Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Development in Agriculture (RUFORUM)

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The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Development in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is a network of 60 universities working together for relevance and quality in higher education. RUFORUM is committed to enhancing rural livelihoods, gender equity, youth employment and improving our environment.

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    Influence of organizational structure on actor interaction within community level innovation platforms in Eastern Uganda
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2015-07-18) Mukebezi, R. ; Obaa, B. ; Kyazze, F.B.
    Several studies indicate how the self-organizing nature of innovation platforms (IPs) influences actor interaction and networking. However, most of these studies tend to be biased towards the high level IPs. This study assessed how organizational structures within community level IPs influenced actor interaction. Data were collected from two community IPs in eastern Uganda which were engaged in the production and marketing of cassava and cassava based products through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Group size, the decision-making process and internal rules and regulations shaped the structure of the community IPs and ultimately influenced the way actors related and shared information. Members within the small homogeneous groups felt more inclined to work together and willingly shared information due to the enhanced cohesion among them. The higher degree of cohesiveness within the groups promoted engagements among the members. Participatory decision-making provided opportunities for actors to freely air out their views regarding the key issues affecting the platform which consequently enhanced information sharing. Effective enforcement of rules and regulations in the IP influenced how actors related and shared information.
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    Coming of age: RUFORUM strategic business plan 2015 - 2020
    (RUFORUM, 2015-08) Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture
    In July 2014, we celebrated 10 years of our existence as a regional network of African Universities led by Vice Chancellors. At the celebration, we reflected on the road travelled guided by our 10 year Strategic Plan, 2006-2015 and two Business Plans, 2006-2010 and 2011-2016. We concluded that we had met the vision of the 10 founding Vice Chancellors, that there was great benefit for universities to collaborate, and to put in place a platform for catalyzing the close engagement of African Universities in Africa’s development agenda. The regional Secretariat that we had established in 2004 to coordinate activities and provide support and guidance to the universities in terms of institutional reforms, particularly the institutionalization of participatory research processes and improved graduate training to serve smallholder agriculture had exceeded our expectations. This initiative was supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, and subsequently the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other agencies. After 10 years, we have been able to establish a dynamic regional platform that fosters collaboration, coordination and learning among the member Universities. We grew from a membership of 10 Universities in five countries in East and Southern Africa to today (August 2015) a membership of 46 Universities in 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Today we are a voice for Higher Education in Agriculture, and indeed Science, Technology and Innovation, and we are emerging as a regional knowledge hub for Higher Education in Agriculture. A key lesson we learnt was that the strong ownership and engagement of our Universities, led by their Vice Chancellors, was key to our success. We also learnt that in whatsoever we did, we needed to link closely to the grassroots, especially in terms of addressing the needs of smallholder farmers, and this required strategic partnership with a diversity of actors, both within and outside Africa. Further, sustainability of the RUFORUM initiative would eventually hinge on securing funding support from African governments and regional bodies. Looking ahead, we recognize that the landscape is changing with renewed interest in higher education in Africa. Moreover, the African Union sees higher education as critical for achieving its Africa Vision 2063. Further, food and nutrition security will remain a key challenge across the continent, especially with the intensification of climate changes and variability, rural –urban migration linked to a growing youth population, and their impact on human and environment health. We also have an emerging agribusiness sector and agro-industry, requiring new sets of skills and enterprising graduates. Fortunately, we have renewed commitment by African governments on sustaining the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) momentum; and a Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A) and the African Union Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2024) are in place. RUFORUM must position itself to respond to these opportunities, making clear the network’s value to its different market segments. Our consultations with key stakeholders in and outside Africa confirm that our Strategic objectives are still valid, but operation modalities need to be refreshed to respond to the emerging landscape. This is the basis of our new five year Strategic Business Plan (2015-2020). The Plan envisions a RUFORUM that is financially stable in 2020, with significant financial input from its members, African governments and reimbursement of services and operations. The Plan is adaptable, with a scheduled mid-term review in 2017-18.
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    Extent of commercialization of indigenous chicken production in Northern Uganda
    (RUFORUM, 2016) Aryemo, I.P. ; Kule, E. ; Kugonza, D.R. ; Okot, M.W. ; Mugonola, B.
    Indigenous chicken production has been recognized as an avenue to improve livelihoods of the rural households in Northern Uganda, where they provide meat, eggs and income. Venturing into commercial indigenous chickens is a pathway to meeting the current unmet market demand for indigenous chickens and their products. Although commercial indigenous chicken production is promising, little information exists on the degree to which the indigenous chicken farmers have taken it up. Thus, a household survey was conducted to determine the level of indigenous chicken commercialization in Northern Uganda. Using a multi-stage sampling procedure, a total of 180 indigenous chicken farming households were purposively and randomly selected to participate in the study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics was used to characterize farmers; market participation index was used to measure the level of commercialization. Results showed that overall mean household size was seven and that all households reared and sold indigenous chicken. Mean experience in local chicken production was 17 years although it was significantly different between the two districts (p<0.1) with Omoro farmers having more experience than Oyam farmers. Average household flock size was 31 chickens consisting of 14 chicks, 5 cockerels, 6 pullets, 4 hens and 2 cocks. Although all households sold indigenous chickens, the level of commercialization varied from household to household. The overall proportion of chicken sales per household was 42%. Of the household flock structure, cocks and cockerels were more sold than hens and pullets. The level of commercialization (42%) reported shows that farmers in Northern Uganda are yet to become fully commercialized. The threshold for full commercialisation is 50%. Thus, efforts should be directed towards increasing commercialization of indigenous chickens. Additionally, there is need to train farmers on proper chicken management, record keeping and encourage group formation.
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    Evaluation of Mungbean plant spacing for optimising yield in smallholder cropping systems
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016) Ajio, F. ; Talwana, H. ; Kagoda, F.
    Mungbean production in Uganda is done largely by smallholder farmers and characterized by low yields. In order to increase the production and adaptability of mungbeans, it is vital to determine the optimum spacing within smallholder cropping systems. Mungbean spacings T1 (10cm), T2 (20cm), T3 (30cm) T4 (40cm) at a constant inter-plant spacing of 10cm were studied in a Completely Randomized Block Design. The experiment was undertaken in two mungbean growing districts of Eastern Uganda (Mayuge and Serere) and at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo in central Uganda during the second rains (August-December) of 2015. Yield and yield components were significantly influenced by plant spacing. At harvest, the highest plant height (53.62cm) was recorded under the spacing of 30 x 10cm T3. The highest number of pods per plant was recorded under spacing of 40 x 10cm T4 and highest grain yield under spacing of 10 x 10cm T1.These preliminary results indicate that various spacings were optimum for vegetative as opposed to grain yield. The more dense 10 x10 cm spacing resulted in the highest mungbean grain yield and could significantly ehance yield in uganda.
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    Sources and inheritance of resistance to Sesame Webworm in Uganda
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016) Matina, G.D. ; Anyanga, W. ; Karungi, J.T. ; Biruma, M. ; Edema, R. ; Gibson, P. ; Rubaihayo, P.
    Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important income security crop among smallholder farmers in Eastern and Northern Uganda. However, Sesame webworm (Antigastra catalaunalis Dup) causes high yield loses in Uganda. A few sesame genotypes resistant to the Webworm have been reported but these have not been studied in the Uganda context. Five genetically diverse parents were crossed in a half-diallel mating design (U1-7 and Ajimo A1-5, highly resistant), (SPSICR3-1-2-2-4, Runner 1-3-1-17-1, highly susceptible) and (Sesim2/5181, moderately resistant). The F1 progeny and the five parents were planted in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at NaSARRI (Serere) in eastern Uganda during the second rains of 2015. The results showed that resistance to sesame webworm is controlled by both additive and non-additive genetic effects with the additive being more important. Large negative GCA effects were recorded for percent leaf damage, severity, damaged plants per plot and number of larvae counts per plant in Ajimo A1-5 and U1-7 implying that these genotypes can be used as donors for resistance against the Sesame Webworm.
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    Development and assessment of nutritional quality and sensory properties of orange-fleshed sweetpotato and bambara groundnut-based snacks for school children
    (RUFORUM, 2016) Buzo, H. ; Mongi, R.J. ; Mukisa, I.M.
    Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) and bambara groundnut snacks could alleviate undernutrition among primary school children through food-based approaches. The objective of this research was to develop nutritious snacks from OFSP and bambara groundnut, and evaluate the effect of extrusion cooking on proximate composition, sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of the snacks. Six formulations of OFSP + bambara groundnut (with OFSP and bambara groundnut ranging from 0 – 100%) were prepared and extruded (feeding rate of 10.15 kg/hr, screw speed of 30 rpm and barrel temperature: 100 °C and 130 °C in first and second zones respectively). Proximate analysis was done using standard methods and pro-vitamin A was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in proximate composition, mineral content and Pro-vitamin A content between the different snacks. Protein content ranged between 4.08 ± 0.26 g/100g DM (OFSP 100%) to 15.03 ± 0.34g/100g DM (Bambara groundnut100%). Pro-vitamin A ranged from 0.54 ± 0.05 mg/100g DM (Bambara groundnut 100%) to 17.33 ± 0.48 mg/100g DM (OFSP 100%). The colour hue (orange) and sweetness were drivers for consumer liking of snacks containing OFSP. Generally the study showed that development of OFSP substituted with bambara groundnut up to 40% enhances nutritional quality of the snacks, retains sensory properties and yields acceptable snacks.
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    Positioning rural women agri-entrepreneurs to address short-term hunger and undernutrition in rural primary schools in Uganda
    (RUFORUM, 2016) Ongeng, D. ; Mugonola, B. ; Mayanja, C.
    Short-term hunger and under nutrition is a key development challenge that has continued to undermine efforts to improve enrolment, retention and acquisition of basic academic skills by children in primary schools in developing countries, with schools in rural areas worst affected compared to those in urban centres. Poor socioeconomic conditions, lack of proper food handling technologies and the requisite technical know-how in economically disadvantaged rural areas make it impossible for schools in such locations to provide affordable nutritious conventional diets that are accessible to schools in economically advantaged urban centres. This situation provides opportunity for agri-innovations that can offer cheaper alternative nutritious foods tailored to rural schools. In response to this challenge, the Graduate Research Grant project “innovations to enhance rural women agri-entrepreneurs to participate in the cassava value chain in North and North-Eastern Uganda” was conceived and implemented by a consortium composed of Gulu University, rural women groups and primary schools in North and North-Eastern Uganda. Graduate students working with rural women cassava processing groups: (i) improved the protein and mineral content of gari cassava meal to match the protein and micronutrient needs of school children; (ii) evaluated acceptability of the products in rural primary schools; and (iii) assessed preconditions necessary for rural women groups to engage in production of nutritionally-improved gari for rural primary school food market. The nutritionally improved gari products were accepted by school children and teachers thus indicating ready market for the products. Exposure to new processing technologies through training, alternative off-farm income sources, Household size as a proxy for labour, group membership as proxy for social capital and distance to markets were identified as preconditions necessary for rural women to invest in production, processing and marketing of nutritionally improved gari for rural primary school food markets. This study therefore illustrates how participatory action research can be used to tailor agribusiness innovations to address community nutrition problems in developing countries.
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    Diversity of sorghum in farmers’ fields in Northern and Eastern Uganda
    (RUFORUM, 2016) Apunyo, C.P. ; Businge, M. ; Otim, M. ; Isubikalu, P. ; Odong, T.L.
    Crop genetic diversity is one of the key resources available to humanity for effective response to challenges associated with climate change and the ever-growing world population. Sorghum is a marginal environment crop with needs for constant breeding to respond to the changes in this fragile environment. A large pool of genetic diversity is very critical for its improvement. However, like most crops, the levels of genetic diversity (especially on-farm) in developing countries such as Uganda largely remain unknown. Loss of sorghum diversity has been reported by many authors and this limits the ability of farmers to cope up with climate change and ever growing world population. Past studies on sorghum diversity in Uganda have been carried out at regional/ecological level but information on sorghum diversity on farmers’ fields in major sorghum growing areas is lacking. There is therefore urgent need to conserve genetic diversity insitu as this allows sorghum to evolve in its natural environment and provide both farmer and breeder preferred traits. This study seeks to understand the status (amount and spatial distribution) of on-farm crop genetic diversity of sorghum in the districts of Agago, Apac (northern) and Serere (eastern) in Uganda. On-farm diversity will be determined through field surveys at different growth stages in the three districts. Phenotypic field evaluation of accessions obtained from the different districts will be done in Agago and Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo in the first rain of 2016. Results from the preliminary studies indicated that Agago had most diversity (in terms of the number of varieties planted per field) followed by Apac and finally Serere. The tall late maturing sorghum types were dominant in Agago district whereas the short early maturing types were dominant in the other two districts (Apac and Serere).
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    RUFORUM annual report 2014 - 2015: Building capacity in Africa
    (RUFORUM, 2016) Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture
    The RUFORUM annual report for the period 2014 to 2015 includes a message from the Executive Secretary; and an introduction to RUFORUM. It discusses other topics on: demand driven research, community action and institutional strengthening grants; regional training programs; information and communication technology; planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning (PMEL), strengthening RUFORUM governance; and resource mobilization and financial overview.
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    Influence of mountainous ecosystems in the production of Arabica coffee
    (RUFORUM, 2016) Cherukut, S. ; Karungi, J. ; Tumuhairwe, J.B. ; Bonabana-Wabbi, J.
    The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of how land use intensity in high altitude areas and soil management influences abundance and diversity of natural enemies, including pests of coffee and influences on microclimate and soil characteristics of coffee systems. Further it aims at establishing the relationship between the delivery of ecosystem services and coffee productivity. The study will generate knowledge for better understanding of coffee agro-ecosystems for improved productivity amidst increasing population pressure, climate variability, declining soil fertility, and the range of pests and diseases in the highly vulnerable landscapes on the slopes of Mt Elgon in eastern Uganda. Recommendations will be made on systems with high potential for natural pest and disease control, climate change mitigation, improved soil characteristics and microclimate control. To achieve this, fixed factors namely; altitude, land use intensity, soil fertility management type, and the interaction between the factors will be included in a generalized linear model with species richness, diversity and abundance of agents of ecosystem services (pest control agents, decomposers) in coffee fields, and with coffee yield parameters as dependent variables in the analyses of variance. For tests to establish the relationship between species richness and abundance of the agents of ecosystem services and the environmental variables and/or yield, multivariate analysis tools of Principal Component Analysis and Discriminant Analysis will be used.
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    The atmospheric deposition of phosphorus and nitrogen on Lake Kivu
    (RUFORUM, 2016) Bagalwa, M. ; Majaliwa, M. ; Kansiime, F. ; Bootsma, H. A. ; Karume, K. ; Mushagalusa, N.
    Phosphorus and nitrogen are most often identified as the nutrients limiting algal biomass and productivity in aquatic ecosystems. Sources of new nutrients for lakes include riverine input, atmospheric deposition, N fixation, and occasionally groundwater. For many regions, the relative importance of atmospheric deposition is uncertain. Annual dynamics of wet and dry atmospheric nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) deposition on Lake Kivu were investigated at three land stations and one an island station to estimate lake wide atmospheric nutrient input to Lake Kivu. The highest dry P (TP) loading rates were recorded at the southern end of the Lake with lower rates in the north. Annual dry atmospheric deposition was higher than wet deposition in all the four sites. The estimation of dry TP and TN deposition to entire Lake Kivu (2370 km2) is 14.5 ± 16.26 kg m-2 yr-1 of TP and 506.3 ± 590.7 kg m-2 yr-1 of TN. And the wet TP and TN estimation rate for the all Lake Kivu was respectively 0.09 ± 0.07 kg m-2 yr-1 and 2.02 ± 0.16 kg m-2 yr-1. Phosphorus and nitrogen deposition rates in atmospheric deposition around Lake Kivu were similar to the existing estimates of atmospheric phosphorus and nitrogen inputs to other African Lakes. Both biomass burning and soil suspension particles were suggested as possible sources. These estimates should be viewed as a first order approximation of actual phosphorus and nitrogen deposition on the Lake.
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    Results-focused capacity development strategy
    (RUFORUM, 2016-03) Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture
    Capacity is a critical aspect of development. Capacity development (CapDev) has been at the core of RUFORUM’s mandate and one of the most important result areas for the network. A key approach of the network is to facilitate engagement of universities to current and emerging challenges facing rural communities and in building capacity of young people to be part of the accelerated African agricultural growth and transformation (3AGT) agenda through developing and implementing relevant curricula driven by learning needs. From a capacity development perspective, RUFORUM aspires to be an important actor for CapDev in its areas of work in higher agricultural education and learning (HAEL) and agriculture and rural development (A&RD), playing a catalytic and facilitation role to deliver high-quality CapDev support grounded in national, regional and global plans and strategies, to partners and customer/client institutions.
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    Harnessing higher education institutions’ capabilities in controlling trans-boundary animal diseases at the livestock-wildlife interface: The case for African swine fever in Uganda
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-06-18) Masembe, C. ; Ademun, A.R.O. ; Stahl, K. ; Atimnedi, P. ; Muwanika, V.B.
    Uganda is the third largest pig producing country in Africa. However the pig industry in Uganda is currently threatened by African swine fever virus (ASFV) disease, which is a fatal, contagious viral haemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs, causing up to 100% mortality, and the disease has neither vaccine nor treatment. Harnessing the technological, research potential and community outreach strategies, Makerere University in partnership with government agencies, is using a community participatory epidemiology and molecular characterization approach to develop community-derived control strategies and genetic characteristics of the ASF virus. Through this effort the effectiveness of available molecular ASF diagnostic approaches and home ranges of domestic and wild pigs are being investigated. Seventy seven blood samples were collected from pigs during reported ASF outbreaks in selected pig farms in Uganda. The samples were analysed using a variety of molecular diagnostic approaches available at the molecular genetics laboratory at Makerere University. Preliminary results indicate that the samples tested positive for ASFV. In addition tracking collars (GPS/GSM) were used to monitor the movement patterns of free-ranging domestic pigs and wild pigs. Domestic pigs were mostly active during the nights, early mornings and in the evening. The bush pigs were active from the evening and throughout the night wandering between game reserves and farmlands. There was an overlap between free-ranging domestic pigs and bush pig activity times and this might be a contributing factor to the ASFV disease epidemics. The study involves training two MSc and four undergraduate students. It is anticipated that the trained students will add to the pool of home-grown scientists that can contribute to disease diagnostics prevention and control.
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    Mechanised multi-row seeding of finger millet
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-07-18) Muyingo, E. ; Tenywa, J.S. ; Kiggundu, N.
    Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) in sub-Saharan Africa is produced at subsistence level by low income earners and particularly in drought prone areas. Unfortunately, production is affected by many factors most especially weeds. The effect of weeds is made more important because finger millet is sown by broadcasting. Row sowing of finger millet has been shown to significantly reduce finger millet weeding labour requirements to economic levels. Despite the great benefits associated with finger millet row sowing, the practice is still burdensome because it is a tedious and time wasting process. It is mostly done manually or with innefficient single-row seeding equipments. Research targeting mechanized crop production is greatly inclined to high powered equipment, not easily affordable by low income communities and mostly suited for large grains. Mechanised seeders currently availabale are used for large seeded crops and cannot be used for finger millet as their metering mechanisms releases big quantities of seed in a furrow, necessitating another tedeoud exercise of thinning. In order to solve the finger millet sowing associated drudgery, there is need to review the existing seeding mechanization efforts in order to come up with a design appropriate for tiny seeds that is multi-row, user friendly to low income communities, time saving and able to perform in the sandy soils of most finger millet growing parts of Uganda and elsewhere.
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    Relationship between causal pathogens for maize ear rots and grain yield in tropical maize in Uganda
    (RUFORUM, 2016-08) Alunga, J.C. ; Tusiime, G. ; Asea, G. ; Gibson, P. ; Kwemoi, D.B.
    Maize ear rots caused by Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium graminearum and Stenocarpella maydis reduce the quality of maize through production of mycotoxins and carcinogenic compounds that are harmful to both humans and animals when consumed. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between yield and fungal ear rot infections caused by the three fungal pathogens. Tropical inbred lines with varying resistance to A. flavus and both F. graminearum and S .maydis were mated in a North Carolina II Design. The progeny consisting of single crosses, test crosses and their parental inbred lines were thereafter evaluated using single pathogen inoculation. Regression of the three ear rot mean infection scores on mean yield scores across three test locations for both the test and single cross hybrids revealed low yieldvariations in response to fungal ear rot infections. Further, it suggests that maize grain yield cannot be reliably predicted from any of the three ear rot pathogen infection scores. This also suggests that multiple resistance to the three pathogens is inherited independently of yield performance. Resistance to the three ear rots and yield performance should be directly evaluated and improved by separate and independent breeding strategies.
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    RUFORUM is transforming agriculture in Eastern, Central, Western and Southern Africa
    (RUFORUM, 2016-08) Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture
    This is a RUFORUM flyer on the theme: RUFORUM is transforming agriculture in eastern, central, western and southern Africa, training the next generation of scientists for Africa
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    Bacterial leaf streak disease of rice: A silent constraint to rice production in Uganda
    (RUFORUM, 2016-08) Andaku, J.L. ; Tusiime, G. ; Tukamuhabwa, P. ; Onaga, G.
    Bacterial leaf streak disease (BLS) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzicola is one of the emergent biotic constraints to rice production in Africa. The disease, which can cause yield loss of up to 60% on susceptible cultivars, was observed in Uganda in the rice growing districts of Namutumba, Butaleja and Iganga in 2014. As such there is limited data on the distribution of bacterial leaf streak disease in rice growing areas of Uganda. Using a systematic sampling survey, 176 rice fields at tillering to panicle initiation stages in 14 rice growing districts of Uganda were assessed for the prevalence of BLS disease. Results show a high prevalence of bacterial leaf streak disease, where 71.4% of the districts surveyed had the disease. Data collected also revealed significant differences (P < 0.001) in BLS incidence and severities between the districts surveyed. The results further indicated that rice fields where improved varieties and clean seeds were planted had very low incidences and severity. The high prevalence of BLS disease in the rice growing districts may be due to existence of highly virulent BLS pathogens, favourable environment (high humidity and warm temperature) and cultivation of susceptible local rice genotypes. Poor rice residue management, poor field hygiene and utilization of home saved rice seeds by majority of the farmers could also account for the wide occurrence of BLS disease since these lead to the build-up of primary inoculum. For sustainable management of this disease, there is need to create awareness on the wide occurrence of BLS disease in Uganda, educate farmers on management of the disease, understand the population structure of BLS pathogen in Uganda and identify genetically stable sources of resistance to the pathogen under Uganda’s conditions.
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    Design and simulation of an integrated solar cooker - dryer system
    (RUFORUM, 2016-08) Ahumuza, A. ; Zziwa, A. ; Kambugu, R. ; Komakech, A.J. ; Kiggundu, N.
    Several solar drying technologies exist in Uganda, but marred with multiple deficiencies such as inefficient conversion of trapped solar radiations into thermal energy, prolonged drying times, among others. The aim of this study was to design and simulate an integrated solar cooker-dryer system with a simple biomass cooker using locally available technology and materials. The major component of this study entailed an assessment of existing solar drying technologies. Through purposive sampling, four existing dryers were assessed to gather information that guided the development of a better drying technology. The results from performance evaluation of the existing solar dryers showed a substantial drop in ascorbic acid content by about 27.9 mg/100g of pineapple (Ananas comosus) dried in natural convection drying and 14.5 mg/100 g during forced air drying. It showed that the natural convection solar mode of operation was slowest in drying the samples, with the solar forced air mode being fastest under the prevailing meteorological conditions (which were generally unfavorable from November through to December). The results showed a considerable advantage of forced air solar dryer over the natural convection solar dryer in terms of drying rate and reduced risk of spoilage. In view of alleviating the weather restriction experienced by farmers in crop drying especially for pineapples, it is recommended that dryers be designed with backup cooker for supplementing the solar energy and enhancing airflow to increase the drying air temperature. This results into increase in the drying rate and reduced spoilage. Using performance results as boundary conditions, the temperature distribution of the airflow inside the dryer was visualized using OpenFOAM CFD. Uniform temperature distribution was achieved as a result of forced air system and incorporation of a biomass cooker.
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    RUFORUM summary of progress on activities for the financial year 2015/ 2016
    (RUFORUM, 2016-08-18) Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture
    This report presents a summary of progress, key achievements for the year 2015/2016 and targets for the coming period for the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), a network of 60 African Universities with a Secretariat at Makerere University in Uganda. The work is anchored on the recently approved RUFORUM Strategic Business Plan (2015-2020) which guides overall RUFORUM activities along its mission.
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    Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM): Financial Statements, 30th June, 2016
    (RUFORUM, 2016-08-18) Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, RUFORUM
    These are detailed financial statements of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture for the period ending 30th June 2016
@ RUFORUM