School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (SFEGS) Collection
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ItemCommunity views on tree-based flood mitigation approach in the Nyamwamba catchment, Uganda(Makerere University, 2026)The Nyamwamba catchment in Kasese District, Uganda, has experienced recurrent and severe flash flooding, which has significantly compromised local livelihoods, agricultural productivity, and public infrastructure. This ongoing environmental vulnerability forms the core problem investigated in this study, with a specific focus on understanding community engagement in tree planting as a sustainable nature-based solution for flood risk management. To provide a comprehensive assessment, the research was structured around three specific objectives: first, to characterize the existing tree planting activities within the catchment; second, to examine the socio-economic and environmental determinants that shape community perceptions and dictate active local participation; and third, to evaluate how local people experience and perceive the overall practical effectiveness of these treebased interventions in mitigating flood disasters. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design employing a mixed-methods approach to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously. Primary data was gathered using simple random sampling to administer structured questionnaires to 73 household respondents across flood-affected zones, alongside purposive sampling to conduct interviews with 7 targeted key informants and facilitate two focus group discussions. Quantitative data obtained from the field was systematically coded and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, specifically focusing on frequencies and percentages. Complementarily, qualitative data from the interviews and discussions was processed using manual thematic analysis to capture and contextualize detailed community narratives and institutional experiences. The results of the study, analyzed sequentially by objective, reveal that while environmental awareness is high, structural barriers heavily dictate the actual success of nature-based interventions. According to the first objective, which characterized tree planting activities, the findings showed that a significant majority (89.04%) of the respondents were highly aware of tree planting initiatives designed for flood mitigation. These activities are primarily distributed along vulnerable riverbanks, private farmland boundaries, and public institutional lands using species such as bamboo and grevillea; however, their initial growth and survival are severely threatened by poor soil quality and localized wildlife destruction. Concerning the second objective, which examined the socio-economic and environmental determinants of community participation, the study established that although community willingness and practical skill confidence were high (82.19%), actual implementation is heavily constrained by structural barriers. Chief among these determinants is limited land availability, affecting 71.43% of the targeted areas due to small-scale subsistence farming needs, alongside ongoing soil erosion (57.14%) and restricted access to high-quality, floodresistant seedlings (42.86%). Finally, under the third objective evaluating local perspectives on overall effectiveness, the community expressed highly realistic but divided experiences. While 63.01% of the respondents believe that tree planting possesses the theoretical capacity to reduce flood risks by stabilizing topsoil, 54.79% reported that intense flash flood events frequently wash away or completely destroy younger tree stands and seedlings. Consequently, the local population views tree planting as an insufficient standalone strategy, emphasizing those nature-based solutions must be integrated with hard structural engineering interventions to effectively safeguard the catchment. Conclusion: While community members strongly recognize the potential ecological and economic benefits of tree planting for flood mitigation, significant structural barriers and environmental vulnerabilities must be addressed to enhance long-term sustainability. The study underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge and addressing socioeconomic constraints, such as land scarcity and seedling availability, to foster deeper community engagement. Based on these insights, it is recommended that policymakers and environmental managers enhance targeted education programs, introduce subsidized high quality seedlings, and crucially, combine biological tree planting methods with structural engineering measures like riverbank reinforcement and mechanical desiltation to achieve long-term catchment resilience.
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ItemInfluence of airline marketing on Uganda as a tourist destination(Makerere University, 2024)This study investigates the influence of airline marketing strategies on Uganda’s appeal as a tourist destination. Conducted at Entebbe International Airport Uganda’s primary gateway, this research employs a survey design to capture a comprehensive overview of current marketing practices and their effects on the tourism industry. A stratified random sampling method was utilized to ensure diverse representation across different demographics. Data collection involved semi-structured questionnaires that I administered at the airport, allowing for the acquisition of qualitative insights into tourists' experiences and perceptions. The findings reveal a diverse demographic among respondents and highlight the significant impact of airline marketing initiatives on tourists’ decision-making processes. Key marketing strategies, particularly discounts and promotions, were identified as influential factors in shaping perceptions of Uganda's accessibility and attractiveness. Statistical analysis, conducted using SPSS, illustrates a strong correlation between effective marketing tactics and tourist interest in Uganda, with 56% of respondents acknowledging the influence of airline marketing on their travel decisions. The study concludes that strategic airline marketing plays a crucial role in enhancing Uganda's global appeal as a tourist destination. Recommendations are made for airlines and tourism stakeholders to leverage social media and enhance price competitiveness to attract a broader audience.
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ItemEffect of harvest age on the charcoal quality of selected Bamboo species commonly grown in Uganda(Makerere University, 2024)Uganda's increasing reliance on traditional biomass for energy especially fuel wood and charcoal burning is amount enormous pressure on the already diminishing wood resources. Bamboo, a rapidly growing and versatile species, and presents a promising alternative for fuel supply instead of hardwood. However, not much information is available on the performance of bamboo as a fuel wood species. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of bamboo age on charcoal quality, providing valuable insights for sustainable energy production. This study focused on charcoal made from two bamboo species commonly grown in Uganda that is to say; Dendrocalamus asper and Oxytenanthra abyssinica carbonized using a retort kiln. The following parameters were studied on the resultant charcoal produced from bamboo at different ages; calorific value, ash content, and porosity. The findings showed notable differences between the species: Dendrocalamus asper showed better thermal efficiency (67.3%) and lower specific fuel consumption (20.3%), whereas Oxynathra abyssinica yielded more charcoal about 27.8% but had a lower calorific value (25.721MJ/Kg). Age had a moderate impact on the physicochemical characteristics and charcoal yield; Oxynathra abyssinica, for example, exhibited reduced water absorption (56.8%) and increased density with age. this study conclusion show that, Dendrocalamus asper exhibits better thermal efficiency and lower specific fuel consumption (SFC), making it suitable for fuel applications requiring energy efficiency, while Oxytenathera abyssinica yields more charcoal and has a higher calorific value, making it ideal for large-scale production. Harvesting age did not significantly affect yield or physio-chemical characteristics. It is advised to prioritize Oxytenathera abyssinica for increased output, make investments in cutting-edge carbonization technology, and do additional study to better understand sustainability. Government subsidies for the manufacturing of bamboo charcoal and laws supporting environmentally friendly carbonization processes and sustainable harvesting practices are examples of proposed policies.
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ItemContribution and attitude of local people towards the status and conservation of Tooro Botanical Gardens, Fortportal City, Western Uganda(Makerere University, 2024)This study was carried out to assess the contribution and attitude of local people towards the status and conservation of Tooro Botanical Gardens Fort Portal City (TBG), Western Uganda, focusing on their attitudes, contributions, and the challenges they face. The objectives were to; assess the threats to TBG and the attitudes of local people towards TBG, document the plant species and their conservation status, and assess the challenges faced by local people as they participate in the conservation and management of TBG. A sample size of 60 respondents was obtained using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a questionnaire, direct observation checklist, interview guide, and botanical book and analyzed in SPSS. A slight majority of respondents (51.7% male and 48.3% female) demonstrated positive attitudes toward the gardens, with 33.3% rating their attitude as "very good" and 28.3% as "excellent." However, a significant portion of the community (46.7%) was not fully familiar with the activities conducted at TBG, highlighting a need for greater outreach. The survey revealed that while a significant proportion of the community holds positive attitudes towards TBG, issues such as resource theft (30.0%) and land encroachment (21.7%) are major challenges that threaten the garden's sustainability. respondents highlighted various threats to TBG, such as urban development (13.3%) and climate change (8.3%), reflecting broader environmental concerns that could impact the gardens' long-term sustainability. Despite these challenges, a significant proportion of the community (42.0%) supported the idea of private ownership and management of TBG, citing potential benefits such as enhanced community pride and identity. The study also identified various plant species within TBG, categorizing them by their conservation status, with some species marked as endangered or vulnerable. Despite a general awareness of the gardens’ importance, gaps in community engagement and knowledge were evident, particularly among those less familiar with TBG activities. Respondents suggested several measures to enhance conservation efforts, including awareness campaigns, workshops, and increased community involvement. The study recommends addressing financial constraints, improving security, fostering community participation, and implementing adaptive management strategies to mitigate threats such as climate change and urban development. The long-term preservation of TBG requires coordinated efforts between gardens' management and the local community, emphasizing the importance of these interventions.
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ItemThe impact of temperature and rainfall variability on coffee production: a case study of Zombo District, North Western part of Uganda(Makerere University, 2022)Worldwide, climate change and variability have been raising concerns about potential changes to crop yields and production systems. The study focuses on the impacts of climate variability on coffee production in Zombo district, North western part of Uganda. Specifically, this study is aimed at determining how temperature and rainfall affects coffee production. The study utilized secondary data for rainfall and temperature all obtained from Uganda National Meteorological Authority for a period of 30 years. Secondary data for coffee production was also obtained from the office of the District Agricultural Officer, Zombo district for the period from 2010-2020. Temperature and rainfall series were analyzed for fluctuation using time series and trend analysis on temperature and rainfall was performed using the Mann-Kendell test. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between temperature and rainfall with coffee production. The study found out that in the area of study (p-value > alpha 0.05) had insignificant trends in annual maximum temperature. It was also found that the area (p-value < alpha 0.05) had significant trends in rainfall. According to the results of the study, it was established that there was a positive relationship between coffee production and temperature and rainfall during the study period but was insignificant because (p > 0.05), this therefore led to the partial rejection of the null hypothesis and that there was a relationship between rainfall and temperature variations with coffee production in Zombo. Trends of coffee production over the period 2010-2020 showed that coffee production increased linearly.