Uganda Journal of Agricultural Science (UJAS)
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Effects of Wetland Policy on Conservation and Household Incomes in Kabale District, Uganda
Get PDFAbstract. This study aimed at establishing why wetland degradation persists in Uganda despite Ramsar and other wetland policy interventions. The objectives were to assess local peoples’ attitudes towards wetlands; assess the level of illegal activities in wetlands; and assess the contribution of wetland management programs and projects to household incomes. We used a cross-sectional mixed methods design and targeted 120 respondents, including residents and opinion leaders in Kabale District. The study showed that fifty three percent of the respondents perceived wetlands favourably. Fifty seven percent of the respondents reported illegal activities of burning followed by hunting at 20%. Twenty two percent did not get any monetary income from wetlands while 43 percent reported getting between shillings 10,000-100,000 annually. Only 12 percent reported getting above 1 millionshillings. Illegal activities persisted because of land shortage and being desperate due to lack of other alternatives. In Kabale District, only Nyamuriro wetland project, covering Ikumba and Muko sub counties, implemented wetland restoration. We concluded that the wetland policy has had little impact on household incomes and illegal activities in wetlands. We recommended continuous sensitisation
Coffee Berry Moth, Prophantis smaragdina (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): Another threat to Robusta coffee, Coffea canephora production in Uganda
Get PDFA structured questionnaire eliciting farmers’ knowledge of Coffee Berry Moth (CBM) was administered to 10 coffee farmers selected in the villages surrounding Kaweri. Additionally, 10 coffee trees were assessed for CBM infestation in farmers’ gardens and at Kaweri. Half of the farmers knew CBM and >50% of them first observed it on their coffee recently. However, 42.8% of them thought CBM causes no effect on coffee yields. Furthermore, 57.2% of them could identify the pest by the characteristic silk webs and the same percentage was aware that CBM causes more damage during the dry season. Majority (71.2%) of them did not know the effect of shade on its infestation while all of them were not aware of any alternative host for it. Lastly, only 14.2% of the farmers mentioned that they were managing CBM. At plot level, CBM was observed in all the Kaweri sections and farmers’ gardens assessed and the infestation was significantly (p≤0.05) higher at Kaweri than in farmers’ gardens. Infestation decreased significantly (p≤0.05) with increase in pruning and intercropping. The results showed that CBM is gaining economic importance as a pest of Robusta coffee in Uganda. However, limited farmers’ knowledge about its management, coupled with scanty literature, points to urgent need for research towards developing integrated management strategies for it
Field-based Evidence of the Black Coffee Twig Borer infesting Maesopsis eminii in Coffee Agro-systems in Kiboga District, Uganda
Get PDFAbstract. Despite Ugandan coffee farmers’ preference for Maesopsis eminii as a shade tree, the species is an alternate host for the black coffee twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff)—amajor insect pest of coffee in the country. Wilting and drying of leaves and branches of young M. eminii trees (<5 m tall) observed in Kiboga District, Uganda. The branches were trimmed off the trees, separated into primary and secondary branches and then the percentage of those possessing characteristic X. compactus entry holes determined separately. Additionally, the number of entry holes on both primary and secondly branches was established to determine the extent of damage of X. compactus. X. compactus characteristic holes were observed on both primary and secondary branches of M. eminii - percentage of branches having entry holes and the number of entry holes higher on primary than secondary branches. Dissecting the branches at the entry holes revealed various life stages of X.compactus in the gallery, proving that the damage was due to the pest. Presence of this pest on trees that are inter-planted in the coffee agroforestry systems presents a dilemma in managing it. Therefore, research should be geared towards designing management strategies for the pest in the coffee agroforestry systems. In the meantime, farmers should always trim-off and burn all infested parts from coffee and other plants inter-planted in it
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection in Goats in Sironko District, Eastern Uganda
Get PDFAbstract. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal parasite (GIP)infections in goats in Sironko District. Randomly selected livestock farmers (28) were interviewed. Two hundred twenty (220) faecal and blood samples were analysed using laboratory techniques. The overall prevalence of GIP was 74.5 percent. Nematodes were the most prevalent (61.8%). The level of GIP infections were; Eimeria (37.7%), Haemonchus contortus (36.4%), Trichostrongylus (43.6%), Strongyloides (14.6%), Strongyle (12.7%), Nematodirus (0.9%), Moneizia (14.55%) and Fasciola (11.82%). Further analysis showed high (48.6%) anaemia in adult goats. The most significant risk factors were location of farm (p=0.001), production system (p=0.045) and frequency of deworming (p=0.023). It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of GIP linked with heavy infection in the area. Therefore, it is imperative to promote agricultural adaptation strategies that will strengthen the farmers’ resilience
Molecular Characterization and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Edwardsiella tarda isolated from Farmed Nile Tilapia and African Catfish from Wakiso, Uganda
Get PDFAbstract. This study was conducted to isolate and characterize Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) and assess its antimicrobial susceptibility. The bacterium was isolated in Wakiso District, Uganda, from symptomatic and asymptomatic Nile tilapia and African catfish raised in earthen ponds, tanks and cages between September 2016 and February 2017. The bacterium was then identified using conventional biochemical tests and API 20E test kits and characterized by sequencing 16S rRNAgene. The antibiotic susceptibility of 16 drugs was established using the Kirby BeurDisc diffusion method. Eight E. tarda isolates were identified using conventional biochemical tests but only one isolate was confirmed to be E. tarda by PCR. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a distant relationship with other 16S rRNA gene sequences retrieved from the GenBank. Six virulence genes (CitC, muk, gadB, katB, esaV, and fimA) that enhance bacterial survival and pathogenesis in the host were detected. The isolate registered low levels of antibiotic resistance as it was resistant only to Oxacillin, Vancomycin and Penicillin, to which it is intrinsically resistant. This implies low antibiotic usage in aquaculture in the area. Despite its low occurrence, presence of virulent genes in E. tarda indicates its potential to affect fish and human health
Occurrence and distribution of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Water and Sediments of Earthen Fish Ponds in South Western Kenya
Get PDFAbstract. Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquatic organisms and pose a health risk to both animals and human consumers. Organochlorine pesticides were determined in water and sediments collected during wet and dry season from selected riverine and earthen fish pond sites in high altitude catchment areas within Kuja River (Kenya) between August 2016–May, 2017. Analysis of DDT and metabolites, Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) isomers and cyclodienes using a gas chromatograph (GC), and electron capture detector (ECD), confirmed using GC - Mass Spectrometry (MS). Mean (± Standard error) results of DDTs, cyclodienes and HCHs in pond waters were:- below detection level (BDL) to 0.27±0.03g/L, BDL to 0.11±0.00g/L, and 4.39±1.01g/L respectively; and BDL to 0.23±0.01g/L, 1.20±0.005g/L, and 1.71±0.02g/L in river water respectively. Sediment mean OCPs contents were significantly (p<0.05) higher for Dieldrin (3.043±0.43g/kg), Endrin (2.56±0.460g/kg), Heptachlor (3.61±0.02g/kg) DDT (2.97±1.32g/kg), Endosulfan (6.31.27±1.051g/kg), Methoxychlor (2.15± 1.641g/kg) and Lindane (2.96±1.32g/kg), respectively. A longitudinal spatial distribution pattern was noted for both water and sediment OCPs contents, demonstrating that cyclodienes are predominant contaminants in point and non-point sources in water courses. The study recommends continuous monitoring of OCPs in upstream catchment areas for informed management and policy decisions on pesticide use
Host Range of Cotton Flea Beetle (Podagrica puncticollis) in a Hot Dry Tropical Environment of Ethiopia
Get PDFAbstract. Cotton flea beetle, Podagrica puncticollis is the most destructive insect pest of cotton in north-western part of Ethiopia. This study was conducted to identify and determine the host range of cotton flea beetle in Metema area. The field survey was undertaken from June 27, 2015 to January 9, 2016 in ten kebele administrations of the district. At least three fields were prospected after every 15 days, in each kebele for host plants as well as to determine population density and percent leaf damage by adult cotton flea beetle, at different growth stages of cotton plant. The composition of plant species with damaged symptom or infested by flea beetle was analysed using quantitative means and identified by comparing specimens with description of identification manuals. A total of 11 host plant species of cotton flea beetle were identified in the cotton growing areas of Metema throughout a season. Indigofera longibarbata (Fabaceae), Hibiscus articulatus, H. cannabinus, H. vitifolius, Abutilon figarianum, Sida alba and S. urens (Malvaceae), Bidens pilosa and B. setigera (Asteraceae),Corchorus olitorius and C. trilocularis (Tiliaceae) found to be common host plants of cotton flea beetle. Thus, among the host plants, H. vitifolius, H. cannabinus, H. articulatus, C. olitorius and C. trilocularis were the most suitable hosts for adult cotton flea beetle in respect of the number of adults per plant and percent foliage damage they sustained. These findings could aid in developing longterm management strategies for this important insect pest existing in a hot dry tropical environment of north-western Ethiopia
Ecosystem Integrity of the Upper Victoria Nile in East Africa based on Habitat and Fish Species Biotic Indices
Get PDFRiverine ecosystems are continuously been compromised by human activities resulting in threatening their integrity. In this study, integrity of Upper Victoria Nile River was assessed using habitat quality and fish biotic indices. Experimental gillnetting was done bi-annually in 9 stations along the river from 2008 to 2018. Nine habitat metrics were used to estimate habitat quality index at every sampling station. Fish sampled, were sorted, identified to species level, and weighed. Counts of introduced and indigenous as well as tolerant and intolerant species were recorded to generate species richness. A total of 10.642 fish, 65 species belonging to nine families were recorded. Dominant species were Lates niloticus 62.79%, Oreochromis niloticus 23.51%, Mormyrus kannume 13.64%; other species were ≤0.06%. Tolerance and trophic guild showed carnivores (61.5%), omnivores (21.5%) and detrivores (16.9%).Mean habitat quality index, total fish catch and fish-based index of biotic integrity varied among stations with highest record of 26.6±6.9, 289.2±51.8 and 30.6±7.9 at sampling station (ST4) respectively. The lowest was 19.4±7.3, 93.1±13.2 and 26.7±6.8 at sampling station (ST2) respectively. On a spatial basis, indices recorded significant differences among stations (p < 0.05). Results indicated a fair fisheries biodiversity that need better conservation management of habitat type of the upper Nile
Stock Assessment of Lates niloticus in Upper Victoria Nile and its Impact on Uganda’s Economy
Get PDFAbstract. This study investigated the growth, mortality, recruitment, and catch estimates of Nile perch, Lates niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), in Upper Victoria Nile, basing on total catches and lengthfrequency data collected between 2008 and 2018. The asymptotic length (L∞) had a value of 93.45 cm TL, growth curvature (K) was 0.446 year-1, total mortality (Z) was 1.85year-1, natural mortality (M) was 0.79 year-1, fishing mortality (F) was 1.09 year-1, exploitation rate (E) was 0.59 and growth performance index(ᴓ) of (L∞) was 3.604. There were two peaks recruitment period, a minor one in March and a major one in August. These respectively accounted for 12.8 and 26.3 percent of the total catch. The optimum sustainable yield (E0.5), maximum sustainable yield (Emax) and, economic yield (E0.1) was 0.278, 0.421 and 0.355 respectively. The findings suggest that there is a decline in the population of Lates niloticus in Upper Victoria Nile. Therefore, strict management of the fishery by adhering to the recommended slot size of 50-85 cm TL and curtailing use of illegal gears is needed. This will be possible through enforcement of regulations, monitoring, control and surveillance in order to ensure sustainability of the Nile perch fishery and ecosystem restoration in the Upper Victoria Nile
Effect of Digestate from Rubber Processing Effluent on Soil Properties
Get PDFAbstract. Anaerobic digestion of rubber processing effluent (RPE) was conducted at 1:1 Effluent to Inoculums ratio to obtain biogas at a 40–day retention time. The physicochemical properties of the RPE were determined before and after anaerobic digestion. Digestate obtained thereof was used as soil amendment to investigate its bio-fertility potential. To study the effects, three kilograms (3Kg) of soil samples were separately treated with 0, 200, 400, 600 of the digested RPE. The effluent applied were thoroughly mixed with the soil, watered regularly and left for eight weeks for adequate mineralisation and equilibration. The soil physicochemical properties were determined before and after the amendment. The results from the amended soils showed that application of the digestate enhanced soil quality (as soil organic carbon, N, P, K, Ca, Na and % base saturation were significantly higher than in the control). However, the soil pH remained in the acidic region and the soil exchangeable acidity reduced