Water, Land and Ecosystems - Uganda

Predictable patterns of unsustainable intensification

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 12:41:38 +0000

TypeJournal Article

Languageen

Authors

Rietveld, Anne M.
Groot, Jeroen C.J.
Burg, Margreet van der

To increase understanding of agricultural intensification processes over time and their sustainability, we studied dimensions of sustainability in the context of ongoing expansion of intensive, commercial mono-cropping of banana in Southwestern Uganda. In our approach we considered five dimensions of sustainability: economic, agricultural productivity, environment, social and human. We compared farming systems in 1998 and 2018 and integrated a gender lens. A total of four focus group discussions, two group interviews and fifteen individual interviews (8m / 7f) were conducted, complemented with a discourse analysis of newspaper articles. Results show that although intensification of banana production increased the average income level indicating improvement in the economic dimension, it did not yield sustainable outcomes in the other dimensions. The integrated analysis of five dimensions of sustainability illuminated aspects often neglected in assessment studies or policy-making around agricultural intensification, in particular socio-economic and gender dynamics. We further recognized that the observed local trends are part of a set of patterns that take place throughout the world. We conclude that to advance sustainable development, stakeholders should move away from the current over-emphasis on economic values prioritizing the individual, and that avoiding patterns of unsustainable development requires broadening to environmental and community values.

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Rietveld, A.; Groot, J.C.J.; Van der Burg, M. (2021) Predictable patterns of unsustainable intensification. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, Online first paper (24 June 2021). ISSN: 1473-5903

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/114143

Diversity in nutrient content and consumer preferences of sensory attributes of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties in Ugandan agroecosystems

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 12:41:38 +0000

TypeJournal Article

Languageen

Authors

Nankya, Rose
Mulumba, John W.
Lwandasa, Hannington
Matovu, Moses
Isabirye, Brian
Santis, Paola de
Jarvis, Devra I.

The cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most widely consumed legumes globally due to its nutrient content, taste, and affordability. Nutrient composition and consumer preference were determined for twenty local farmer (landrace) and commercial peanut varieties grown in the Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts of the central wooded savanna of Uganda through sensory and laboratory evaluation. Significant differences in nutrient content (p < 0.05) among peanut varieties were found within and across sites. A significant relationship between nutrient content and consumer preference for varieties within and across sites was also realized (Wilk’s lambda = 0.05, p = 0.00). The differences in nutrient content influenced key organoleptic characteristics, including taste, crunchiness, appearance, and soup aroma, which contributed to why consumers may prefer certain varieties to others. Gender differences in variety selection were significantly related to consumer preference for the crunchiness of roasted peanut varieties (F = 5.7, p = 0.016). The results imply that selecting different varieties of peanuts enables consumers to receive different nutrient amounts, while experiencing variety uniqueness. The promotion of peanut intraspecific diversity is crucial for improved nutrition, organoleptic appreciation and the livelihood of those engaged in peanut value chains, especially for the actors who specialize in different peanut products. The conservation of peanut diversity will ensure that the present and future generations benefit from the nutritional content and organoleptic enjoyment that is linked to unique peanut varieties.

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Nankya, R.; Mulumba, J.W.; Lwandasa, H.; Matovu, M.; Isabirye, B.; De Santis, P.; Jarvis, D.I. (2021) Diversity in nutrient content and consumer preferences of sensory attributes of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties in Ugandan agroecosystems. Sustainability 13:2658 15 p. ISSN: 2071-1050

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/112989

Towards good e-flows practices in the small-scale hydropower sector in Uganda

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:36:32 +0000

TypeJournal Article

Languageen

Authors

O’Brien, G. C.
Dickens, Chris W. S.
Mor, C.
England, M. I.

Stakeholders of the small-scale (<50 MW generation capacity) hydropower sector in Uganda recognise the importance of sustainable development of the resources that have social and ecological importance. Uganda is experiencing a boom in hydropower projects resulting in over generation of electricity and its exportation to neighbouring nations. Limited policies are currently available in Uganda to direct the sustainable development of this sector. Environmental flows (e-flows) practices established for the Nile Basin region and international good e-flows practices can contribute to sustainable management of hydropower developments in Uganda. The paper defines and explains e-flows, identifies water resource attributes of importance for e-flows determination associated with hydropower and threat associated with this activity in Uganda, and provides good e-flows determination and management practices based on regional and international information. The determination and management of e-flows in the hydropower sector in Uganda is largely dependent on the availability of and quality of hydrology, hydraulic and flow-ecosystem and flow-ecosystem service relationship information. This review of good-practice e-flows practice for the small hydropower sector in Uganda provides guidance to support multiple stakeholders of water resources in Uganda for a better future for all of its vulnerable communities and the environments they depend on.

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O’Brien, G. C.; Dickens, Chris W. S.; Mor, C.; England, M. I. 2021. Towards good e-flows practices in the small-scale hydropower sector in Uganda. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 9:579878. [doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.579878]

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Open Access

Research Themes

Variability, Risks and Competing Uses

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/114833

Potential for soil organic carbon sequestration in grasslands in East African countries: A review

Anonymous — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 11:37:41 +0000

TypeJournal Article

Languageen

Authors

Tessema, Bezaye
Sommer, Rolf
Piikki, Kristin
Söderström, Mats
Namirembe, Sara
Notenbaert, An Maria Omer
Tamene, Lulseged D.
Nyawira, Sylvia
Paul, Birthe K.

Grasslands occupy almost half of the world's land area. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key indicator of soil fertility and grassland productivity. Increasing SOC stocks (so‐called SOC sequestration) improves soil fertility and contributes to climate change mitigation by binding atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Grasslands constitute about 70% of all agricultural land, but their potential for SOC sequestration is largely unknown. This review paper quantitatively summarizes observation‐based studies on the SOC sequestration potential of grasslands in six East African countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) and seeks to identify knowledge gaps related to SOC sequestration potential in the region. In the studies reviewed, SOC stocks in grasslands range from 3 to 93 Mg C/ha in the upper 0.3 m of the soil profile, while SOC sequestration rate ranges from 0.1 to 3.1 Mg C ha‐1 year‐1 under different management strategies. Grazing management is reported to have a considerable impact on SOC sequestration rates, and grassland regeneration and protection are recommended as options to stimulate SOC sequestration. However, a very limited number of relevant studies are available (n = 23) and there is a need for fundamental information on SOC sequestration potential in the region. The effectiveness of potential incentive mechanisms, such as payments for environmental services, to foster uptake of SOC‐enhancing practices should also be assessed.

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Tessema, B.; Sommer, R.; Piikki, K.; Söderström, M.; Namirembe, S.; Notenbaert, A.M.; Tamene, L.; Nyawira, S.; Paul, B. (2020) Potential for soil organic carbon sequestration in grasslands in East African countries: A review. Grassland Science 10 p. ISSN: 1744-697X

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Open Access

Research Themes

Restoring Degraded Landscapes

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/107070

Circular economy solutions for resilient refugee and host communities in East Africa

Anonymous — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 11:37:41 +0000

TypeBrief

Languageen

Authors

Njenga, M.
Gebrezgabher, Solomie
Mendum, R.
Adam-Bradford, A.
Woldetsadik, D.
Okia, C.

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Njenga, M.; Gebrezgabher, Solomie; Mendum, R.; Adam-Bradford, A.; Woldetsadik, D.; Okia, C. 2020. Circular economy solutions for resilient refugee and host communities in East Africa. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 8p. (Resource Recovery and Reuse (RRR) in Refugee Settlements in Africa: Project Brief Series 1)

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Research Themes

Rural-Urban Linkages

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/109549

Faecal sludge management in Africa: socioeconomic aspects and human and environmental health implications

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 11:35:41 +0000

Regions

Southern Africa

TypeReport

Languageen

Authors

United Nations Environment Programme
International Water Management Institute

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United Nations Environment Programme; International Water Management Institute. 2020. Faecal sludge management in Africa: socioeconomic aspects and human and environmental health implications. Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 64p.

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Open Access

Research Themes

Rural-Urban Linkages

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/113608

Groundwater availability and use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review of 15 countries

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:02:41 +0000

Regions

Southern Africa

TypeBook

Languageen

Authors

Pavelic, Paul
Giordano, Mark
Keraita, Bernard N.
Ramesh, Vidya
Rao, Tamma

Traditionally, the spread and extent of human settlement beyond the major riparian zones of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and across many other arid regions of the world, has been determined by availability of groundwater supplies, accessed through hand-dug wells andsprings. In more recent times, groundwater is the preferred means of supplying water to meet the growing demand of the rural, dispersed communities and the small urban towns across SSA. It is estimated that about 100 million of the rural population throughout SSA areserviced by groundwater for domestic supplies and livestock rearing (Adelana and MacDonald, 2008), with most of the villages and small towns having access to groundwater supplies (Masiyandima and Giordano, 2007).

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Pavelic P, Giordano M, Keraita B, Ramesh V, Rao T, eds. 2012. Groundwater availability and use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review of 15 countries. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/33844

Innovative partnerships for resource recovery & reuse (RRR)

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:02:41 +0000

Regions

Middle Africa

TypePresentation

Subjects

Business models
Resource recovery/reuse

Languageen

Authors

CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems

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CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE). 2013. Innovative partnerships for resource recovery & reuse (RRR).Powerpoint presentation made at World Water Week. Stockholm, Sweden.

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Open Access

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/34786

Soyabean response to rhizobium inoculation across sub-Saharan Africa: Patterns of variation and the role of promiscuity

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:02:41 +0000

Regions

Middle Africa
Southern Africa

TypeJournal Article

Languageen

Authors

Heerwaarden, Joost van
Baijukya, Frederick P.
Kyei-Boahen, S.
Adjei-Nsiah, Samuel
Ebanyat, Peter
Kamai, N.
Woldemeskel, Endalkachew
Kanampiu, F.K.
Vanlauwe, Bernard
Giller, Ken E.

Improving bacterial nitrogen fixation in grain legumes is central to sustainable intensification of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. In the case of soyabean, two main approaches have been pursued: first, promiscuous varieties were developed to form effective symbiosis with locally abundant nitrogen fixing bacteria. Second, inoculation with elite bacterial strains is being promoted. Analyses of the success of these approaches in tropical smallholder systems are scarce. It is unclear how current promiscuous and non-promiscuous soyabean varieties perform in inoculated and uninoculated fields, and the extent of variation in inoculation response across regions and environmental conditions remains to be determined. We present an analysis of on-farm yields and inoculation responses across ten countries in Sub Saharan Africa, including both promiscuous and non-promiscuous varieties. By combining data from a core set of replicated on-farm trials with that from a large number of farmer-managed try-outs, we study the potential for inoculation to increase yields in both variety types and evaluate the magnitude and variability of response. Average yields were estimated to be 1343 and 1227 kg/ha with and without inoculation respectively. Inoculation response varied widely between trials and locations, with no clear spatial patterns at larger scales and without evidence that this variation could be explained by yield constraints or environmental conditions. On average, specific varieties had similar uninoculated yields, while responding more strongly to inoculation. Side-by side comparisons revealed that stronger responses were observed at sites where promiscuous varieties had superior uninoculated yields, suggesting the availability of compatible, effective bacteria as a yield limiting factor and as a determinant of the magnitude of inoculation response.

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van Heerwaarden, J., Baijukya, F., Kyei-Boahen, S., Adjei-Nsiah, S., Ebanyat, P., Kamai, N., ... & Giller, K. (2018). Soyabean response to rhizobium inoculation across sub-Saharan Africa: patterns of variation and the role of promiscuity. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 261, 211-218.

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Open Access

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/88072

Dilemma of nitrogen management for future food security in sub-Saharan Africa – a review

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:02:41 +0000

Regions

Middle Africa

TypeJournal Article

Languageen

Authors

Masso, C.
Baijukya, Frederick P.
Ebanyat, Peter
Bouaziz, S.
Wendt, J.
Bekunda, Mateete A.
Vanlauwe, Bernard

Food security entails having sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet dietary needs. The need to optimise nitrogen (N) use for nutrition security while minimising environmental risks in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is overdue. Challenges related to managing N use in SSA can be associated with both insufficient use and excessive loss, and thus the continent must address the ‘too little’ and ‘too much’ paradox. Too little N is used in food production (80% of countries have N deficiencies), which has led to chronic food insecurity and malnutrition. Conversely, too much N load in water bodies due mainly to soil erosion, leaching, limited N recovery from wastewater, and atmospheric deposition contributes to eutrophication (152 Gg N year–1 in Lake Victoria, East Africa). Limited research has been conducted to improve N use for food production and adoption remains low, mainly because farming is generally practiced by resource-poor smallholder farmers. In addition, little has been done to effectively address the ‘too much’ issues, as a consequence of limited research capacity. This research gap must be addressed, and supportive policies operationalised, to maximise N benefits, while also minimising pollution. Innovation platforms involving key stakeholders are required to address N use efficiency along the food supply chain in SSA, as well as other world regions with similar challenges.

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Masso, C., Baijukya, F., Ebanyat, P., Bouaziz, S., Wendt, J., Bekunda, M. & Vanlauwe, B. (2017). Dilemma of nitrogen management for future food security in sub-Saharan Africa–a review. Soil Research, 55(6), 425-434.

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Open Access

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https://hdl.handle.net/10568/89021