Uganda’s indigenous chickens (IC) display significant phenotypic diversity in body weight (BW) and growth performance. However, there has been no study on the genetic diversity related to juvenile BW and growth performance in indigenous chicken populations (ICP), to support early selection of improved growth performance. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic variation in chicken juvenile BW and growth among selected ICP in Uganda. Three populations of IC were sourced from Apac, Lira and the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI), as founder populations. Chicks were hatched from founder eggs, wing-banded and reared under identical conditions, in a deep litter system. Body weight was recorded weekly from hatch to four weeks of age. Hatch weight was higher (P<0.01) for Apac and Lira birds compared to NaSARRI. Mean Daily gain (ADG) was greatest for Lira and lowest for NaSARRI birds. The mean relative Growth Rate (RG) of chicks from Lira and Apac was comparable, but both were greater (P<0.05) than for NaSARRI. Broad-sense heritability estimates for BW0, BW1, BW2, BW3, and BW4 were 0.35, 0.50, 0.54, 0.47, and 0.56, respectively. Genotypic variances for BW measurements varied (P<0.05) among the ICP. The heritability estimates for ADG and RG were 0.41 and 0.49, respectively, with genotype variances differing significantly (P<0.01) across the ICP for both ADG and RG. These results demonstrate both phenotypic and genotypic variability in juvenile BW and growth performance. Moderate heritability and positive phenotypic correlations suggest that these traits can be effectively improved through selective breeding.
The significance of farm succession planning in sustaining smooth transitioning longevity of family farm operations, especially with the overly ageing farming population in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), cannot be over-emphasised. The objective of this study was to examine the implications of farm succession plans on sustainable poultry productivity in Oyo state, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 260 respondents (108 poultry farmers and 152 farmers’ children who were between 15 and 25 years old), for the purpose in Egbeda and Oluyole Local Government Areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were obtained using a questionnaire, which was administered through interview schedules. Most (86%) of the farmers had at a point or the other considered the succession of their farm. Results of an Ordered Logistic Regression showed that poultry farmers’ succession plans were significantly influenced by farming status (part-time or full-time) (=1.455; z=1.95), stock size (=2.089; z=2.83), Generational Integration Process (=4.049; z=6.00), gender of farmer (=1.012; z=1.65) and profitability of farm over the last three years (=0.036; z=1.75). From the children (potential successors) stand point, personal interest (z = 1.71), number of siblings (z=-3.01) and farm profitability in the last three years (z=3.63), had significant influence on their disposition towards farm succession. Age (z= -0.45), gender (z= 1.01), birth order (z= -0.66), parent’s education level (z=0.38) of potential successors, did not have significant effects on their disposition towards farm succession. Profitability of the farm business was a major factor in farm succession on the part of both farmers and potential successors. Results suggest that more females should engage in poultry business and farmers should adopt GIP for farm succession.
Corchorus olitorius is an indigenous leafy vegetable, which is rich in nutrients and is used for food preparations in low-income households in Africa. However, its cultivation is deterred by delayed seed germination, due to its hard seed coat. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different dormancy breaking methods on enhancing seed germination of Corchorus olitorius accessions. The experiment was conducted at the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, Bunso in the Eastern region, Ghana. Seeds of six Corchorus olitorius accessions were subjected to four dormancy breaking treatments, which include no soaking, soaking in pure water for 24 hours; and soaking in hot water for 30, or 60 seconds at 90 OC. Parameters measured include seed vigour, germination percentage, plant height (cm), number of branches per plant, pod length (cm) and number of seeds per pod. Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed in seed vigour and germination percentage among the six Corchorus olitorius accessions subjected to all dormancy breaking treatments. The highest seed vigour was observed in accession GH10126 soaked in hot water for 30 seconds. The no soaking treatment of accessions GH10070, GH10126 and GH10441 had the lowest vigour. The highest germination percentage was observed in accession GH10308 soaked in hot water for 60 seconds. Corchorus olitorious seeds treated with hot water at 90 OC for 30 or 60 seconds, performed normally with regards to growth and yield when established under field conditions.
Maize (Zea mays L.) ear rots caused by Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium graminearum and Stenocarpella maydis affect grain quality and are associated with mycotoxins that pose precarious food and feed safety issues. The objective of this study was to determine the inheritance of multiple resistance to major fungal pathogens (Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium graminearum and Stenocarpella maydis) in maize in the tropical Africa. A total of 30 tropical inbred lines with varying resistance to A. flavus and both F. graminearum and S. maydis, were mated in a North Carolina II Design and the progeny consisting of single crosses, test crosses and their parents evaluated for single infection and yield performance. Resistance to the three ear rot pathogens and grain yield was found to be inherited independently. Therefore the three fungal infections had low or negligible effect on grain yield, though adversely reduced the grain quality. Multiple resistance to the three ear rot pathogens was majorly additive in nature. Some non-additive gene effects like dominance and epistasis could be contributing to multiple ear rot resistance. Maize hybrid vigour was found to enhance ear rot resistance.
This study evaluated the effects of BioNiKPhos Bio-fertilizer (NARO BHL BF) on maize growth and yield, with a focus on determining optimal application rates and economic benefits. The research was conducted at NARL Kawanda and AbiZARDI in Arua, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Seven treatment levels were applied (T1: control, T2: 5ml, T3: 10ml, T4: 15ml, T5: 20ml, T6: 25ml, T7: 30ml) per 20L of water, across three replications, over two seasons at NARL and one season at AbiZARDI. BioNiKPhos was applied five days before planting to promote bacterial colonization in the soil. The results revealed that application of BioNiKPhos at 20ml per 20L of water significantly improved maize height, leaf length, dry biomass, grain yield, and 1000 seed weight compared to the control, with a remarkable 32% increase in grain yield. Thus, preplanting application of BioNiKPhos at 20ml per 20L of water was found to be effective in enhancing maize yield by improving soil conditions. Highest value cost ratio (VCR) was obtained from BioNiKPhos at 20ml per 20L of water (2.58). The study recommended application of BioNiKPhos at 20ml per 20L of water as the most agronomically and economically optimum for maize compared to the control.
This paper reviews the agriculture policy frameworks and their performance indicators for poverty reduction among youths in Tanzania. A systematic literature review and a multivariate analytical approach was applied using principal component analysis. A total of 31 out of 320 articles were selected through a systematic selection process. The findings reveal that the frameworks promised to allocate land, finance and training to youths; provide access to agricultural inputs, improved seeds, fertilizers, knowledge, and mechanization; provision of infrastructures, enhancing market access, promoting technical and entrepreneurship skills; and facilitate linkage between youths and other support initiatives, improvement of social services, and promotion of rural development. The study urges the government and other stakeholders to guarantee youth farmers access to productive resources, subsidized inputs, agriculture marketing, and information and extension services specifically targeting youths. It is important to involve youths in developing agricultural policy frameworks to build their sense of ownership and ensure that their matters are well articulated in the agriculture frameworks.
Two sets of trials were conducted during 2020 and 2021 in Amuru sub-county, Amuru District with the following objectives: Set 1 – to determine which secondary and micronutrient limit rice yield; and Set 2 – to compare the yield and economic benefits of applying rice specific NPK blend to application of NP as DAP and urea. Each farmer had one replicate, with other farmers serving as replications. There were 10 to 15 farmers per trial per season. There was a significant increase at p < 5% in grain yield of 2.6 t ha-1 above the control (1.7 t ha-1) with application of a combination of NP with K, Ca, Zn, B and Cu. Omitting either K, Ca, Zn, B or Cu on average resulted in a significant decrease in grain yield (0.74 t ha-1 vs. 4.3 t ha-1 - when all the nutrients were applied) at p < 5% level. The net benefit of adding K, Ca, Zn, B and Cu to NP was Uganda Shillings 1,602,000/=, 739,000/=, 834,315/=, 906,189/=, and 1,057,603/=, respectively. There was a significant increase in rice yield of 1.5 t ha-1 with a benefit to cost ratio of 2 with application of (125 kg DAP + 125 kg urea) ha-1 compared with 2.3 t ha-1 and a B/C of 2.3 with application of (250 kg rice specific NPK + 125 kg urea) ha-1, confirming that rice specific fertilizers are better than application of NP only. The study confirms that micronutrients limit crop yield in Uganda and should be included in balanced fertilizer formulations. Rice specific fertilizers are better than urea and DAP fertilizers recommended by MAAIF.
This study examined the effects of minimum and conventional tillage practices andpotassium levels on potato yield in South Western Uganda. Researcher and farmer managed trials were set at KaZARDI and Kariko for three seasons. Varying rates of potassium fertilizer (100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 kg ha-1) were applied in a split plot arrangement with tillage practices as main plots and K rates as the subplots of a randomized complete block design with three replications. Potato growth and yield data was analysed using R-studio version 4.2.0. The findings were that application of 200 kg K ha⁻¹ significantly (P <0.001) increased plant height, the number of tubers per plant, and overall yield per hectare by 12.5%, 27.5% and 21.7%%, respectively. The highest marketable tuber yield achieved was 26.4 t/ha under conventional tillage, compared to 23.3 t/ha under minimum tillage. The interaction between tillage practices and potassium levels was statistically significant, withtraditional tillage showing a stronger response to fertilizer application than minimum tillage. Although minimum tillage resulted in a lower yield, it is cost effective, with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.1.
This study aimed to determine the incidence and severity of coffee pests and diseases and any relationships between them. Five coffee producing districts in Uganda, namely, Masaka, Mubende, Mpigi, Kayunga and Luwero were selected. 10 coffee farms were evaluated per district. Pest and disease incidence were determined as the percentage of trees with the disease or pest. Disease severity was evaluated on a 1-5 scale while pest damage was expressed as a percentage of tissue damaged. Results showed significant differences in incidence and damage/severity among all the major pests and diseases in the region except foliage beetles. The most damaging pest was the BCTB with an incidence between 15% and 26%. The next most damaging pests were the tailed caterpillars and Skeletonisers, both lepidoptera with incidence of 20.4% and 16% respectively. The most severe disease was Red blister (Cercospora coffeicola) with a severity score 2.0 and incidence 51.6%. No novel pests or diseases were discovered. Further studies are recommended to understand factors proliferating the pests and diseases.
This study aimed to develop a safe bio-control approach for therapy and decontamination of Aeromonas hydrophila. The study focused on determination of the drug susceptibility ofAeromonas isolates from diseased tilapia; and establishment of a stock of partially characterized Aeromonas hydrophila bacteriophages. Eighteen (18) Aeromonas spp isolates were tested for antimicrobial resistance against 10 antibiotics. The susceptibility of the isolates to various antibiotics ranged from 0 to 100%. For bacteriophages, three lytic phages that had the highest host range (78.6% to 92.8%, n=28) were selected. Further characterization revealed a burst period of 20 ± 5 to 40 ± 5 minutes, a latent period that varied from 10 ± 5 to 40 ± 5 minutes; and burst size of 98–171 virions per infected cell. There were no significant changes in phage titers on exposure at 40℃ and 50℃ for 60 minutes (P = 0.05). However, a gradual decrease in the titres was observed at 60℃ while a fast decline was noted at 70℃-90℃. All phages demonstrated at least some activity in the pH range of 1-13. In water stability testing, the phages survived up to 22 days of the experiment, with a sharp decrease of 1 log PFU/mL to have been encountered within the first day. The findings of this study suggest phages as bio-control agents against Aeromonas infection in fish. However, further genomic characterization is required.
In this study, we hypothesized that tree canopy pruning would positively influence the relative growth performance and productivity of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) growing under Cordia africana and Albizia coriaria trees. The trees were subjected to a 50% pruning regime at a 6-month interval over a period of 20 months (July 2018 - February 2020), and common beans were introduced following local planting seasons. Yields of parchment coffee were highest under pruned Albizia (949 kg/ha). Unshaded coffee produced the least yield at 402 kg/ha and 422 kg/ha in the Albizia and Cordia sites respectively. While the highest common beans yields (708 kg/ha) were obtained from open field sites, beans that were planted under unpruned Cordia gave the least yield of 420 kg/ha. Unlike coffee, there was a significant variation in yield of common beans across the different management options (P<0.05). The results show that agroforestry tree canopy pruning is an important on-farm management decision for controlling competition while prolonging the period of intercropping in intensive farming systems. Farmers should deliberately prune agroforestry shade trees to minimize the negative effects of dense shading.
The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and development partners have invested substantial resources in breeding maize and bean varieties over the years. However, the impact of the varieties on productivity, household income and food security is not well documented. This paper evaluated the ex-post impact of adopting NARO released bean and maize varieties over the last five years on the productivity, household income and food security in Uganda. Data were collected from 30 districts in Uganda through a cross-sectional household survey of 1445 households, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Using propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression models, the results showed that adoption of improved bean and maize varieties significantly increased crop productivity, household income and food security. This evidence suggests that there were tangible benefits from funding the development of bean and maize varieties in Uganda. The results indicate that although adoption of the improved bean and maize varieties increased productivity, it was still far below the research production output. This suggests that in addition to developing and disseminating the appropriate varieties, emphasis should be put on training farmers to use the complimentary inputs and practices to get the full benefit of the improved varieties.
We investigated the varieties of beans traded in five districts of Uganda and the factors affecting the quality and price of the beans at the market node. A semi-linear hedonic price model with 12 variables categorized as product and trader attributes was used to determine the factors influencing prices. Traders were found to be unmindful of the names of new bean varieties released by NARO. They used various names for both the new and local varieties. Brokers were identified as the leading suppliers of poor-quality beans. The respondents cited variations in the quality of beans received from different suppliers. Beans that were owned by traders exhibited slightly higher moisture content (17%) than is recommended. Storage insect infestation was identified as the primary cause of quality decline. Product attributes were associated with changes in the prices of beans. However, their effect was comparatively lower than the traders’ characteristics. We recommend targeted sensitization about new bean varieties, emphasizing their benefits, post-harvest handling, and quality requirements at all value chain nodes. Monitoring trader traits and societal factors associated with price fluctuations is also crucial to price stability.
Globally, tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are recognized as a significant vegetable crop with nutritional, health, and economic importance. In Uganda, small-scale tomato farmers, obtain low yields due to biotic and abiotic conditions of pests, diseases, lack of irrigation, and insufficient knowledge of sustainable farming practices. Post-harvest losses further hinder tomato production by limiting the amount of high-quality produce reaching the market. This study used a largely qualitative approach to understand the mechanisms tomato farmers in Wakiso and Luwero districts in Central Uganda use to reduce post-harvest losses at farm level. The study reveals that the Assila F1 Hybrid is the predominant variety—chosen for its firmness, extended shelf life, and resistance to pests and diseases. Farmers adopted staggered planting to manage post-harvest losses, harvesting mature green tomatoes in the morning and evening. However, a lack of technical expertise resulted in a deficiency of deliberate post-harvest treatments, and the absence of a mandatory body for produce inspection negatively impacted quality. Individual sales by farmers without standardized measurements also contributed to exploitation by middlemen. The study recommends farmers’ capacity building in appropriate post-harvest handling practices.
This study was aimed at evaluating three eggplant varieties for response to bacterial wilt disease, to guide recommendations to farmers in central Uganda. Experiments were conducted at four sites under field conditions in 2016 and 2017 in central Uganda during three planting seasons. Two commercial eggplant varieties, namely, “Black beauty” and “Long purple”, were tested alongside one newly introduced variety, the “Thai long green”. Data was collected on disease incidence, severity and fruit yield. Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences in disease incidence, severity, and fruit yield across seasons, varieties and sites. The “Thai long green” variety proved to be a superior in terms of bacterial wilt resistance, showing the lowest levels of mean disease severity (1.5) and incidence (14%). The long purple variety was the most susceptible. “Thai long green” also attained highest average yields (14.86 t/ha), fruit weight per plant (1.2 kg) and fruit number per plant (9), across all locations for the three seasons. Therefore, we recommend promotion of the “Thai long green” variety in the region.
In this study, a basis for the feasibility of a successful ASF vaccine design program using live attenuated vaccines was sought. One of the challenges to African swine fever (ASF) vaccine development is having a cell line that will provide commercial utility for vaccine production. We set out to address this problem by innovatively identifying possible cell lines from local domestic pigs in the country. Eight tissue types from ASF-negative animals were identified for incorporation into cell line development. These were degraded, incubated, and monitored for cell growth. One cell line, the SIR2-P, grew consistently and confluently and was tested for the ability to grow and isolate field ASF viruses. We report the isolation of ASF viruses in our laboratory for the first time. The P9C virus from Namayingo district exhibited the largest plaque sizes compared to the SQ517B virus from Mukono. The innovative identification of the SIR2-P cell line is proof of concept that newer speciesspecific cell lines can be developed in the Infectious Animal Disease Laboratory (IADL), and utilized to study other animal viruses like Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus, Foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus, and Swine Influenza. Such cells can be used in vaccine production for other endemic diseases in Uganda. The SIR2-P cell line is currently at passage 65.
This study examined the River Nyamugasani ecosystem in western Uganda, evaluating fish diversity status before and after construction of a hydropower dam between 2015 - 2019 and 2021 - 2022. Using both electro fisher and minnow traps as the main fishing gears at ten preselected sites within the hydropower project areas, the study sampled 1,866 fishes from twenty-four (24) species, including the endemic Varicorhinus Ruwenzori, Pellegrin 1909. Nyamu II PH areas registered higher diversity (Simpson index of 0.8862) potentially attributed by hydrological alterations from hydropower dams. The findings emphasize the need for hydropower management need to consider fish stock controls, restorations and conservation measures, especially for theendemic Varicorhinus Ruwenzori species.
This study determined the concentration of oil and grease and inferred its impacts on algae, invertebrates and fish. Water samples were collected in April and September from 2012 to 2018 at the upstream and downstream transects and in the reservoir, and analysed for oil and grease following standard procedures. Environmental compliance was compared to NEMA’s discharge standard of 10 mg/l, and its PAH effluent discharge standard of ≤ 0.1 mg/l. At all sites, average concentrations of oil and grease were below 10 mg/l throughout the sampling period. Out of the 14 data sets for each transect, only 3 along the upstream transect, and 2 at each of the downstream transect and the reservoir were compliant with the effluent discharge standard. Although impacts of oil and grease on aquatic biota were not assessed, their relatively high concentration compared to total Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (> 0.1 µg/l) is considered hazardous to most aquatic organisms. The diverse activities around the project area implied that sources of oil and grease were proportionately diverse. Hence, the observed trends may not solely be attributed to the hydropower project. Accordingly, assessment of the various sources of oil and grease and their impact on aquatic biota in the area is recommended.
This paper focuses on examining the modalities of extension service provision, and determining feasible approaches for increasing accessibility among fish farmers in Uganda. The paper draws on a cross-sectional study involving fish farming households and extension workers to determine access to extension services for improved farming practices. Quantitative data were collected from 246 households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were generated from Key Informant interviews with selected extension workers, officials in charge of extension planning District Fisheries Officers and Fish Farmer Group leaders. Focus Group Discussions were also conducted with fish farmers. The results indicated a significant association between socio-economic characteristics of fish farmers and access to extension services. Size of land owned, income from pond fish and membership to fish-farmer groups were the significant factors (P<0.05). All the respondents reported pressing needs which required extension intervention. The respondents expressed the need to form effective farmer groups for the purpose of sharing knowledge, arriving at mutual agreement on scheduling extension activities and providing feedback to the extension workers. Specifically for the northern region, there is a need for the Fisheries Extension Officer to identify and respond to the extension needs of fish farmers through various means including ICTs. Identifying solutions to social, technical and institutional constraints in extension can increase access to services through constructive social interactions between farmers and extension agents. The article provides important lessons for practice and policy, and proposes a farmer-centred model, capable of facilitating increased access to aquaculture extension services in Uganda.
A 16 week experiment was conducted in earthen ponds in Iganga District of Eastern Uganda to investigate the effect of water quality on biomass production in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed on peanut-based meals as alternative dietary fishmeal. Iso-nitrogenous diets containing 30% and 25% Crude Protein were applied for the first 12 weeks and last four weeks while the control was a local diet for Nile tilapia of 25% Crude Protein throughout the experiment. Treatments included the fishmeal-based diet and two peanut-based diets; peanut meal-based diet and mixed meal-based diet. Each of the 16 pond units measuring 3.0 x 4.0 x 1.0 were stocked with 48 fish fingerlings of 21.7 grams mean weight. Significant differences (p≤0.05) in mean values occurred among targeted parameters; pH, Dissolved Oxygen, nitrite nitrogen and unionized ammonia with exception to temperature. Apart from the unionized ammonia, the significant variations (p≤0.05) in water quality parameters did not significantly affect (p≥0.05) biomass production because they were maintained in suitable ranges for Nile tilapia.
