Conferences and Workshops

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    Adoption and welfare effects of integrated soil fertility management technologies among smallholder maize and pigeon pea farmers in Tanzania
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-10) Sanka, M.B. ; Diiro, G.M. ; Hillbur, P.
    This study analyzed farmer adoption of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) and its impact on household welfare in Babati district, Tanzania. Cross-sectional survey data collected from a random sample of 500 maize and pigeonpea farmers in Babati district was used. Data were collected through face to face interviews using a semistructured questionnaire. In this study, an adopter of ISFM was defined as the farmer household using at least 50% of the ISFM package including at least one improved crop variety and one type of fertilizer. The study used a probit regression model to quantify the determinants of adoption of ISFM whereas the impact of adoption were estimated using a propensity score matching technique. Results showed that 49.4% of maize and pigeon pea farmers in Babati district used ISFM technologies. Results of the probit regression analysis showed that household size, value of livestock owned, value of household assets, farm size, agricultural training and access to credit (P<0.05), education of the household head and extension services (p<0.1) increased farmer adoption to ISFM. However, participation in off-farm activities (P<0.05) reduced the likelihood of adoption of ISFM. The welfare effects of adoption showed that ISFM can generate sizeable gains in maize and pigeon peas yields, and increase household per capita consumption and food security status of adopting households in the study area (P<0.05). This study revealed that adoption of ISFM can increase welfare of smallholder farmers in Tanzania. There is need to strengthen agricultural extension services through agricultural training on ISFM. Further, it is vital that farmer access to ISFM package is increased and improved through access to affordable credit subsidies on agricultural inputs.
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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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    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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    Characteristics of effective nutrition-agricultural extension interventions: Lessons from civil society extension organizations in Uganda
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-10) Sitenda, T. ; Mangheni, N.M. ; Walekhwa, P. ; Kabahenda, M.K.
    Conventional agricultural extension interventions have focused on production objectives with limited attention on nutrition. Recently, there has been a new thrust by the international and regional organizations as well as national governments to adopt extension interventions that engage farmers to improve their dietary practices and achieve nutrition outcomes. However, little has been documented on how these extension interventions can effectively facilitate the desired changes. The objective of the study was to identify characteristics of extension interventions that facilitate changes in farmers’ dietary practices. The study was conducted in Kihihi and Nyamirama subcounties of Kanungu District in South-western, Uganda. These communities are served by two civil society extension organizations; Africa2000Network (A2N) and Community Connector (CC). Nine in-depth Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 98 farmers were conducted to collect qualitative data about the interventions and their effect on farmers’ dietary practices. Two FGDs were conducted with extension workers to complement the farmers’ opinions. Results show that interventions that involve both men and women for trainings facilitated positive changes in dietary practices. Messages that go beyond food production and intake to include hygiene fostered positive change in the dietary practices. Furthermore, methods that were considered effective engaged farmers beyond formal training settings and included entertainment by incorporating drama, songs, and radio talk shows during their leisure time. Drama was pointed out as the most effective method. Conversely, individual methods mainly farmer-to-farmer visits and individual-learning through reading nutrition books were not well rated by farmers. Thus, the extension interventions that mix a variety of methods, more especially those that target men and women; reach farmers during their leisure time; train farmers on food production, food in-take, household hygiene and savings; conduct activities in accessible venues; and partner with universities to incorporate research findings to inform their design; facilitate positive changes in farmers’ dietary practices.
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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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    Community transformation through research, innovations and knowledge translation.
    (Directorate of Research and Graduate Training, 2015)
    The Directorate of Research and Graduate Training is pleased to share with you some of the research outputs from the Third phase of the Makerere-Sida bilateral research programme, 2010–2015. The Swedish research cooperation with Uganda was initiated in 2000 and consisted of institutional research capacity strengthening.
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    Consumers’ knowledge and preferences for organic vegetables in Tanzania
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-10) Sendewa, D.D. ; Elepu, G. ; Temu, A.
    In the last few years, organic food consumption has increased globally. This increase is due to widely reported incidents of some dangerous diseases related associated with consumption of food products produced with high levels of industrial pesticides and fertilizer. Consumers’ consciousness on health and food safety has been reported globally and has stimulated the growth of the organic market in the world. Tanzania is one of the countries in which consumers are conscious of what they consume, although the domestic market for organic products is still very low. Consumers’ food knowledge and preferences contributes to the growth of domestic market of selected products, yet this is unknown in Tanzania. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to examine consumers’ level of knowledge and their preferences with regard to organic vegetables in Tanzania. Data were collected in Dar es Salaam from 250 respondents. Descriptive statistics using SPSS software was used to determine the level of awareness/knowledge among consumers and their preferences. Results indicated that majority of consumers (82.4%) were aware of organic products in particular organic vegetables. The critical issue observed was how to get pure organic products in the local market since it is difficult to differentiate organic from conventional products in the absence of labeling. Fifty six percent (56%) of the respondents did not know how to differentiate organic from conventional vegetables. About 54% and 46% of respondents prefer quality cabbages and tomatoes, respectively, when making purchase decisions in the market. These results will provide key information for the organic food industry to promote the growth of domestic organic food markets along the value chain in Tanzania.
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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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    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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    Diversity and utilization of selected edible indigenous fruit trees in Northern Uganda
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, RUFORUM, 2016-10) Ogwali, H. ; Agea, J.G. ; Okullo, J.B.L.
    Tropical fruit trees constitute important biological resources in the global agro-biodiversity context. Unlike the tropical fruit trees of American and Asian origin, indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) of tropical Africa have scarcely achieved the status of international recognition in commodity markets and research arena. This study was undertaken in a sub-humid area of northern Uganda to document the diversity of edible IFTs and evaluate domestic consumption and market potential of the selected IFTs. Semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, focused group discussions (FDGs) and transect walks were done to document diversity of IFTs and their utilization in the study area. A total of 302 respondents were interviewed. Results showed that there are 34 edible indigenous fruit trees in the study area. Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaetn, Phoenix reclinata Jacq, Ximenia Americana L, Vitex doniana sweet, and Tamarindus indica L. were the priority ranked fruit trees. Meanwhile Vangueria apiculata K. schum, Ximenia americana L, and Saba comorensis (Boj.) Pichon were perceived as the most threatened species. Results of the Rapid market surveys (RMS) showed that Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaetn is the most understood, highly protected and valued IFT. Others of importance include: Tamarindus indica L, Carissa edulis Vahl, Ximenia Americana L, Vitex doniana sweet, Saba comorensis (Boj.) Pichon and Vangueria apiculata K. schum. These results reveal the need to undertake more studies on unlocking the potentials of IFTs such as Tamarindus indica L, Carissa edulis Vahl, Ximenia Americana L, Vitex doniana sweet, Saba comorensis (Boj.) Pichon and Vangueria apiculata K. schum that are highly preferred because of their market potential.
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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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    Documenting and disseminating agricultural Indigenous knowledge for sustainable food security in Uganda
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-10) Kaddu, S. ; Haumba, E.N.
    Indigenous Knowledge (IK) has for long been an integral part for maintaining and strengthening sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural communities. Indigenous Knowledge is socio-economically affordable, sustainable, involves minimum risk to rural farmers and producers, and it is better for conserving natural resources. Indigenous Knowledge in rural agricultural communities has supported agricultural practices be productive and environmentally sustainable even under extremely challenging conditions. Despite interferences from the colonial practices and systems, IK remains highly practiced in rural communities. This work examines the concept of Agricultural Indigenous Knowledge (AIK) focusing on how the AgShare methodology is promoting the documentation and dissemination of AIK and how the AIK is promoting sustainable food security and improving livelihoods among rural communities. It also highlights the achievements of the project as well as challenges in the protection and preservation of IK in the selected rural communities in Uganda. Data were collected using focus group discussions. Field visits were also made to the three districts to observe unplanned acts, activities and events while taking videos and audio information recorded through the use of smart-phones. Pictures and documents were reviewed. From the study findings, three forms of AIK were revealed namely: pest and disease management, food/grain storage and preservation, and soil fertility management. Indigenous Knowledge has remained un-documented pausing a threat to its consistency and sustained utilization. Limited access to relevant and usable AIK among diverse stakeholders is a major constraint to its utilization. Based on the experience from the AgShare methodology implementation, it is hoped that development partners, rural farmers, agricultural faculties of African Universities and researchers will leapfrog in the utilisation of IK as well as rejuvenate the discourse on its preservation.
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    Effect of amylase activity in germinated maize flour on viscosity, energy and nutrient density of complementary porridge
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-10) Yaredi, P. ; Nabubuya, A. ; Msuya, J.
    This study aimed at determining amylase activity in different maize varieties during germination and developing an energy and nutrient dense maize complementary porridge using different amounts of germinated maize flour. Two varieties of maize grains were collected, cleaned, and soaked for 24 hours at room temperature (25±2°C). Each variety was germinated for 168 hours (7 days) separately at soaking temperature, dried using a conventional oven at 60°C for 24 hours, and milled into flour. Standard procedures were used to determine the amylase activity of the two varieties. Results showed that amylase activity in the two varieties increased consistency until the fourth day and then decreased thereafter. The yellow maize flour had average amylase activity of 12.41CU/g compared to the white maize flour (10.73CU/g). Addition of germinated maize flour at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% rates yielded porridges with viscosities of 2130, 1860, 1326 and 1230 cP, and energy and nutrient density of 376.59, 375.35, 372.24 and 377.22 kcal/100g, respectively. Since these porridges were developed targeting children in the age range of 6-24 months, the porridges have appropriate, viscosities, energy and nutrient densities which will supply the needs of the target group especially children aged 9-11 months, both for milk breastfed and complementary fed.
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    Effect of cultivar and thermotherapy combined with meristem-tip culture on eliminating prevalent viruses infecting potato in Uganda
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-10) Waswa, M. ; Kakuhenzire, R. ; Ochwo-Ssemakula, M.
    Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important crop in eastern and south-western highlands agro-ecological zone of Uganda where it is suitable for bridging periods of food shortage. However, production is constrained by viruses which reduce yield through accelerating tuber degeneration. Current management practices include serological indexing of mother plants to identify virus free plants for initiating in tissue culture. Healthy tissue culture plantlets are subsequently used to produce clean mini-tubers which are bulked in open fields to obtain sizeable amounts of pre-basic and basic seed. This process is characterized by low multiplication rates, requiring several generations of field multiplications to produce sizable amounts of seed. Repeated multiplications result in progressive virus infections leading to seed degeneration and subsequently dropping high yielding cultivars from the seed system. This process can be reversed by efficient virus elimination methods whose success depends on type of virus, plant species and cultivar type. Therefore this study generally aimed at evaluating and determining appropriate procedures for virus elimination from selected potato cultivars in Uganda. Specific objectives of the study were: (i) to establish the incidence and distribution of major potato viruses in key potato producing districts of Uganda and then (ii) establish the optimum temperature exposure period for maximum virus elimination from selected virus-infected potato cultivars. Leaf Samples were collected from farmers’ fields and assayed for viruses using double antibody sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) aided by a plate reader at 405 nm wavelength. Prevalent viruses were eventually subjected to thermotherapy for 0, 2, 3 or 4 weeks at 37-400C; 16 hours of light and 30-340C; and 8 hours of darkness. The study identified four of the six most important viruses; Potato virus X (PVX), Potato virus S (PVS), Potato virus M (PVM) and Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) at 64.9, 78.9, 3.1 and 21.2 % incidencies respectively across districts. Results indicated that virus elimination efficiency significantly (P≤0.05) varied between the four virus elimination treatments, cultivars and viruses.
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    Enhancing agricultural knowledge sharing among smallholder farmers in Uganda: An evaluation of mobile and web technologies
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-10) Mwesigwa, E. ; Tulinayo, F.P. ; Mirembe, D.P.
    Agricultural information is critical in improving smallholder agricultural production and linking increased production to markets. Publically funded research and indigenous knowledge are the main sources of agricultural knowledge for smallholder farmers. It is important to ensure that knowledge is disseminated to users to support the innovation process. Information and communication technology (ICT) play a critical role in expediting knowledge sharing and management in a cost effective manner. The emergence of ICTs such as mobile phones has opened unprecedented possibilities to advance smallholder farming. In this paper, we present a review on the use of mobile phones to enhance agricultural knowledge sharing among smallholder farmers.
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    Evaluation of biochemical components as a mechanism of cassava resistance to whitefly infestation in Uganda
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-10) Mwila, N. ; Rubaihayo, S. ; Kyamanywa, S. ; Odong, T. ; Nuwamanya, E. ; Mwala, M.
    Bemisia tabaci is one of the most common whitefly species worldwide that have been identified to cause serious harm in various crops through direct damage and as a vector of viral diseases. In Uganda, cassava varieties used have succumbed to the ever increasing populations of the pest and have resulted in severe damage and epidemics. Through complex interactions with the plant, the pest feeds by tapping into the phloem of plant and as it maneuvers on the plant is reported to minimize plant defense responses. A number of cassava varieties have exhibited low populations of the pest and low damage levels worldwide. Although several metabolite components have been shown to be present in some cassava varieties, the resistance mechanisms operating in cassava to B. tabaci have not been well understood. The changes that occur in metabolite content as a result of the interaction with B. tabaci and their effect on crop resistance to the pest have not been well elucidated. It is therefore critical that knowledge is generated on the metabolites in cassava that may be associated with B. tabaci resistance as a means for enhancing breeding of resistant cassava genotypes. This review article presents a summary on cassava resistance to B. tabaci research status and the development of breeding research in Uganda.
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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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    Evaluation of the response of rice genotypes to bacterial leaf streak disease in Uganda
    (Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2016-10) Kanaabi, M. ; Tukamuhabwa, P. ; Tusiime, G. ; Lamo, J.
    Destructive rice diseases like bacterial leaf streak (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola) have been reported to be on the increase. In 2014, researchers in Uganda spotted signs typical of bacterial leaf streak disease (BLS) in rice fields in Butalejja, Namutumba, and Iganga districts in Eastern Uganda. Bacterial leaf streak is one of the devastating diseases of rice in subtropical Asia and parts of Africa, causing yield loss of up to 60% in susceptible varieties. Host plant resistance has been suggested as the most effective way of managing the disease. However, the reaction of rice genotypes to the disease in Uganda is not yet known. A study was conducted with the objective of identifying sources of resistance to bacterial leaf streak disease in Uganda. Thirty five rice genotypes were evaluated for their reaction to the disease using a BLS isolate (BLS 78) collected from Namulonge in Wakiso district in Central Uganda using the infiltration method with a needleless syringe. Inoculation was done at 30 days after planting and data collected 15 days after inoculation. Data was collected on the streak length induced by BLS on the inoculated leaves. The mean streak length per rice genotype was interpreted as; Resistant (R), 0 < SL ≤ 1mm, Moderately Resistant (MR), 1 < SL ≤ 10mm, Moderately Susceptible (MS), 10 < SL ≤ 30 mm, Susceptible (S) SL > 30mm. The mean streak length due to BLS varied signficantly (p<0.001) among the genotypes. The observations ranged from highly resistant in Nerica1, Nerica 6 and IURON plot 7 to highly susceptible in Du 363. Only three genotypes were found to be resistant, eight were moderately resistant, 11 were moderately susceptible while 12 were found to be susceptible. The resistant genotypes identified could be used as sources of genes for introgression into susceptible but agronomically desirable rice genotypes in the country.
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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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    The fifth African Higher Education Week and RUFORUM Biennial Conference 2016
    (RUFORUM, 2016-09) Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture
    This is a programme for the pre-events for the fifth African Higher Education Week and RUFORUM Biennial Conference 2016.