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Strategies for climatic risk adaptation by smallholder livestock farmers in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Rural Innovations of Makerere University.In less developed countries, like Ethiopia, climate change has been challenging for national economy and social development. It superimposed devastating risks on livestock farmers. Recurrently, the risks adversely affected livestock production, food security, income and the wellbeing of the farmers in the country. Hence, the farmers need to adapt and keep rearing their livestock and meet their food demands. Ethiopian government made various efforts to support smallholder livestock farmers (SHLF) to adapt to climatic risks. However, the farmers in northern parts of Ethiopia, particularly North Wollo zone, are still vulnerable to the risks. Understanding whether adaptive capacity existed or not in the study area is important to design adaptation strategy. Limited information existed to explain adaptive capacity of the smallholder livestock farmers in north Wollo zone. Therefore, this study examined existing adaptation strategies, accessing information, and supporting institutions in building adaptive capacity of the farmers to climatic risks. The study was conducted in North Wollo zone using a mixed research design. Cross-sectional survey research and case-study research designs were employed. For the former, multistage sampling design was used to select the sample. Data were collected using a household (HH) survey from 317 randomly selected SHLF from three agro-ecological zones. FGD was conducted to complement the information of the survey. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS and STATA were used for data analysis. For the case-study research, purposive sampling was used to select relevant institutions and individuals. Data were collected using FGD and KIIs from 41 farmers and 37 experts, and analysed with thematic and SNA. Gephi was the software used for SNA. The study results reveal that the importance of livestock species and climatic risks varied across agroecologies. Accordingly, different adaptation strategies were used in the highland, midland and lowland of north Wollo zone. In all agro-ecologies, however, feed storing and animal health caring were the common adaptation strategies. In breed improvement, the farmers in the highland and midland used crossbreeding as an important adaptation strategies while animal selection in the lowland. In livestock husbandry adaptation strategy, selective feeding, indoors feeding and herd size reduction were prominent adaptation strategies in the highland, midland and lowland, respectively. In natural resource management, water harvesting was commonly practicing strategy in the highland while SWC and tree plantation in midland and lowland. The study also reveals that SHLFs accessed relevant information for their climatic risk adaptation. Yet, the information was inadequate and not easily accessible to use. Local meetings and training were the major information accessing methods (IAMs) for SHLFs. Personal character, agro-ecology, and information type determined farmers’ decision in using a particular AIMs. Moreover, the study reveals the importance of supporting institutions in climatic risk adaptation. Different institutions existed from public, private, and civil institutions. Public institutions supported the farmers in livestock production improvement and risks management. While private institutions built climatic risks resilience of the farmers; and civil institutions built their social capital and self-reliance in performing new technologies and way of doings. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that smallholder livestock farmers need diverse adaptation strategies, quality information, and supportive institutions to build their adaptive capacity to climatic risks. Therefore, planers should have agro-ecology based knowledge in planning climatic risk adaptation strategies for SHLFs. Extension workers should easily access relevant and adequate information to SHLFs using combined IAMs to build their adaptive capacity to climatic risks. Similar research should be conducted in food secure areas of the Amhara region and elsewhere in Ethiopia to give a full picture and design pragmatic adaptation strategies for smallholder livestock farmers at regional level and national level.RUFORUM-DAA
Plastics pollution and environmental garbage law governance in Uganda a case for sustainable progress
No full textA bookPlastics Pollution and Environmental Garbage Law Governance in Uganda: A Case for Sustainable Progress" The relentless surge of plastic pollution has become a global crisis, threatening the very fabric of our ecosystems and human health. In the heart of East Africa, Uganda serves as both a microcosm of the challenges posed by plastic waste and a beacon of hope for crafting effective solutions. This book is a journey through Uganda's compelling narrative of grappling with plastics pollution while striving for sustainable progress. This work delves into the profound ecological and health implications of plastic waste, underscoring the pressing need for environmental garbage law governance. By navigating the intricate landscape of Uganda's existing policies and legislation, we illuminate the pivotal role of regulatory frameworks in guiding waste management practices. From the vantage point of governance, we explore the collaborative dance between government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities. We spotlight transformative interventions that are orchestrating a shift towards sustainable practices, presenting case studies that elucidate the tangible impact of these initiatives. The economic and social facets of sustainable progress are dissected, revealing the intricate interplay between environmental stewardship and socio-economic resilience. This book examines the challenges that beset the path to sustainable progress and charts a course toward overcoming them. Guided by the insights of key stakeholders, this work culminates in a comprehensive blueprint for tackling plastic pollution and propelling Uganda's journey toward sustainable progress. It is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, underscoring the global relevance of Uganda's experience in shaping environmental destiny. As a clarion call to policymakers, activists, scholars, and citizens, "Plastics Pollution and Environmental Garbage Law Governance in Uganda: A Case for Sustainable Progress" imparts a vital message: that the trajectory towards a cleaner, healthier future hinges on the synergy between effective governance, community action, and visionary leadership. In the crucible of Uganda's story, we find a source of inspiration and guidance for addressing one of the defining challenges of our time
Strategies for enhancing Mortgage Financing accessibility in Uganda: analyzing urban house developers awareness, challenges, and Bank credit professionals' perceptions.
No full textA Thesis submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Makerere University.In Uganda, stringent mortgage eligibility terms impede access to housing finance services, deterring many prospective house developers from obtaining loans. Within a positivist research paradigm, this study investigates the dynamics of mortgage financing for house developers in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), Uganda. The background of the study highlights the increasing demand for affordable housing and the barriers to mortgage access, which include stringent eligibility criteria and high interest rates. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative insights from interviews with house developers and bank credit professionals. This research used systematic sampling to administer 400 questionnaires to house developers affiliated with the Housing Finance Bank and Centenary Bank and to conduct six key informant interviews with bank professionals. The researcher utilized library and archival sources to review existing literature and historical data relevant to mortgage financing, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
The study used descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to analyse factors influencing house developers’ likelihood of acquiring mortgages and to explore supply-side actors’ perspectives on mortgage financing. The logistic regression models revealed the significant impact of house developers’ awareness, attitudes, and challenges on their access to long-term housing loans, with statistically significant model results (chi-square values of 66.506, 84.287, and 73.317, respectively; p-values of 0.000). In conclusion, the house developers' awareness model indicated that the 21-day mortgage period, bribing officials, and principal reduction significantly affect mortgage acquisition. The attitudes model demonstrated that perceptions of available financing sources, ease of accessing mortgage financing, and the complexity of the process significantly impact mortgage acquisition likelihood. The house developer challenges model highlighted that paying mortgage processing fees of 2% and providing proof of a verifiable income source are significant challenges affecting the odds of obtaining a mortgage.
Recommendations focus on improving mortgage accessibility in Uganda through lower interest rates, better loan terms, and tackling corruption. The study advocates for collaboration between government and regulators to enhance mortgage access and proposes policy and practical interventions for policymakers, financial institutions, and house developers. Key recommendations include streamlining mortgage processing, subsidizing fees, increasing awareness of mortgage benefits, and combating bribery to improve efficiency and transparency. The research integrates findings from logistic regression models and library sources, offering insights into mortgage acquisition factors and informing stakeholders on enhancing mortgage financing systems in GKMA, Uganda.DRGT Makerere University,
Uganda Government through PhD Makrif and
HEED-Afric
Mathematical Models for the Dynamics of Asthma Development: Effect of Immunological, Environmental and Genetic Determinants
No full textA Thesis Submitted in Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics of Makerere UniversityEnvironmental pollutants continue to pose a great threat to public health, leading to the development of chronic diseases. Susceptibility to the development of asthma may be influenced by either environmental exposure in the presence or absence of genetic predisposition. A nonlinear mathematical model is formulated and analyzed to study the effect of genetic risk, environmental pollutants, and public health education/awareness on asthma development. Conditions for the existence of the unique positive steady-state and permanence of the system were assessed. Using Lyapunov function analysis, the unique positive steady-state is locally and globally asymptotically stable. Results revealed that genetic risk, pollutant emission rate, effective exposure rate of the population to polluted environment, and recurrence rate contribute to asthma prevalence. However, sufficiently effective pollutant reduction strategies and improvement in compliance with public health education/awareness together with human-dependent environmental pollutant depletion lead to a marked reduction in disease prevalence. Within-host, asthma pathogenesis involves activities of other T helper (Th) cells, such as Th17 cells apart from the known Th1-Th2 cell interaction due to its severity. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, Interleukin (IL)-23/IL-1β mainly produced by macrophages, are considered essential for differentiating Th17 cells which mediate neutrophilic inflammation (a major inflammatory characteristic of severe asthma, and resistant to available therapy). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure variation induces eosinophilic phenotype mediated by Th2 cells, neutrophilic phenotype mediated by Th17 cells, or their coexistence in severe asthma. We developed a model for the regulation of Th2 cells, Th17 cells, and macrophages, incorporating IL-23/IL-1β cytokines as LPS exposure varies and predicted conditions for therapeutic interventions. The model exhibited two cases of steady states in the absence and presence of LPS with a transcritical forward bifurcation and mono-, bi-stability with hysteresis related to asthma severity, respectively. Bifurcation analysis predicted that the secretion rate of IL-23/IL-1β cytokines together with the leaving rate of macrophages are significant factors influencing neutrophilic inflammation, suggesting them as targets for an effective therapeutic protocol in controlling asthma severity moving the system further towards a more healthy outcome.1. Makerere University Tuition Waiver.
2. African Severe Asthma Project, Makerere University Lung Institute
Agency banking in Uganda: a case of Equity Bank Uganda; opportunities and challenges, a case of Equity Bank, Wandegeya Branch.
No full textA research proposal submitted to the College of Business and Management Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Masters of Degree of Business Administration of Makerere UniversityThis study examined the opportunities and challenges of Agency banking in reference to Equity Bank Uganda Limited. The study was premised on three objectives; to examine the opportunities provided by agency banking to customers of Equity Bank Uganda Limited, to assess the challenges faced by the banking agents at Equity Bank Uganda Limited, and to recommend strategies that can improve Agency Banking at Equity Bank Uganda Limited. The study employed a cross-sectional and descriptive research with a mixed study approach which involved collecting numerical data from 70 customers and interviewing 8 key informants. Quantitative Data was analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SSPS Version 27) while qualitative Data was analyzed using Atlas ti. The study found that the agency banking reduces queuing for branch services, makes banking activities easier, increases accessibility, enhances electronic transactions, contributes to financial inclusion, and encourages savings. However, challenges include uncertainties about reliability, low internet access, security concerns, network instability, technical issues, and lack of legal frameworks. Customers also disagree with the high fees and charges associated with agency banking services. To improve adoption, the study recommends collaborating with local businesses and community organizations, providing awareness campaigns, robust security measures, increasing outlets, offering incentives, user-friendly interfaces, dedicated customer support services, and lowering fees. These strategies are effective in enhancing customer experience and satisfaction.
Key words; Agent Banking, Relevance, opportunities, challenge
A hypothetical philosophical discourse on power and ideology: Yoweri Museveni in 1986 vs. Yoweri Museveni in 2024
No full textA bookThis book delves into a thought provoking dialogue between the Yoweri Museveni of 1986, who emerged with revolutionary ideals and a vision for democratic reform, and the Yoweri Museveni of 2024, who stands at a crossroads shaped by decades of governance and changing global dynamics. The discourse is purely hypothetical and imaginative, designed to provoke intellectual curiosity and stimulate deep reflection on the nature of political leadership and ideological transformation
Impact of taxation on women's businesses in Nakawa market, Kampala District - Uganda
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Arts in Gender Studies of Makerere University.This research study aims to investigate the Impact of Taxation on Women’s Businesses in Nakawa Market, Kampala District - Uganda. The study objectives focus on i) ascertaining the taxes (taxes, levies, dues and fees) paid by small scale business owners operating in Nakawa Market, ii) exploring the effects of the taxes on market women and performance of their businesses and iii) To examine the motivation of women to pay taxes. The study adopted a cross sectional and descriptive design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data was collected using survey questionnaires and key informant interviews through face-to-face interviews with women entrepreneurs in Nakawa Market. The interviews were conducted using both structured and semi-structured interview guides; and the data was analyzed using SPSS software and thematic analysis. The findings of the study reveal that taxation has a significant impact on women-owned businesses in Nakawa Market. The study found that women entrepreneurs face a range of challenges related to taxation, including high tax rates, complex tax regulations, and limited access to information about tax laws and regulations. The study recommends that the Ugandan government should review its tax policies and regulations to make them more supportive of women-owned businesses. The government should also provide women entrepreneurs with better access to information and resources to help them comply with tax laws and regulations. This will help to promote the growth and development of women-owned businesses in Nakawa Market and other similar markets in Uganda
The construction of subcounty administration block in KOCHEKA subcounty, Bukedea district
No full textA technical report submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of Masters in Construction Management of Makerere UniversityThis report is about the Construction of the Administration Block for Kocheka Sub County in Bukedea District, under which the author participated as Project Manager on the Clients’ side. Detailed construction approach employed and aspects of construction project management practice adopted during the execution phase are also included in the report. The areas discussed at length include the measures I took to ensure the project objectives in terms of cost, quality, time, safety, and environmental aspects were achieved during the execution of the project.
By the time of writing this report, construction works had been concluded, and the project handed over. This project was funded by the Government of the Republic of Uganda at a contract price of TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE MILLION, FOUR HUNDRED NINETY- SEVEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY-THREE SHS (265,497,743 Uganda Shillings), the major objective of the project was to provide decent accommodation for Offices for the Sub County Staff. The contract (ad-measurement) was awarded on February 23rd, 2023, and it took a duration of 3 months to complete.
This report therefore covers the period from contract award to finishes and handover of the project. Generally, the execution and management of this project was a success. Gantt charts were used to manage and control time as concentration was always given to critical activities. Quality was achieved by following standards, specifications, work methods, and close supervision. Costs were also managed through timely resourcing of the activities using the rates provided for the activities. The author ensured the proper involvement of all stakeholders in
the project and the smooth flow of information during the period of project execution
On completion of the project, I noted that, for timely completion of the project, there should be;
Adequate financial resources as per the project estimated cost, Skilled manpower as demanded by the various tasks, Both the contractor and the client should be interested in the project, Site diaries should be used on site, this helps in variation claims and extension of time.
And for Quality Control; It’s always important to have the clerk of works on site, Material test results have to get submitted before the contractor uses a given material, For manufactured materials, it’s important to have a certificate of supply, this will exonerate the supervisor in case of defects after the defect’s liability period, Material testing should always be done by the clients’ team; this helps in the avoidance of compromise, Regular inspection of works, helps in early detection of unwanted works, and hence early remedy, Do not allow influence from the client to pay for un done works, for the contractor will not do as per the standard and it makes its enforcement very difficult.
For Cost Control, one should adhere to the following; Savings within the quantities can be transferred to meet unforeseen items, careful instructions be issued after assessing the cost implications, it should be only the authorized technical person to issue instructions, and record of payment should be properly kept, take off sheets are a must in any project.
For Time Control, one should observe the following; Ensure that the contractor produces a work schedule in the form of a Ghant chart, Critical activities should be properly spelt of and properly plan for their execution.Sel
Experiences and ethical issues during shared decision-making in rural healthcare: A case of Budumba and Butaleja HC III, Uganda
No full textBackground: Shared decision-making (SDM) in healthcare is a collaborative process where patients are supported to make informed decisions according to their preferences. Healthcare decisions affect patients' lives which necessitates patients to participate in decisions concerning their health. This study explored experiences and ethical issues related to SDM in a rural healthcare setting.
Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted at Budumba Health Centre III and Butaleja Health Centre III in rural Eastern Uganda. In this study, 23 in-depth interviews were conducted among 12 healthcare providers and 11 patients. Data was analyzed thematically using NVivo-12 plus software.
Results: Four themes emerged which included: experiences, challenges, strategies for improvement, and ethical issues. Patients at both facilities expressed the need to be involved in decision-making processes. However, many stressed that they are not engaged in decision-making about their health. Many healthcare providers noted that SDM could improve patient prognosis but are faced with challenges related to low male involvement and the influence of cultural and religious practices, including myths and patriarchal attitudes that impact effective patient engagement.
Ethical issues included concerns about informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, deception, and harm. This study highlighted the need for better sensitization of patients and comprehensive training for HCPs to minimize and resolve ethical issues that emerge during SDM processes.
Conclusion: Despite the recognized benefits of SDM in improving patient outcomes, significant barriers persist in rural healthcare, including cultural and religious influences, low male involvement, and ethical concerns related to informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality. Therefore, this study underscores the need for enhancing SDM practices in rural healthcare settings.
Recommendation: There is a need for targeted patient sensitization and comprehensive training for healthcare providers to facilitate meaningful engagement that fosters more effective and ethical SDM processes, ultimately improving patient care in rural settings.Makerere University, College of Health Sciences NIH- SUSTAIN scholarship program
Fogarty International Centre, U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) under grant No. 1 R25 TW009730
Techno-Economic and environmental assessment of Biogas digestate for solid biofuel production.
No full textA dissertation submitted to the graduate school in partial fulfillment for the award of Master of Science degree in renewable energy of Makerere University.This study evaluated the techno-economic and environmental viability of a briquette
production project from digestate. The objectives were to assess the quality of briquettes,
estimate the cost of production, determine the feasibility of the project, and carry out a lifecycle
analysis of the production process. Production cost was estimated from the market price of
commodities and specific economic indicators were used for feasibility analysis. OpenLCA
software was used to carry out the life cycle analysis of the process. Sensitivity analysis was
performed on some essential input parameters that may affect the profitability of the project
and their environmental implications. The experimental procedure carried out produced
briquettes with a calorific value of 14.2Mj/kg which meets the universally accepted briquettes
standard. The economic analysis of the produced biofuel was analyzed to determine its
economic feasibility. For the briquettes production capacity of 193.057 tons/year, the produced
briquettes were sold at 0.5 USD per Kg generating a revenue of 96,528.6 USD per year. The
total production cost is 61,016.15 USD per year. The net profit is 35,512.45 USD per year. The
briquettes production's economic feasibility as analyzed from the investment rate is 53.12%,
the payout period is 4.23 years, and the NPV is 361,404.74 USD for 10 years. A cradle to gate
system boundary was selected for this study, key areas being: Digestate storage, size reduction,
carbonization, briquetting, and transportation of both raw material and final product. The
results obtained from OpenLCA software showed that the process contributed to 3.900E5kg of
CO2 Eq for the global warming impact category,19.074kg 1,4-DCB-Eq for the human toxicity
impact category,1.300E5 moles of H+-eq for the acidification potential impact category, and
4.745-5 kg CFC-11-Eq for the ozone layer depletion impact category. A sensitivity analysis
indicated the effects of the transportation system and energy source on the life cycle’s
environmental impact