The role of incubation in creating business options for youth and women in beef producing areas of Uganda Katta, M. Segawa, A Tumusingize, P. Nakaziba, B Nsadhu, E. RUFORUM Makerere University 2022- This study reports how incubation contributed to creating alternative income generating business that counteract the detrimental activities of youth and women in the rangelands of Uganda. The youth and women were identified through sensitization seminars in pre-selected beef producing districts having high levels of environmental degradation. Tailor made business support services were accorded to selected beneficiaries to facilitate establishment of profitable and sustainable climate smart businesses. Among these businesses included, fodder feeds and feeding management, agroforestry tree nursery management, integrated water management and climate smart agriculture options in horticulture. The study found out that incubation facilitated establishment and survival of alternative businesses. It was further found out that incubation increased income generation, profitability and job creation potential of these businesses in beef producing areas in Uganda. Keywords: Incubation, beef production, income generation, rangelands, Uganda http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/9.%20Katta%20M_0.pdf 1607-9345 RUFORUM Working document series Web resource en 20 The RUFORUM Competitive Grants System Manual RUFORUM RUFORUM Kampala, Uganda 2014- Documentation and information Education The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) recognizes the important and largely unfulfilled role that universities can play in contributing to the well-being of small-scale farmers and providing a platform for national development. Since 1992, RUFORUM has trained over 800 post-graduate students with strong empathy for rural communities who are in demand and effectively employed. RUFORUM has also provided training and support to enhancing university staff and operational effectiveness and promoted greater sharing and lesson learning among member universities and with other African and international institutions. It has also facilitated mobilization of high level support for greater investment in agricultural higher education. This manual provides guidelines for the RUFORUM Competitive Grants System. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/RUFORUM%20Competitive%20Grants%20System%20Manual-Updated.13.11.15.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Proposal%20Example%20One_Grain%20Postharvest%20Pest%20Management%20Proposal.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Proposal%20Example%20Two_Newcastle%20disease%20vaccination.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Proposal%20Example%20Three_Potential%20of%20school%20gardening.pdf RUFORUM Annual Reports, Strategic Plans, and Other Corporate Outputs Printed resource en Strengthening the design and management of PhD programmes in African universities: a case study of three RUFORUM Regional PhD Programmes Okori, Patrick RUFORUM Kampala, Uganda 2016- Agricultural economics and policies Agricultural research Education Fisheries and aquaculture - General aspects Plant genetics and breeding http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_economics http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_investment http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_manpower http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_byproducts http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_biological phenomena http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_group communication http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_animal husbandry http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Credit http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_breeds (animals) http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_policies economics Économie investment Investissement manpower Main d'oeuvre byproducts Sous-produit biological phenomena group communication communication en groupe animal husbandry Élevage Credit Crédit breeds (animals) policies Politique RUFORUM Working Document No. 12 This document presents highlights of a study commissioned by the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) as part of its effort to improve the level and quality of Doctoral training in Africa. It involved interactions with several people, including university leadership, graduate students, national research and extension service providers and policy makers. The study looked into how three target regional PhD Programmes under the RUFORUM Network arrangements are run and sought to identify areas for improvement. The target case study programmes were the PhD in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology at Makerere University (Uganda) and the two PhD programmes in Malawi at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR): the PhD in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science2 and the PhD in Agricultural Resource Economics. One aspect of this study investigated implementation modalities in place at host universities, which underpin their competitiveness, such as quality assurance of the programmes. The second aspect assessed the outcomes of these investments at the institutional level and in the broader agricultural sector of the region and country. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Strengthening%20the%20design%20and%20management%20of%20PhD%20programmes%20in%20African%20universities.pdf 1993-8462 RUFORUM Case Studies viii, 40 Web resource en Tracer Study of Agricultural Graduates in Ghana Taabazuing, Joe CORAF/WECARD Dakar, Senegal 2011- Agricultural research Agricultural structures Agro-industry Education Labour and employment http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_training training Formation Although CORAF/WECARD published this study, RUFORUM was a partner in the implmentation of SCARDA/SCAIN and has placed this resource in its Institutional Repository. This study was conducted to trace agriculture graduates from 1993 to 2008, with the view of generating relevant information that could possibly feed into curricula review to ensure that agricultural training institutions are able to produce graduates better suited for the job market. Specifically, the study sought to:  assess the nature of agricultural training provided by Agricultural training institutions  assess the degree to which the training of agricultural graduates equipped them for their job performance  assess the demand for agricultural graduates, and  capture the perspectives of agricultural graduates on their training and the job market. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Tracer%20Study%20Ghana.pdf RUFORUM Case Studies, RUFORUM SCARDA and SCAIN Resources Printed resource en Capacity Assessment in Multi-Stakeholder Agricultural Innovation Platforms: A Review of Literature and Experiences Sutherland, Alistair Department for International Development London, UK 2011- Agricultural research Agricultural structures Agriculture - General aspects Development economics and policies Documentation and information http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_capacity building capacity building développement des capacités Although DFID published this study, RUFORUM was a partner in the implementation of the SCARDA/SCAIN initiative and has therefore included this resource in its Institutional Repository. This review is an information resource for development practitioners, development agencies and funders of development activities who have an interest in assessing capacity for agricultural innovation in developing countries, including the developing regions of sub-Saharan Africa. In the context that further investment in the agricultural capacity of developing countries is recognised as a development priority, the review explores what is known about the “tools” (i.e. concepts and methods) which are available to guide assessment of innovation capacity in these countries. Given the perceived limitation of past investments focused mainly on developing agricultural research capacity, the review specifically explores tools for assessing the capacity of multi-stakeholder initiatives which include a wider range of “innovation actors”, including agricultural researchers. The methodology for the review was a two-stage literature search using the Google search engine to identify the available published information. This was complemented by interviews and/or email exchange with practitioners working in or managing multi stakeholder agricultural projects in sub-Saharan Africa focused on promoting innovation and with a capacity development component. The author’s direct experience of undertaking capacity assessment and capacity development work in SCARDA was a further information source. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Capacity%20Assessment%20Literature%20Review.pdf RUFORUM SCARDA and SCAIN Resources Printed resource en Leveraging the power of partnerships to effectively engage universities for enhanced food security Kahi, A.K. RUFORUM Kampala, Uganda 2014- Agricultural research Education http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_participation http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_manpower http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_productivity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_biological phenomena http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_objects http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_economic systems http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_agreements http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_group communication http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_capacity building http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_private sector participation Participation manpower Main d'oeuvre productivity Productivité biological phenomena objects objet economic systems Système économique agreements accord group communication communication en groupe capacity building développement des capacités private sector Secteur privé RUFORUM Working Document No. 10 In 2011, the U.S. Agency for International Development, through the USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service launched a new strategy to support relationships between USA, Indian and African Universities to improve agricultural capacity in Africa. Our partnership is titled the Egerton University/Punjab Agricultural University/Ohio State University, Trilateral Partnership for Food Security. Ohio State University (OSU) and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) are working with Egerton University’s Faculty of Agriculture to enhance its capacity to provide tertiary agricultural education, research and outreach programs that contribute to improving food security and poverty alleviation in Kenya. Partnerships have been identified as critical to capacity development initiatives. Some characteristics of successful capacity development partnerships are that they are built on mutual trust, long-term partnerships, integrate the complementary assets of participating institutions and result in mutually beneficial outcomes. Tactically, the conduct of strategic planning efforts, prior to initiating collaborative activities is important so that partners can participate in designing their own projects and work plans. This article presents lessons learned and experiences with the process of incorporation of these elements with http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Leveraging%20the%20Power%20of%20Partnerships%20to%20effectively%20engage%20Universities%20for%20enhanced%20food%20security.pdf 1993-8462 RUFORUM Working document series 10 Printed resource en Case Study on Institutional Change of the National Agricultural Research System in Lesotho Pound, Barry Macala, Joyce Mokhothu, Nick Department for International Development London, UK 2011- Agricultural research Agricultural structures http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_capacity building capacity building développement des capacités Although DFID published this resource, RUFORUM was one of its partners in the implementation of the SCARDA/SCAIN initiative and has therefore placed this resource in its repository. This paper examines the design and implementation of a package of capacity strengthening interventions undertaken between March 2007 and March 2011, which aimed to enhance the performance of the national agricultural research system (NARS) in Lesotho. It also identifies some initial outcomes from these interventions and makes recommendations to sustain the process of organisational and institutional change and build on the results that have been achieved. The paper is the first of three case studies which investigate the application of a holistic approach to capacity strengthening developed through the project ‘Strengthening Capacity for Agricultural Research and Development (SCARDA)’ which was coordinated by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Lesotho.pdf RUFORUM SCARDA and SCAIN Resources Printed resource en Agricultural Information Management Nathaniels, Nick Lamboll, Richard, I. Conroy, Martin, A.C. Youdeowei, Anthony Department for International Development London, UK 2011- Documentation and information http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_capacity building capacity building développement des capacités Although DFID published this resource, RUFORUM was one of its partners in the implementation of the SCARDA/SCAIN initiative and has included this paper in its repository. This briefing paper aims to raise debate about agricultural information management (AIM) in the CORAF region. It draws attention to initiatives concerned with AIM and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from global to local levels. Using these examples, we pose questions as to what AIM is, highlight some key dilemmas, and some promising initiatives that may provide inspiration for debate about information in development. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/AIM.pdf RUFORUM SCARDA and SCAIN Resources Printed resource en Climate Change and Agricultural Development Chancellor, Tim Morton, John Tabo, Ramadjita von Kaufmann, Ralph Department for International Development London, UK 2011- Agricultural research Meteorology and climatology Although DFID published this resource, RUFORUM was one of its partners in the implementation of the SCARDA/SCAIN initiative and has therefore placed this paper in its repository. This paper discusses the influence of climate change on smallholder agriculture, with a special focus on West and Central Africa (WCA). The likely impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers are assessed and farmers’ strategies for adapting to these impacts are examined, drawing on examples from the WCA region. Key research and capacity strengthening priorities are identified, that will help to minimize adverse impacts and identify new opportunities. The paper is aimed at all stakeholders in agricultural research for development, because climate change will be one of the central challenges facing agriculture in Africa. References are made to publications that deal with specific topics in more detail and a glossary of terms is provided at the end of the paper. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/climate%20change.pdf RUFORUM SCARDA and SCAIN Resources Printed resource en SCARDA Change Management Approaches Used in the Project ‘Strengthening Capacity For Agricultural Research and Development In Africa’ and the Lessons Learned from their Application Orchard, John RUFORUM Kampala, Uganda 2011- Agricultural research Agriculture - General aspects http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_learning http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_capacity building learning Apprentissage capacity building développement des capacités In 2005, the Forum for Agricultural Research for Africa (FARA) commissioned an assessmentof the human and institutional capacity for research management in the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in sub-Saharan Africa. The assessment identified significant weaknesses limiting relevance and responsiveness of NARS in agricultural development of Africa and recommended the need for new approaches and innovative initiatives to address these critical capacity deficiencies. The FARA review was consistent with other contemporaneous studies that identified the need for NARS to move away from a predominantly supply driven approach with minimal regard for the needs of end-users (e.g. farmers, agro-processors, traders) and to embrace approaches that fosteredwider partnerships (e.g. Mbabu and Ochieng, 2006). In order to respond to the need to strengthen agriculture research, FARA conceived the project1 on Strengthening Agricultural Research and Development in Africa (SCARDA) with the purpose of strengthening ‘the human and institutional capacity to ensure that the NARS are better able to identify, generate and deliver research outputs’. A scoping study undertaken in a number of sub-Saharan countries at the beginning of the project confirmed that serious weaknesses in agricultural research managementwere prevalent in many national agricultural research institutes (NARIs), agricultural training colleges and faculties of agriculture(FARA, 2007). Deficiencies were identified at the organizational level in relation to shortcomings in management systems and specific management competencies, and at the individual level with lack of capacity of researchers to meet the requirements of new ways of working with a wide range of stakeholders. In developing the SCARDA project proposal, significant emphasis was placed on resolving shortcomings in research management through a programme of capacity strengthening activities. This article reviews the approaches proposed by SCARDA to address capacity strengthening for research management, how implementation took place and the lessons learned from the implementation activities. It begins with an overview of the intended project outputs and approach to capacity strengthening, followed by the implementation processes as undertaken in each sub-regional organisation and finishes with the lessons learned. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/change%20management.pdf RUFORUM SCARDA and SCAIN Resources en The Effect of the SCARDA Change Management Process on the National Agricultural Research Institute of the Gambia Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) CORAF/WECARD Dakar, Senegal 2011- Agricultural research Agricultural structures Agriculture - General aspects http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_capacity building capacity building développement des capacités Although CORAF/WECARD was responsible for publication of this resource, RUFORUM was a partner in the implementation of SCARDA/SCAIN and has therefore placed this study in its Institutional Repository. The poor performance of agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is known to be largely due to the lack of effective and client- responsive agricultural research and development that could generate appropriate technologies and innovations to stimulate the agricultural development process. As a contribution to address this challenge, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), with support from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), developed a project for Strengthening Capacity for Agricultural Research and Development in Africa (SCARDA). The project sought to enhance the technical and managerial capacities of the beneficiary selected Agricultural Research Institutions for effective performance in the delivery on their mandates. To ensure a smooth and successful transition and navigation in the change journey to the desired destination, CORAF Region of SCARDA developed a change management strategy to guide the various interventions for the selected Focal Agricultural Research Institutions (FIs). The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) of The Gambia was one of the FIs which benefitted from the SCARDA Project. This summary captures the experiences and lessons learnt by NARI from the SCARDA change management effort. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/SCARDA%20Change%20Management%20Gambia.pdf RUFORUM Case Studies Printed resource en Key messages on the process and submissions in response to the sixth Graduate Research Grants Call Egeru, A. Nampala, M.Paul Makuma-Massa, H. RUFORUM Kampala, Uganda 2015- Agricultural research Education http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_productivity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_area http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_biological phenomena http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_crops http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_land resources http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Animal products http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_fruits http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_capacity building http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_diseases http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Irrigation productivity Productivité area biological phenomena crops Plante de culture land resources Ressource foncière Animal products Produit animal fruits Fruits capacity building développement des capacités diseases Maladies Irrigation Irrigation The Graduate Research Grants (GRG) Call provides opportunity to member universities of the Regional Universities Network for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) a Network of 46 Member Universities in sub-Saharan Africa to develop and submit applications for research and training. The process is based on a competitive granting scheme with the GRG as one of the categories of the scheme. Under the GRG a grant is competitively awarded to a principal investigator (an individual senior lecturer at a member university) to support agricultural research action research and the training of at least two masters students. RUFORUM in the last decade has supported capacity building in agricultural sciences through a Competitive Grants Scheme (CGS). The Graduate Research Grant (GRG) scheme now in the 6th round of call is one of the four grant awards that are administered by RUFORUM. In this 6th call, the RUFORUM Information Management System (RIMS) was utilized during the submission and review of applications marking the commencement of a virtual granting process at the RUFORUM Secretariat. Submissions made through other channels (e.g., via email attachemnts) apart from the RIMS were not considered. A total of 108 proposals were received via RIMS, 93% of which complied with the application guidelines and 21% were led by female principal investigators this however is lower than the RUFORUM 42% target for female representation. Thirty percent of the proposals focused on crop production, 25% on cross-cutting thematic area (agri-business management, rural development and socio-economics, food science and nutrition, climate change and natural resources management as well as agricultural extension, communications and information systems) and 20% addressed animal production. Disaggregated submissions by commodity focus showed that 26.4% and 10.4% of the proposals focused on cereals, fisheries and aquaculture and ruminants respectively. While there remains a high focus on crop production there is an observed increase in submissions on animal production and cross-cutting themes. The analysis also reveals limited attention to some critical areas, especially farm management and natural resources land, soil and water and, agroforestry and it is imperative that the Secretariat and member Universities undertake strategic interventions in these areas. In addition, the Secretariat and member universities need to undertake strategic interventions to uplift the participation of women scientists in the competitive grants in the network. The analysis of this process and from the submissions in response to the 6th RUFORUM GRG Call will guide future interventions in terms of solicitations for research proposals intended to focus on agricultural research and training for postgraduate students in Africa. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Egeru%20et%20al%20%20paper_2015_0.pdf 1993-8462 RUFORUM Journal Articles 13 Printed resource ab Soybean Research & Development in Uganda : A Case of paradigm shift in an African University (2002 -2015) A Case of paradigm shift in an African University (2002 -2015) Tukamuhabwa, P. Oloka, Herbert Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK) Kampala, Uganda 2016- Agricultural research Education Research methods Early soybean research in Uganda started in the 1930s and resulted in the release of the varieties Kabanyolo 1, Kabanyolo 2 and Congo 72. These varieties served communities in Uganda up to the 1990s when Nam 1, Nam 2 and Namsoy 3 were released and commercialized. However, the severe soybean rust epidemic seen from 1996 rendered these varieties obsolete because they all succumbed to the disease. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/P%20Tukamuhabwa%20and%20H%20Oloka-SOYBEAN%20RESEARCH%20AND%20DEVELOPMENT%20IN%20UGANDA%202016.pdf RUFORUM Books and Book Chapters 48 Printed resource en Big data: deep learning for detecting malware Masabo, Emmanuel Kaawaase, Kyanda Swaib Sansa-Otim, J. 2018 ACM/IEEE Symposium on Software Engineering in Africa 2018- Documentation and information Malicious software, commonly known as malware are constantly getting smarter with the capabilities of undergoing self-modifications. They are produced in big numbers and widely deployed very fast through the Internet-capable devices. This is therefore a big data problem and remains challenging in the research community. Existing detection methods should be enhanced in order to effectively deal with today’s malware. In this paper, we propose a novel realtime monitoring, analysis and detection approach that is achieved by applying big data analytics and machine learning in the development of a general detection model. The learnings achieved through big data render machine learning more efficient. Using the deep learning approach, we designed and developed a scalable detection model that brings improvement to the existing solutions. Our experiments achieved an accuracy of 97% and ROC of 0.99. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Masabo%2C%20Sansa-otim%20-%202018%20-%20Big%20Data%20Deep%20Learning%20for%20detecting%20Malware.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles en Building Capacity in the Agricultural Industries of Africa Blackie, Malcolm 2015- Agricultural research Education http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_marketing http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_sowing http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_biological phenomena http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_manpower http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_productivity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_genetic processes http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_fertilizers http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_economic systems http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_costs http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_area marketing Commercialisation sowing Ensemencement biological phenomena manpower Main d'oeuvre productivity Productivité genetic processes fertilizers Engrais economic systems Système économique costs Coût area Discussion paper presented at the RUFORUM Strategic Business Plan Meeting held in Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa, 13-17 April, 2015. The successful transformation of agriculture has been at the core of impressive change in China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. Fundamental to this achievement has been building capacity in all aspects of agricultural change to create dynamic research and technology transfer institutions that are focused on finding solutions that suit their local context. African policy makers recognise the importance of a productive agricultural sector key driver of national growth, and through The Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) have set a target of at least a 6% growth in the agricultural sector to reduce poverty and food insecurity on the continent. This ambition will require world-class services in key sectors like outreach, credit delivery and technology development, supported by appropriate investment in human capital. RUFORUM recognizes that the high cost university model which has served Europe and the Americas is not a sensible option for the poor in Africa and so, with its partner universities, has developed a successful and attractive model for transforming higher agricultural education in Africa. This model is cost effective, reliably reaches the poor and disadvantaged, and alumni are retained in the agricultural industries of their home countries. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Building%20Capacity%20in%20the%20Agricultural%20Industries%20of%20Africa.pdf RUFORUM Books and Book Chapters 7 Printed resource en Incidência da entomofauna no ecossistema de Mopane no distrito de Mabalane Mirian, Tomo 2014- Agricultural research Animal physiology - Growth and development Insects play an important role in terrestrial ecosystems. Studies on the effect of insect diversity in Mopane ecosystem can provide a rich base of information assisting in the conservation of biodiversity and are important in indicating the quality of the environment. A major cause of extinction of insects is the destruction and depletion of natural habitats. Therefore the present study aims to evaluate the incidence of insect fauna in Mopane ecosystem. The work took place in the district of Mabalane which is situated in the central part of the province of Gaza in Mozambique. The collections were performed in 6 installments of fixed size (100 * 100m), marked by chance in three areas (high, medium and low level of degradation. Sampling effort was 1h/pessoa/área as used by Asuncion et al. 2008. Results show that 77 individuals in five families (Anobiidae, Nymphalidae, Tettigoniidae, Scarabaidae, Saturniidae) and three orders, with Lepidoptera (59.7%), then with the Coleoptera (36.4%) were collected by the order Orthoptera with (3.9%). infestation was higher in the high levels of deforestation with 44.4% infested pods, then the middle level was 33.3% and finally 22.2% in the low levels of degradation. The number of individuals collected was higher the high level of deforestation. Anobiidae The Saturniidae and family were the most abundant of the orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, respectively Tettigoniidae and family was the rarest ecosystem in Mopane. According faunal parameters of frequency, only one (1) family (Saturniidae) was very often two (Nymphalidae and Anobiidae) were frequent and the remaining two (2) were uncommon. And the Orthoptera order was less expressive offbeat presenting, in almost all levels.The diversity index was higher (0.54), the average levels of degradation and lowest (0.34) at the high level of degradation. According to the Friedman test and Kruskal-Wallis, there is no significant different between the different levels of degradation as the frequency and abundance and diversity of individuals. Os insectos desempenham papel importante nos ecossistemas terrestres. Estudos sobre a incidência, diversidade dos insectos no ecossistema de Mopane podem prover uma rica base de informações auxiliando na conservação da biodiversidade e são importantes na indicação da qualidade do ambiente. Uma das principais causas da extinção dos insectos é a destruição e diminuição dos habitats naturais. Portanto o presente trabalho visa avaliar a incidência da entomofauna no ecossistema de Mopane. O trabalho realizou-se no distrito de Mabalane que está situado na parte central da província de Gaza, em Moçambique. As colectas foram realizadas em 6 parcelas de tamanho fixo (100*100m), distribuídos ao acaso em três áreas (alto, médio e baixo nível de degradação. O esforço amostral foi 1h/pessoa/área, usando a rede entomológica, conforme utilizado por Assunção et al., 2008. Os resultados revelam que, foram colectados 77 indivíduos distribuídos em cinco famílias (Anobiidae, Nymphalidae, Tettigoniidae, Scarabaidae, Saturniidae) e três ordens, Lepidoptera com (59.7%), em seguida aColeóptera com (36.4%) por fim a Orthoptera com (3.9 %). Houve maior infestação no alto níveis de degradação com 44.4% de vagens infestadas, em seguida foi o nível médio com 33.3 % e por fim 22,2 % no níveis baixo de degradacao. O número de indivíduos colectados foi maior no alto nível de degradação. A família Anobiidae e Saturniidae foram as mais abundantes das ordensColeóptera e Lepidoptera respectivamente e a família Tettigoniidae foi a mais rara no ecossistema de Mopane. Conforme parâmetros faunísticos da frequência, apenas uma (1) família (Saturniidae) foi muito frequente, duas (Nymphalidae e Anobiidae) foram frequentes e as restantes duas (2) foram pouco frequentes. A ordem Orthoptera foi a menos expressiva apresentando-se pouco frequente, em quase todos os níveis. O índice de diversidade foi maior (0.54), no nível médio de degradação e menor (0.34) no nível alto de degradação. Segundo os testes de Friedman e Kruskal-Wallis, não há diferentes significativas entre os diferentes níveis de degradação quanto a frequência e abundância e diversidade dos indivíduos. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Miriam%20Tomo%20Insects.pdf RUFORUM Theses and Dissertations vi,42 Printed resource fr Enhancing research impact for food security: strengthening knowledge co-creation and research uptake Nampala, M.Paul Makuma-Massa, H. Windmeijer, Pieter Nigten, V. Govers, Cora 2015- Agricultural research The Food &amp amp Business Applied Research Fund (ARF, NWO-WOTRO) First Call projects and Competitive Research Fund (CRF, PAEPARD1) Projects Workshop held at Entebbe, Uganda was jointly organized by the Office of the Food &amp amp Business Knowledge Platform and NWO-WOTRO in collaboration with PAEPARD, RUFORUM2 and AgriProFocus Uganda. The main theme of the workshop was to enhance research impact for food security by strengthening knowledge co-creation and research uptake. The three-day workshop held from October 1-3, 2015 in Entebbe, Uganda was divided into two parts. One part of the workshop (1 and 3 October) aimed at sharing experiences (successes and challenges) and lessons learned from the different ARF and CRF project teams by exploring ways of: improving co-creation integrating stakeholder interests and ambitions in research from inception to completion and identifying possibilities for collaboration among the projects. This part of the workshop attracted 40 representatives from the 15 ARF and four CRF projects invited. The programme was organized to stimulate discussions through pitch presentations, speed dating, working groups, plenary discussions and visits to incubators and field experimentation and learning. Best-bet mechanisms for stakeholder engagement mapping, knowledge sharing and research uptake were deliberately discussed in interactive sessions at an Agribusiness Incubation Centre (CURAD) hosted at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyoro (MUARIK). In the afternoon of 3 October, participants visited exhibitions that showcased innovative products by both AfriBanana (folders, badges, bags and clocks made from banana fibres) and CURAD incubates (juices and liquor from coffee). During the field visits, CURAD incubatees shared their experiences of how they were supported in setting up a business and starting careers as entrepreneurs. One day of the workshop (2 October) was dedicated to a public seminar that focused on the role of SMEs in enhancing food security. In addition to the ARF and CRF projects participants, 25 external stakeholders participated in the public seminar through presentations, discussions and panel discussions. The key issues that emerged from the ARF-CRF Learning Workshop included: i) There is no simple blueprint for dealing with knowledge co-creation. Rather project teams need to share their experiences of what worked and what didn’t work and the reasons why ii) It is important for all project teams to conduct a stakeholder analysis to improve stakeholder engagement in the research process and knowledge sharing and research uptake iii) The workshop was an eye opener for many participants. It was suggested as part of orientation to organize such a workshop for newly awarded and future projects earlier, before implementation commences iv) The workshop served as a mechanism to explore and share experiences, to learn and improve knowledge co-creation and give feedback to project teams which enabled all consortia to contribute and discover together what the most appropriate collaboration looks like v) The workshop created added value by linking ARF and CRF projects for more collaboration on related topics, or as network to share experiences. Key issues from the seminar on the role of SMEs in enhancing food security were: a) SMEs have a huge role to play in the food security and commercialization of knowledge b) The slow transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture remains a large challenge to commercializing research outputs in Africa c) Policy support and protection are crucial to SMEs’ growth and development and to enhance economic growth and food security d) Governance issues that affect the SMEs eventually trickle down to the primary level of any given value chain e) SMEs are part of a very complex and dynamic system and this complexity needs to be taken into account in research and innovation activities and policy recommendations f) Engaging policy makers in research and development actions is imperative for stimulating an enabling environment for SMEs’ growth as well as economic development. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/StrengtheningKnowledgeCo_creationandResearchUptakeda-workshop_report-def2.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 23 Web resource en Variations in Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Response to Short-Term Changes in Weather Variables at Three Elevation Ranges, Wakiso District, Uganda Nakiguli, Fatumah Linus , K. Munishi A. Ndakidemi, Patrick 2019- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_weather http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ soil http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ carbon dioxide http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ nitrous oxide http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ methane http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ elevation range http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ banana–coffee cropland weather Temps météorologique soil carbon dioxide nitrous oxide methane elevation range banana–coffee cropland Weather conditions are among the major factors leading to the increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes from the agricultural soils. In this study, variations in the soil GHG fluxes with precipitation and soil temperatures at different elevation ranges in banana–coffee farms, in the Wakiso District, Uganda, were evaluated. The soil GHG fluxes were collected weekly, using the chamber method, and analyzed by using gas chromatography. Parallel soil temperature samples were collected by using a REOTEMP soil thermometer. Daily precipitation was measured with an automated weather station instrument installed on-site. The results showed that CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes were significantly different between the sites at different elevation ranges. Daily precipitation and soil temperatures significantly (p &amp lt 0.05) affected the soil GHG fluxes. Along an elevation gradient, daily precipitation and soil temperatures positively associated with the soil GHG fluxes. The combined factors of daily precipitation and soil temperatures also influence the soil GHG fluxes, but their effect was less than that of the single effects. Overall, daily precipitation and soil temperatures are key weather factors driving the soil GHG fluxes in time and space. This particular study suggests that agriculture at lower elevation levels would help reduce the magnitudes of the soil GHG fluxes. However, this study did not measure the soil GHG fluxes from the non-cultivated ecosystems. Therefore, future studies should focus on assessing the variations in the soil GHG fluxes from non-cultivated ecosystems relative to agriculture systems, at varying elevation ranges. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Published%20Mnauscript_Nakiguli%20Fatumah.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 17 Web resource en Tsetse Invasion as an Emerging Threat to Socioecological Resilience of Pastoral Communities in Karamoja, Uganda Egeru, A. Opio , Joseph Siya, Aggrey Barasa, Bernard Magaya , John Paul Namaalwa , Justine J. 2020- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Glossina spp. http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ health http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ sleeping sickness http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ tsetse invasion http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Karamoja sub-region http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Africa Glossina spp. health sleeping sickness tsetse invasion Karamoja sub-region Africa Over 70% of Uganda is infested by the tsetse fly, which has negative effects on human and livestock health. From colonial to post-independent Uganda, the Government of Uganda has worked to eradicate the tsetse menace. Despite these efforts, recent veterinary reports from the Karamojasub-regionhaveindicatedwidespreadtsetseinvasion. Thisstudyinvestigatedthepotential impact of tsetse invasion on the socioecological resilience of pastoral communities in the Karamoja sub-region. Results indicated that tsetse invasion is spreading from north to south of Karamoja. The tsetse transmission route emerging from southern Karamoja is perceived to be a continuation of the tsetse belt from West Pokot, Kenya. Cases of livestock deaths, livestock abortions, decreased milk yields, restricted access to prime grazing lands, heightened human-wildlife conflicts and disruption on crop cultivation have been reported. A computed socioecological resilience index in the study areawaspositivebutlow. Owingtothetransboundarycharacteristicsoftsetseinvasionsandsources and the associated documented effects, an urgent, strategic and system-wide intervention should be undertaken to control the tsetse invasion in this sub-region. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/EGERU%20sustainability-12-01599-v2.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 26 Web resource en Prevalence and monetary loss due to cystic Echinococcosis in slaughter house livestock: A case study of Migori County, Kenya Kere , Odero Joseph Joseph, Erume Jessika, Banda Liveness Maina, Kagira John 2019- Animal diseases http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Cystic Echinococcosis Prevalence Monetary loss Migori County-Kenya Zoonosis Cystic Echinococcosis Prevalence Monetary loss Migori County-Kenya Zoonosis Cystic Echinococcosis (CE/Hydatidosis) is a parasitic zoonosis of public health importance that causes considerable economic loss worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and monetary loss of CE in livestock slaughtered in Migori County, Kenya. The study was conducted by retrieving and analyzing secondary data over a ten year period (2007–2016) from annual meat inspection reports from sub-county veterinary offices within Migori County. The data included species/number of slaughtered animals and number of organs condemned due to presence of hydatid cyst(s) recorded. The results showed CE prevalence was highest in cattle (5.3%) followed by goats (2.0%), least affected were sheep (0.1%). The overall direct monetary loss was $152,003/year. The study results confirm occurrence of CE in Migori County and demonstrate an emerging new CE focus in Kenya with a significant direct monetary loss, a phenomenon that require serious attention to control the spread of CE in Kenya. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20MANUSCRIPT.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 8 Web resource en The role of camel production on household resilience to droughts in pastoral and agro-pastoral households in Uganda Asiimwe, Robert Ainembabazi, J.H. Egeru, A. Isoto , Rosemary Aleper, D. Namaalwa, J. Diiro, G.M. 2020- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Resilience http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Pastoralism http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Karamoja http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Camels http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Droughts Resilience Pastoralism Pastoralisme Karamoja Camels Chameau Droughts Recurrent and prolonged droughts have exacerbated the problems of pasture and water scarcity in arid and semiarid lands (ASALs), hence, the need for immediate and long-term adaption strategies to such shocks. Camels are increasingly being integrated into mainstream livestock production systems as an adaptation strategy to droughts. However, rigorous empirical evidence remains scarce on the role of camel-rearing in household resilience to droughts. This study used cross-sectional data from 116 households in the Karamoja sub-region of Uganda to examine the effect of camel adoption on household resilience to drought. Resilience to drought was measured as an index constructed from consumption- and income-smoothing indicators using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The effect of camel adoption on household resilience to droughts was estimated using Lewbel’s estimator. Descriptive statistics show that camel tropical livestock units (TLUs) constituted 25% of the total TLUs of the herd among adopting households. PCA analysis shows that income-smoothing factors (increased off-farm income and alternative sources of income) had the greatest contribution to resilience. Econometric results show that a unit increase in the proportion of camel TLUs significantly increased household resilience to droughts by 20%. The study recommends increased emphasis on income diversification both on-farm and off-farm across programmes that aim to build pastoral household resilience to droughts. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Asiimwe%20et%20al.%202020-Role%20of%20camel%20production%20in%20household%20resilience.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 12 Web resource en Improving shrimp fishers’ fishing and bargaining abilities through social networks knowledge transfer in Rivers State, Nigeria Komi, G. W. Isubikalu, P. 2019- Rural sociology and social security http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Socializing http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_gear http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_price http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_prawn http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Southern Nigeria Socializing gear price prawn Southern Nigeria The knowledge of the use of fishing gear and the ability to negotiate price depend on the information available to the fishers. They draw on social relationships to acquire information relating to fishing opportunities, contributing to knowledge that underpins decision making and behaviour. Shrimp fishers from eight fishing ports in Rivers State, were surveyed to assess how the knowledge obtained by social network members influence their fishing and bargaining abilities. A mixed method design was employed using qualitative and quantitative approaches in which four focus group discussions (FGDs) and survey of 125 shrimp fishers were conducted using interview guide and semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software and content analysis. Results showed that 97.6% of the respondents obtained knowledge through handed down traditions. Over eighty percent (88%) of the respondents obtained knowledge from friends and neighbours while 53.6% obtained knowledge through electronic media. Knowledge transfer improved the ability to use fishing gear by more than double while bargaining ability improved average sales of shrimps from ₦1,866.00 to ₦5002.02 per kilogram. Statistically, there were no significant differences (p &amp gt 0.05) in the number of gears operated, length of fishing duration and quantity of shrimps caught before and after acquiring knowledge however, significant differences (p &amp lt 0.05) existed in the bargaining ability and selling cost per kilogram of shrimp after acquiring knowledge from shrimp fishers’ social networks. The study concludes that knowledge of shrimp fishing and bargaining abilities was better transferred through handed down traditions and social networks of friends and neighbours. Furthermore, cooperatives helped stabilize the bargaining system to improve sales. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Komi%20and%20Isubikalu-AJATE-Vol%208%20No%202_0.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 16 Web resource en Improving shrimp fishers’ fishing and bargaining abilities through social networks knowledge transfer in Rivers State, Nigeria Komi, G. W. Isubikalu, P. 2019- Rural sociology and social security http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Socializing http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_gear http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_price http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_prawn http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Southern Nigeria Socializing gear price prawn Southern Nigeria The knowledge of the use of fishing gear and the ability to negotiate price depend on the information available to the fishers. They draw on social relationships to acquire information relating to fishing opportunities, contributing to knowledge that underpins decision making and behaviour. Shrimp fishers from eight fishing ports in Rivers State, were surveyed to assess how the knowledge obtained by social network members influence their fishing and bargaining abilities. A mixed method design was employed using qualitative and quantitative approaches in which four focus group discussions (FGDs) and survey of 125 shrimp fishers were conducted using interview guide and semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software and content analysis. Results showed that 97.6% of the respondents obtained knowledge through handed down traditions. Over eighty percent (88%) of the respondents obtained knowledge from friends and neighbours while 53.6% obtained knowledge through electronic media. Knowledge transfer improved the ability to use fishing gear by more than double while bargaining ability improved average sales of shrimps from ₦1,866.00 to ₦5002.02 per kilogram. Statistically, there were no significant differences (p &amp gt 0.05) in the number of gears operated, length of fishing duration and quantity of shrimps caught before and after acquiring knowledge however, significant differences (p &amp lt 0.05) existed in the bargaining ability and selling cost per kilogram of shrimp after acquiring knowledge from shrimp fishers’ social networks. The study concludes that knowledge of shrimp fishing and bargaining abilities was better transferred through handed down traditions and social networks of friends and neighbours. Furthermore, cooperatives helped stabilize the bargaining system to improve sales. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Komi%20and%20Isubikalu-AJATE-Vol%208%20No%202.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 16 Web resource ab Comparative Studies of the Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metals adsorption Capacity of Chemical Activated Carbon from Palm Kernel, Coconut and Groundnut Shells Boadu, Kwasi Opoku Joel, Ogbonna Friday Essumang, David Kofi Evbuomwan, Benson Osa 2018- Pollution http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Chemical activated carbons http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_physicochemical properties http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_BET surface area and heavy metals Chemical activated carbons physicochemical properties BET surface area and heavy metals Comparative studies of the physicochemical properties of chemical activated carbon from palm kernel (PKS), coconut (CNS) and groundnut (GNS) shells were investigated. The properties investigated were pH, moisture content, specific gravity, BET surface area, pore volume, porosity, ash content and metal ions present. From the results obtained, the chemical activated carbon prepared from palm kernel, coconut and groundnut shells shows good physicochemical properties and adsorption capacity. However coconut shell with BET surface area 1177.520 (m2/g), potassium content of 179.33ppm and pH 7.5, having a better advantage to be used as organic fertilizer compare to groundnut shell with BET surface area 950.069 (m2/g), potassium content of 140.00ppm &amp amp pH 8.4 and palm kernel shell with BET surface area 717.142(m2/g), potassium content of 128.00ppm and pH 8.7 respectively in that order. Also, coconut shell with pore diameter of 2.840e+00, specific gravity of 1.42 &amp amp moisture content of 19.7% makes it a prefer option compare to groundnut shell with pore diameter of 2.920e+00, specific gravity of 148 &amp amp moisture content of 19.8% and palm kernel shell with pore diameter of 2.840e+00, specific gravity of 1.61 and moisture content of 20.4% respectively. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/S.%20JASEM-12-1808%20Boadu.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 7 Web resource en A Review of Methods for Removal of Contaminants in Used Lubricating Oil Boadu, Kwasi Opoku Joel, Ogbonna Friday Essumang, David Kofi Evbuomwan, Benson Osa 2019- Pollution http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Used lubricatingoil http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ contaminants http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ removal methods http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ treatment Used lubricatingoil contaminants removal methods treatment Management and disposing of used lubricating oil (ULO) poses deleterious effects to air, land and water pollution. These contaminants not only causes environmental problems, they also have bioaccumulation effects on living organisms, reduces the inhabitants lifespan as a result of the diseases spread, poisoning and fouling of catalyst as well as corrode processing equipment. The contaminants removal in used lubricating oil is a major step to avoid pollution as discussed thoroughly by many researchers in literature. In addition, to curbing pollution, another advantage is converting waste to wealth. This review paper presents insight into various methods for removal of contaminants in used lubricating oil. The advantages and drawbacks of each method were earmarked for further study. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Review%20Boadu.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 11 Web resource en Physico-chemical and Concentration of Heavy Metals Analyses in Virgin and Used Lubricating Oils: A Spectroscopy Study Boadu, Kwasi Opoku Joel, Ogbonna Friday Essumang, David Kofi Evbuomwan, Benson Osa 2019- Pollution http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Heavy Metals http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Physicochemical http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Oil Analysis http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Contaminants http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Lubricating Oils Heavy Metals Physicochemical Oil Analysis Contaminants Lubricating Oils As a result of the changes that occur during their use, lubricating oils from automobiles tend to differ in terms of their physical and chemical composition from virgin and used lubricating oils. The analyses of the heavy metals distribution, contaminants and physicochemical parameters of the virgin and used lubricating oils will guide us to select the possible processes that can alter the oil composition. This research examines the heavy metals distribution, contaminants and physicochemical parameters of the virgin and used lubricating oils using Atomic Adsorption Spectrometer for 7 elements using various ASTM D methods. The results obtained shows that there were significant differences in the virgin and used lubricating oils. The deleterious effects of heavy metals, contaminants and physicochemical parameters on the environment have been known for a while. These contaminants not only causes environmental problems, they also have bio-accumulation effects on living organism, poisoning and fouling of catalyst as well as corrode processing equipment. This study also presents results showing us that contaminants, heavy metals and physicochemical parameters play a major role in discriminating of lubricating oil samples. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/10.11648.j.ajac_.20190706.14.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 5 Web resource en Online learning in universities – A missed opportunity University World News 2020- Documentation and information When Uganda announced a partial lockdown and the closing of schools and learning institutions due to COVID-19, avid promoters of information and communications technology (ICT), virtual and online-based learning saw it as a golden opportunity that would change the practice of online learning in higher education. The concept of online or blended learning has been on the higher education agenda for close to two decades. There have been varying interventions from a range of sources: bilateral and multilateral agencies and US foundations. At the national level, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance through the National Information Technology Authority of Uganda has implemented the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure and e-Government Infrastructure Project. This was an effort to connect all major towns within the country to an optical fibre cable-based network. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Online%20learning%20in%20universities.%20Dr.%20Florence%20Nakayiwa.pdf RUFORUM Newsletters 3 Web resource en Prevalence and contamination levels of aflatoxins in dairy cattle feeds from milk bulking groups in Malawi Nkosi, M. M. Safalaoh, A C. L. Mtegha, C. 2018- Animal feeding http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_aflatoxicosis http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_aflatoxin levels http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_immunoaffinity column chromatography http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Malawi http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_prevalence rate http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_solution fluorometry aflatoxicosis aflatoxin levels immunoaffinity column chromatography Malawi Malawi prevalence rate solution fluorometry There is limited information about the natural occurrence of aflatoxins in dairy feedstuffs in Malawi. The aim of this study was to determine the natural prevalence rate of aflatoxins and quantify aflatoxin contamination levels in dairy cattle feeds collected from smallholder dairy cattle farms distributed across Dzaonewekha, Chitsanzo, Mpemba, Kavuzi and Lusangazi Milk Bulking Groups (MBGs) over three seasons in 2017. In total, 51 samples of feeds from 18 smallholder dairy farms were investigated. Immunoaffinity column chromatography coupled with solution fluorometry was used for quantification of aflatoxin with a detection limit of 1 μg /kg. Aflatoxin was detected in 88.2% of the samples with overall mean total aflatoxin contamination level of 30.57±5.44 ppb (19.36 ppb to 41.78 ppb, 95% confidence interval). Furthermore, 62.7% of the positive samples exceeded the EU limit of 5 ppb. Aflatoxin levels for Chitsanzo and Dzaonewekha MBGs differed significantly (P=0.0001) from those of Lusangazi, Kavuzi and Mpemba MBGs (5.21±12.85ppb and 5.45±14.37ppb vs. 63.38±11.36ppb, 39.57±10.67ppb and 30.08±11.73ppb, respectively for Mpemba, Lusangazi, and Kavuzi, MBGs). The study has reported a high aflatoxin prevalence rate in dairy cattle feeds and that levels of aflatoxin differed significantly by MBGs and season but not by feed type. No interaction was observed between feed type, season and MBG. There is therefore a great need for advocacy in enforcement of regulatory standards on aflatoxin control in Malawi to reduce aflatoxicosis hazards to both humans and livestock. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Nkosi.M.M.%20ET%20AL.%5B6648%5D.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 12 Web resource en Revisiting application of statistics in agricultural research in Sub-Saharan Africa: entry points for improvement Odong, T.L. Tenywa, J.S. Nabasirye, M. 2019- Research methods http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Experimental design http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_P-values http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_SWOT analysis Experimental design P-values SWOT analysis The importance of statistics in empowering the agricultural research process and sharpening interventions cannot be over-emphasized. Undocumented evidence points to misconceptions, misuse or underuse of statistics among agricultural researchers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) pointing to the possibility that the subject has been part of the causes the unfulfilled targets in the agricultural sector in the region. The objective of this study was to analyse and document weaknesses in statistical practice in agricultural research, with a view to identifying entry points for strengthening the performance of the sector for SSA to be able to achieve its set goals. A desk study involving 165 research articles published in the African Crop Science Journal over the period of 17 years (2000 to 2017) was conducted through a rigorous SWOT analysis for issues related to the use of statistics in the implementation of agricultural research in SSA. A checklist consisting of key elements related to study design data collection, analysis and exploitation and presentation, was used to guide the interrogation. Findings indicated that researchers generally made explicit description of treatment structures that fairly matched the study objectives and hypotheses (in the few cases where they were stated), with a few weaknesses in the description of factorial treatment structure. The Randomised Complete Block Design was most commonly used among the designs, with 3-4 replicates. However, there was hardly any justification for its use, as the blocking factors were never mentioned and thus their role in determining the precision of the results was difficult to determine. Analysis of Variance was the main method for data analysis, followed by correlations. The F-test and the associated Pvalues were the basis for decisions on treatment differences. Most researchers had problems with presentation and interpretation of P-values and significance level. Post adhoc tests mostly used the Least Significant Difference (LSD) for pairwise mean comparisons, with little consideration for the treatment structure, the number of treatments and the nature (qualitative or quantitative). Generally, estimates of treatment means were presented together with various measures of precision, in both tables and graphical forms. In several cases, LSD was used or misused interchangeably with standard error (SE) or standard error of difference (SED). Several statistical software were used for data analysis and presentation, with the main ones being SAS, Genstat and MSTAT-C. Key entry points for improvement heavily lie in human and infrastructural resource capacity improvement, most specifically in (i) periodic review of university and other tertiary institutions’ curricula to provide sufficient time allocation, physical space and relevant infrastructure for true hands on practice (ii) more effective utilisation of the few statisticians available in the region, (iii) short term staff in-service retooling courses, (iv) sustained statistical service units wherever necessary, and (v) provision for periodic interactive statistician-researcher platforms (such as conferences and workshops) for sharing notes on challenges and achievements during implementation of their research programmes. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Statistics%20Review%20paper.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 16 Web resource ab Assessment of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Genotypes for Yield and Resistance to Late Leaf Spot and Rosette Diseases Mohammed , K.E. Afutu, E. Odong, T.L. Okello, D.K. Nuwamanya, E. Olupot, G. Rubaihayo, P.R. Okori, P. 2018- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Arachis hypogaea http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ mycosphaerella berkeleyi http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ variability http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ incidence http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ severity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ breeding Arachis hypogaea mycosphaerella berkeleyi variability incidence severity breeding Groundnut which is a major staple food crop in Uganda is constrained by late leaf spot (LLS) and groundnut rosette disease (GRD), accounting for major economic yield loss. This study was conducted to identify sources of resistance to LLS and GRD and yield potential of selected groundnut genotypes that could be used in breeding programs. Thirty-eight groundnut genotypes were evaluated at the National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI)-Serere, Eastern Uganda during the first and second seasons of 2015. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed highly significant (P &amp lt 0.01) genotype-by-season interaction for most of the traits studied. There were significant differences among the genotypes for 100 seed weight (P &amp lt 0.01), and dry pod yield and unshelled sample of 100 pods at P &amp lt 0.05. Late leaf spot severity (at harvest), GRD incidence (at 12 weeks) and severity (at harvest) were significantly (P &amp lt .01) different and positively correlated with Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). GRD severity at harvest showed highly significant (P &amp lt 0.001) negative correlation with shelling percentage. Both 100 seed weight and unshelled sample of 100 pod showed highly significant (P &amp lt 0.01) negative correlations with LLS at harvest, LLS AUDPC, GRD at 12 weeks, GRD AUDPC, and GRD severity. Genotypes susceptible to both LLS and GRD recorded the lowest 100 seed weight. Nine genotypes (Serenut.2, SGV 0001, SGV 0005, SGV 0006, SGV 0019, SGV 0071, SGV 0082, SGV 0083, and SGV 89751T) showed resistance to both diseases with high yield potential. These genotypes could be used to introgress resistance to both diseases in acceptable cultivars which are susceptible http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Assessment%20of%20Groundnut%20Genotypes%20for%20Yield%20and%20Resistance%20to%20Late%20Leaf%20Spot%20and%20Rosette%20Diseases%20.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 13 Web resource en Yield Penalty Associated with Stacking Resistance to Late Leaf Spot, Rosette Diseases and Drought Stress in Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Mohammed , K.E. Agoyi, E.E. Odong, T.L. Weldekidan, Miesho Belay Okello, D.K. Olupot, G. Rubaihayo, P.R. Okori, P. 2019- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Peanut http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_production http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_biotic http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_abiotic http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_infections Peanut production biotic abiotic infections Groundnut production is constrained by late leaf spot, groundnut rosette disease and drought which are responsible for up to 100% yield loss. This study was conducted to determine yield penalty associated with stacking resistance to late leaf spot, rosette and drought stress in groundnut genotypes. Twenty eight genotypes comprising single, double and multiple resistances for the diseases and tolerant to drought were evaluated in screen houses at Namulonge and Kabanyolo, in 2017. Completely randomized design was used in two replications. Three watering regimes were applied. Diseases severity was scored at harvest based on 1-9 scale. Drought was assessed with relative water content and leaf membrane stability index. Yield penalty was calculated as yield of the resistant genotype under optimum conditions minus yield of the same genotype under stress. The results of analysis of variance showed significant difference (P &amp lt 0.001) from one location to another and genotype-by-location effect was significant for most traits. The highest pod yield was observed at optimum conditions and under disease control, while the lowest was observed under the combination of diseases and drought. The highest yield penalty (19.98) was recorded by rosette resistant genotype SGV 0007. Low yield penalty (6.6), due to leaf spot and rosette diseases, was observed for genotype Abutalata. Penalty was positively correlated (r = 0.24) with relative water content and rosette and negatively correlated with leaf spot. Genotypes which showed low yield penalty could be valuable genetic materials for breeding of groundnut resistance to multiple stresses in Uganda or similar environments. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Yield%20Penalty%20Associated%20with%20Stacking%20Resistance%20to%20Late%20Leaf%20Spot%2C%20Rosette%20Diseases%20and%20Drought%20Stress%20in%20Groundnut.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 13 Web resource en Resistance mechanisms of late leaf spot and rosette diseases in drought tolerant groundnut genotypes Mohammed , K.E. Nuwamanya, E. Afutu, E. Enoch , Wembabazi Mwila, N. Idris, S E Rubaihayo, P.R. 2019- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Arachis hypogaea http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Biochemical http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Cercospora http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Aphids http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Moisture stress Arachis hypogaea Biochemical Cercospora Aphids Moisture stress Groundnut has been identified as less susceptible to drought which produces moderate yield under drought conditions. Also, drought can enhance effects of late leaf spot and groundnut rosette diseases. However, to reduce rate of the damage by these constraints, plants produce various defensive metabolites. This investigation was undertaken to study how drought tolerant groundnut genotypes respond under late leaf spot and rosette diseases. Eleven drought tolerant genotypes, comprising 4 resistance to both diseases, 4 resistant to leaf spot and 3 resistant to rosette disease were selected for the study. The experiments were conducted in the screen house at two locations (Namulonge and Kabanyolo) and arranged in a complete randomized design. Diseases and drought were artificially imposed two weeks after germination. Data collected included aphid counts, chlorophyll, phenolic and tannin content. The analysis of variance showed significant differences (P&amp lt 0.001) in most of the studied traits for the two sites, genotypes and the interaction. Rosette resistant genotypes recorded the lowest aphid counts and the highest tannin contents. The lowest total chlorophyll was shown by late leaf spot susceptible genotypes. Tannin content was negatively correlated with chlorophylls and aphid counts whiles total phenolic content was negatively correlated with aphid counts but was positively correlated with chlorophyll. The negative correlation between the measured metabolites and chlorophyll with aphid population, rosette and leaf spot disease indicated that an increase in these biochemical content led to a decrease in disease occurrence and therefore, increasing metabolites could contribute to the bio-protection of host plants against these diseases. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Resistance%20mechanisms%20of%20late%20leaf%20spot%20and%20rosette%20diseases%20in%20drought%20tolerant%20groundnut%20genotypes%20.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 16 Web resource en New sources of sorghum resistant genotypes to downy mildew disease in Uganda Kumi, F. Badji, A. Mwila, N. Odong, T.L. Ochwo-Ssemakula, M. Tusiime, G. Gibson, P. Biruma, M. PROM, L. K Cuevas, H. E. Agbahoungba, S Rubaihayo, P.R. 2019- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Angle transformation http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_AUDPC http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_PDI http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_local lesions http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_systemic infection Angle transformation AUDPC PDI local lesions systemic infection Kumi F, Badji A, Mwila N, Odong T, Ochwo-Ssemakula M, Tusiime G, Gibson P, Biruma M, Prom KL, Cuevas HE, Agbahoungba S, Rubaihayo P. 2019. New sources of sorghum resistant genotypes to downy mildew disease in Uganda. Biodiversitas 20: 3391-3397. Sorghum downy mildew (SDM) disease is still prevalent in Uganda at varying levels of incidence and severity. In this study, a total of 100 sorghum genotypes, five (5) from (U.SA, India, and Sudan) and 95 genotypes from Uganda were evaluated for resistance to downy mildew and other agronomic traits during the second growing season of 2016 (August-December). The experiment was conducted in two locations at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute at Kabanyolo (MUARIK) and Abi-Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Abi-ZARDI) research station at Arua. The experimental design used was 10 x 10 alpha lattice design with three replicates. Data were collected on plant disease incidence (PDI), plant disease severity (PDS), area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), days to 50% flowering, plant height, 1000 seed weight, and grain yield. Results for analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (P &amp lt 0.001) in genotypes, location, and AUDPC, yield and yield components. Disease incidence varied significantly (P &amp lt 0.001) between locations, and Arua recorded highest disease incidence and severity of 80.6 and 2.8, respectively. Results from correlation analysis showed a highly significant (P &amp lt 0.001) positive association of downy mildew disease incidence with AUDPC (0.835) which suggests that the severity of SDM disease increased with disease incidence, whiles significant (P &amp lt 0.001) negative correlation was recorded for days to 50 % flowering (-0.302), 1000 seed weight (-0.471), and grain yield (-0.585), suggesting that grain yield and yield component decreased significantly with increase in SDM incidence and severity. Two resistant (PI 656061 and PI 533831) and four moderately resistant (E 40, MAKSO 8, PI 655990 and Epuripur) genotypes were identified from this study. These genotypes were recommended for sorghum breeding program against downy mildew disease. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Kumi%20et%20al.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 7 Web resource en Adsorption of Heavy Metals Contaminants in Used Lubricating Oil Using Palm Kernel and Coconut Shells Activated Carbons Boadu, Kwasi Opoku Joel, Ogbonna Friday Essumang, David Kofi Evbuomwan, Benson Osa 2020- Pollution http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Activated Carbons http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Heavy Metals http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Contaminants http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Used Lubricating Oils http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Adsorption http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Langmuir Isotherm Model http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Correlation Co-efficient Activated Carbons Heavy Metals Contaminants Used Lubricating Oils Adsorption Langmuir Isotherm Model Correlation Co-efficient This research work investigated the adsorption of some heavy metals contaminants in used lubricating oil using chemically activated carbon adsorbents produced from palm kernel and coconut shells. The adsorption mechanism was able to remove some heavy metals such as zinc, chromium, cadmium and magnesium contaminants from the used lubricating oil to appreciable levels. For instance, zinc from initial concentrations of 16.475±0.950 ppm before to 10.375±0.171 ppm after filtration processes for used lubricating oil sample A. Also, for coconut shell from an initial concentration of 14.575±0.272 ppm to 5.450±0.3000 ppm after filtration processes. It was observed that the coconut shell activated carbons was effective in the removal of lead metals while palm kernel cannot. However, the activated carbons produced from palm kernel and coconut shells are not suitable for the removal of both copper and iron metals. For example, after the filtration process with the palm kernel shell activated carbon, the mean concentration of copper metal increases for virgin (C) 0.001± 0.000 to 0.075±0.013 ppm and used lubricating oil samples (A&amp amp B) from 0.150±0.008 to 0.400±0.018 ppm and from 0.220±0.096 to 0.230±0.008 ppm respectively. Also, in the case of the coconut shell activated carbon, the mean concentration of copper in virgin lubricating oil remains the same 0.001±0.000 whereas for used lubricating oils samples (i.e. A&amp amp B) it increases from 0.150±0.008 to 0.780±0.014 and from 0.220±0.096 to 0.790±0.026 respectively. Also, the equilibrium adsorption data were analysed using the Langmuir isotherm model. The fit of this isotherm model to the equilibrium adsorption data was determined, using the linear coefficient of correlation (R2). The following R2 values were obtained Copper (0.8185), Cadmium (0.8347), Lead (0.9349), Chromium (0.9378), Iron (0.9927), Zinc (0.9953), and Magnesium (0.9997) respectively. From the results obtained and statistics point of view, it can be concluded that the Langmuir model shows a better fit due to the high coefficient of correlation (R2 ≈ 1). The recovered oil could be also re-used. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Adsorption%20of%20Heavy%20Metals%20Contaminants%20in%20Used%20Lubricating%20Oil%20Using%20Palm%20Kernel%20and%20Coconut%20Shells%20Activated%20Carbons%20.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 8 Web resource en Maize Combined Insect Resistance Genomic Regions and Their Co-localization With Cell Wall Constituents Revealed by Tissue-Specific QTL Meta-Analyses Badji, A. Otim, M. Machida, L. Odong, T.L. Kwemoi, D.B. Okii, D Agbahoungba, S Mwila, N. Kumi, F. Ibanda , A Mugo, S. Kyamanywa, S. Rubaihayo, P.R. 2018- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_maize http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_stem borers http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_storage pests http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_cell wall constituents http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_tissue-specific meta-QTL http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_multiple-insect resistance http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_marker-assisted selection maize Maïs stem borers storage pests cell wall constituents tissue-specific meta-QTL multiple-insect resistance marker-assisted selection Combinatorial insect attacks on maize leaves, stems, and kernels cause significant yield losses and mycotoxin contaminations. Several small effect quantitative trait loci (QTL) control maize resistance to stem borers and storage pests and are correlated with secondary metabolites. However, efficient use of QTL in molecular breeding requires a synthesis of the available resistance information. In this study, separate meta-analyses of QTL of maize response to stem borers and storage pests feeding on leaves, stems, and kernels along with maize cell wall constituents discovered in these tissues generated 24 leaf (LIR), 42 stem (SIR), and 20 kernel (KIR) insect resistance meta-QTL (MQTL) of a diverse genetic and geographical background. Most of these MQTL involved resistance to several insect species, therefore, generating a significant interest for multiple-insect resistance breeding. Some of the LIR MQTL such as LIR4, 17, and 22 involve resistance to European corn borer, sugarcane borer, and southwestern corn borer. Eleven out of the 42 SIR MQTL related to resistance to European corn borer and Mediterranean corn borer. There KIR MQTL, KIR3, 15, and 16 combined resistance to kernel damage by the maize weevil and the Mediterranean corn borer and could be used in breeding to reduce insect-related post-harvest grain yield loss and field to storage mycotoxin contamination. This meta-analysis corroborates the significant role played by cell wall constituents in maize resistance to insect since the majority of the MQTL contain QTL for members of the hydroxycinnamates group such as p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and other diferulates and derivates, and fiber components such as acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and lignin. Stem insect resistance MQTL display several co-localization between fiber and hydroxycinnamate components corroborating the hypothesis of cross-linking between these components that provide mechanical resistance to insect attacks. Our results highlight the existence of combined-insect resistance genomic regions in maize and set the basis of multiple-pests resistance breeding. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/fpls-09-00895.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 17 Web resource en Functional trait diversity is a stronger predictor of multifunctionality than dominance: Evidence from an Afromontane forest in South Africa Mensah, Sylvanus Salako, V.K. Assogbadjo, A.E. Glèlè Kakaï, R. Sinsin, B. Seifert, Thomas 2020- Plant ecology http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Ecosystem multifunctionality Functional trait diversity Mistbelt forest Niche complementarity Structural equation modelling South Africa Ecosystem multifunctionality Functional trait diversity Mistbelt forest Niche complementarity Structural equation modelling South Africa Studies on how biodiversity influences ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) help elucidate ecological mechanisms (e.g. niche complementarity and selection) underlying provision of multiple ecosystem services. While it is acknowledged that biodiversity contributes to EMF, the relative importance of functional traits diversity (niche complementarity) and dominance (selection effects) for EMF needs further investigation. To address this gap, we analysed how tree species diversity influences EMF, using data on species functional traits (specific wood density, specific leaf area and maximum plant height) and four ecosystem functions (carbon storage, habitat quality, forage provision and rockfall protection) in an Afromontane forest in South Africa. We tested the hypotheses that (i) trait diversity rather than dominance would link species richness to EMF and (ii) diversity rather than species richness effects would increase with the level of EMF. For all possible scenarios of EMF indices, functional trait diversity metrics, especially functional divergence and functional richness correlated positively with EMF. On the other hand, functional dominance also influenced EMF, but played limited role in mediating EMF response to species richness, when compared with functional diversity. Results further revealed that total diversity effects, not species richness effect, generally increased with the level of EMF. In summary, we show that species richness does not fully capture the functional contribution of different species. Compared to dominance, trait diversity had significant advantage in explaining biodiversity-EMF relationship, stressing a greater role of niche complementarity as mechanism underpinning delivery of multiple functions. We argue that functional dominance reflects more the competitive dominance of traits and species within a given community and therefore is more likely to have greater effects on single functions than on multifunctionality. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mensah-10.1016%40j.ecolind.2020.106415.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 11 Web resource en Combining ability and heritability of soybean resistance to groundnut leaf miner Ibanda , A Malinga, M. Tanzito, G, A Ocan, D Badji, A. Mwila, N. Msiska, M.U. Odong, T.L. Karungi, J. Tukamuhabwa, P. Rubaihayo, P.R. 2018- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Additive gene effects Diallel analysis Incidence Severity Aproaerema modicella Additive gene effects Diallel analysis Incidence Severity Aproaerema modicella Groundnut leaf miner (GLM) (Aproaerema modicella) (Deventer) is one of the most destructive pests of soybean and groundnuts. In this study, the mode of inheritance, general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) effects, maternal effects of resistance to GLM and grain yield ha-1 were determined. Thirteen soybean parental genotypes and 81 F2 populations were evaluated for resistance to GLM in a 5 9 19 alpha lattice diallel design with two replications under natural GLM infestation in northern (Arua) and eastern (Iki-iki) Uganda during September to December 2016 rainy season. Highly significant differences were observed among parental genotypes and F2 populations for GLM incidence, severity, and grain yield. The estimates of GCA effects were significant for GLM incidence and severity scores but not for the number of larvae per plant and grain yield ha-1 . SCA effects were non-significant for all the studied traits, suggesting that GCA effects were the major component responsible for soybean resistance to GLM with additive gene effects being more important for these traits. Baker’s ratio ranged from 0.44-1.0 for most of resistant traits except number of larvae per plant and grain yield ha-1 . The results indicated also that cultivars Maksoy1 N, PI615437, PI578457A and NIIGC4.1-2 were good combiners against GLM incidence and severity. Parent PI615437 was a good combiner for grain yield and Maksoy1 N 9 PI615437 was a superior cross for grain yield and against GLM incidence. There were no maternal effects for the inheritance of resistance to GLM. The study provides a basis for understanding patterns of inheritance of soybean resistance to groundnut leaf miner for an efficient breeding program. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Combining%20ability%20and%20heritability%20of%20soybean%20resistance%20to%20Groundnut%20leaf%20miner.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 15 Web resource en Influence of environment on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] resistance to groundnut leaf miner, Aproaerema modicella (Deventer) in Uganda Ibanda , A Karungi, J. Malinga, M. Tanzito, G, A Ocan, D Badji, A. Mwila, N. Odong, T.L. Tukamuhabwa, P. Rubaihayo, P.R. 2018- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Grain yield http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Gelechiidae http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_incidence http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Lepidoptera http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_natural infestation http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_severity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_weather parameters Grain yield Gelechiidae incidence Lepidoptera natural infestation severity weather parameters Groundnut leaf miner (GLM) [Aproaerema modicella (Deventer)] is a serious problem for soybean cultivation in Uganda causing yield losses of up to 100%. The use of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars resistant to GLM attack is an important strategy in the integrated pest management program. The aim of this study was to determine the environment × genotype interaction influence on the soybean resistance traits to GLM attack. Eighteen soybean genotypes were evaluated for resistance to GLM attack. The experiment was set up using randomized complete block design replicated three times under natural pest infestation in Budaka (Eastern) and Arua (Northern) districts in Uganda. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, Pearson’s phenotypic correlation and cluster analysis. Highly significant (p &amp lt 0.001) differences among the genotypes were recorded for all the studied traits, except the number of pupae per plant which was significant (p &amp lt 0.05). GLM incidence and severity had significant negative correlations with rainfall and relative humidity. However, there were significant positive correlations between minimum temperature and GLM incidence as well as severity for most of the genotypes. Soybean genotypes VI046160 and VI046167 could be used as parents in breeding for resistance to GLM pest. Areas with high rainfall and humidity would be recommended for soybean production to minimize infestation by GLM. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Influence%20of%20environment%20on%20soybean%20%5BGlycine%20max%20%28L.%29.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 11 Web resource en Reactions of pineapple cultivars to pineapple heart rot disease in central Uganda Oculi, J. Bua, B. Ocwa, A. 2020- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Resistance Susceptibility Cultivar Pineapple heart rot Resistance Susceptibility Cultivar Pineapple heart rot Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) is an important fruit crop in Uganda ranking third as a major fruit crop after banana and citrus globally. However, pineapple production in Uganda is threatened by the recent outbreaks of pineapple heart rot disease (PHRD). Pineapple heart rot disease is the most widespread and devastating disease of pineapple in Uganda and can cause tremendous yield loss. Information on the sources of resistance is still scanty in Uganda. Additionally, no study has been done in Uganda which point out whether variety influences disease severity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the reaction of pineapple cultivars to pineapple heart rot disease in central Uganda. Five cultivars of healthy pineapple suckers were planted in the field in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to screen for resistance to PHRD. No significant (p &amp gt 0.05) difference in PHRD incidence was recorded in week two and week 4 of the experiment. However, there was significant difference (p &amp lt 0.001) in incidence of PHRD from week 6 up to week 12 of the experiment. Additionally, PHRD severity varied significantly (p &amp lt 0.001) from week 6 up to week 12. Cultivar Smooth Cayenne recorded low severity and is therefore promising. All the five pineapple cultivars were susceptible to PHRD though with varying levels of incidence and severity. Therefore, there is need for additional studies to establish the suitability of Smooth Cayenne as a source of parental donor in breeding for resistance to PHRD. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Reactions%20of%20pineapple%20cultivars%20to%20pineapple%20heart%20rot%20disease.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 6 Web resource en Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic A review of the nature of the virus, impacts and implications for preparedness Badu, K. Thorn, J. P. R. Goonoo, N. Dukhi, N. Fagbamigbe, A. F. Kulohoma, Benard W. Oyebola, K. Abdelsalam, S. I. Doorsamy, W. Awe, O. Sylverken, A. A. Egeru, A. Gitaka, J. 2020- Documentation and information http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_COVID-19 http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_SARS-CoV-2 http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Africa http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Preparedness http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Pandemic http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Resurgence http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Drug discovery http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Diagnostic testing COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 Africa Afrique Preparedness Pandemic Resurgence Drug discovery Diagnostic testing Background: COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in different countries across the world, claiming thousands of lives, increasing morbidity and disrupting lifestyles. The global scientific community is in urgent need of relevant evidence, to understand the challenges and knowledge gaps, as well as the opportunities to contain the spread of the virus. Considering the unique socio-economic, demographic, political, ecological and climatic contexts in Africa, the responses which may prove to be successful in other regions may not be appropriate on the continent. This paper aims to provide insight for scientists, policy makers and international agencies to contain the virus and to mitigate its impact at all levels. Methods: The Affiliates of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), came together to synthesize the current evidence, identify the challenges and opportunities to enhance the understanding of the disease. We assess the potential impact of this pandemic and the unique challenges of the disease on African nations. We examine the state of Africa’s preparedness and make recommendations for steps needed to win the war against this pandemic and combat potential resurgence Results: We identified gaps and opportunities among cross-cutting issues which is recommended to be addressed or harnessed in this pandemic. Factors such as the nature of the virus and the opportunities for drug targeting, point of care diagnostics, health surveillance systems, food security, mental health, xenophobia and gender-based violence, shelter for the homeless, water and sanitation, telecommunications challenges, domestic regional coordination and financing Conclusion: Based on our synthesis of the current evidence, while there are plans for preparedness in several African countries, there are significant limitations. Multi-sectoral efforts from the science, education, medical, technological, communication, business and industry sectors as well as local communities is required in order to win this fight. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/RESEARCH%20ARTICLE.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 21 Web resource ab Experiences of soil fertility management through legume based farmer participatory experimentation in Malawi Kabuli, A. Kamoto, J. 2004- Soil fertility http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Interactions http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_participatory research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_soil productivity Interactions participatory research soil productivity Soil fertility, participatory research, green manure, best bet. Soil infertility is the most outstanding threat to agricultural productivity in Malawi. This is mainly due to low use of organic and inorganic materials to restore fertility. Consequently, famers and researchers are developing alternative interventions to manage soil productivity. The risk management project in Malawi is one such initiative that has recently joined in the search of soil fertility management technologies in Malawi. The overall objective of the project is to empower farmers to gain experience in experimenting and providing feedback of best bet legume technologies to rehabilitate degraded soils. This study was conducted in Chisepo in Central Malawi during the 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 seasons. Soils are mostly sandy and sand loamy soils. Annual rainfall is between 600-800mm. the study used the mother-baby trial approach in implementing the farmer and researcher managed trials. The legumes were grown on either sandy soils or sandy loam soils to compare soil rehabilitation benefits of the different technologies. Farmers were encouraged to incorporate the legume crop residues in order to maximize the residual nitrogen benefit to the cereal crop. Finally, feedback sessions were held with farmers to elicit farmer perceptions on the performance of the different legumes. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Experiences%20of%20soil%20fertility%20management%20through%20legume%20based%20farmer%20participatory%20experimentation.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 5 Web resource en Structure, Composition and Plant-species Diversity in Umabdalla Natural Reserved Forest, South Kordofan – Sudan Abdelkareem, O. E. A. Eltahir, M. El. S. Elamin, H. M. A. Suliman, A. 2020- Forestry - General aspects http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Biodiversity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Natural Reserved Forest http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Tree Species http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Vegetation Biodiversity Biodiversité Natural Reserved Forest Tree Species Vegetation This research was conducted in Umabdalla Natural Reserved Forest, South Kordofan. The main objective of this research paper was to assess the tree species diversity in the area and to estimation the changes over successive periods using a ground inventories. Forest inventory in the year 2011 was carried out to constitute 248 sample plots of 0.1 hectare and compared with the previous inventories of 1998 and 2007 carried out by the Forests National Corporation (FNC). Tree species changes were measured. Data from forest inventory and social survey were analyzed using excel 2007 and SPSS version 18. The results showed that the forest is rich in tree species biodiversity where 53 species were recorded. However, the results indicated significant increase (p &amp gt 0.05) in the number of trees/ha during 1998 to 2007. The analysis of climate data showed that the limiting period where enhancement of species diversity and regeneration occurred was between mid-June and Mid October of the rainy year. During this period strong positive correlation between climate factors was observed. The study concluded that human activities were the main factors influenced diversity and regeneration of trees in the forest. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Structure%2C%20Composition%20and%20Plant-species%20Diversity.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 6 Web resource ab Master in Fertilizer Science and Technology 2020- Documentation and information UM6P is founded on the promotion of training, applied research and innovation for the benefit of Morocco and Africa. It transmits its expertise to students, researchers and industrial stakeholders to promote the emergence of an economy that is both efficient, sustainable and favorable to populations and territories. The University positions itself as an important collaborator within the corporate world through its centers of expertise and through its partnerships with the aim of training qualified leaders who are concerned about environmental issues. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/MASTER-Fertilizer%20Science%20%26%20Technology.pdf RUFORUM Brochures and Fact Sheets 6 Web resource en Analysis of the effects of package design on the rate and uniformity of cooling of stacked pomegranates: Numerical and experimental studies Ambaw, A. Mukama, M. Umezuruike , Linus Opara 2017- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Forced air cooling http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Plastic liners http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Postharvest http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Cold chain http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_CFD Forced air cooling Plastic liners Postharvest Cold chain CFD Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed, validated and used to analyse cooling char- acteristics of two different package designs (CT1 and CT2) used for postharvest handling of pomegranate fruit. The model incorporated geometries of fruits, packaging box, tray and plastic liner. Thin layer of plas- tic material with conservative interface heat flux was used to model liners. The accuracy of the model to predict airflow and temperature distributions were validated against experimental data. The model pre- dicted airflow through the stacks and cooling rates within experimental error. Stack design markedly affected the airflow profile, rate and uniformity of cooling. The cooling rate of the two package designs differed by 30% and plastic lining increased the average 7/8th cooling times from 4.0 and 2.5 h to 9.5 and 8.0 h for the CT1 and CT2 stacks, respectively. Profile of high and low temperature regions depended considerably on packaging box design. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Ambaw%20et%20al.%2C%202017_CEA.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 12 Web resource ab Analysing the dynamics of quality loss during precooling and ambient storage of pomegranate fruit Mukama, M. Ambaw, A. Berry, T. M. Umezuruike , Linus Opara 2019- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Punica granatum http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Humidity management http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Cold chain http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Moisture loss http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Liner http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Market conditions Punica granatum Humidity management Cold chain Moisture loss Liner Market conditions In this paper the spatiotemporal profile of quality loss of pomegranate fruit (cv. Wonderful) was investigated during precooling and simulated shelf conditions. The effects of relative humidity (RH) inside the cold room, polyliner inside the packaging and stack orientation on fruit quality loss were studied. Weight loss during the precooling operation ranged from 0.01 to 0.06% h−1 of the initial fruit weight and was highest in stack without liner and inside non-humidified room (0.06% h−1). It was observed that fruit weight loss during precooling was minimised best in liner-based packaging. Results of the shelf life study demonstrated the importance of room humidification to preserve fruit quality. Storing fruit in a room at 95% RH minimised weight loss and best maintained fruit colour, firmness, size and chemical quality attributes of pomegranates. On the other hand, fruit stored at ambient condition (65% RH) up to 30 days had excessive weight loss (up that 29.13 ± 1.49%), which led to shrivelling, deformed appearance and considerably reduced overall visual quality. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mukama%20et%20al.%2C%202019_JFE.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 8 Web resource ab A virtual prototyping approach for redesigning the vent-holes of packaging for handling pomegranate fruit – A short communication Mukama, M. Ambaw, A. Umezuruike , Linus Opara 2019- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Punica granatum http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Carton vent design http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Virtual-prototype http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Temperature reduction http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Energy efficiency Punica granatum Carton vent design Virtual-prototype Temperature reduction Energy efficiency In a previous study, experimental analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling were used to analyse the cooling performances of two corrugated fibreboard package designs (CT1 and CT2) for handling pomegranate fruit. In these analyses, the performance of the CT1 carton was shown to be low compared to the CT2 carton in terms of cooling rate, cooling uniformity and energy usage. The low performance of the CT1 carton was attributed to its improperly designed vent-holes. In the present communication, a virtual prototype approach, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), was used to redesign the CT1 carton for improved performance. This method enabled us to examine the thermal performance of new vent-hole configuration which was validated experimentally using the physical prototype of the new carton design. The new ventilation enabled 14.4% faster cooling and lowered pressure drop by 35.3 Pa m-1 (6.5%) in fruit loaded cartons. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mukama%20et%20al.%2C%202020_JFE.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 5 Web resource en Advances in design and performance evaluation of fresh fruit ventilated distribution packaging: A review 2020- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Package design http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Ventilated packaging http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Fruit quality http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Carton performance evaluation http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Computational fluid dynamics http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Finite element analysis Package design Ventilated packaging Fruit quality Carton performance evaluation Computational fluid dynamics Finite element analysis This review was initiated to realise the state-of-the art in optimising the ventilation and structural requirements of corrugated packaging carton design. Researchers have been using computational methods: computational fluid dynamics, particularly, the finite volume method, to analyse the airflow and heat transfer performances, and computational structural dynamics, particularly, the finite element method, to analyse the loss of compression strength due to vent-holes. Models are validated using actual testing: wind tunnel based forced air cooling system to study the produce cooling kinetics and box compression test machine for the package industry to study the structural dynamics. Studies on the rate and uniformity of produce cooling and the loss of structural strength in corrugated cartons as a function of size, shape, and location of vent-holes are reviewed. Based on experimental data, results show that the loss in strength can range between 10–40 % on addition of vent and hand holes on cartons, and reasonable increase in cooling rates is only achieved with increase in carton face ventilation area only up to 7–8 %. With regards to internal packaging components, increasing awareness of consumers to the environmental degradation of especially disposable plastic packaging means packers and suppliers must devise means to cut back and eventually eliminate plastic packaging from fruit and vegetables. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mukama%20et%20al.%2C%202020_FPSL.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 14 Web resource en Effect of relative humidity on pomegranate quality under simulated ambient storage conditions Mukama, M. Ambaw, A. Berry, T. M. Umezuruike , Linus Opara 2018- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Punica granatum http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_weight loss http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_shrivel http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_appearance http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_chemical attributes Punica granatum weight loss shrivel appearance chemical attributes The effects of relative humidity (RH) on the quality of pomegranate fruit (‘Wonderful’) stored in ambient temperature (20°C) under low RH (65±6.79%) and high RH (95±1.23%) conditions were studied. Significantly high weight loss, up to 29.13±1.49% at day 30, was observed in fruit stored at low RH compared to 5.78±0.44% at a high RH. Fruit stored under low RH was also severely shrivelled and reduced in size. The high RH environment better maintained the fruit colour, texture and chemical quality attributes. A regression model was developed to estimate the time history of weight loss of pomegranate stored under 65 and 95% RH ambient storage conditions. The equations had a high goodness-of-fit with R-squared values of 0.99 and 0.94 for low and high RH, respectively. For a 30-day storage period, the weight loss was estimated to a worth $0.58 kg-1 and $0.11 kg-1 under low and high RH conditions, respectively. These findings show that pomegranate fruit should preferably be stored at RH conditions ≥95% to maintain appearance, sensory quality and reduce weight loss. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mukama%20et%20al.%2C%202018_Conference_RH.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 8 Web resource en Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based analysis of the aerodynamic and thermodynamic performances of package designs during cooling of stacked pomegranates Ambaw, A. Mukama, M. Umezuruike , Linus Opara 2018- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_heat-transfer http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_packaging http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Plastic liners http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_cold-chain http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Postharvest http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_loss reduction http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_energy-efficiency http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_simulation http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_precooling heat-transfer packaging Conditionnement Plastic liners cold-chain Postharvest loss reduction energy-efficiency simulation precooling The demand for pomegranate fruit is increasing due to the extensive knowledge acquired on the health benefits of pomegranate and the increased public awareness about functional food. Following this, there has been an increased interest in research to improve storability. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed, validated and used to analyse the cooling characteristics of two different package designs used for the postharvest handling of pomegranate fruit. The model incorporated the geometries of the fruits, packaging box, tray and plastic liner. A thin layer of plastic material with conservative interface heat flux was used to model the liners. The accuracy of the model to predict the airflow and temperature distributions were validated against experimental data. The model predicted the airflow through the stacks and cooling rates within experimental error. The stack design markedly affected the airflow profile, rate and uniformity of cooling. The cooling rate of the two package designs differed by 30% and the plastic lining increased the average 7/8th cooling times significantly. The profile of the high and low temperature regions depended considerably on the packaging box design. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Ambaw%20et%20al.%2C%202018_Conference_CFD.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 8 Web resource en Optimising ventilated package design for postharvest handling of pomegranate fruit in the cold chain Mukama, M. 2019- Agricultural research Packaging is an indispensable unit operation in handling and distribution of fresh fruit. Studies on postharvest handling of a number of horticultural products highlighted the importance of package design and knowledge of fruit and package thermophysical properties to effectively accomplish the precooling, cold storage, and refrigerated transport processes. However, the thermal properties of pomegranate fruit and its parts are unknown, and packages for postharvest handling of pomegranates have not been properly investigated. The aim of this study was to address the multi-parameter design requirements of ventilated packages for handling pomegranate fruit to ensure efficient cooling, high precooling throughput, reduction in packaging material used, and improved space utilization during cold storage and refrigerated transport. Firstly, the thermal properties of whole fruit and the parts (epicarp, mesocarp, and arils) of early (‘Acco’) and late (‘Wonderful’) commercial pomegranate cultivars were determined experimentally using a transient heating probe. The values of thermal conductivity and diffusivity of both cultivars increased significantly with an increase in tissue temperature. The aril part was observed to have the highest thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, respectively. For example, at 7 °C, the thermal conductivity (W m-1 K-1) of ‘Acco’ was 0.419 ± 0.047, 0.352 ± 0.040, and 0.389 ± 0.030 for arils, mesocarp, and epicarp, respectively. Next, a survey of the packaging used for pomegranate fruit in South Africa was conducted. Over 10 different corrugated fibreboard carton designs, with largely open tops, were found with different ventilations, ranging from 0.74–4.66% on bottom, to 0.71–5.33% on short (width), and 4.60–13.82% on the long (length) faces. The cartons were largely poorly ventilated on the short faces that leads to vent-hole misalignment and vent-hole blockage on pallet stacking which increases fruit cooling time and energy requirements. Then, a virtual prototype approach based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to redesign the ventilation of one of the most commonly used pomegranate fruit cartons with intent to improved cooling performance. Fruit cooled in the new design had more uniform temperature distribution and significantly cooled faster (1.6 hours faster in fruit in polyliner) compared to fruit in the commercial design. This result highlights the need of proper carton vent design and vent-hole alignment in stacks. Furthermore, a virtual prototype approach, based on CFD and computational solid dynamics (CSD) was used to design new ventilated corrugated paperboard cartons that hold pomegranate fruit in multilayers. Running virtual airflow and strength measurements enabled selecting the best alternatives, the ‘Edgevent’, and ‘Midvent’, which were then manufactured and evaluated for cold chain performance. The new designs improved fruit throughput by over 1.8 tonnes more fruit in a reefer compared to commercial single layer designs. For similar volume of fruit contained, the new designs saved over 31% cardboard material and an estimated equivalent of 11 trees per fully loaded 40-ft refrigerated container. Overall, the ‘Midvent’ performed best under cold chain conditions in terms of cooling efficiency and mechanical strength requirements. This warrants its commercialisation. Lastly, the quality of fruit stored in ‘Midvent’ for 12 weeks under cold chain condition (7 ± 1 °C, 90% RH) and an additional 2 weeks at ambient (shelf life) condition (20 ± 1 °C, 65% RH) was compared with fruit in commercial carton under similar conditions. Fruit respiration followed a similar pattern in both carton designs marked by a 64% reduction after precooling. At the end of the shelf life period, fruit weight loss was 5.7% and 8.9% in the ‘Midvent’ and commercial design, respectively. Sensory attributes, decay incidence and colour changes were similar in new and commercial carton designs over the storage period. Overall, research reported in this thesis has provided new data on thermophysical pomegranate fruit and has applied the virtual prototyping tool for horticultural packaging design. The new ‘Midvent’ carton design provides additional benefits in savings in packaging material, energy for fruit cooling, and bioresources efficiency. Future research should focus on performance test of this carton design in the commercial chain. New data on the thermal properties of pomegranate fruit provide needed input towards the modelling and prediction of fruit internal temperature profile during cooling processes. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mukama_18239838_2019_Thesis.pdf RUFORUM Theses and Dissertations xiv,222 Web resource en Short report on implications of COVID-19 and emerging zoonotic infectious diseases for pastoralists and Africa Egeru, A. Dejene, S. W. Siya, Aggrey 2020- Animal diseases Animal genetics and breeding Miscellaneous animal disorders Nature conservation and land resources http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Epidemics http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Emergence http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_livestock http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_MERS-CoV http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_One Health http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Pandemic http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_SARS-CoV-2 Epidemics Épidémie Emergence livestock Bétail MERS-CoV One Health Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 Many emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infectious diseases occur in Africa. These are projected to increase as human–animal host contact increases owing to increasing environmental degradation that shrinks nature habitats for wildlife over the continent. The current outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) responsible for causing coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) has reinvigorated discourse on the disruptiveness of the zoonotic emerging infectious diseases, owing to their transboundary character. Even as the world focuses on the COVID-19 sweeping pandemic, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS)-CoV re-emerged in Saudi Arabia infecting 18 people with five deaths this has barely received any attention. This outbreak is particularly of concern to the pastoralists in the Horn of Africa, a region that has in recent past seen an increase in camel trade with the Gulf States, especially Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infectious diseases are complex, depend on human–animal–environment interaction and pose a strain on public health systems. There is a need to address these diseases dynamically through a synergistic approach, drawing on expertise from diverse sectors. One Health approach has distinguished itself as an integrative action able to bring together multiple actors on a global, national and local scale to advance the attainment of optimal health outcomes for people, animals and the environment. One Health works by strengthening the preparedness, response, mitigation and monitoring of zoonotic infectious disease risks collaboratively. We opine that as zoonotic emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases continue to rise over pastoral Africa, comprehensive implementation of the One Health approach will be urgently required. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Egeru2020_Article_ShortReportOnImplicationsOfCov.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 10 Web resource en Effects of green manure cover crops (Canavalia ensiformis L. and Mucuna pruriens L.) on seed germination and seedling growth of maize and Eleusine indica L. and Bidens pilosa L. weeds Rugare, J.T. Pieterse, P. J. Mabasa, S 2020- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Allelopathy http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Bidens pilosa http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_blackjack http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Canavalia ensiformis http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Eleusine indica http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_goose grass http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_jack bean http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_bioassay http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_maize http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Mucuna pruriens http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_pot culture http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_seeds germination http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_seedlings growth http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_weed http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_zea mays Allelopathy Bidens pilosa blackjack Canavalia ensiformis Eleusine indica goose grass jack bean bioassay maize Maïs Mucuna pruriens pot culture seeds germination seedlings growth weed zea mays Zea mays In Lab bioassays and Pot culture, we studied the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts (0, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5 % wv-1 ) of green manure cover crops [jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis L.) and velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L.)], on the germination and seedling development of weeds [goosegrass (Eleusine indica L.), blackjack (Bidens pilosa L.)] and maize (Zea mays L.) crop. 25 seeds of each weed or 10 maize seeds were separately sown in pots (soil + powdered green manure of jack bean and velvet bean mixed at 1%). Germination of both weeds was inhibited by the aqueous extracts in the order: leaf extract &amp gt stem extract &amp gt root extract. Soil amended with the green manure of jack bean and velvet bean reduced the emergence and growth of weed seedlings but had little adverse effect on maize. LC-MS revealed the presence of phenolics such as kaempferol in the tissues of both cover crops. Most of the phenolics demonstrated allelopathic activity on blackjack and goosegrass seeds. The jack bean and velvet bean extracts were phytotoxic to weeds (goose grass and black jack) but not to maize http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Rugare%2C%20Pieterse%20and%20Mabasa%20publication.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 19 Web resource en Evaluation of The Potential of Jack Bean [CANAVALIA ENSIFORMIS (L.) DC.] and Velvet Bean [mucuna pruriens (l.) Dc.] Aqueous Extracts as Post-Emergence Bio-Herbicides for Weed Control in Maize (ZEA MAYS L.) Rugare, J.T. Pieterse, P. J. Mabasa, S 2020- Agricultural research Plant diseases The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of jack bean and velvet bean aqueous extracts when applied post-emergence alone or in combination with half dosage rates of atrazine on goosegrass, beggarticks, and maize. Three potted experiments with fifteen treatments were laid out in a completely randomized design replicated four times and repeated once. The bio-herbicidal treatments were applied to maize at two weeks after crop emergence and on the weeds at the 3-4 leaf stage. Results showed that maize height increased significantly (p&amp lt 0.05) across all treatments from 24 to 34 days after crop emergence (DACE). Maize chlorophyll content significantly (p&amp lt 0.05) increased from 24 to 34 DACE in all the treatments. In contrast, dry weight, height, and chlorophyll content of goosegrass were significantly (p&amp lt 0.05) reduced by all treatments. The height of beggarticks was not significantly (p&amp gt 0.05) affected while chlorophyll content and dry weight were significantly (p&amp lt 0.05) reduced by all treatments. All the treatments caused complete weed control at 6 and 10 DAS in beggarticks and goosegrass, respectively. It was concluded that velvet bean and jack bean aqueous extracts are phytotoxic to weeds of divergent morphology. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Rugare%20et%20al%202020-AJARD-420-439.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 20 Web resource ab Micropropagation of Livingstone Potato (Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br) Kujeke, G. T. Chitendera, T. C. Masekesa, R. T. Mazarura, U. Ngadze, E. Rugare, J.T. Matikiti, A. 2020- Agricultural research Crop husbandry Plant genetics and breeding Livingstone potato (Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br) is an underutilised indigenous root vegetable grown by communal farmers in the eastern provinces of Zimbabwe. It is vegetatively propagated using unimproved retained tubers from the previous season. -e risk of disease carryover is therefore high, leading to poor yields. -e objective of the study was to exploit the tissue culture technique of micropropagation to produce a mass supply of healthy planting material for improved productivity. Two experiments were conducted: firstly, to determine the best explant type and secondly, to determine the best landrace and plant growth regulators for the growth of plantlets. -e landraces, namely, Ndurwe, Musande, Chibanda, and Chizambezi, were sourced from communal farmers in the stated production areas. Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and benzyl amino purine (BAP) were the auxin and cytokinin used, respectively. -e first experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors: landrace and explant type (shoot tips, nodes, and leaves). After culturing the explants on a plain Murashige Skoog (MS) medium for ten weeks, the best explant was the node with regards to the number of nodes, shoots, and roots of the plantlets which were significant (P &amp lt 0.05). -e second experiment was laid out as a RCBD with two factors: landraces and the plant growth regulator combinations. -e nodes were subcultured on an MS medium supplemented with the 16 combinations of plant growth regulators (0 mg/l, 0.5 mg/l, 1 mg/l, and 2 mg/l BAP concentrations: 0 mg/l, 0.2 mg/l, 0.5 mg/l, and 1 mg/l NAA concentrations), respectively. Chizambezi performed best and is, therefore, highly recommended for the rapid multiplication of Livingstone potato. Results from this study have clearly demonstrated that the addition of NAA: BAP at varying concentrations was significant and is essential for optimizing the growth media for micropropagation of Livingstone potato in Zimbabwe. Commercial production of plantlets can, therefore, be carried out to provide healthy planting material for the communal farmers for improved productivity while preserving the germplasm of the underutilised crop at the same time. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Rugare%20Manuscript%20from%20Post%20Doc%20Research.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 11 Web resource en ICT supported Extension Services in Conservation Agriculture Information Access for Small Holder Farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya Achora, J.C. Sseguya, H. 2015- Extension Rural population http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ICTs http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ICT models http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_conservation agriculture http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_eextension http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_knowledge pathways http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_farmers http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Liakipia http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Kenya ICTs ICT models conservation agriculture Métal alcalin eextension knowledge pathways farmers Agriculteur Liakipia Kenya Kenya This paper examines how Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are used in the Conservation Agriculture (CA) knowledge pathways. It discusses the parallel knowledge pathways smallholder farmers’ use to access conservation agriculture information. The objective of this study is to develop an effective dissemination model that exploits the use of ICTs in existing pathways in order to improve Conservation Agriculture knowledge flows. Design, Methodology and Approach: A total of one hundred and twenty-five respondents were interviewed, with a purposively selected sample of 110 CA farmers interviewed using semi- structured questionnaires. Using the snowball method, 15 key informant interviews were conducted with Policy makers and ICT service providers. 69% of the respondents were female and 51% male. The focus of the study was on the different ICTs used in the CA knowledge pathways, the dissemination pathways, institutional and socio- economic factors. Data was analyzed manually and using SSPS ver. 21. Preliminary findings indicate that a variety of knowledge pathways exist through which farmers can access CA knowledge. Four different kinds of ICT led models were identified, Government ICT led models, Government-NGO led models, Government-NGO-Private Sector ICT led model and NGO ICT led models. However the study notes a lack of harmonization and weak linkages between institutions in the utilization of the existing ICT models, utilization of the ICTs access and ownership at the household level and harmonization of the CA messages. Furthermore, even though there was 100% mobile phones ownership, 94% radio, 64% television, 10% Laptop and 9% Computer (desktop) access and ownership among the respondents, farmers and a large number of the extension staff lacked the skills to fully exploit the use of these tools to access CA knowledge. Implication: New emerging and existing communication technologies have a very high potential to improve agricultural knowledge flows if taken advantage of by the “change agents” in the diffusion process of new innovations. New online technologies known as Web 2.0 and ‘social media’ are slowly emerging as platforms for collaboration, sharing of product and market information. Open chain models of village information centres also provide numerous economic opportunities, and do also network communities while providing public/private services. The opportunity of using real time communication tools has been greatly embraced especially by the youthful farmers and the advantage of these new emerging tools is their unique attributes, similar to the traditional oral cultures of communication seen in the African social systems where one can see, hold a discussion, get immediate feedback and use the written media to convey messages. The high percentage of ownership and accessibility of ICTs among the survey population also offers the potential to fully exploit ICTs in the improvement of the CA knowledge pathways and agricultural information provision. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/ISTAS_Paper_ref_42_420__ACHORA%5B1%5D.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 6 Web resource en ICTs for Conservation Agriculture: Influence of Actor Positioning in Knowledge Networks in Laikipia and Machakos Counties, Kenya Achora, J.C. Sseguya, H. Kyazze, B.F. Mkomwa, S. Okello, D. 2018- Extension http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Innovations http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_knowledge networks http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_social network http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ICTs http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_conservation agriculture http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Kenya Innovations knowledge networks social network ICTs conservation agriculture Métal alcalin Kenya Kenya Knowledge networks play a significant role in the transfer of innovations such as conservation agriculture. In this paper, we examine the position of actors in the network and socio-economic factors influencing use of ICTs. ICTs potentially enable information to reach large numbers of farmers. We collected data through 298 household surveys, 29 key informant interviews and five focus group discussions. We used social network analysis for centrality measures. To statistically test the relationship between socio-economic factors and use of ICTs, we used multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results suggest that gender and land under conservation agriculture (p= &amp lt 0.05) significantly influence use of radio, TV and mobile phones. Education (p=.024) was more likely to influence use of print media. Age (p&amp gt 0.05) was not a statistically significant factor. Positions of influence were occupied by extension officer (20%) and farmers (41%). The study recommends the use of ICTs with conventional approaches in CA knowledge networks. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/REIS%2B2018_Janet_Cox%5B1%5D.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 10 Web resource en Genetic Basis of Maize Resistance to Multiple Insect Pests: Integrated Genome-Wide Comparative Mapping and Candidate Gene Prioritization Badji, A. Kwemoi, D.B. Machida, L. Okii, D Mwila, N. Agbahoungba, S Kumi, F. Ibanda , A Bararyenya, A. Solemanegy, M. Odong, T. Wasswa, P. Otim, M. Asea, G. Ochwo-Ssemakula, M. Talwana, H. Kyamanywa, S. Rubaihayo, P. 2020- Agricultural research Plant diseases Plant genetics and breeding Several species of herbivores feed on maize in field and storage setups, making the development of multiple insect resistance a critical breeding target. In this study, an association mapping panel of 341 tropical maize lines was evaluated in three field environments for resistance to fall armyworm (FAW), whilst bulked grains were subjected to a maize weevil (MW) bioassay and genotyped with Diversity Array Technology’s single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers. A multi-locus genome-wide association study (GWAS) revealed 62 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with FAW and MW resistance traits on all 10 maize chromosomes, of which, 47 and 31 were discovered at stringent Bonferroni genome-wide significance levels of 0.05 and 0.01, respectively, and located within or close to multiple insect resistance genomic regions (MIRGRs) concerning FAW, SB, and MW. Sixteen QTNs influenced multiple traits, of which, six were associated with resistance to both FAW and MW, suggesting a pleiotropic genetic control. Functional prioritization of candidate genes (CGs) located within 10–30 kb of the QTNs revealed 64 putative GWAS-based CGs (GbCGs) showing evidence of involvement in plant defense mechanisms. Only one GbCG was associated with each of the five of the six combined resistance QTNs, thus reinforcing the pleiotropy hypothesis. In addition, through in silico co-functional network inferences, an additional 107 network-based CGs (NbCGs), biologically connected to the 64 GbCGs, and differentially expressed under biotic or abiotic stress, were revealed within MIRGRs. The provided multiple insect resistance physical map should contribute to the development of combined insect resistance in maize. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/genes-11-00689.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 27 Web resource en Partnerships for sustainable health care systems – the International Medical Program approach 2020- Documentation and information The International Medical Program (IMP) is unique in Region Östergötland by its contribution to better health care both locally and globally. The programme generates opportunities for individuals to gain new experience, develop as professionals, and at the same time, support the health care system in low- and middle-income countries. An international knowledge-sharing environment for health care contributes to an increased standard of global health and Region Östergötland is proud to be a part of that. Great value is added when Swedish health care professionals establish contact with other health care systems and cultures. It allows them to contribute with their knowledge and treat diseases that are uncommon in Sweden, often under conditions that can differ significantly from their usual working conditions. Another advantage is the gain in recruitment as a result of the stimulating and educational experience for employees. Curious and knowledgeable employees find great satisfaction in the exchanges and the experiences they receive. Cooperation with our partner countries is not primarily about aid. It is a mutual exchange that generates added value for all parties. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/20-0051_RO_BokIMP_HelaBoken_web_NY2.pdf RUFORUM Books and Book Chapters 190 Web resource en A monthly news bulletin of the University of Juba Documentation and information The University of Juba is a comprehensive primer South Sudan’s University. Established in 1975 and admitted first students 1977. It currently boasts 10,000, students and 400 faculty spread across 8 colleges, 2 schools, 4 specialized centres, and 2 Institutes. We are based in Juba down town, the beautiful and cosmopolitan capital of South Sudan. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Juvarsity%20Vol%203%20Issue%20No%202%20July%20%202020.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/A%20Monthly%20News%20Bullitin%20of%20the%20%20UoJ_Vol.3%2C%20Issue%20No.03.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/NUMBER_20200908_11035885%20%283%29.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/A%20Monthly%20News%20Bulletin%20of%20the%20%20UoJ%5B11023%5D.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/A%20Monthly%20News%20Bulletin%20of%20the%20University%20of%20Juba_V.3_I.6.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/A%20Monthly%20News%20Bulletin%20of%20%20UoJ_V.3_Issue.7.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/A%20Monthly_News_Bulletin_of_Vol.4_Issue.1.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/A%20monthly%20news%20bulletin%20of%20the%20University%20of%20Juba%20-%20March%202021.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Juvarsity_Vol.4_Issue.6.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Juvarsity_V.4_Issue.7.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Juvarsity_Vol.4_Issue.8.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/JUVARSITY_V.4_Issue.9.pdf RUFORUM Newsletters 4 Web resource ab Apple Peel Biochemical Changes after Foliar Application of Combined Boron and Calcium II. Photosynthetic Pigments, Total Peroxides and Photochemical Efficiency Mwije, A. Hoffman, E. W. Lötze, E. 2020- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Carotenoids http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Chlorophyll http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Total Peroxides http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Malus domestica http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_‘Cripps Pink Carotenoids Chlorophyll Total Peroxides Malus domestica ‘Cripps Pink Understanding of the physiological effect of post-full-bloom foliar boron combined with calcium (B+Ca) on apple (Malus domestica) peel tissues is envisaged to give way to the unknown mode-of-action by which these mineral regimens suppress fruit sunburn-browning incidence in orchards. Promotion of this mineral approach among growers, as a certainly cheaper alternative to mitigate fruit sunburn-browning incidence in apple orchards necessitates clear elucidation of its mode-of-action. This study investigated peel photosynthetic pigments and total peroxides (as a measure of oxidative stress) in three apple cultivars, ‘Cripps Pink’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ which were treated with four B+Ca treatments varying in levels of B and Ca as well as inclusion of zinc (Zn) in one treatment. Randomized complete block design experiments with five replications were conducted at commercial farms in Western Cape, South Africa. Significant (p &amp lt 0.05) treatment effect for major pigment aspects and total peroxides occurred in all cultivars, but with strong influence of cultivar and fruit age. For instance, effect of varying B, Ca and possible B+Ca duet-effect on photosynthetic pigments occurred in ‘Cripps Pink’, whereas the Zn-treatment was mainly responsible for significant treatment effects in both ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ apples. Significant treatment effect for total peroxides occurred in ‘Cripps Pink’ and ‘Granny Smith’, yet significant interaction effect occurred with ‘Golden Delicious’, however, these significant results did not yield meaningful peel oxidative stress differences among the treatments. Foliar treatment differences in photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) were not sig nificant. The study concludes with firm evidence that foliar B+Ca treatment composition has a significant effect on apple peel photosynthetic pigments depending on cultivar, and Zn is not desirable in the formulation of these treatments. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Apple%20Peel%20Biochemical%20Changes%20after%20Foliar-Mwije.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 26 Web resource en Characterization of the Chemical and Phytochemical Profiles during Fruit Development and Ripening in Selected Cultivars of African Nightshade (Solanum Nigrum Complex) Edible Berries Kamau, E.H. Mathara, J.M. Kenji, G.M. 2020- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_African nightshade http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Berries http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Ripening http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Indigenous vegetables http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Phytochemicals African nightshade Berries Ripening Indigenous vegetables Phytochemicals Solanum nigrum complex is a green, indigenous leafy vegetable that grows in many parts of the world and its utilization can deliver more nutrients and phytochemicals into the diet. Even though it can help in alleviating the burden of hidden hunger, only the leafy part is utilized whereas the plant has edible berries. This study sought to address the problem of underutilization by looking at the benefits that can be derived from the berries. Four varieties of the plant were harvested through four stages green, colour break, ripe and at senescence. Chemical analyses of the berries were done to determine the content and changes in macro and micro-nutrients and the phytochemical content of the berries as they ripened. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the significant difference between nutrient and phytochemical composition of the different S. nigrum varieties at different ripening stages. The results show that fibre, ash and protein increased at senescence while carbohydrates decreased. Magnesium was the most abundant mineral. As berries ripened, oxalates, total phenols, flavonoids and phytates decreased while Vitamin C, tannins and total carotenoids increased. Conclusively, the berries in this study have comparable nutritional value with other commonly consumed fruits and could, therefore, be incorporated into the family pot. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Characterization%20of%20the%20Chemical%20and%20Phytochemical%20Profiles%20during%20Fruit%20Development%20and%20Ripening%20in%20Selected%20Cultivars%20of%20African%20Nightshade%20%28Solanum%20nigrum%29%20Edible%20Berries.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 14 Web resource en Sugar Content and Physical Characterization of Four Selected African Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) Edible Berries Kamau, E.H. Mathara, J.M. Kenji, G.M. 2020- Agricultural research Diet and diet-related diseases http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Berries http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_African nightshade http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Ripening http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Firmness http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Colour Berries African nightshade Ripening Firmness Colour Fruits constitute a major part of the diet in many parts of the world, highly recommended for the nutritional value derived from them. Fruit maturity is an important determinant of the quality as it affects the appearance, an aspect of quality considered by most consumers. Sugar content, colour, size and firmness are some of the quality indicators associated with maturity. While the ripening and maturity indicators are well documented for climacteric fruits, non-climacteric fruits such as berries lag behind. African nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) edible berries are among them. This study evaluated the quality parameters of the edible berries of four varieties of African nightshade and found out that they accumulate glucose and fructose as they ripen with glucose being the most abundant sugar. Sucrose is only present during the senescence stage. Size remained relatively constant within each variety while firmness decreased progressively after veraison. Black NS differed with the others in colour besides fructose and sucrose content at 29.35 and 388.40 mg/100g, respectively. Giant NS recorded the highest glucose content at 172.44 mg/100g when ripe. Conclusively, the African nightshade berries are characteristically similar to other non-climacteric fruits adopted as part of the normal diet and should be considered as a valuable addition to the diet. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Sugar%20Content%20and%20Physical%20Characterization%20of%20Four%20Selected%20African%20Nightshade%20%28Solanum%20nigrum%29%20Edible%20Berries.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 7 Web resource en Typology and Prospects for the Improvement of Market Gardening Systems in South-Kivu, Eastern DR Congo Ndjadi, S. S. Vumilia, R. K. Ahoton, L. E. Saidou, A. Orou, B. D. Mugumaarhahama, Y. Kazamwali, L. M. Mushagalusa, N.G. 2020- Agricultural research Plant ecology http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_agroecology http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_market gardening http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Sustainable Agriculture http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Food security http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_diagnosis agroecology market gardening Sustainable Agriculture Agriculture durable Food security Sécurité alimentaire diagnosis Vegetables play a very important role in rural and urban communities as both food and a business opportunity. They are fast-growing species, with high nutritional values and able to generate income in a relatively short period compared to other crops. A characterization of market gardening systems was carried out with 368 producers from major market gardening sites in South-Kivu, in Easten of the RD Congo.The aim pursued was to assess existing systems and perspectives to enable steady transition to integrated, sustainable and resilient crop systems. The results showed that very few producers in the region practice plant integration. The typology carried out made it possible to identify three classes of market gardening farms based on adopted agronomic practices, production factors and possible outcomes derived from different systems. Most of the surveyed farms practice crop rotation and are market-oriented. However, they majorly differ in terms of farm size, practices of intercropping, permanent agriculture, mulching, production constraints and producer’s perception on the level of production. For instance, producers who are much more into intercropping also cultivate small areas (less than 0.25 ha). Results also showed that variables such as type of labour, cropping system, type of fertilizer used, mulching practice, adoption of permanent agriculture, producer’s perception of the level of soil fertility, and the water source used affect producer’s appreciation of the level of production obtained (p &amp lt 0.05). These variables can be mobilized for improvement of the market gardening system towards more sustainable, diversified and resilient systems http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Serge%20Ndjadi%20typology%20paper.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 17 Web resource en Regional Animal Feed Action Plan for East Africa: why, what, for whom, how used and benefits Opio, P. Makkar, H. P. S. Tibbo, M. Ahmed, S. Sebsibe, A. Osman, A. M. Olesambu, E. Ferrand, C. Munyua, S. 2020- Agricultural research Animal feeding Documentation and information http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_feed action plan http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_East Africa http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_livestock resilience http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_livestock production http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_feed sector data http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_regional strategy feed action plan East Africa livestock resilience livestock production feed sector data regional strategy Livestock are a crucial source of food, employment, and income for much of East Africa’s rural population. The sector contributes substantially to export revenues, national GDPs, and thus the region’s broader socioeconomic development. Livestock production and related value chains, can be the foundation of resilience and sustainable development for pastoral, agro-pastoral, and mixed crop livestock systems in East Africa. Yet, livestock face a wide range of challenges, particularly in terms of ensuring sustainable access to and use of water and feeds for livestock. Inadequate availability and supply of quality feed and water critically limit the efficiency of livestock in terms of production, reproduction, animal health and welfare, human health, and the economic benefits derived from livestock-based livelihoods in the region. Countries in East Africa identified lack of animal feed policy, strategy, and institutional framework to support the animal feed sector as a major constraint hindering subsector growth, livestock productivity, resilience, and trade. In order to address this, the first Animal Feed Action Plan was developed for East Africa through a consultative and participatory process. The Action Plan captures experiences and lessons learned by a wide spectrum of stakeholders. It provides a means to collectively address some of the constraints in accessing and using animal feed and provides a guided approach to establish partnership by countries, communities, the private sector, and stakeholders to enhance sustainable production of quality livestock and products. The Action Plan is believed to set a good example for other regions to develop their feed action plan. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Regional%20Animal%20Feed%20Action%20Plan%20for%20East%20Africa.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 16 Web resource ab Effect of land terracing on soil physical properties across slope positions and profile depths in medium and high altitude regions of Rwanda Fashaho, A. Ndegwa, G. M. Lelei, J.J. Musandu, A. O. Mwonga, S.M. 2019- Documentation and information Land economics and policies Soil chemistry and physics Soil fertility http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_soil texture http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_soil water retention capacity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_terracing soil texture Texture du sol soil water retention capacity terracing Although land terracing is promoted as a management practice for effective soil conservation in hilly areas, construction of terraces causes changes in soil properties. This study evaluated the effect of land terracing on some soil physical properties across slope positions and profile depths in medium and high altitudes of eastern and north-eastern Rwanda. Soil samples were collected from top, middle and bottom slopes of four year-old terraced and non-terraced lands. Results showed that soil textures were mainly sandy clay loams. At medium altitude, silt (19.6, 18.6%) and hydraulic conductivity (237.9, 129.8 mm h−1) were significantly (p &amp lt 0.05) higher in terraced than non-terraced land, while clay (29.2, 27.8%) and total available water content (TAWC) (222.2, 201.7 mm m−1) were higher in non-terraced than terraced land. At the high altitude, hydraulic conductivity (194.3, 124.1 mm h−1) was higher in terraced than non-terraced land, while soil bulk density (1.42, 1.35 g cm−3) and TAWC (251.6, 235.3 mm m−1) were higher in non-terraced than terraced land. Terracing increased silt content and hydraulic conductivity, and slightly decreased clay and water retention capacity. These changes are important in soil water and fertility management, and therefore need to be considered when using terraced lands. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Paper%202%20-%20Fashaho%20et%20al.%2C%202020..pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 10 Web resource en Sustainability in Plant and Crop Protection 14: Sustainable Management of Invasive Pests in Africa 2020- Agricultural research Pests of plants Plant diseases Protection of plants - General aspects After many years of research in the field of invasive species, we have learnt that these pests can be disastrous to many cropping systems in Africa, especially in a context where countries are not prepared and do not have monitoring and control systems in place. Thousands of organisms can be labelled as invasive. In fact, the list of invasive species is unlimited, yet, within the system itself, some species can become invasive due to habitat change. Unfortunately, the debate amplifies when there are economic or environmental implications that affect livelihoods in general. The topic of invasive species has become viral lately on the continent. The frequent invasions and permanent threats speak for the importance of this topic, especially with the recent occurrences of species such as Tuta absoluta and the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda within a short interval period. The pattern for managing these pests, when they occur, is almost similar in all African countries. There has been a very poor effort to harmonise or coordinate research, and little willingness to centralise the various experiences or research outputs to facilitate continuous learning among researchers, academics and related regulatory authorities. In the academic world, invasive species open new areas of research, including modelling and remote sensing, in short, geomatics, which serve as model systems for the development of an understanding of climate change and insect behaviour. These aspects can help in developing monitoring surveillance, climate suitability studies for an invasive species and its natural enemies, and the decision-making processes on the best appropriate tool for the management of the pest. When invasive species affect essential crops, such as maize and tomato, or other horticultural crops such as citrus and mango, they automatically become a political or business concern. While invasive insects are part of a more prominent thematic area, which contains weeds, mites and fishes, they also feature strongly in applied research aimed at managing them by using chemicals, biopesticides and natural enemies in order to recommend sustainable solutions. Surprisingly, little emphasis has been given by African governments to applied research or the capitalisation of research outcomes to bolster readiness and preparedness. viii We believe that there is a wealth of knowledge on invasive species which is available, but this knowledge is loose and difficult to assemble. This prompted our initiative to use the forum of the African Association of Insect Scientists, AAIS, to produce this book to centralise the findings on the management of most common invasive species, such as fall armyworm, T. absoluta, fruit flies and others. We believe that emphasis should be placed on understanding the biology of the invasive species and their ecology. This could be done by borrowing from the experiences of countries where the invasive species originated. We have noticed that the African continent is increasingly lacking expertise in taxonomy and identification, which is a critical discipline that is essential in the recognition and reporting of insects. We attempted to gather contributions from various areas in Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Rwanda to record the relevant knowledge, so that it does not fade away over time, as it happened with previous researches on the topic. However, this exercise has not been easy at all, considering the various research areas and interests, including chemical ecology, arthropod pathology, technology transfer, legislation, biological control, chemical control and socio-economics. Hence, this book project might be one of a kind to integrate aspects of invasive species, presenting various facets of the problem. The lack of capacity is worrying, because, without a sound understanding of the pest, there is no basis for adequate decision making. Thus, we have aimed to fill a gap in the literature and produce a book that will inform, support and strengthen the work of African researchers and policymakers in the management of invasive species. This book covers aspects of pest management, taxonomy, regulation and technology transfer. We believe that much of this material will also be of interest to entomologists more widely, and to very many others on the continent. The scope of the material is therefore broad and may be a valuable companion to other research, depending on readers’ interests. As such, this book will be a useful reference text for the private sector and agricultural extensionists. It should also be a handy text for those who are researching solutions to combat invasive species. This book would not have come into existence without the support of our respective institutions: the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, CABI, and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, ICIPE. The Plantwise Programme provided financial support for most contributors to attend the 22nd AAIS Meeting and Scientific Conference in Sudan in October 2017. Without that support, this project would not have even started. Dr Segenet Kelemu, Director General of ICIPE, provided generous support for the participation of ICIPE delegates to the Conference. Dr Sunday Ekesi, Director of Research and Partnerships, took on this project, guided the handling and added valuable contributions through consultative meetings and participation in various forums on the topic. We thank the German Academic Exchange, DAAD, for generously funding the AAIS Conference in 2017. Preface ix Colleagues at ICIPE, CABI, other National Agricultural Research Services (NARS), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centres, and Universities have contributed in diverse ways, including reviewing, reading and commenting on chapters, suggesting references, providing original images, and supplying specimens and photographs that became figures. We are grateful to them for all their insights and commitment to science: Drs Sunday Ekesi, Sevgan Subramanian, Samira Mohamed, Fathiya Khamis, Shifa Ballo, Amanual Tamiru, David Mfuti Kupesa, Washington Otieno, and others. Dr Lorna Migiro provided support and technical information about CABI Plantwise. We take responsibility for any errors or shortcomings our intention is to share knowledge, to the best of our ability. We gratefully acknowledge the permission granted by Springer to reproduce the copyrighted material in this book and the Series Editor, Dr Aurelio Ciancio, for editing all contributions. We apologise for any errors or omissions in the above list. We would be grateful to be notified of any corrections that should be incorporated in future reprints or editions of this book. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Crop%20Protection%20Book.pdf RUFORUM Books and Book Chapters xxvi, 303 en Determinants of ecosystem-based adaptation to drought in the central cattle corridor of Uganda Nanfuka, S. Mfitumukiza, David Egeru, A. 2020- Agricultural research Plant ecology http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Determinants http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_drought http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ecosystem-based adaptation http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_multinomial Logit model http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Rangeland http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Ugand Determinants drought ecosystem-based adaptation multinomial Logit model Rangeland Ugand Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is widely recognised as an important strategy for strengthening climate change resilience. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence on the factors that facilitate or impede EbA for ecosystem services, adaptation benefits and livelihood improvement. In this study, the determinants of EbA to drought were assessed. A mixed quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional survey among 183 farmer households was undertaken in the central cattle corridor of Uganda. The majority of the interviewed respondents were female (60.1%) who mainly carried out agro-pastoral farming (63.4%), a practice 83.2% of them learned through indigenous knowledge transfer. A multinomial logit (MNL) model based analysis was used to establish the determinants of EbA to drought. Ecosystem services, adaptation benefits and livelihood improvement were each made a base category thus yielding three MNL models. The significant (p&amp lt 0.05) factors from all the three MNL models for EbA to drought were access to extension services, time (hours) spent daily on farm by farmers, land size under crop farming, type of major agricultural activity, average annual income, membership to farmer organisation and use of indigenous knowledge. These factors provide a vital knowledge base for fostering EbA policy formulation and implementation among agro-pastoral farmers to increase their resilience to drought. Climate change adaptation initiatives, institutions and governments should support education and information dissemination about EbA to farmers particularly in rangeland areas. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Nanfuka%20Susan%20et%20al%202020%20Determinants%20of%20EbA-1.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles en Variations in Soil Chemical Properties, Bacteria and Fungi Populations Along Slope Positions and Profile Depths in Terraced and Non-terraced Lands of Rwanda highlands Fashaho, A. Ndegwa, G. M. Lelei, J.J. Musandu, A. O. Mwonga, S.M. 2019- Agricultural research Soil chemistry and physics Soil fertility http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Cation exchange capacity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Exchangeable bases http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_nitrogen http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Organic carbon http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Phosphorus Cation exchange capacity Exchangeable bases nitrogen Azote Organic carbon Phosphorus The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of terracing on soil chemical and biological properties in the Rwanda highlands. The study was done in March 2017. Composite soil samples were collected from the top, middle and bottom slopes of fouryear-terraced and non-terraced lands, in three profile depths, in medium and high altitudes. Results showed that, levels of organic carbon (1.35, 1.04%) were significantly (p&amp lt 0.05) higher in non-terraced than terraced land, and populations of bacteria (3.59, 2.61 CFU*106 g-1) and fungi (2.51, 1.57 CFU*104 g-1) were significantly higher in terraced than non-terraced land, in the medium-altitude, with no significant differences observed in the high altitude. Soil pH, total N, available P, CEC, exchangeable K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ levels in terraced and non-terraced lands were not significantly different in both altitudes. Thus, soil characteristics and fertility of the study areas showed slight changes after four years of terracing. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Paper%201%20-%20Fashaho%20et%20al.%2C%202019.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 5 Web resource en Terminalia mantaly leaves as a novel additive in water-based drilling MUD Biwott, T. C. Kiprop, A.K. Akaranta, J.O. Boniface, Oriji 2019- Soil chemistry and physics Soil science and management http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Drilling mud http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_fluid loss http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_rheology http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_terminalia mantaly Drilling mud fluid loss rheology terminalia mantaly In drilling processes, mud additives and cuttings comprise waste drilling fluids which end up being disposed into the environment. Naturally based mud additives that are eco-friendly, cheap and can improve the rheological properties and filtration loss of the drilling mud should be investigated. This research investigated the effect of Terminalia mantaly leaves in water-based mud as additive to improve drilling mud properties. Test and control mud were formulated and their properties determined using American Petroleum Institute (API) standard procedures. The obtained results showed that the plastic viscosity of the mud sample improved by 18% and 29% for the mud with 1% and 2 % T. mantaly plant concentration and were within the recommended values at standard temperature of 49 °C. However, PV values of the mud with T. mantaly leaves were affected by temperature, the value of 37cP was recorded by 4% concentration plant sample at 70 °C. The yield point of the formulated mud increased by 21% for 3 and 4% plant concentration. The pH of the drilling mud was basic for the C1 and C2 mud and mud with 1-3% concentration of T. mantaly except the mud of 4 % which recorded the pH of 6.9. The plant material did not alter mud weight at all concentrations. T. mantaly leaves reduced the filtration loss by 50%. Rheological properties of mud with T. mantaly leaves were within the recommended values after aging except that of gel strength at 10 seconds which recorded the value of 0.8 1b/100ft2 after aging at 65° C and 93 °C. The drilling mud without T. mantaly leaves and surfactant showed high volume of filtration loss. Flat gel strength of the mud with T. mantaly leaves after all aging temperatures shows that the formulation was good and could be used to improve mud properties. Terminalia family has been reported to be having various phytochemicals which could have contributed to the improved properties of the drilling mud. This research is therefore encouraging the use of the leaves extract from Terminalia mantaly to improve the properties of the drilling mud. More research need to be done on the active component(s) in Terminalia mantaly plant to account for its activity in drilling mud formulation. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Terminalia%20mantaly%20leaves%20as%20a%20novel%20additive%20in%20water%20based%20mud.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 10 Web resource en Thermophysical properties of fruit—a review with reference to postharvest handling Mukama, M. Ambaw, A. Umezuruike , Linus Opara 2020- Feed processing and preservation Food processing and preservation Handling, transport, storage and protection of agricultural products Handling, transport, storage and protection of plant products Packaging http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Cold chain · Refrigeration · Processing · Thermal conductivity models · Specifc heat capacity · Thermal difusivity · Postharvest technology Cold chain · Refrigeration · Processing · Thermal conductivity models · Specifc heat capacity · Thermal difusivity · Postharvest technology The thermophysical data of fruit is vital to the study and optimization of postharvest handling processes. However, data available in the literature are not always consistent and must not be used directly. It is crucial to examine the accuracy and reliability of the property data. Also, models to predict the thermal properties of fruit are not distinctly identifed and included in the list of models for food materials. The aim of this review is to show the gaps in fruit properties data with emphasis on those properties that are important during postharvest handling. This paper also presents a review of the measurement and prediction techniques for the thermophysical properties of fruit. Fruit thermophysical properties vary with temperature, moisture content, cultivar, and even between the various parts of the same product. The presented review is a valuable input for developing mathematical models that predict cooling rate, cooling time, cooling uniformity and refrigeration energy usage during postharvest handling processes (e.g. precooling and cold storage), as well as for applications related to prediction and monitoring of temperature induced fruit quality changes http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mukama%20et%20al.%2C%202020_JFMC.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 21 Web resource en Apple Peel Biochemical Changes after Foliar Application of Combined Boron and Calcium I. Phenolics and Physico-Chemical Attributes Mwije, A. Hoffman, E. W. Lötze, E. 2020- Agricultural research Plant physiology and biochemistry http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Flavonoids http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Malus domestica http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Sunburn Flavonoids Malus domestica Sunburn Post-full bloom foliar applications of boron in combination with calcium (B+Ca) suppress fruit sunburn-browning incidence in apples (Malus domestica). However, the mode-of-action is not yet explained and hence, protocols to exploit this seemingly cost-effective peel physiology augmenting approach compared to usual methods (shade-netting, overhead cooling and kaolin application which attenuate excess fruit heat-load), cannot be fully developed or promoted justifiably among growers. Apple fruit sunburn-browning disorders are rampant worldwide, partly because of climate change as well as high cost and inefficacy of the established methods. However, knowledge of B+Ca effect on apple peel physiology may unravel the mode-of-action, paving the way for commercialization of this novel approach. In this study, B+Ca effect on apple peel phenolics and selected fruit physico-chemical attributes was investigated, using studies conducted at two farms for two seasons in Western Cape, South Africa. Four foliar treatments varying in B, Ca and inclusion of zinc (Zn), were applied on ‘Cripps Pink’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ apples in 2014/15 (only ‘Cripps Pink’) and 2015/16 (all cultivars) in randomized complete block design experiments with five replications. Fruit peel samples for quantitative determination of total phenolics and total flavonoids analyses were collected at different fruit maturity stages. Significant (p &amp lt 0.05) interaction (treatments and fruit maturity stages) effect was observed for total phenolics (‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ only) and total flavonoids (all cultivars). Physico-chemical attributes (fruit diameter, size and total soluble solids) were only evaluated in ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’, and no significant differences among treatments occurred. Since no clear treatment differences in apple peel phenolic patterns were observed, other appropriate biochemical aspects like photosynthetic pigments should be investigated among such foliar B+Ca treatments. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Apple%20Peel%20Biochemical%20Changes%20after%20Foliar-Chemical%20Attributes.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 22 Web resource ab First record of an entomopathogenic fungus of tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Tanzania Zekeya, N. Mtambo, M. Ramasamy, S. Chacha, M. A. Ndakidemi, Patrick Mbega, E. R. 2019- Crop husbandry Pests of plants http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Biological control http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ entomopathogenic fungi http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ tomato http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Tuta absoluta http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Tanzania Biological control Lutte biologique entomopathogenic fungi tomato Tuta absoluta Tanzania Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a destructive pest causing adverse environmental and economic effects globally. Management of T. absoluta by synthetic chemicals is of diminutive achievement due to resistance trick of the pest. Harnessing of biocontrols is currently fascinating and efficient for management of the tremendous pests. This study isolated an entomopathogenic fungus from dead larvae of T. absoluta on tomato leaves from farmer’s field Tanzania. Two Aspergillus fungal isolates were isolated and tested against larvae and adults of T. absoluta under conditions of 19.5° C and 50%RH, 30.4° C and 70% RH, respectively, in the laboratory. Sequence analysis of Aspergillus isolates that we referred as A-Tz1 and A-Tz2 were analysed with the BLAST program available at the National Center for Biological Information (NCBI). The two isolates (A-Tz1 and A-Tz2) showed 100% similarity with Aspergillus oryzae of GeneBank accession numbers EF121337.1 and MG519722.1. Such similarity implied that both A-Tz1 and A-Tz2 isolates were A. oryzae. To confirm pathogenicity, bioassays were conducted against the larvae, pupa and adults of T. absoluta. Results showed that at 1.0 × 108 conidia/mL, fungal isolates caused up to 70% larval mortality 3 days post inoculation and consequently inhibited pupation by 84.5% and adult emergence by 74.4%. The identified A. oryzae reduced the life span of adult T. absoluta up to 5 days post inoculation at 1.0 × 108 conidia/mL whereas in control T. absoluta survived up to 25 days. This study found that isolates of Aspegillus species have the potential to be used as active ingrediennt for the formulation of a new bioinjections for application by farmers to control the pest in fields. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/First%20record%20of%20an%20entomopathogenic%20fungus%20of%20tomato%20leafminer%20Tuta%20absoluta%20Meyrick%20in%20Tanzania.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 13 Web resource en Understanding factors influencing distribution and density of a micro-Lepidoptera moth, Tuta absoluta (Gelechiidae) and its impact in tomato agroecological zones of Tanzania Zekeya, N. Ouma, J. Chacha, M. Ndossi, H. Mbega, E. R. 2020- Investment, finance and credit Pests of plants Plant ecology Plant physiology - Growth and development http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Crop damage http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Economic loss http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ host range http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ Invasive Tuta absoluta http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ small holder farmers Crop damage Economic loss host range Invasive Tuta absoluta small holder farmers Field survey was conducted from August to November 2016 and repeated from January to April 2017 to study population, distribution and damage by tomato leaf miner (TLM) (Tuta absoluta Meyrick 1977) in 156 farms in agroecological zones of Tanzania. A pheromone trap/farm was deployed in tomato or other Solanaceae’s crops for examining moth of T. absoluta stuck in each trap and to determine damage by TLM. Results indicated that TLM is present in 13 regions with the highest population in Southern zone (Iringa), Northern zone (Arusha) and East-Central (Morogoro) with catches averaging 357.8±25.5, 279.9±12.1, 298.7±11.4 and 173.1±10.1 moths/trap in dry season respectively whereas lowest count amounting 13.3±1.0moths/trap was observed in western zone (Mwanza) during rainy season. Tomato was the most damaged crop with high mines averaging 90.0 ± 0.0% damage in Iringa and the low of 30.0±5.7 % realized in Mwanza. Tuta absoluta was found attacking 10 more plant species besides tomato with damage incidence averaging 83.3 ± 3.7% in Solanum lycopersicum, 60.0±0.0% in Solanum tuberosum, 30.0±0.0% damage in weed (Solanum incanum) and the lowest damage averaging 0.0±0.0% was observed in capsicum annuum. Based on these findings, it is evident that, T. absoluta is expanding its geographical range and hosts resulting into high damage and yield loss affecting farmers’ livelihood in Tanzania. This study informs farmers on the proper use of pheromone traps for early detection, scouting, weeding, crop rotation, use of biological control agents for effective management of the pest to reduce losses and environmental impact due to extensive use of synthetic pesticides http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/TUta%20dansity%20paper%20tz.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 7 Web resource en Improvement of Malware Classification Using Hybrid Feature Engineering Masabo, Emmanuel Kaawaase, Kyanda Swaib Sansa-Otim, J. Ngubiri, J. Hanyurwimfura, D. 2019- Documentation and information Education http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Malware classification · Polymorphic malware · Machine learning · Feature engineering Malware classification · Polymorphic malware · Machine learning · Feature engineering Polymorphic malware has evolved as a major threat in Computer Systems. Their creation technology is constantly evolving using sophisticated tactics to create multiple instances of the existing ones. Current solutions are not yet able to sufciently address this problem. They are mostly signature based however, a changing malware means a changing signature. They, therefore, easily evade detection. Classifying them into their respective families is also hard, thus making elimination harder. In this paper, we propose a new feature engineering (NFE) approach for a better classifcation of polymorphic malware based on a hybrid of structural and behavioural features. We use accuracy, recall, precision, and F score to evaluate our approach. We achieve an improvement of 12% on accuracy between raw features and NFE features. We also demonstrated the robustness of NFE on feature selection as compared to other feature selection techniques. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Masabo2019_Article_ImprovementOfMalwareClassifica.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 14 Web resource ab A STATE OF THE ART SURVEY ON POLYMORPHIC MALWARE ANALYSIS AND DETECTION TECHNIQUES Masabo, Emmanuel Kaawaase, Kyanda Swaib Sansa-Otim, J. Ngubiri, J. Hanyurwimfura, D. 2018- Documentation and information Education http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Polymorphic Malware http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Static Analysis http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Dynamic Analysis http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Machine Learning http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Malware Detection Polymorphic Malware Static Analysis Dynamic Analysis Machine Learning Malware Detection Nowadays, systems are under serious security threats caused by malicious software, commonly known as malware. Such malwares are sophisticatedly created with advanced techniques that make them hard to analyse and detect, thus causing a lot of damages. Polymorphism is one of the advanced techniques by which malware change their identity on each time they attack. This paper presents a detailed systematic and critical review that explores the available literature, and outlines the research efforts that have been made in relation to polymorphic malware analysis and their detection. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/IJSC_Vol_8_Iss_4_Paper_9_1762_1774.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 13 Web resource en Functional trait diversity is a stronger predictor of multifunctionality than dominance: Evidence from an Afromontane forest in South Africa Mensah, Sylvanus Salako, V.K. Assogbadjo, A.E. Glèlè Kakaï, R. Sinsin, B. Seifert, Thomas 2020- Agricultural research Forestry - General aspects Nature conservation and land resources http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Ecosystem multifunctionality http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Functional trait diversity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Mistbelt forest http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Niche complementarity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Structural equation modelling http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_South Africa Ecosystem multifunctionality Functional trait diversity Mistbelt forest Niche complementarity Structural equation modelling South Africa Afrique du Sud Studies on how biodiversity influences ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) help elucidate ecological mechanisms (e.g. niche complementarity and selection) underlying provision of multiple ecosystem services. While it is acknowledged that biodiversity contributes to EMF, the relative importance of functional traits diversity (niche complementarity) and dominance (selection effects) for EMF needs further investigation. To address this gap, we analysed how tree species diversity influences EMF, using data on species functional traits (specific wood density, specific leaf area and maximum plant height) and four ecosystem functions (carbon storage, habitat quality, forage provision and rockfall protection) in an Afromontane forest in South Africa. We tested the hypotheses that (i) trait diversity rather than dominance would link species richness to EMF and (ii) diversity rather than species richness effects would increase with the level of EMF. For all possible scenarios of EMF indices, functional trait diversity metrics, especially functional divergence and functional richness correlated positively with EMF. On the other hand, functional dominance also influenced EMF, but played limited role in mediating EMF response to species richness, when compared with functional diversity. Results further revealed that total diversity effects, not species richness effect, generally increased with the level of EMF. In summary, we show that species richness does not fully capture the functional contribution of different species. Compared to dominance, trait diversity had significant advantage in explaining biodiversity-EMF relationship, stressing a greater role of niche complementarity as mechanism underpinning delivery of multiple functions. We argue that functional dominance reflects more the competitive dominance of traits and species within a given community and therefore is more likely to have greater effects on single functions than on multifunctionality. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mensah%20et%20al.%202020a.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 11 Web resource en Structural complexity and large-sized trees explain shifting species richness and carbon relationship across vegetation types Mensah, Sylvanus Salako, V.K. Seifert, Thomas 2020- Agricultural research Forestry - General aspects Nature conservation and land resources http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_larger trees http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Niche complementarity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_species diversity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_stand structures http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_structural equation model larger trees Niche complementarity species diversity stand structures structural equation model 1. It is prominently claimed that enhancing forest diversity would play a dual role of nature conservation and climate regulation. While the idea is intuitively appealing, studies show that species richness effects on above-ground carbon (AGC) are not always positive, but instead unpredictable especially across scales and complex terrestrial systems having large-diameter and tall-stature trees. Previous studies have further considered structural complexity and larger trees as determinants of AGC. Yet it remains unclear what drives differential diversity–AGC relationships across vegetation types. 2. Here we test whether structural complexity and large-sized trees play an influential role in explaining shifting diversity–AGC relationships across vegetation types, using a 22.3-ha sampled dataset of 124 inventory plots in woodlands, gallery forests, tree/shrub savannas and mixed plantations in West Africa. 3. Natural vegetation had greater species richness and structural complexity than mixed plantations, as expected. In addition, AGC was highest in gallery forests and mixed plantations, which is consistent with favourable environmental conditions in the former and high stocking densities and presence of fast-growing species in the latter. Significant interaction effects of species richness and vegetation on AGC revealed a vegetation-dependent species richness–AGC relationship: consistently, we found positive species richness–AGC relationship in both mixed plantations and woodlands, and nonsignificant patterns in gallery forests and tree/shrub savanna. Furthermore, there was a vegetation-dependent mediation of structural complexity in linking species richness to AGC, with stronger positive structural complexity effects where species richness–AGC relationships were positive, and stronger positive large-sized trees’ effect where species richness–AGC relationships were neutral. 4. Our study provides strong evidence of vegetation-dependent species richness– AGC relationships, which operated through differential mediation by structural complexity of the species richness and large trees’ effects. We conclude that even higher species richness in diversified ecosystems may not always relate positively with AGC, and that neutral pattern may arise possibly as a result of larger dominant individual trees imposing a slow stand dynamic flux and overruling species richness effects. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mensah%20et%20al%202020b.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 15 Web resource en Effects of Tithoniadiversifolia Extract and Trichodermaasperellum on Growth and Yield of Strawberry Fruit (Fragaria× ananassavarDuch) Wanjukia, J. W. Gesimba , R.M. Wolukau, J.N. 2020- Agricultural research Pests of plants Plant diseases Plant physiology - Growth and development http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_strawberry http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_yield http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Tithoniadiversifolia http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Trichodermaasperellum http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_. Brix strawberry yield Tithoniadiversifolia Trichodermaasperellum . Brix A study on the effect of Tithoniadiversifolia extracts and Trichodermaasperellum on growth, yield, and quality of strawberry fruit (Fragaria× ananassavarDuch) wasconducted in Horticulture, Research and Teaching field, Egerton University. The field experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD), with 3 replications. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of Tithoniadiversifolia (0,250ml, 500ml, and 750 ml) andTrichodermaasperellum at three levels 0ml, 40ml and 80ml. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and significant treatment means separated using Turkey’s Honestly Significant Difference Test at P ≤ 0.05. Application of Tithoniadiversifolia and Trichodermaasperellumincreased plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, increased fruit length and diameter, and total yield per plant compared to the control. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Julia%20Wambui%20Wanjukia%20%20Egerton%20Publication.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 6 Web resource en Revisiting biotic and abiotic drivers of seedling establishment, natural enemies and survival in a tropical tree species in a West Africa semi-arid biosphere reserve Mensah, Sylvanus Noulékoun , F Dimobe, Kangbéni Atanasso, Justin A. Salako, V.K. Assogbadjo, A.E. Glèlè Kakaï, R. 2020- Forestry - General aspects Pests of plants Plant diseases http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Afzelia Africana http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Biotic neighborhood http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Conspecific adult density http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Phylogeny http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Seedling survival http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Semi-arid environment Afzelia Africana Biotic neighborhood Conspecific adult density Phylogeny Seedling survival Semi-arid environment Biotic and abiotic drivers of seedling establishment and survival are fundamental not only for elucidating processes occurring at plant early life stages, but also for assisting species natural regeneration. Keystone, multipurpose and economically important tree species such as Afzelia africana Sm. are reportedly facing recruitment constraints, yet little is known about how abiotic and biotic factors shape the species seedling dynamics. Here, we monitored the species seedlings over one year across three seasons in West Africa savannahs to determine how conspecific and heterospecific biotic neighborhood and habitat heterogeneity correlate with initial seedling density, leaves’ fungal infection and herbivory and how all these factors combined, influence the species seedling survival. Seedling densities increased with increasing conspecific adult densities, and were highest in tree savannahs and on sandy-silt soils. Leaves’ fungal infection and herbivory were also positively associated with conspecific adult density, but were more abundantly observed in tree savannahs than in shrub savannahs. Seedling survival was constrained on higher slope, and negatively affected by conspecific adult density, especially in shrub savannahs. There was a strong evidence for negative density-dependence effects of conspecific adults on seedling survival, which operated through negative effects of herbivory and fungal infection. Habitat heterogeneity was also an important driver, which modulated biotic factors’ effects on seedling survival: tree savannahs promote positive conspecific density-dependence of seedling fungal infection and herbivory more than shrub savannahs. Nonetheless, seedlings were more sensitive to natural enemies in shrub savannahs, suggesting increased negative conspecific density-dependence effects on seedling survival in less dense vegetation, possibly as a result of enhanced specialization of predators and pathogens on a limited set of species. The study brings important insights into the mechanisms that drive the establishment and survival of the species seedling, which should be considered in the design of management activities aiming at the conservation of this endangered species. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mensah%20et%20al.%202020d_Revisiting%20biotic%20and%20abiotic%20drivers%20of%20seedling_JEMA%20%281%29.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 11 Web resource en Kersting’s groundnut [Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal & Baudet]: A versatile & underutilized grain legume for subhumid zones Agoyi, E.E. Sossou, H. S. Sodédji, F. A. Assogbadjo, A.E. Sinsin, B. 2020- Agricultural research Extension Plant physiology - Growth and development Seed production and processing Soil fertility Legume crops, with their high protein contents and ability to improve soil fertility, have great potential to contribute toward food security in Africa. Orphan crops have greater potential because of their resilience and contribution to food diversification. Kersting’s groundnut is an orphan legume crop which area of distribution is limited to West Africa. Beside the high protein content, Kersting’s groundnut has appreciable levels of essential minerals and vitamins. This added to its palatability and physical appearance of dishes prepared out of its grains, gives to the crop a high market value. However, its cultivation is hindered by numerous challenges and the trend of its cultivation is downward. Wide adoption of adequate agronomic practices while growing Kersting’s groundnut would make a step forward to enhanced production and productivity. Such adoption can only be fostered when awareness is sufficiently created, with supporting and guide documents availed. The purpose of this production guide is to avail tested tools, create awareness of best agronomic practices that promote productivity and discuss relevant options and challenges that are associated with the production of Kersting’s groundnut. It is a compilation of field experiences and information gathered through surveys and literature. It is a well-illustrated toolbox for farmers, researchers and else who might want to engage in Kersting’s groundnut production. I wish you a fruitful use of this toolbox http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Doyiwe%CC%81%20Book-English.pdf, http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Doyiwe%CC%81%20Book-French.pdf 978-99982-05-36-9 RUFORUM Books and Book Chapters 36 Web resource en ‘Which journal is that?’ Politics of academic promotion in Uganda and the predicament of African publication outlets Ssentongo, J. S. 2020- Documentation and information Education Labour and employment http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_academic promotion http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ epistemic justice http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ epistemic violence http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ African publications academic promotion epistemic justice epistemic violence African publications Research and publication are some of the practices that define university work and therefore are part and parcel of the key considerations for promoting university-based academics. Whereas this promotion standard is widely appreciated in view of the importance of knowledge production, it raises several questions about the subtexts of its practice and their implications for publication in Africa. Through an empirical qualitative study of two Ugandan universities, this paper examines how promotion policies shape publication outlet choices and Africa-based publication initiatives. I show that promotion processes in Ugandan universities are driven by complex quality checks that are sometimes characterized by rationalized malice against individual academics in settling personal scores and biases against publications from African outlets. With the partial aid of theories of (post)coloniality and Southern theory, I explain the root of Afro-pessimistic biases in promotion criteria and argue that both the genuine quality checks and other neo-colonial biases incentivise publishing in the West and lead scholars to avoid African options. This exacerbates the already challenging circumstances of African publishers, limits local access to marketplaces of knowledge, and shrinks space for epistemic pluralism. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Which%20journal%20is%20that%20Politics%20of%20academic%20promotion%20in%20Uganda%20and%20the%20predicament%20of%20African%20publication%20outle.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 20 Web resource en Characterisation of ecosystem-based adaptations to drought in the central cattle corridor of Uganda Nanfuka, S. Mfitumukiza, David Egeru, A. 2020- Agricultural research Animal husbandry http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_agro-pastoral farming http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_adaptation benefits http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Biodiversity http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_climate change http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_livelihood http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Rangeland agro-pastoral farming adaptation benefits Biodiversity Biodiversité climate change Changement du climat livelihood Rangeland Ecosystems provide climate-change adaptation opportunities including ecosystem services, adaptation benefits and livelihood improvement especially for natural resource dependent communities. To contribute to the understanding of location specific adaptation processes of predominantly agro-pastoralists, a study was carried out in the central cattle corridor of Uganda to characterise ecosystem-based drought Adaptations. A cross sectional survey using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were employed among 183 randomly selected households. The ecosystem-based adaptations (EbAs) to perceived drought impacts were characterised basing on ecosystem services, adaptation benefits to drought and livelihood improvement categories unveiling the different proportions of each EbA under each category. Water shortage and intense heat were the major perceived drought impacts. The use of drought resistant shade trees, water reservoirs and dams, and alternative ecosystem-based livelihoods were the majorly utilised EbAs. The alternative ecosystem-based livelihoods were the mostly used EbA dominating all the three categories. The utilisation of drought resistant shade trees dominated the ecosystem services and adaptation benefits categories, whereas the use of water reservoirs and dams were the mostly used EbA for livelihood improvement. These EbAs should be incorporated in climate-change adaptation policies and initiatives, while considering their subsequent dominating categories to enhance farmers’ resilience. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Characterisation%20of%20ecosystem%20based%20adaptations%20to%20drought%20in%20the%20central%20cattle%20corridor%20of%20Uganda.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 12 Web resource en How social capital can inform targeting formal social safety net interventions in vulnerable communities in eastern Ethiopia: an ethnographic case study Getachew, S. E. Kibwika, P. Obaa, B. B. Hassen, Jemal Yousuf 2020- Agricultural research Documentation and information Extension http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Targeting http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Humanitarian assistance http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Social capital http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Safety nets http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Household resilience http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Ethiopia Targeting Humanitarian assistance Social capital Safety nets Household resilience Ethiopia Safety nets in Ethiopia are targeted and delivered in a context in which informal social capital practices also operate. But the role of social relations is largely overlooked in welfare programming. Understanding how social capital is mobilized and under which condition it enhances or constrains social safety net targeting may inform policy to design sustainable and inclusive welfare programs to improve household resilience. Using an ethnographic case study design, we studied the role of social capital in the implementation of a welfare intervention. Data were collected through observations and interviews with 30 households. Besides, data on household social network characteristics were collected using semi-structured interviews. The result suggested that greater access to social capital by a household enhances the efficiency of safety net targeting and delivery. Positioning the social transfer instruments within the broader sets of community social arrangements can optimize the allocation of scarce safety net resources and improves community relationships. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Endris2020_Article_HowSocialCapitalCanInformTarge.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 17 Web resource en Aboveground tree carbon stocks in West African semi-arid ecosystems: Dominance patterns, size class allocation and structural drivers Mensah, Sylvanus Noulékoun , F Ago, Expedit E. 2020- Agricultural research Forest injuries and protection Forestry - General aspects Forestry production http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Benin http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Tree biomass http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Dominant species http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Large-size trees http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Savannah http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Stand structure Benin Tree biomass Dominant species Large-size trees Savannah Stand structure The importance of terrestrial ecosystems for carbon sequestration and climate regulation is acknowledged globally. However, the underlying structural drivers are still not well un- derstood, particularly across distinct tropical forest ecosystems where trees species have different growth habits and potential to reach different maximal size. In particular, how important are different tree size classes in contributing to stand aboveground carbon (AGC) remains unclear across forest ecosystems. Here, we hypothesized that (i) tree size classes would contribute differently to stand AGC across forest ecosystems and (ii) few species, possibly dominant, would determine most of stand AGC. We tested these hy- potheses using a 17-ha sampled inventory data from gallery forests, woodlands and sa- vannahs in the Republic of Benin. We examined (i) how AGC stocks vary among small- (&amp lt 20 cm), medium- (20e40 cm) and large-size (&amp gt 40 cm diameter at breast height - dbh) trees (ii) how the large size class and its individual species contribute to AGC and (iii) how size class-based taxonomic and structural variables influence AGC?Stand AGC was 23 ± 5, 30 ± 8 and 42 ± 12 MgC ha-1 in savannah, woodland and gallery forest, respectively. There were significant main and interaction effects of vegetation types and size classes. As expected, medium and large-size classes contained more of the AGC, irrespective of the vegetation type. However, gallery forests had the lowest AGC in the &amp lt 20 cm dbh class, but higher values in medium- and large-size classes as compared to woodlands and savannahs. The top 10 species contributed 82%, 89% and 91% of AGC in gallery forests, woodlands and savannahs, respectively. In addition, five of the top 10 dominant species were shared by the three vegetation types and alone contributed 70 e76% of AGC. Tree basal area was the most constant structural attribute influencing AGC however, its influence shifted with vegetation type and size class, with greater effects of large-size tree basal area in gallery forests, and of medium trees and small trees’ basal area in woodlands and savannahs, respectively. The study shows that (i) AGC allocation to size class varied across vegetation types, and (ii) small and medium trees are also important in predicting AGC, especially in semi-arid environments dominated by high densities of small-size trees (e.g. woodlands and savannahs). It also highlights the importance of few dominant species in contributing a large proportion of AGC stocks. The conservation of these dominant species is essential to avoid substantial decline of AGC stock. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Aboveground%20tree%20carbon%20stocks%20in%20West%20African%20semi-arid.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 11 Web resource en Farmer Preference of Cassava Cultivars in Eastern Uganda: A Choice Beyond Disease Resistance Kasule, F. Wasswa, P. Mukasa, S.B. Okiror, Anthony Nghituwamhata , S.N. Rono, E. C. Mukuze, Clever Mwang’ombe, A. W. 2020- Agricultural research Plant diseases Protection of plants - General aspects http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Cassava brown streak disease http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_cassava mosaic disease http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_preferred cassava cultivars http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_cassava attributes Cassava brown streak disease cassava mosaic disease preferred cassava cultivars cassava attributes The cassava breeding program in Uganda has released many improved cultivars resistant/tolerant to cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease (CMD). However, many farmers have continued to use cultivars that are susceptible to these major viral diseases but with diverse attributes. There is a need to understand farmers’ cassava cultivar attribute preferences and CBSD, CMD prevalence on the preferred cultivars. A total of 150 cassava farmer fields (74 in Bukedea district and 76 in Kumi district) located in eastern Uganda were evaluated for farmers’ cultivars and attribute preferences, as well as prevalence of CBSD and CMD on the farmer selected cultivars. The eastern region was of interest in the study, due to it-being the major cassava producing area in the country. In addition, 30 cassava plants of different genotypes were chosen randomly along transects of each field and assessed for CBSD/CMD incidence and severity on preferred cultivars. Results showed that more than 64% of the farmers in eastern Uganda preferred NASE 03 due to its sweet taste and high yields, followed by NASE 14 (21%) because of its high yields. There was a significant (P≤0.001) correlation between cassava cultivars preferred and CBSD severity (r = -0.56), CBSD incidence (r = -0.53), CMD severity (r = -0.51) and CMD incidence (r = -0.39). In corroboration, the most preferred cultivar, NASE 03 was found most susceptible to CBSD and CMD in both Bukedea and Kumi districts with CBSD incidence of 62.2% and 52.7% and CMD incidence of 56.9% and 34.3% respectively. The results showed that CBSD and CMD are prevalent on farmer preferred cassava cultivars, and that farmer cultivar preference depends not only on disease resistance but also other attributes. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Farmer%20Preference%20of%20Cassava%20Cultivars.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 9 Web resource ab Savannah Phenological Dynamics Reveal Spatio-Temporal Landscape Heterogeneity in Karamoja Sub-region, Uganda Egeru, A. Magaya , John Paul Kuule, D. A Siya, Aggrey Gidudu , A. Barasa, Bernard Namaalwa , Justine J. 2020- Plant ecology http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_conflict http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Drylands http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_grazing http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_mobility http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_pastoral conflict Drylands grazing mobility pastoral Phenological properties are critical in understanding global environmental change patterns. This study analyzed phenological dynamics in a savannah dominated semi-arid environment of Uganda. We used moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer normalized difference vegetation index (MODIS NDVI) imagery. TIMESAT program was used to analyse the imagery to determine key phenological metrics onset of greenness (OGT), onset of greenness value, end of greenness time (EGT), end of greenness value, maximum NDVI, time of maximum NDVI, duration of greenup (DOG) and range of normalized difference vegetation index (RNDVI). Results showed that thicket and shrubs had the earliest OGT on day 85 ± 14, EGT on day 244 ± 32 and a DOG of 158 ± 25 days. Woodland had the highest NDVI value for maximum NDVI, OGT, EGT, and RNDVI. In the bushland, OGT occurs on average around day 90 ± 11, EGT on day 255 ± 33 with a DOG of 163 ± 36 days. The grassland showed that OGT occurs on day 96 ± 13, EGT on day 252 ± 36 with a total DOG of 156 ± 33 days. Early photosynthesis activity was observed in central to eastern Karamoja in the districts of Moroto and Kotido. There was a positive relationship between rainfall and NDVI across all vegetation cover types as well as between phenological parameters and season dynamics. Vegetation senescence in the sub-region occurs around August to mid-September (day 244–253). The varied phenophases observed in the sub-region reveal an inherent landscape heterogeneity that is beneficial to extensive pastoral livestock production. Continuous monitoring of savannah phenological patterns in the sub-region is required to decipher landscape ecosystem processes and functioning. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Egeru%20A.%20Savannah%20Phenological%20Dynamics%20Reveal%20Spatio-Temporal%20Landscape%20Heterogeneity.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 20 Web resource en In vitro bioavailability-based assessment of the contribution of wild fruits and vegetables to household dietary iron requirements among rural households in a developing country setting: The case of Acholi Subregion of Uganda Tuyizere, J. D. Okidi, L. Elolu, S. Ongeng, D. 2021- Agricultural research http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_antinutrients http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_household annual dietary iron requirements http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_iron bioavailability http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_wild fruits and vegetables antinutrients household annual dietary iron requirements iron bioavailability wild fruits and vegetables Wild fruits and vegetables (WFV) are believed to contain substantial quantities of micronutrients and are commonly consumed in rural areas of developing countries endowed with natural vegetation. Previous studies that provided evidence on the contribution of WFV to household micronutrient intake in a developing country setting did not consider the effect of antinutritional factors. Therefore, applying the in vitro bioavailability assessment technique and using the Acholi subregion of Uganda a case area, this study examined the contribution of commonly consumed WFV to the pooled annual household dietary requirement for iron. Laboratory analysis showed that the concentration of antinutrients varied with plant species but the pool was dominated by phytate (10.5–150 mg/100 g) and phenolic substances (38.6–41.7 mg GAE/g). In vitro iron bioavailability varied with plant species was quantitatively higher from vegetables than fruits by 27% although total concentration of the micronutrient was higher in fruits than vegetables by 142%. Nutritional computation, taking into account, household composition, and physiological status revealed that consumption of WFV resulted in a median contribution of 1.8% (a minimum of 0.02 and a maximum of 34.7%) to the pooled annual household dietary iron requirements on the basis of bioavailable iron fraction. These results demonstrate that WFV contributes meagerly to household iron needs but may serve other dietary and non-nutrient health purposes. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Tuyizere%20et%20al%202021.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 14 Web resource ab Thermal stress causes oxidative stress and physiological changes in female rabbits Mutwedu, V. B. Nyongesa, A. W. Oduma, J. A. Kitaa, J. M. Mbaria, J.M. 2021- Animal husbandry Animal physiology - Growth and development http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Behavioral impairment Climate change Female rabbit Heat Oxidative stress Physiological deterioration Behavioral impairment Climate change Female rabbit Heat Oxidative stress Physiological deterioration The present study investigated the effects of heat stress on oxidative stress status and physiological changes using female New Zealand White rabbits. 24 sexually mature female rabbits weighing 1953.1–2375.4 g were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each and subjected to ambient temperature (T0: 19–26 ◦C), 27–28 ◦C for T1, 31–32 ◦C for T2 and 35–36 ◦C for T3 using electrical heaters from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily for 30 days. Feed intake and body weight gain were recorded daily. Behavioral alterations of anxiety, dizziness, aggression, withdrawal, impaired feed intake were observed. At the end of experimental period animals were sacrificed, blood samples and vital organs such as liver, kidney, heart, ovaries, uterus collected for appropriate analysis. Results revealed that animals of T2 and T3 had an 11% decrease in the final body weights and 62% body weight gain but increase in feed conversion ratio by 64.81%, 24.19% water intake, 3.64% in rectal and 2.42% in skin temperature compared to the control. Dizziness, withdrawal to a corner of the cage and reduced feed intake were observed. The live weight of lungs and kidneys increased by 37.71% and 33.78% while that of ovaries and uterus decreased in the same animals of T2 and T3. Animals from T2 and T3 showed significant decrease (p &amp lt 0.05) by 23.64% in hemoglobin concentration, 12.73% in red blood cells, 11.93% in packed cell volume, 12.02% in total protein while mean corpuscular volume, white blood cells, lymphocytes, creatinine, urea and aspartate transaminase increased respectively by 10.73%, 42.37%, 15.53%, 28.98%, 53.2% and 23.31% compared to the control. The kidney level of malondialdehyde was significantly increased in T2 and T3 animals by 74.29%, whereas protein, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower (p &amp lt 0.05) compared with control. It was concluded that long-term exposure of female rabbits to elevated ambient temperatures induces heat stress and accompanying oxidative stress that consequently impairs physiological function. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Mutwedu%20article%20%281%29.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 8 Web resource en Community-based nutrition-sensitive approach to address short-term hunger and undernutrition among primary school children in rural areas in a developing country setting: lessons from North and North-Eastern Uganda Elolu, S. Ongeng, D. 2020- Human nutrition - General aspects Nutrition programmes http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Community http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Nutrition innovation http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_School feeding http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Hunger http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Undernutrition Community Nutrition innovation School feeding Hunger Undernutrition Background: Undernutrition in childhood is an important factor that greatly impedes the achievement of full human potential at adulthood. Despite increased enrolment of pupils in primary schools in developing countries, short-term hunger and undernutrition continue to impact negatively on school attendance, retention and education outcomes in economically disadvantaged rural areas. This study examined the feasibility of a community-based participatory action research approach building capacity of rural women food vendors to use local food resources to produce nutritionally enhanced food products for primary school feeding in rural localities in a developing country setting. Methods: Mixed methods approach incorporating focus group discussions (FGDs) to evaluate parents’ and school administrators’ perceptions of the community-based approach, participatory experimental improvement of nutritional quality of an energy-based cassava product (gari) involving community women food vendors, and cross-sectional acceptability assessment of improved products among rural primary school children. Qualitative content analysis, one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis was used to analyse FGD data, compare nutritional profile and consumer sensory profile of different products, and examine associations between sensory attributes and acceptability of the products, respectively. Results: The approach of using local food resources to produce nutritious products targeting school feeding was strongly recognised by parents, school administrators, teachers and small scale rural women food vendors as an adoptable nutritionsensitive means of addressing short-term hunger among primary school children in rural settings. The action research resulted in a highly accepted nutritionally enhanced product (consisting of cassava, soy and silver fish) exhibiting superior nutritional properties (23.29% protein, 90.5 g/100 g calcium, 4.5 g/100 g zinc, 11.6 g/100 g iron, 40.40 g/100 g phosphorus, 61.57 μg/100 g vitamin A) compared to the original energy-dominated cassava product (2.18% Protein, 55.6 g/100 g calcium, 1.2 g/100 g zinc, 4.4 g/100 g iron, 6.6 g/100 g phosphorus, 11.23 μg/100 g vitamin A) (p &amp lt 0.05). Nutritional computation revealed that serving 120 g of the new product would suffice to meet 30% of the recommended dietary allowance for essential nutrients that children should receive from school meals. Conclusion: Community-level nutrition-sensitive innovation using local foods resources offers the opportunity for rural women food vendors to contribute to addressing short-term hunger and undernutrition challenges in primary schools in economically-disadvantaged localities in developing countries. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Elolu_et_al-2020-BMC_Nutrition.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 10 Web resource en Factors Influencing Genomic Prediction Accuracies of Tropical Maize Resistance to Fall Armyworm and Weevils Badji, A. Machida, L. Kwemoi, D.B. Kumi, F. Okii, D Mwila, N. Agbahoungba, S Ibanda , A Bararyenya, A. Nghituwamhata , S.N. Odong, T. Wasswa, P. Otim, M. Ochwo-Ssemakula, M. Talwana, H. Asea, G. Kyamanywa, S. Rubaihayo, P. 2020- Agricultural research Mathematical and statistical methods Pests of plants Plant genetics and breeding http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_prediction accuracy http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ mixed linear and Bayesian models http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ machine learning algorithms http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ training set size and composition http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ parametric and nonparametric models prediction accuracy mixed linear and Bayesian models machine learning algorithms training set size and composition parametric and nonparametric models Genomic selection (GS) can accelerate variety improvement when training set (TS) size and its relationship with the breeding set (BS) are optimized for prediction accuracies (PAs) of genomic prediction (GP) models. Sixteen GP algorithms were run on phenotypic best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) and estimators (BLUEs) of resistance to both fall armyworm (FAW) and maize weevil (MW) in a tropical maize panel. For MW resistance, 37% of the panel was the TS, and the BS was the remainder, whilst for FAW, random-based training sets (RBTS) and pedigree-based training sets (PBTSs) were designed. PAs achieved with BLUPs varied from 0.66 to 0.82 for MW-resistance traits, and for FAW resistance, 0.694 to 0.714 for RBTS of 37%, and 0.843 to 0.844 for RBTS of 85%, and these were at least two-fold those from BLUEs. For PBTS, FAW resistance PAs were generally higher than those for RBTS, except for one dataset. GP models generally showed similar PAs across individual traits whilst the TS designation was determinant, since a positive correlation (R = 0.92***) between TS size and PAs was observed for RBTS, and for the PBTS, it was negative (R = 0.44**). This study pioneered the use of GS for maize resistance to insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/plants-Arfang%20et%20al.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 22 Web resource en Relative palatability and preference by red Maasai sheep offered brachiaria and Rhodes grass hay supplemented with calliandra leaves in Kenya Kenana, R. S. Onjoro, P. A. Ambula, M. K. 2020- Animal feeding Animal genetics and breeding Animal physiology - Nutrition Animal physiology and biochemistry Feed composition http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_crude protein http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_diets http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_dry matter http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_intake crude protein Protéine brute diets dry matter intake A study was conducted to evaluate the effect on palatability and preference of supplementing Brachiaria (Brachiaria ruziziensis) hay and Rhodes (Chloris gayana) hay with different levels of Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) leaves on Red Maasai Sheep. Nine male sheep averaging one year and weighing (22.0 ± 2.5 kg) were used in a 3x4 factorial completely randomized design (CRD). Three animals in three replicates, were used to measure feed intake and palatability. Twelve experimental diets were formulated consisting of Brachiaria, Rhodes and a (50:50 mix) of Brachiaria and Rhodes grass hay as the basal diets, supplemented with (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%) of Calliandra leaves. Supplemental rates were used as treatments (T1, T2, T3 and T4) respectively. Treatment one (T1) served as the control. 200g of each diet was offered daily at 8:00am (East African time) with an allowance of 60 minutes feeding time. Results showed that supplementation improved (pT3&amp gt T2&amp gt T1). The study concluded that Brachiaria grass supplemented with 30% Calliandra has a great potential as a forage diet for ruminants in the arid and semi-arid lands. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Kenana%20et%20al%202020-publication.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 5 Web resource en Determinants of Porter’s competitive strategy utilization among agro-dealers in Kenya Wanyonyi, E. I. Gathungu, E. W. Bett, H. K. Okello, D. O. 2020- Agricultural economics and policies http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_cost-leadership strategies http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ differentiation strategies http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ focus strategies http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ diversification strategies http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ promotions strategies cost-leadership strategies differentiation strategies focus strategies diversification strategies promotions strategies Utilization of Porter’s competitive strategies is considered a crucial tactic in enhancing the competitiveness of small-scale agro-dealers in developing countries. The dynamic nature of the agro-dealer business environment further necessitates the businesses to strategically align themselves for survival sustainability. Despite the many benefits attributed to the utilization of Porter’s competitive strategies, there is limited empirical literature on the utilization of these strategies in agro-dealer enterprises in emerging economies. This study sought to analyze determinants of utilization of Porter’s competitive strategies using multivariate probit regression model among agro-dealers in Nakuru County, Kenya. Data were collected from 110 businesses using semi-structured questionnaires. Results indicated that age, experience, group membership, education, ownership structure, engagement in other businesses, business age, competitive rivalry, product substitution, operational costs and branding statistically influenced the choice of competitive strategies. Proper policy frameworks geared towards operational costs reduction, educating and training agro-dealers on the maximum utilization of competitive strategies should be implemented. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Inyanji%20et%20al%202020_publication.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 17 Web resource en Validation of Calculated Flow Regime Using Experimental Data with Standard Methods of an Existing Software Wambua, C. M. Joel, O. F. Ikiensikimama, S. S. Oyoo, D. O. 2019- Energy resources and management Investment, finance and credit http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Pipeline http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Gasoline http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Kerosene http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Diesel http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Reynolds number http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Flow regime Pipeline Gasoline Kerosene Diesel Reynolds number Flow regime The aim of this research was to determine the flow regime of a standard steel 14-inch multiproduct pipeline. The study analysed the effects of flow rates, product viscosities, pipe diameter, internal roughness and elevation change on Reynolds number. Reynolds number was calculated using standard empirical method and simulated using pipe-flow wizard (PFW) software package to validate the calculated results. Flow rates used were obtained from the daily operations record of two consecutive years and were in the range of 629 – 765 m3 /hr. Reynolds number for gasoline ranged 1.7 ⅹ 106 – 2.1 ⅹ 106, kerosene 2.8 ⅹ 105 – 3.4 ⅹ 105 and diesel 1.3 ⅹ 105 – 1.6 ⅹ 105. Based on the results, flow regime was turbulent when pumping all three products. Regression as a standard statistical analysis tool, observed no significant difference between calculated and simulated Reynolds number when pumping gasoline, kerosene and diesel, since the coefficient of determination (R2) equals to one. Simulation results validated the calculated flow regime. Calculated results are recommended for use in further review study of the said pipeline in order to improve product delivery efficiency. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Wambua%20et%20al%202019.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 6 Web resource en Validation of Calculated Pressure Drop Using Experimental Data with Standard Methods of an Existing Software Wambua, C. M. Joel, O. F. Ikiensikimama, S. S. Oyoo, D. O. 2019- Energy resources and management Investment, finance and credit http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Pipeline http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ gasoline http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ kerosene http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ diesel http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_ pressure drop Pipeline gasoline kerosene diesel pressure drop The aim of this research was to determine the pressure drop along a 450 km long multiproduct pipeline. Empirical formulae and quantitative methods were applied in order to establish pressure drop as an operating parameter. Flow rates used were obtained from the daily operation records of two consecutive years and were in the range of 629 – 765 m3/hr. Using four methods, observed pressure drop results when pumping products through the pipeline were as follows: Shell-MIT was 954.5 – 1411.9 bar (gasoline), 1257.6 – 1860.3 bar (kerosene) and 1535.0 – 2270.5 bar (diesel) Benjamin Miller was 0.509 – 0.728 bar/km (gasoline), 0.693 – 0.988 bar/km (kerosene), 0.773 – 1.101 bar/km (diesel) T. R. Aude was 0.590 – 0.841 bar/km (gasoline), 0.814 – 1.161 bar/km (kerosene), 0.907 – 1.294 (diesel) Darcy was 0.578 – 0.857 bar/km (gasoline), 0.703 – 1.042 bar/km (kerosene), 0.858 – 1.272 bar/km (diesel). Simulations using pipe-flow wizard were carried out in order to authenticate the calculated parameters. Results confirmed that Shell-MIT method is only applicable to crude oil pipelines. From comparison of calculated pressure drop, Benjamin Miller’s method was most preferred as it observed the least value within the same flow rate range. Simulation results validated the calculated pressure drop and therefore, calculated Benjamin Miller’s and T. R. Aude’s values are recommended for use in further review study of the said pipeline. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/1.%20Wambua%20et%20al%202019.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 10 Web resource en Farmer-preferred learning methods and utilised teaching approaches by Egerton University, Kenya Ondiege, E. O. Mutuku, M. Mungai, N.W. 2020- Agricultural research Education Extension http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Community engagement http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_extension http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_outreach Community engagement extension outreach Universities are centres of frontier knowledge and skills, with the capacity to transform communities,when appropriately and adequately transmitted to users. The aim of this paper was to compare farmer-preferred learning methods and those utilised in teaching during Egerton University’s outreach activities, with a view to drawing useful insights for more effective community future engagements. A cross sectional survey was conducted in 2017, using researcher-administered questionnaires, on a sample of 84 farmers purposefully selected from communities where Egerton University implemented extension outreach programmes. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were also conducted for community leaders and extension officers in the selected Wards, to supplement data collection. Results showed that the decision to participate in the outreach activities implemented by Egerton University was personal, with nearly all the respondents (99%) citing acquisition of new knowledge and skills as the major reason. Demonstrations were the most preferred and utilised methods (90 and 92%, respectively) while the use of group discussions were preferred by 51% of the respondents and utilised in 86% of the outreach activities. Results also showed significant relations for demonstration (χ2 = 17.21, P&amp lt .001), touring university model farms (χ2 = 68.11, P&amp lt .001) and use of training videos (χ2 = 40.98, P&amp lt .001) between farmer-preferred learning methods and utilised teaching methods. This explains the popularity of demonstrations as a teaching and learning method of Egerton University in connecting theoretical and scientific aspects, to practice. Learner centred teaching methods, with the capacity to facilitate collaborative or cooperative learning, should be enhanced. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Ondiege%20et%20al.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 11 Web resource ab Effects of compound fertilizer and canola green manure on nutrient use efficiency, growth and yield of potato tuber (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Nakuru, Kenya Iraboneye, N. Mungai, N.W. Charimbu, M. K. 2020- Agricultural research Plant physiology - Nutrition http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Potato nutrition http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_diammonium phosphate http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_multi-nutrients fertilizer Potato nutrition diammonium phosphate multi-nutrients fertilizer Unbalanced fertilization is a problem affecting potato production in Kenya, where continuous use of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer (diammonium phosphate: DAP) has led to depletion of other macro and micronutrients. Hence, the need to assess alternative soil amendments including use of multinutrients compound fertilizer and canola green manure in potato production. Field and pot experiments were conducted in Nakuru during the period from August-December 2019 using two potato varieties (Shangi and Kenya Karibu) in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plot arrangement replicated three times (variety as main plot and combination of fertilizer and canola green manure as main plot). Two canola green manure levels (with and without), four levels of fertilizer (NPK + Ca + Mg + micronutrients) at 0 (F1), 250 (F2), 575 (F3), 900 (F4) kg ha−1 and recommended fertilizer rate (DAP at 500 kg ha−1 + Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN300 kg ha−1), (F5) as a positive control were used. Pot experiment was carried out at Egerton university farm in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. Four levels of canola green manure (100, 75, 50 and 0 g kg−1 soil) and five levels of fertilizer (NPK + Ca + Mg + micronutrients) as used in the field experiment were used. The results indicated that fertilizer F4 increased potato tuber dry weight and plant height by 5.0 and 5.0%, respectively over the normal recommended F5 under field experiments. F4 also increased nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) uptake by 13, 26 and 3%, respectively under field experiment compared to F5. Generally, canola green manure did not show a significant effect on plant height and yield, though F4 with green manure exhibited an increase of 7 and 38% on plant height and tuber dry weight, respectively. The study recommends the use of F4 (900 kg ha−1 of NPK + Ca + Mg + micronutrients) for potato production in Kenya and further recommends additional research to assess compound fertilizers over more seasons with monitoring and evaluation of their effect on soil physical and chemical properties and their economic feasibility. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Iraboneye%20et%20al.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 18 Web resource en Oil-Gas and Environmental Nexus: Impact of Human Actions on selected Soil Physicochemical Parameters in Port Harcourt and its environment, Nigeria Muyoma, W.P. Odokuma, L. Ibisime, E. Ramkat, R. 2018- Agricultural research Soil chemistry and physics http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_oil http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_gas http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_environment http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_soil http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_pollution http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_physicochemical parameters http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_nexus oil gas environment Environnement soil Sol pollution physicochemical parameters nexus Impact of oil and gas activities on quality of soil in Port Harcourt and its environments was assessed. The study evaluates levels of physicochemical parameters associated with oil and gas industry in soils of 9 locations in Port Harcourt and its environs in Rivers State in Nigeria using standard methods. Composite samples were collected by random sampling from each of the 9 test locations, 3 control samples were also collected from each of the study areas. Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl-benzene, and Xylene (BTEX) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) was measured using Gas Chromatography (Hewlett Packard 5890 Series II Gas Chromatograph FID). Total Organic Carbon (TOC) was measured using ASMD standard methods of analysis (ASMD 2579). Refinery Eleme and Aluu recorded the highest mean levels of BTEX (3.21±0.61 and 3.24±0.18 ppm respectively). The mean levels of TPH in soil were within the EPA acceptable optimum of 50 mg/kg except at A2 (Oquwi). There was significant difference among test samples and control samples as determined by one-way ANOVA (F11, 24=3.395 p=0.006). The highest mean levels of TPH was at A2 (56.70±25.77 ppm). ANOVA revealed that there were significant differences in TOC (p=0.023), BTEX (p=&amp lt 0.001) and TPH (p=&amp lt 0.001) among the study areas. Industrial areas I1 [Onne], I2 [Agbada] and I3 [Trans-Amadi] recorded highest levels of TOC. Oil and gas activities in industrial areas in Port Harcourt have highest impact on levels of TOC in soils as compared to agricultural and urbanized areas. Oil and gas activities have negative impact on levels of BTEX. Industrial areas recorded highest levels followed by agricultural areas and lastly urbanized areas. The study concludes that oil and gas activities are a threat to soil health and integrity in Port Harcourt. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Muyoma%20et%20al.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles en Impacts of harvesting intensity on tree taxonomic diversity, structural diversity, population structure, and stability in a West African mangrove forest Zanvo, M. S. Salako, V.K. Gnanglè, C. Mensah, Sylvanus Assogbadjo, A.E. Glèlè Kakaï, R. 2021- Forest injuries and protection Forestry - General aspects Rural population http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Anthropogenic activities http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Tree diversity and structure http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Mangroves http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Rhizophora http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Avicennia http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Benin Anthropogenic activities Tree diversity and structure Mangroves Rhizophora Avicennia Benin Understanding the impacts of wood harvesting intensity on the diversity and structure of ecosystems such as mangroves is essential for defining actions for their sustainable management. We compared tree taxonomic diversity, structural diversity and dominance patterns, density, growth characteristics, size class distribution-SCD and stand stability in West African mangroves subject to low vs. high wood harvesting intensity. Data on tree species identity, total height, diameter (dbh), and conditions (logged, topped or pruned) were collected from ten mangrove sites per harvesting intensity. We found seven species of which two true mangroves species (Rhizophora racemose and Avicennia germinans) that were dominant across all sites. As expected, there were significantly 3–4, 3–7, and 2–4 times more logged, topped and pruned trees respectively in high-harvesting sites than in low- harvesting sites. Taxonomic diversity was less affected than structural diversity (dbh and heightbased diversity metrics). Tree density was significantly 1.3–5 times higher in low-harvesting sites than in high-harvesting sites for the whole stand and each of the dominant species. Total regeneration density was also low in high-harvesting sites. However, regeneration density was relatively higher in high-harvesting sites for R. racemosa contrary to A. germinans. Trees were also significantly smaller and shorter in high-harvesting sites. The SCD indicated inverse J-shaped distributions, irrespective of the harvesting intensity and showed that tree harvesting targeted mostly dbh classes 10–30 cm. The density of this class was 2.6–6.2 times lower in high-harvesting sites. This study provides important information on impacts of wood harvesting in a marginally studied mangroves’ area. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Zanvo%20et%20al.%202021.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 18 Web resource en Risk Factors for School Absenteeism and Dropout: A Meta-Analytic Review Gubbels, J. Van der Put, C. E. Assink, M. 2019- Documentation and information Rural sociology and social security http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Meta-analysis http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_School absenteeism http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Dropout http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Risk factor http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Risk domain Meta-analysis School absenteeism Dropout Risk factor Risk domain School absenteeism and dropout are associated with many different life-course problems. To reduce the risk for these problems it is important to gain insight into risk factors for both school absenteeism and permanent school dropout. Until now, no quantitative overview of these risk factors and their effects was available. Therefore, this study was aimed at synthesizing the available evidence on risk factors for school absenteeism and dropout. In total, 75 studies were included that reported on 781 potential risk factors for school absenteeism and 635 potential risk factors for dropout. The risk factors were classified into 44 risk domains for school absenteeism and 42 risk domains for dropout. The results of a series of three-level meta-analyses yielded a significant mean effect for 28 school absenteeism risk domains and 23 dropout risk domains. For school absenteeism, 12 risk domains were found with large effects, including having a negative attitude towards school, substance abuse, externalizing and internalizing problems of the juvenile, and a low parent-school involvement. For dropout, the risk domains having a history of grade retention, having a low IQ or experiencing learning difficulties, and a low academic achievement showed large effects. The findings of the current study contribute to the fundamental knowledge of the etiology of school absenteeism and dropout which in turn contributes to a better understanding of the problematic development of adolescents. Further, more insight into the strength of effects of risk factors on school absenteeism and dropout is important for the development and improvement of both assessment, prevention and intervention strategies. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Gubbels%20et%20al%202019.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 31 Web resource ab Inclusion of Yeast Cultures (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to Dairy Cows’ Urea-Treated Rice Straw Diets Improves Mozzarella Cheese Processing and Yield Odera, S. Kashongwe, O. B. Simiyu, P. M. Bebe, B.O. 2020- Agricultural research Animal feeding Animal husbandry http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Urea http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Yeast http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_crop residues http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_milk composition http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_Cheese Yield Urea Yeast crop residues Résidu des plantes milk composition Cheese Yield This research paper addresses the hypothesis that adding yeast cultures (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to urea-treated cereal crop residues could improve milk composition to the level of milk produced on pastures for the manufacture of Mozzarella cheese. In three equal groups, Nine Friesian cows were randomly assigned to three treatment diets in a completely randomized design. The treatments were pasture (P), urea treated rice straw (UTRS), and urea treated rice straw with yeast inclusion (UTRS + Y). Urea inclusion was at 3.8% of the dry matter to treat rice straw, while yeast culture inclusion was 10 g/cow/day. The experimental period was 21 days, with 14 days of adaptation. Data analysis used general linear model procedure of SAS, fitting diet as a fixed effect and milk composition, syneresis, curd firmness and cheese yield as the response variables. Milk produced on UTRS diet yielded (p &amp lt 0.05) the highest fat content (4.79%) and the lowest density (1016.37 Kg·m-3) and casein-to-fat ratio (0.51). Yeast inclusion in the diet (UTRS + Y) significantly improved milk density (1022.68 Kg·m-3) with marginal reduction in milk fat content (4.53%). In cheese making, milk produced on URTS diets had significantly lower renneting time (1.4 minutes vs 3.47 minutes and 2.39 minutes), least viscous gel, lowest syneresis (755 mL vs 860 mL and 836 mL from 1000 mL), and lowest cheese yield (9.0% vs 11% and 10.5%) compared to P and UTRS + Y diets. Milk produced from P and UTRS + Y did not show any significant difference in cheese yield. The findings indicated that urea treated rice straw with yeast cultures improves syneresis, gel viscosity and Mozzarella cheese yield. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of yeast to urea treated cereal crop residues to produce milk destined for Mozzarella cheese making. http://repository.ruforum.org/sites/default/files/Odera%20et%20al.%202020.pdf RUFORUM Journal Articles 10 Web resource en