Makerere University Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
The mandate of Makerere University Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (MUJAES) is to disseminate research finds in key areas covering agricultural, food, forestry, and environmental sciences. MUJAES publishes 2 issues per year. Papers are available online, with occasional prints.
Nutritional evaluation of elephant grass hybrids
The nutritive value with regard to stage of maturity of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) hybrids is largely unknown. Elephant grass (KW,) and its hybrids namely, ILCA16786, ILCA16837, ILCA16791.and ILCA16798 were evaluated to determine the effect of stage of maturity on dry matter yields (DM), chemical composition, intake and digestibility by sheep. In the first experiment, forages were harvested at 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11 and 12 weeks of re-growth. With advancing maturity, DM yields and the fibrous fractions increased while crude protein (CP) and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) decreased. In the second experiment, the re-growths at 6 weeks were fed to sheep in form of hay. Apart from ILCA16837, the rest of the forages had similar DM intakes (P>0.05). For ILCA16798 a higher (P<0.05) DM digestibility was observed compared to the other hybrids but ILCA16791, ILCA 16786 and KW, did not show any significant difference while ILCA16837 had the lowest (P>0.01) DM digestibility. Digestibility of CP was similar for KW, LCA16791 and ICAl6837 but was significantly different (P<0.05) from ILCA 16798 and ILCA16786. Hybrid ILCA 16791, had the highest NDF and ADF digestibilities followed by ILCA16786 and ILCA 16837 while KW, and ILCA 16798 had the lowest. The differences in DM intake and digestibilities might have been influenced by the genetic makeup of the individual hybrids.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Nutritive value of selected forages on the coastal region rangelands of Tanzania
Although the nutritive value of forage species is of paramount importance to livestock production, it is largely unknown for most rangelands of East Africa. A study was carried out on a rangeland area west of the Ruvu floodplains, Bagamoyo district, coastal Tanzania to determine the nutritive value of palatable herbaceous species. The commonly occurring palatable grasses (at their flowering stage) and browse species were analysed for crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF) and major mineral elements (calcium, magnesium and phosphorus). The forage species analysed were Urochloa mosambicensis, Panicum maximum, Panicum parvifolium, Eragrostis superba, Sporobolus pyramidalis (grasses), Commiphora africana and Pteleopsis myrtifolia (browse). The species had adequate levels of crude protein (grass: 8.65₺2.15%; browse: 13.61+2.26%), crude fibre (grass: 35.98+5.15%; browse: 19.17+3.64%), phosphorous (grass: 0.2310.13%; browse: 0.18t0.01%), calcium (grass: 0.25+0.10%; browse: 0.4910.11%), Ca:P ratio (grass; 1.0:1.0 - 5.6:1.0; browse: 1.79:1.0 - 3.68:1.0), and magnesium ( grass: 0.3610.11%; browse: 0.33+0.01%) to support the growth and maintenance of livestock. Their CP, CF and mineral contents were significantly different, with browse having highest nutritive value. P. maximum, P. parvifolium, Urochloa mosambicensis, Sporobolus pyramidalis, and E. superba were significantly different in their %CP (P<0.001), %CF (P<0.0001), Ca (P<0.05), and P (P<0.05) contents. There was a significant negative correlation between %CF and phosphorus, calcium, and %CP; and between magnesium and %CP. Significant positive correlations occurred between %CP and phosphorus; and %CP and calcium. Implications of these results tor rangeland utilisation for animal production and management are discussed.
Variation in plasma luteinising hormone levels, return to ostrus and ovulation rates in sows on different planes of sorghum based rations
Twenty one gilts were fed two levels of lactation rations nested within two levels of gestation rations to evaluate the effect of level of feeding on reproductive parameters. Twelve sows were given each of two levels of feeding (High (H) and low (L)) during gestation. The H-sows were subdivided into two groups one of which received the high level (HH) while the other received the low level of feeding (HL). The L sows were similarly subdivided to form 2 groups of sows, the first of which received the level (LH) while the other received the low level (LL) of feeding, respectively. Production of porcine luteinising hormone (pLH) during lactation, and ovulation parameters, in the subsequent gestation, was assessed. Sows fed high (H) had significantly better (P<0.05) ovulation parameters than the low fed sows (L). The ovulation for high fed and low fed sows were 14.2 and 13.6 ova released, the ovary weights were 7.4g and 6g for high fed and low fed sows, respectively. However, gestation level of feeding did not influence the size of the corpora lutea. Lactation level of feeding had a significant (P<0.05) effect on ovulation (7.2 and 6.4 ova) and corpora lutea size (0.49g and 0.56g). Subsequent ovary size was not affected by level of feeding during lactation. There was an interaction between level of feeding during gestation and that during lactation with sows changing from high to low performing poorest among all the four feeding levels. Overall the previous gestation's level of feeding had an over-riding effect on these parameters mediated by its effect on plasma levels of pLH in the previous lactation. Based on results obtained its concluded that level of feeding during gestation was more likely to influence subsequent sow reproductive performance by specifically affecting ovary function as well as early embryo development.
Chemical composition and feeding value of some Sorghum Cultivars Grown in Uganda
Characterisation of meat goat management systems
A survey of goat production farms was carried out using a structured questionnaire in 70 randomly selected households in Kiboga, Mpigi and Sembabule districts of central Uganda. The objective of the study was to determine the goat production systems and their characteristics. Indigenous goats of the Mubende and Small East African breeds and their crosses are reared. In Mpigi Mubende-boer crossbreds are also reared. Goats are kept for cash from direct sale and slaughter for festivities. Gifts, manure production and dowry were also mentioned among the purposes for which goats are reared. Herds are housed in roofed shelters, kitchens, and on verandas. Tethering was the predominant feeding system followed by open grazing and zero grazing. The average herd size was between 10 and 30 goats. Most farmers provided salt and water though with no clear routine, while a few farmers supplemented feeding with crop resides and tree fodder. The average age of does at first service was 11, 9 and 11.5 months in Kiboga, Mpigi and Sembabule respectively, while the mean kidding intervals for the respective districts were 9, 7 and 9 months.
Response to phenotypic screening of Mubende meat goats
Sixty-two mature goats of the Mubende breed sampled from the field on the basis of heart girth were used in a study to estimate the contribution of parental phenotype to body weight gain at different ages in indigenous goats. Four mating groups were formulated on the basis of weight and heart girth of the does and bucks. At birth, kids from the elite mating group were heavier (P<0.05) than those of the controls. Kids born to elite bucks though not significantly heavier from kids born to ordinary ones at birth, were progressively heavier with time, 8 weeks (P<0.01), weaning (P<0.01) and at one year (P<0.05). Average kid birth weights were 2.34, 2.12, 2.28, 2.11 kg for elite, reciprocal 1, reciprocal I and control, respectively. Male kids were significantly heavier (P<0.001) at birth and all subsequent ages up to 40 weeks, and showed a faster growth rate (P<0.01) to 52 weeks of age, than female kids. Kids from single birth weighed an average of 2.29 kg at birth compared to 2.05 kg for kids born as twins. The differences in birth weight were significant (P<0.001) and persisted up to 44 weeks of age. Post weaning kid diet had a significant influence on body weight gain with animals weaned on a diet of 25% crude protein (P) gaining at a faster rate than those fed a 15% CP diet.
Suckling practices and calf performance under intensive smallholder dairy production system in a high potential lowland area in Tanzania
In Tanzania, farmers use different calf rearing practices but the most appropriate practice remains largely unknown. The study was done at Turiani Division - Morogoro rural district to evaluate calf rearing practiced by the smallholder dairy farmers in 7 villages. Data on milk production, growth performance of calves and mortalities indicate a high degree of adoption of standard management practices and keenness of the farmers on this activity. The study showed that, three calf rearing practices were undertaken by the farmers. The first practice was that of allowing a calf to suckle a dam before and after milking. The second practice was that of reserving one teat for a calf to suckle, and the third one was that of reserving two teats for a calf to suckle. These calf rearing practices and sexes were correlated with calf daily gain and weaning weights. No significant differences were shown between female calves suckled one or two teats in terms of daily gains and weaning weights. However, there were significant differences between female calves allowed to suckle one teat and the rest of categories with respect to daily gains and weaning weights. However, since most of the calves were males, this observation may have been contributed by differential treatment by the farmers. The trend of performance by individual groups of calves in different calf rearing practices was the same for both weaning weight and daily gain, indicating that daily gain and weaning weight are correlated positively. However, female calves were much favoured by the practice of reserving one teat for calf suckling but were severely affected by the practice of suckling before and after milking. From this study, it has been shown that, reserving one teat for a calf to suckle was the best practice.
Nutritional effects on growth and carcass characteristics of Ankole, Nganda and Ankole x friesian crossbred bulls
The study investigated the effect of protein supplementation on growth and carcass characteristics of grazing Ankole, Ankole x Friesian and Nganda bulls. Seventy two bull calves, 24 of each breed-type were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments; the control of grazing alone (GZ), grazing followed by a 17.6% crude protein (CP) supplement (GZ + MD) and grazing followed by a 19.4% CP supplement (GZ + HG). The bulls were weighed fortnightly, and at the end of the feeding period all the bulls were slaughtered. Before slaughter, the live weight of each animal was taken, carcasses weighed hot, scored for grade and their dressing percentages determined. No significant (> 0.05) breed-type effects were observed in average daily gain (ADG). Significant variation (P <0.05) attributable to diet in ADG was observed. The supplementary diets (GZ+ MD and GZ+ HG) produced higher (P < 0.05) ADGs than the grazing alone diet. However, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences observed between the two supplementary diets. Significant variation (P <0.05) attributable to diet and breed-type in hot carcass weight, carcass grade and dressing percentage was observed. The (GZ + HG) bulls exhibited the highest (P < 0.05) dressing percentages, heaviest (P < 0.05) hot carcass weights and the highest (P < 0.05) carcass grades. The grazing alone diet averaged poorest and was significantly different (P < 0.05) from all the carcass measurements. Under the (GZ + HG) diet, the Ankole bulls possessed the highest (P <0.05) carcass grades and the heaviest (P < 0.05) hot carcass weights.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Observations on field parasitism of the subterranean termite Pseudacanthotermes sp. (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) by Megaselia scaralis (Diptera: Phoridae) in Uganda
We carried out continuous field sampling, laboratory culturing and dissecting over two maize growing seasons in 1997 and 1998 to establish the status of the phorid fly, Megaselia scaralis as a parasitoid of the subterranean termite Pseudacanthotermes and it's relative abundance in Iganga and Wakiso districts of Uganda. Evidence was obtained that under field conditions the phorid is a primary parasitoid and probably a significant mortality factor in populations of Pseudacanthotermes species.M. scalaris was more abundant at Namulonge (Wakiso) compared to Ikulwe (Iganga) and percentages of parasitised termites higher in surface foragers under mulch than in underground nesting termites. To follow-up on this preliminary work, we recommend studies on the biology and ecology of the insect focussed on assessing whether it's activity could be of practical use in an integrated management strategy for termites in maize-based cropping systems in Uganda.
Moulds and aflatoxin contamination of maize and groundnuts in Mayuge and Kumi districts of Uganda
Mycotoxins are pruduced by specific types of moulds that grow on inadequately processed and stored grain cereals and legumes. While they are known to have serious effects on the health of both human beings and animals, their incidence in Uganda has not been adequately studied. Thus, the objectives of this study were to identify moulds infecting maize and groundnuts in Uganda, and relate the incidence at farm level to levels of aflatoxin contamination in these produce at harvest and under and storage conditions. Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and Rhizopus were the predominant moulds isolated and occurred in more significant quantities in samples stored for five to seven months than in newly harvested samples. In Kumi, 48% of groundnuts stored for up to seven months and 28% of those newly harvested tested positive for aflatoxin with mean levels of 2.96 and 1.83 ppb. respectively. In Mayuge, 50% of the groundnuts and 40% of the maize stored up to five months were positive fo aflatoxins, with mean levels of 5.38 and 1.64 ppb, respectively. No aflatoxins were found contaminating the newly harvested maize in Mayuge. The aflatoxin levels observed were low compared to those earlier reported in samples from markets, probably because of the low levels of moisture content of the stored kernels and low levels of insect damage. The results of this study indicate that mycotoxigenic fungi and aflatoxin contamination of maize and groundnuts starts at farm level and contamination occurs in both pre and postharvest phases. Since potential mycotoxigenic fungi rather than Aspergillus were isolated in significant quantities in this study, the occurrence of mycotoxins other than aflatoxins should be studied.
Evaluation of 62 cowpea lines for resistance to false rust (Synchytrium dolichi (Cooke) Gaum) and scab (Sphaceloma sp.)
We evaluated 62 cowpea lines for field resistance to false rust (Synchytrium dolichi) and scab (Sphaceloma sp.). To increase disease pressure susceptible entries were grown two weeks prior to planting the test entries. The entries were grouped as resistant, moderate-resistant, moderately susceptible or susceptible on the basis of standardised Z-scores of areas under disease progress curves. In the case of scab, three entries, namely, TVU4630, Ebelar (local) and Icirikuwai (local) were rated resistant, Likewise, IT88D-643-1, ГT90K-56 and IT90K-1026 were rated resistant to false rust but the majority of the local land races were susceptible to false rust.
The Inheritance of resistance to finger millet blast disease
Finger millet is a very important cereal crop in Uganda. It is a major staple food crop and also provides cash for both the rural and urban people. Of the many diseases attacking the crop, blast (Piricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc.)is the most important causing yield losses ranging from 10 - 90% across the country depending on the environmental conditions, varietal differences or cropping systems. Breeding for resistance has widely been recognised as the most effective control strategy for blast in finger millet. However, the mode of inheritance to the disease resistance has not been adequately studied. Two cultivars with distinct markers for grain/ glume colour and head shapes and known blast reaction were used to study the mode of inheritance of resistance to blast in experiments conducted at Serere and Ngetta. It was found that a purple grain/glume colour conferred blast resistance more than a tan colour, and that a compact head shape also conferred blast resistance more than an open head. Higher levels of resistance were observed where the two characters were present together. The results also showed that resistance to blast is both dominant and additive.
Participatory breeding with advanced potato clones of population A in Southwestern Uganda
The primary objective of the potato program in Uganda is to develop improved varicties with high yields, late blight resistance, good agronomic characters, acceptable post-harvest qualities and adaptable to many environments. However, development of useful crop germplasm is only beneficial if it is distributed and subsequently utilized. Sixteen advanced potato clones, with Victoria and Kisoro varicties as standard checks, were evaluated in six seasons at Kalengyere Research Station for yield, resistance to late blight, and other agronomic traits. Farmers participated in the on-station evaluation process and selected six genotypes for on-farm and farmer field schools evaluations. As a result, genotypes 382171.4, 381403.8 and 575049 were released in 1999 as NAKPOT 1, NAKPOT 2 and NAKPOT 3 varieties, respectively, and genotypes CIP 381471.18 and CIP 387121.4 are at prerelease level. NAKPOT 1 and NAKPOT 3 were selected for their high yields, carly bulking and resistance to late blight. CIP 387121.4 was selected for its resistance to late blight and red skin colour. CIP 381471.18 was selected for its high yields, round tuber shape, white skin colour, culinary qualities and high resistance to late blight, although it has a very long dormancy period and is relatively late maturing-
Farmer identification of production constraints: An assessment of farmer participation in Uganda
Permitting farmers' needs constraints to define the demand structure for technological research and development is now considered to be essential if African National Agricultural Research and Extension systems (NARES) are to develop client-relevant technologies. Contemporary approaches advocate direct participation by farmers in these assessments. An important assumption made by those who advocate integrating farmer knowledge into research agenda planning is that farmers will identify and prioritise constraints differently from research scientists. If the assumption is accurate, then differences in constraint perceptions need to be identified and explored in order to improve the capacity for interpreting and utilising farmer knowledge to advance research agenda planning. This assumption is analysed using information from a survey conduced in 1994 of 543 farmers in 5 districts of Uganda, and a research review and prioritisation exercise conducted in 1994 with research scientist from the Ugandan National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). Constraint categories derived from the literature are used to compare and contrast commodity specific production constraints. Results indicate that farmer prioritisation of commodity specific constraints only partially differ from those provided by scientists. Also, farmers are more likely to specify visible biological constraints such as insects and vertebrate pests, and economic constraints such as labour and markets. Researchers on the other hand are more likely to specify varietal deficiencies and plant diseases. Reconciling perceptual differences can best be done by including farmers in priority setting exercises at the time when they occur.
The effect of plant architecture of open-pollinated and hybrid varieties of maize on their attractiveness to ant predators of termites
A field experiment was conducted at Namulonge Agricultural and Animal Production Research Institute during the short rains in 1998 to assess the effect of maize plant architecture on the activity of some termite predators. Nine varieties consisting of four Uganda hybrids, one local cultivar (Ekwakoit) from Serere, eastern Uganda, one Kenyan open-pollinated variety (Katumani), a Ugandan line (LP 16), Kawanda composite and Longe-I were used in the study. The activity of two ant species Odontomachus haematoda and Lepisiota sp. was significantly higher (Ps 0.05) in varieties characterised by an erect leaf system than varieties with decumbent leaf arrangement. The activity of O. haematoda had a positive correlation (r2 = 0.72; P<= 0.05) at mid-day sampling and during late evening sampling (r2= 0.83). Maize stem base wetness was observed to be a result of stem flow of water (accumulated dew) from the erect leaf axils to the soil at the base of the plant. Results of the study indicate the potential of exploiting indigenous predators in combination with host plant characteristics in the management of termites and possibly other soil pests of maize.
Screening tomato accessions for resistance to bacterial wilt
Eighty seven Makerere University tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) accessions were screened for resistance to Raistonia solanacearum under natural infestation. Most of the accessions showed susceptible reactions (>20%wilt), but accessions MT9, MT19, MT40, MT49, MTS4, MTS, MT74, M178, and MT98 showed resistant reaction (<10%wilt). Accessions MTZ, MT65, MT69,MT70, MT80, and MT100 previously reported to be resistant to bacterial wilt proved susceptible to the disease. Additionally, latent infection was present in most of the selected resistant accession. Five isolates of R. solanacearun isolated from plants collected from different parts of Uganda were characterised by physiological tests. Based on Haywards classification scheme, all the isolates were biovar 3.
Evaluation of maize introductions for resistance to turcicum leaf blight, maize streak virus disease and tropical maize rust in Uganda
In the tropics, turcicum leaf blight (TL.B) (Exserohilun turcicum), maize streak gemini virus disease (MSVD), and tropical maize rust (Puccinia polysora) are endemic and the most important maize foliar diseases in many countries. Thus deployment of varieties with multiple resistance to these diseases is key in increasing production. This study evaluated the disease reactions of elite Ugandan varieties and Pioneer hybrid introductions by considering the rate of disease increase (r), intercept or initial amount of inoculum (Yo*), area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), lesion numbers and percentage leaf area blighted. Significant differences in susceptibility of Ugandan varieties (P<=0.05) to TLB blight were observed. Population 28 was most susceptible while Babungo 3 was most resistant. Regression analysis revealed a linear relationship between yield and turcicum leaf blight severity (R2 = 0.50**), but there was no significant difference (P 20.05) in yield of Ugandan elite varieties. No significant differences were observed among Pioneer hybrids in susceptibility to all the three diseases and they were in general, considered resistant to all the three diseases and comparable to the elite Ugandan varieties. Epidemiological models and their resultant disease indices fitted to TLB and rust disease progress distinguished between the various varieties studied.
Pollination, fruit set and yield of hybrid passion fruits
Passion fruits are increasingly gaining importance as fruit crops in Uganda. But yield greatly depends on numbers of flowers produced, fruit set and final numbers that survive to maturity. The above characteristics were studied on Passiflora edulis f. edulis and P. edulis f. flavicarpa Kawanda hybrid. The close genetic composition of some of the hybrids to one parent or the other was observed. Receptivity of the stigma, plant compatibility, pollen wetting and the number of pollen grains deposited on the stigma affected pollination levels.
Seed-borne fungi of cowpea: transmission and effect of Macrophomina phaseolina
Seed health testing by the blotter method was done to establish seed-borne fungi of cowpea seed samples collected rom castern Uganda. Twenty different fungal species were encountered on the seed samples of which Fusariur emitectum, Phoma sp., Alternaria tenius, Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp. and Chaetomium sp. were most common was encountered more frequently in the first season than the second one, although its range of infection was low, 0.3-4.3%. Germination tests were done on 13 samples selected on the basis of their M.phaseolina infection levels and grouped as low (1.0-1.5%), moderate (1.8-2.5%) and high (2.8-4.3%) infection categories. There was no significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in germination percentage between chlorine treated and non-treated seed samples except in the high M.phaseolina infection category. In transmission studies, the fungus caused seed, stem and root rots. Affected seedlings wilted and later died and the transmission rate of the fungus was 1:1.
Effect of interplanting Setaria with Gliricidia on chemical composition and nutritive value when fed to growing sheep
Four cultivars of Setaria sphacelata were interplanted with Gliricidia sepium to study their compatibility. The plot sizes of Gliricidia were 8 × 4 m with inter-row spacing of 4 m and within row spacing of 50 cm. The Setaria cultivars were two ecotypes of Setaria sphacelata var. Sericea-Narok and Kazungula and two of Setaria sphacelata var. Splendida with Kenya and Tanzania origins. The spacing of Setaria within and between the rows was 50 cm. As a control. pure stand plots of Setaria and Gliricidia were also established. The effect of feeding different cultivars of Setaria supplemented with Gliricidia leaves to growing sheep on dry matter (DM) intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance was studied using a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Results from the compatibility study indicated that DM yield of either crop was not negatively influenced by the presence of the other. However, DM percentage of Setaria was significantly lower (Ps0.05) in the intercrop than in the monocrop. Dry matter yield for Splendida ex. Tanzania was significantly higher (Ps0.05) than that of the other cultivars in both the monocrop and intercrop. The presence of Gliricidia significantly increased (Ps0.05) contents of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of Setaria. Results from the feeding trial indicated no significant (Ps-0.05) difference in DM intake for the different Setaria cultivars. The digestibilities of DM, CP. NDF and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were not different (P>0.05) and nitrogen balance was similar and positive. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in daily weight gains of sheep fed the different cultivars. It was concluded that Selaria can be intercropped with Gliricidia without reducing the productivity of either forage and that Setaria sphacelata has potential as an alternative fodder crop in Uganda.
Effect of processing on nutritional quality of finger millet - cowpea formulations
Fingermillet (Eleusine coracana) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) were blended in proportions of 100:0, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50, millet to cowpea, respectively. Incorporation of cowpea to millet flour increased the protein, phosphorus and sodium content of the flour. Malting of the millet and roasting of cowpea prior to blending led to reduction in paste viscosity and improvement in gruel acceptability. It was concluded that a process consisting of malting of cereals followed by blending with an appropriately processed legume could serve as a simpie, low cost technology for improving the protein and energy density of cereal based gruels.
Analysis of factors influencing loan repayment under the "Entandikwa" credit scheme in Mpigi district
The Government of Uganda introduced the "Entandikwa" (Start up capital) credit scheme in the 1994/95 budget as a revolving fund with the objective of improving the incomes of the rural and urban poor. The repayment period was one year. However, by the end of the first round of loan disbursement in 1996, only 21.5% of the total disbursement had been recovered. This study sought to understand the reasons at the borrower level that had influenced loan repayment. Data collected from a systematic sample of 80 beneficiaries was used to determine the key factors responsible for this loan recovery performance. A chi square test and logistic regression models were used to analyse the data. Results indicated a weak relationship (insignificant) between loan repayment and the economic activities financed. The regression results indicated that lack of experience in the financed economic activity, tertiary level education, sex of borrower, brick and tile making, bakery, knitting, tailoring and transport as sources of income had negatively influenced loan repayment. The vigilance of the intermediary agencies positively influenced loan repayment while the fungibility of credit and political preference of the borrowers were statistically insignificant. The poor repayment performance could also be attributed to the way the scheme was implemented: hurriedly and mainly through the political organs of the government. Loans were thus viewed as political handouts and taken by many without any intention of paying back. The need to operate the credit scheme through private micro-finance institutions with expertise in rural credit and Government's continued provision of a conducive economic policy environment for economic growth appear as key to operate any such credit schemes.
The Cowpea production function in Uganda: A Cobb-Douglas approach
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)is one of the important legume crops grown in Uganda, especially in the northern and castern parts of the country. Using farm data collected through a detailed diagnostic survey in four major cowpea producing districts of Uganda, a Cobb-Douglas model was used to estimate the cowpea production function, using ordinary least squares regression techniques. The returns to scale of cowpea production, marginal productivities and elasticities of the inputs used in cowpea production were estimated from the production function. From the estimated cowpea production function, land, labour and pesticides were the most significant production inputs in that order. The returns to scale of cowpea production were 1.6, 1.7,2.2 and 1.5 for Arua, Lira, Soroti and Pallisa districts respectively and were significantly different (P = 0.01). The returns to scale showed increasing returns in all cases, significant at 1% probability level of significance. The value marginal produtivities of land and capital were greater than the unit costs of these inputs. The value marginal productivities of inputs used for pest control and labour were, however, lower than the unit costs of these inputs. The findings of this study therefore indicate that, increase in cowpea production, in the short run, will generally be achieved by bringing more land under cowpea production, and in the long run, by the use of labour saving technologies such as ox-cultivation and by improving productivity, through better agronomic practices, and better technologies of pest control. Estimation of the cowpea production function at the farm level gave an insight of the most critical factors to consider in increasing cowpea production. The estimation of the returns to scale enables the analysis of the relationship between the size of the cowpea enterprise and profitability, given the available farming technology. The policy recommendations on the improvement of cowpea production given in this paper are based on the above two concepts.
A Economic Importance of Farm-level Burchid Control in stored Dry Beans and Cowpeas in Uganda
The damage bruchids cause to beans and cowpeas as major vegetable sources of protein is of considerable significance as protein shortage is acute in the diets of many Ugandans. Use of post-harvest techniques that would allow beans and cowpeas to be stored free of bruchids would reduce loss of these sources of protein, enhance their shelf life, improve food quality and seed viability and ultimately increase rural incomes and food security. This research explored financial consequences of effects of alternative farm-level bruchid control measures in stored dry beans and cowpeas in Iganga and Kumi districts of Uganda during the 1997-1999 period using partial budgeting and dominance analysis techniques. Results showed that actellic, wood ashes, solar heat and leaf powders of tobacco and tephrosia were economically viable post-harvest protectants of dry beans and /or cowpeas for at least 3 months in farm storage. Tobacco was the most profitable treatment on beans and tephrosia was the most profitable treatment on cowpeas. Additional economic benefits were realised either as a result of higher returns from increased marketable and sowable surplus or the low cost of grain protection. The analysis scheme outlined in this study that links partial budget and dominance evaluation techniques is a useful tool for future determination of the best post-harvest interventions to control bruchids.
Copyright (c) 1999 Makerere University Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Valorization options for small non-marketable potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) as a strategy to reduce postharvest losses and improve farmers’ incomes
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important food and cash crop grown by many farmers in Uganda, especially in the highland regions of western and eastern Uganda. However, post-harvest losses due to the high proportion of rejected small size potatoes are a major hindrance to profit maximization among farmers. The study assessed the potential of valorizing the small unmarketable potatoes into value added food products to reduce postharvest losses and improve farmers’ incomes. Flour and soup powders processed from the small potatoes through boiling, steaming, drying, and milling were profiled for proximate composition, sensory and functional properties. The results revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the proximate composition between flour of small and large potatoes. Soup prepared using 100g of instant flour from small potatoes contributed 19.2, 26.7, 13.8, 9.16 and 10% of the recommended daily intakes for energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fat and fibre, respectively, for women of reproductive age (15-49 years). The soup formulations exhibited excellent reconstitution properties due to their high water solubility index (3.05 - 3.80%), swelling capacity (3.70 - 4.54%) and water absorption capacity (271.01 - 652.37%). Sensory evaluation results showed that soups prepared from the small potato powders received ratings between 7 (like moderately) and 8 (like very much), comparable to the scores given to soup made from a commercial instant potato powder. The findings confirmed that the nutrient profile of small potatoes was similar to that of large potatoes. This implies that valorization of small potatoes into flour presents an opportunity for production of nutritious value added products that in turn can reduce postharvest losses and increase farmers’ incomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 A. Atukwase, P. Namutebi, G. A. Tumuhimbise https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Nutraceutical and functional food potential of African Elemi (Canarium schweinfurthiiEngl) fruit pulp from Central Uganda
African elemi (Canarium schweinfurthii Engl.) is a native fruit tree species in the tropics that is regarded as underutilized. This study evaluated the nutritional composition, bioactive components, antioxidant activity, and aromatic components of ripe fruits of C. schweinfurthii from Central Uganda. Fruit pulp chemical characterization revealed pulp content, titrable acidity, and pH to be 55.5±2.4%, 0.693±0.03, and 5.74±0.01, respectively. The proximate, vitamin and mineral composition that exhibited high values based on their Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) above 20% were: total fat (37.5 g/100g, RDA 58%), dietary fibre (28.7mg/100g, RDA 114%), vitamin C (72mg/ 100g, RDA 121%), -carotene (0.880±0.034 mg/100g, 704%), selenium (24 mg/100g, RDA 455%), potassium (753 mg/100g; RDA 22%), and magnesium (90.3 mg/100g, RDA 23%). The bioactive compounds: total flavonoids, total phenolic compounds, total anthocyanin pigments, and total antioxidant activity were 27.18±1.36 mg/100g Rutin Equivalent (RE), 807.20±7.21 mg/100g Garlic Acid Equivalent (GAE), 32.33±5.62mg/100g pigment, and 8.19±0.00 IC50 mg/g Ascorbic Acid Equivalent (AAE), respectively. The GC-MS analysis of the pulp identified 27 volatile (aromatic) compounds with Terpinen-4-ol (18.242%), Beta.-Myrcene (11.073%), 2,4-Decadienal,(E,E)- (6.110%),9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester (5.948%), Cyclohexene,4-methylene- 1-(1-methylethyl) (5.910%), D-Limonene (5.880%), Benzene, 4-ethyl-1,2-dimethyl (4.353%),9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (3.968%), and L-.alpha.-Terpineol (3.755%) being the dominant compounds. The abundant micro- and macronutrients, as well as bioactive compounds indicate that C. schweinfurthii pulp can significantly contribute to the development of nutraceutical products, which warrant its on-farm domestication at a commercial level through vegetative propagation techniques. This is expected to replace the seeds that are destroyed during the parboiling of highly demanded fruits before eating.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Application of intensity-duration-frequency curves in flood mitigation for rural communities: a case study of Ibido, Ogun State, Nigeria
Flooding poses significant threats to rural communities in Nigeria, leading to property damage, infrastructure deterioration, and disruptions to livelihoods. This study develops hydrologic parameters for flood risk mitigation in the Ibido community by establishing Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves and estimating peak flood discharges for various return periods. Historical rainfall data (1982-2022) were analysed using probability distributions, with the log-normal distribution identified as the best fit based on goodness-of-fit criteria. The study further employed the Rational Method for peak flood estimation and developed design parameters for effective drainage infrastructure. This study found that the predicted design storms for return periods of 5 to 100 years ranged from 136.12 mm to 230.29 mm. The drainage area was 1.0364 km2, with a time of concentration of 1.35 hours and a runoff coefficient of 0.80, resulting in peak flood discharges ranging from 18.47 m3/s to 31.25 m3/s. Future research should incorporate high-resolution terrain data and real-time monitoring for enhanced flood resilience in rural communities like Ibido.
Gender differences in smallholder farmers’ use of information sources to cope with drought in Masindi District, Uganda
The study was conducted to determine gender differences in farmers’ use of information sources, the perceived characteristics of those sources, and the perceived effectiveness of the messages to cope with drought. A cross-sectional survey was implemented for 313 respondents (167 men and 146 women) in Masindi District. Results showed that both men and women farmers embraced extended farming practices such as early planting at the onset of rains, growing of short-term crops like beans, and growing drought resistant crops, to mention but a few, to cope with drought. Men and women differed significantly in reporting information sources (2 = 8.117, p <0.05). 85% of the women and 77% of the men obtained the information from fellow farmers, majorly male. Over 80% of the men and women perceived fellow farmers to have positive communication behavior, and farming innovativeness, but women perceived these characteristics of fellow farmers more favorably than men. Similarly, the majority of men and women reported that fellow farmers were effective in terms of ‘usefulness of information’, ‘timeliness of information’, ‘affordability of information’, ‘accuracy of information’, ‘relevance of information’ and ‘ability of the information obtained to address problems faced’. Women’s perception of relevance of the information obtained from fellow farmers was significantly higher than of men (U=6764.000, p<.001). For other sources, 80% of the women and 43% of the men relied on farmers’ organizations, while 78% of the men and 21% of the women relied on local government extension for information. Women perception of the reliability of the information obtained from local government was still significantly higher than that of the men (U=3264.500, p<.05). Therefore, fellow farmers remain important and reliable sources of information to cope with drought for farmers, especially the women; and a gender gap exists as far as access to government extension services is concerned. Extension agencies including local governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and farmers’ organizations need to identify and work with reliable fellow farmers as conduits for appropriate information. Incentives for such farmers may also be put in place to ensure long-term commitment.
Climate smart information and technologies
Copyright (c) 2025 Makerere University Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Occurrence and settling behaviour of the migratory locust (Schistocerca gregaria) on vegetation in the north eastern dry agro-ecological zones of Uganda - a short communication
The desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria Forskål) is a very important pest worldwide and frequently invades over 60 countries. In Uganda, the latest major desert locust invasion was in 2020, five decades after the previous plague. During the 2020 invasion, surveillances of the pest and native community responses were documented in the affected sub-regions of Karamoja, Teso and Acholi. The objective was to determine locust settling and feeding preferences; and the perceptions of the interventions used by local people to inform future surveillance, containment and control efforts. The study was implemented through a rapid rural appraisal of 200 respondents, a biological monitoring study along 1 km line transects, and a focus group discussion with 20 influential people in the invaded areas. Inventories of tree species, and cropped patches; and locust settling and feeding behavior were done along the transects. The study revealed that local people in the areas knelt down to pray, used fire and smoke, made loud noises, and sprayed chemical insecticides to prevent the locusts from settling in their areas. Praying was widely reported among the three sub-regions (ethnicities). Chemical applications had the highest efficacy in disruption of the locust activity. Tall green vegetation especially Acacia spp. and Balanites aegyptiaca tree species attracted swarms for settling/roosting. The most utilised field crops were Manihot esculenta and Oryza sativa crop patches. These findings can inform the future surveillance and control strategies for the pest.