of strategies like mixed cropping, cover cropping, mulching, small-scale irrigation, crop rotation among others. Mulching, planting of legumes and cover cropping were found to be the most adopted strategies. Based on normal approximations, the strategies for rainfall variability reduction were statistically significant with P-values of (0.000). The study observed approximate T^b for Pearson R (9.973) and Spearman rho correlation (8.283) values. This implied that continuous promotion of strategies adopted by local communities in the area would lead to a reduction on the impacts of rainfall variability. This indicates that continuous promotion of mulching mixed cropping; cover cropping and planting resistant varieties will reduce impacts of rainfall variability by 9.973. A reduction by 9.973 is, therefore, significant for strategies in the study area. The study therefore confirms that, mixed cropping, cover cropping, planting of resistant varieties, crop rotation; small-scale irrigation will reduce on the impacts of rainfall variability in the study area. Keywords: Rainfall variability, strategies, determinants, effectiveness
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    Analysing the different marketing strategies that have been put in place to promote tourism in Fort Portal as a tourism city
    (Makerere University, 2022-11) Nyakahuma, Daphine
    In the first chapter, we looked at the introduction of how marketing of urban cities is a factor of making a tourism city a tourism destination with reference to Fort Portal city. In the problem statement, this research study sought to find out the marketing strategies being undertaken to promote tourism in Fort Portal as a tourism city. The main objective was to find out the marketing strategies that have been put in place to promote tourism in Fort Portal, research questions and significance of study were also stated in the first chapter. In chapter two literature review was carried out and the cites duly acknowledged. Under literature review I majorly looked at Urban tourism and how it’s a driving force that needs marketing strategies uplifted in order for it to thrive. Marketing strategies like use of the marketing mix, market segmentation, unique selling position among others were provided in the literature. The importance of coming up with these marketing strategies was also given. Under chapter three, both the qualitative and quantitative research design were used. The study area was mainly focussed on Fort Portal city. The sample population was got from the attraction managers of Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru caves, Tooro botanical gardens and Tooro kingdom palace together with The District Tourism officer, the tourists as well as the sales managers of 4-3-2- and 1-star hotels. The total sample size was 76 respondents where there were 60 tourists, 12 attraction managers, 3 attraction managers and 1 District tourism officer. The main methods of data collection were interviews and questionnaires where the sales managers, attraction mangers and District tourism officer were interviewed. The tourists were given questionnaires. The data was collected, processed and analysed using SPSS for the quantitative data and descriptive statistics for the qualitative data. In chapter four, data was presented in graphs and tables for quantitative data. For qualitative data essays describing the narrations got from the interviews were described. In chapter five, the findings were discussed according to how the objectives were fulfilled. Then finally conclusions and recommendations were made.
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    Analysing the effectiveness and determinants of local conservation practices for landscape restoration in Luweero, Central Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2022-03-02) Nakato, Jovia
    Land degradation characterized by soil erosion and a decline in soil quality is a major constraint to Uganda’s agricultural sector. The trends can be reversed through adopting effective conservation measures targeting land scape restoration. The overall goal of this study was to establish existing conservation practices and develop more suitable practices, which can be used for policy formulation on landscape restoration on Luweero landscape. .Specifically, the study sought to analyze the dominant forms of land degradation and their drivers existing local conservation practices and their effectiveness towards land scape restoration. A cross sectional research study was undertaken using a mixed approach where simple random sampling was employed in selection of the households for interviews and purposive sampling on the key informants. Data was collected through field surveys, interviews and direct field observations and then analyzed using thematic content analysis were descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed that soil erosion, deforestation, bush burning, biodiversity loss were the most common forms of land degradation in the area. The determinants of conservation practices include age, size of the household, access to credit, farm size, education levels. Age and family size were the most influential contributing 35% and 25% respectively. These influenced adoption of practices like afforestation, mulching, cover cropping, crop rotation, use of artificial fertilizers, and manure application among others. Mixed cropping was found to be the most adopted practice with 25% contribution. Based on normal approximations, the conservation practices for land degradation were statistically significant with P-values of 0.000. The study b observed approximate T for Pearson R (9.963) and Spearman rho correlation (9.282) values. This implied that, continuous promotion of a combination of conservation practices adopted by communities would lead to increased halting of land degradation in the study area. This indicates that continuous promotion of mulching, mixed cropping, agro-forestry and use of cover crops will increase conservation practice by 9.963. An increase by 9.963 is, therefore, significant for conservation practices in the study area. The study therefore confirms that, continuous fallowing, agro-chemical use, building channels, crop rotation, use of cover crops will increase conservation practices in the study area.
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    Analysing the impacts of soil erosion on food security in Kamwezi Subcounty in Rukiga District
    (Makerere University, 2024-08) Agaba, Roderick ; Munu, Brian
    The study aimed at soil erosion and its effects on food security in western Uganda with a case study Kamwezi sub-county, and it was guided by the following objectives; To characterize the nature of soil erosion in Kamwezi sub-county Rukiga district , To assess community perceptions about the status of food security in Kamwezi sub-county Rukiga district , To investigate the relationship between soil erosion and food security in Kamwezi sub-county Rukiga district. In addition the research used a cross-section design while deploying a mixed methods approach and a total of 110 respondents were selected from two parishes in Kamwezi that is Kyogo and Kigara. According to the study, various impacts of soil erosion on food security affects significant percentage of households in Kamwezi sub-county ,Rukiga district which resulted into food shortages among community members. The perceived threat of soil erosion on food security in the study area was anticipated, and more and more areas of Uganda are experiencing soil erosion that result in crop failure and fatalities. A cross-section design and a mixed methods approach that includes both qualitative and quantitative methods. In addition, a purposive sampling technique was used to select participants who are affected by impacts of soil erosion on food security in Kamwezi Sub County and data were gathered at the household and community levels through focus groups, key informant interviews, observation and household questionnaire surveys. To effectively plan for achievement of sustainable development goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Efforts to address this issue include the implementing erosion control measures and promoting sustainable an agricultural practices such as crop rotation and reforestation to improve food security.
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    Analysing the implications of landuse and land cover changes on landslide occurrence in Bukalasi sub- county, Bududa district.
    (Makerere University, 2022-11) Nyiwer, Pauline Dut
    Biodiversity loss and land degradation is a major global issue with over 25% of the global land area degraded and more than 2 billion hectares already affected. This is attributed to the continued land use land cover changes (LULCC) that have driven serious impacts and most evidenced by the indicators of human footprint on the globe. Communities living within mountainous regions like the Elgon face numerous challenges due to the increasing nature and magnitude of land use land cover changes. This study was aimed at assessing the implications of land use land cover changes on landslide occurrences in Bukalasi Sub County, which can be used to develop more feasible solutions in addition to the existing restoration strategies. Specifically, the study sought analyze the factors contributing to land use land cover changes, examine the implications of land use land cover changes on landslide occurrences, examine the existing restoration measures against land use land cover implications on landslide occurrences. The study used a cross sectional design while deploying a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative methods) where simple random sampling was employed in selection of the households, purposive sampling on the key informants and snow ball sapling where each respondents named land owners greatly affected by the impacts of land use land cover changes. Primary data got from the 42 households’ heads was used. Data was collected through field investigations and survey, interviews, focused group discussion and direct field observation. It was then analyzed using thematic content analysis where descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The study findings revealed that increasing settlement, cutting down trees, increasing rainfall are the dominant factors contributing to land use land cover changes in the area of study. The social economic impacts of land use land cover changes in the study area included loss of farmlands, land fragmentation and loss of livelihoods. In addition, the ecological implications included soil loss, biodiversity loss, pollution and habitant loss. The study further revealed that planting of trees, use energy saving stoves and terracing were the existing measures against land use land cover implications on landslide occurrence in the study area. Based on normal approximations, the relationship between income levels and land use land cover change was not significant statistically with P- values of >0.05 which meant that there is no relationship between income levels and land use land cover changes. The study therefore established creation of awareness through Sensitization, construction of schools involving stakeholders such as police to enforce the policy of encroachment as some of the recommendable intervention measures.
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    Analysing the implications of rainfall variability on food security: a case study on small holder farmers in Ntungamo District South Western Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2023-10) Irakiza, Honore ; Abenanye, Nankunda Charlotte
    In many developing countries, rural livelihoods -agriculture is important for poverty alleviation and food security (Funge‐Smith & Bennett, 2019). However, as global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, there is an urgent need for sustainable farming practices and other strategies to address food security and ensure sustained livelihoods for communities around the world. Using a mixed method research, this study sought to analyze the trends of rainfall variability, assess the determinants of perceptions, effects of rainfall variability on agricultural production, food security and coping strategies. Results revealed that farmers rely on growing or rearing drought resistant crops and breeds respectively, having less meals a day, as well as purchasing food due to limited agricultural produce, reduction in rainfall and a surge in food prices reaffirming the link between poverty and vulnerability. The study recommends that there is need for climate resilience education, water resource management, diversified crop strategies as well as food security solutions.
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    Analysing the relationship between wind patterns and rainfall received in Kampala district, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2021-01) Olowo, Simon
    This study analyses effects of wind on the rainfall received within the spatial areas of Kampala. The wind speed in and rainfall received in Kampala does not vary too much and therefore the effect of wind in the rainfall received in Kampala District is merely negative. Rainfall has a significant effect on the economic and social activities of the people of Kampala such as infrastructure, livelihood, water supply and sanitation and many more. Therefore, this research looks upon how wind can also have a role to play in the rainfall variation in Kampala district which may bring about the hazards related to rainfall. According to the results generated in this research wind has relatively no effect on the rainfall received in Kampala for example Makerere having 1.5% and Act Together having 1.9% effect of wind on rainfall, Mengo 7.2%, Ware house 4.8%, and Rubaga having 4.0% effect of wind on rainfall hence the wind direction and speed does not vary much with rainfall in Kampala District. This can be attributed to the presence of wind breakers such as tall buildings, and trees which breaks the wind speed leading to limited effect of wind on the rainfall received in Kampala and thus the Null hypothesis is achieved in this study.
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    Analysing the residents’ perceptions and attitudes of tourism in Wamala tombs in Wakiso district
    (Makerere University, 2022-04-26) Tusiime, Mourine
    Tourism, is the third largest sector in the world and is thus widely considered to be an important factor in socio-economic development, particularly in less developed countries like Uganda and has the potential to contribute to world peace reduce poverty and develop human resource and culture. The major objective of this study was to analyse how the local communities’ perceptions and attitudes towards tourism affect tourism development in Wamala tombs in Wakiso district. Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions were carried out among categories of respondents; local community members, tourists, management and staff of Wamala cultural heritagesite.Most tourists are interested in the Wamala tombs because of the ancestral worship of the kings that takes place there for the Kabaka’s family and clan heads of Buganda.It was concluded that most of the residents didn’t perceive the site as a tourism site. The limited local community participation in the tourism of Wamala tombs has affected their perception and attitudes towards tourism development since most of them feel they do not benefit from it. It is therefore recommended that the involved stake holders like government and ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities should increase funding for the development of the roads, infrastructure, and education of the local communities as a way of attracting more tourists.
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    An analysis of land use land cover changes and the urban heat island effect in Mbale and Jinja cities
    (Makerere University, 2023-11) Nsiima, Flavia Tendo
    As economic globalization continues to intensify, there is an increasing trend of Land Use Land Cover change in many cities. It is likely that the rapid urbanization and population growth will result in anthropogenic Land Use Land Cover Change, with many negative effects on the environment, including the Urban Heat Island effect, hence higher Land Surface Temperatures in urban areas. However, limited research has been conducted to establish the understanding of how changes in Land Use Land Cover would influence the UHI effect especially in major newly created cities in Uganda. In this study, the impact of Land Use Land Cover changes on the Urban Heat Island effect in Mbale and Jinja cities of Uganda was conducted by using Landsat satellite images for a period of 2010 to 2020. Remote Sensing (RS) was used to classify the different landscape components and map the Land Use Land Cover Changes using the processed Landsat images at a 5-year interval for 2010, 2015 and 2020 in ArcGIS 10.5; and Land Surface Temperatures for the Urban Heat Island effect within each Land Use Land Cover class for the different years were obtained through zonal statistics. The results showed that the most dominant Land Use Land Cover class in 2010 was cultivated land in Mbale city and water bodies in Jinja city. In both cities, built up area had the greatest increase in land area throughout the study period but majorly between 2015 and 2020, and highest UHI effect especially in 2010 followed by bare and cultivated land; while forested land and water bodies had the least UHI effect. Forested, cultivated and bare land generally decreased over the study period in the two cities. Therefore, there is need for better land use management and planning systems for cities’ authorities to implement smart growth strategies such as greening, control of expansion of cities, and adoption of cool pavements to ensure sustainable urbanization of cities Uganda.
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    Analysis of shrinkage in kiln-dried Pinus caribaea sawn wood at Busoga Forest company, Mayuge district in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2022-10-05) Kanyeyizire, Precious
    Wood is a heterogeneous, hygroscopic, cellular, and anisotropic material that consists of cells of various types depending on the species. Pinus caribaea wood species consists mostly of tracheid cells which are water conducting vessels and when trees are cut down and logs sawn to the required dimension, the loss of water from green moisture content towards equilibrium moisture content starts. During kiln-drying, shrinkage does not occur until the moisture content drops below the fiber saturation point (Bergman, 2010) which is taken as 30 percent moisture content (Eckelman, 1998). The problem addressed by this study was insufficient knowledge about shrinkage extent of kiln-dried P. caribaea sawn timber. The objectives of the study were: i) to determine the tangential and radial shrinkages of kiln-dried P. caribaea sawn timber; ii) to determine the volumetric shrinkage of kiln-dried P. caribaea sawn timber; and iii) to assess the effect of sawn timber size on radial and tangential shrinkage. A total of 304 cant sawn sawn timber pieces of 4000mm uniform length from 18-year-old P. caribaea logs were sampled for kiln-drying from green to 12% moisture content (MC) in a convectional kiln at Busoga Forest Company (BFC) with not less than 40 samples selected from six commonly sawn sawn timber size classes that is; 100mm × 50mm, 75mm × 50mm, 150mm × 50mm, 150mm × 25mm, 75mm × 25mm, and 100mm × 25mm. The results obtained showed a mean shrinkage value of 1.70% in the radial direction, 3.41% in the tangential direction, and 7.67% as the volumetric shrinkage with tangential shrinkage being twice as much as the radial shrinkage. Results further showed that volumetric shrinkage varied from one size class to another and that both tangential and radial shrinkages were positively correlated with the size of sawn timber in that larger pieces shrink more than smaller pieces. It is therefore recommended that machine operators study the different sawing patterns for easy identification of grain direction and use different shrinkage allowances when sawing timber to different sizes for kiln-drying
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    Analysis of the effects of charcoal burning on the environment, in Lagoro subcounty, Kitgum District
    (Makerere University, 2022-11-16) Lamunu, Proscovia Othieno
    Over 95% of the urban population uses charcoal, very little is known about the effects of fuel on the livelihoods of the producers, who endure significant health, safety, and environmental risks. Charcoal supplies about 95 percent of the domestic and commercial cooking energy needs in the developing countries including Uganda. This study assessed the effects of charcoal production on the environment in Lakwor Parish, Lagoro Sub County. The specific objectives of the study was to examine the causes of charcoal burning, the benefits of charcoal burning to the people of the study area, and how charcoal burning affects the environment and assessing how the different strategies put in place are regulating charcoal burning. The research study was descriptive in nature hence both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were employed. A sample size of 70 respondents was considered. The study used random sampling, data was analyzed using corresponding percentages in the frequency tables and further presentation in the pie-charts and bar graphs. The study found out that the main cause of charcoal burning was the need for money/income and unemployment. Findings also indicated that low density distribution of Shea nut trees was the most serious negative effect of charcoal burning on trees/forests resources while the least effect was air pollution. Shea trees (“yaa”) and Combretum collinum (“odugu”) were the most used tree species for charcoal burning. The highest benefit of charcoal burning to the local people was source of money. It was found out that the best control measure of regulating charcoal production has been arresting and paying fines by people caught cutting trees for charcoal. Regulation measures made included, diversification and creation of more employment, planting more trees.
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    Analysis of the frequency of flooding disasters and their social economic implications on the livelihoods in Kanaba subcounty Kisoro district
    (Makerere University, 2022) Nyiramutuzo, Beatrice
    The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of the flood disasters in Kanaba subcounty Kisoro district. The specific objectives of the study were; 1) to determine the frequency of flood disasters,2) to identify the underlying causes of floods in Kanaba subcounty, and 3) to analyze social economic implications of the floods on the livelihoods . The study applied both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection to collect data from a sample size of 96 respondents from Kanaba subcounty using questionnaires and interviews. The study found out that majority 44.8% experience flooding every year. A big number of respondents 55.2% revealed that floods are severe presently (2022) compared in the last five years, 51% of the respondent reported that they experience flooding two times a year and a great number of 39.6% reported that floods last for < 3 weeks. Majority 38.5% reported that flooding is caused by encroachment on the wetlands, 30.2% reported deforestation and 15.6% reported steep terrain of the subcounty as the major cause of flooding. The most vulnerable people to flooding were the farmers 45.8%. the social implications of flooding are; crop production (p=0.001), livestock production (p=0.036) and housing facilities while economic implications are; property destruction (p=0.001), destruction of businesses (p=0.018), reduced hours of work (p=0.000), disruption in the land use activities (p=0.013),and increase emergency costs (p=0.005). The study recommended that the best mitigation measures are; shifting to a higher ground, shifting cultivation, migration to safer places and community resource sharing. The study concluded that flooding in the subcounty is high and if not mitigated is likely to lead to loss in livelihood outcomes. The study recommended that the government and key stake holders should engage communities in order to move permanently to higher grounds and should be a deliberate policy to compel communities, especially in the rural areas, to build houses using durable materials and away from flood prone areas as well as the height from flood level must be considered.
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    Analysis of the impact of gold mining on site neighboring vegetation in Katsyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserve.
    (Makerere University, 2023-07-12) Tumwekwatse, Benard
    Gold mining has increasingly become a great threat on the integrity of tropical forest ecosystems, and due to increasing gold demand majorly for personal consumption like jewelry especially in China, India and other areas. This has increased the needs to explore more areas for gold mining, with forest ecosystems inclusive. Due to the ongoing efforts to exploit and mine the gold resources in KKCFR with its associated impacts, is the basis as to why this study was based on finding out the extent to which gold mining activities have influenced the forest vegetation in and around mining sites. The study was conducted on all gold mining sites in Katsyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserve, and through observation and size measurements of all the existing active gold mining sites. On each of the identified sites, systematic sampling was done through establishing of 20m-by-20m plots which were 10m apart from each other beginning from the immediate site edge to assess anthropogenic, physical and chemical impacts of gold mining on vegetation. The result of this study indicated that, there are five gold mining sites of Rutondo mines, Buhindagi mines, Kitaka mines, Kanywambogo mines and Rukukuza Mines in which Kanywambogo site is the largest and Rutondo the smallest. The ANOVA results indicated a significant p- value of 0.001 in anthropogenic and physical impacts as well as 0.033 with chemical impacts which are all less than the alpha value of 0.05 hence there is significant difference in the extent of impact on the neighboring vegetation due to gold mining. Finally, the study demonstrates that the goldmining impacts decrease with increase in distance as shown by high gold mining impact indicators of anthropogenic, physical and chemical near the mining site which further reduce in areas away the from the site.