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Annual ReportAnnual Report

2013 2013Africa Innovations InstitutePlot 1544, Koire Close, Bukoto Old Kira Road, P.O. Box 34981, Kampala, Uganda,www.afrii.org

Africa Innovations InstitutePlot 1544, Koire Close, Bukoto Old Kira Road, P.O. Box 34981, Kampala, Uganda,www.afrii.org

Africa Innovations Institute, Annual Report 2013 i

Table of Contents

Acronyms.........................................................................................................................iiiAcknowledgments...........................................................................................................ivFrom the Chairman..........................................................................................................v

1. About Africa Innovations Institute.............................................................................2

1.1. Who We Are..............................................................................................................21.2. Where We Work........................................................................................................21.3. Our Vision, Mission and Objectives..........................................................................21.4. How We Work...........................................................................................................21.5. Key areas of work......................................................................................................31.6. Our Programmes.......................................................................................................31.6.1 Commodity Value Chains Programme....................................................................31.6.2 Climate Change Programme...................................................................................31.6.3 Infectious Diseases Management Programme.......................................................31.6.4 Capacity and Institutional Development Programme............................................41.6.5 Agriculture, Environment and Human Welfare......................................................41.7. Cross-cutting issues...................................................................................................41.7.1 Collaboration, Partnerships and Linkages.............................................................. 41.7.2 Gender and equity concerns:..................................................................................41.7.3 Natural Resources Management.............................................................................41.7.4 HIV/AIDS..................................................................................................................41.75 Funding....................................................................................................................4

2. Commodity Value Chains Programme.......................................................................62.1 Introduction................................................................................................................62.2 Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (C: AVA)................................................................. 62.2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 62.2.2 Key beneficiaries:.....................................................................................................72.2.3 Main activities carried out in 2013.........................................................................82.2.4 Key Outputs and Achievements..............................................................................82.3 Cassava Growth Markets Project..............................................................................132.3.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................132.3.2 Key Outputs and Achievements.............................................................................132.4. Improving Sesame Productivity in Northern Uganda.............................................192.4.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................192.4.2 Key Findings and Achievements............................................................................212.4.3 Conclusions and Recommendations.....................................................................26

3. Climate Change Programme.....................................................................................283.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................283.2 Adaptation to the Impact of Climate Variability on Food and Health Security in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda........................................................................................ 283.2.1 Methodology used in the study............................................................................283.2.2 Results and discussions.........................................................................................313.3 Securing Livelihoods in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda...........................................43

Africa Innovations Institute, Annual Report 2013ii

3.3.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................433.3.1 Inception Workshop............................................................................................... 443.3.2 Livelihood Profiling................................................................................................. 453.4 Cassava and Sweet Potato in Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change..................533.4.1Introduction.............................................................................................................533.4.2 Targets and Achievements................................................................................533.4.3 Lessons learnt and the way forward.................................................................... 533.5. School and Community Wood Lot Programme in Kole District, Northern................... Uganda .....................................................................................................................553.5.1. Introduction...........................................................................................................553.5.2. Project Goal and objectives...................................................................................563.5.3. Progress and Achievement of Project Objective...................................................56

4. Capacity Building Programme.....................................................................................614.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................614.2. Science and technology for enhancing the contribution of tropical roots to ............ development in ACP countries .................................................................................614.2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................614.2.2. Outputs and Achievements...................................................................................614.3 Impact Evaluation of ASARECA Operational Plan 1 and Development................ Objectives and Documentation of Lessons Learned........................................664.3.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................664.3.2 Key Findings and Recommendations......................................................................664.3.3 South Sudan Agriculture Sector Situation Analysis (Stocktaking Report) ...........................................................................................................................................................674.3.4 Development of Agriculture Sector Investment Plan for the Government of South Sudan.....................................................................................................................684.3.5 Assessment of the National Agricultural Research System of Swaziland ............................................................................................................................................................704.3.6 Road Map and Strategy for a Renewed National Agricultural Research System, .... Swaziland................................................................................................................715. Publications 2013........................................................................................................74

6. Financial Report 2013..................................................................................................766.1. Income and expenditure...........................................................................................766.2. Growth in income and expenditure: 2008-2013......................................................766.3. Internal and External audits......................................................................................766.3 Audit report and financial statements.......................................................................77

7. Administration........................................................................................................... 80

7.1 Organogram of the Africa Innovations Institute.............................................................807.2. Current Members of AfrII Governing Council.................................................................807.3. Current Staff..............................................................................................................81

Africa Innovations Institute, Annual Report 2013 iii

AfrII Africa Innovations InstituteASARECA Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa.BDA Business Development AdvisorC:AVA Cassava: Adding Value for AfricaCM Country ManagerCPG Community Processing GroupCBSD Cassava Brown Streak DiseaseCOHAD Children of Hope and DignityEAC East African CommunityFGD Focus Group DiscussionFUNAAB Federal University of Nigeria in AbeokutaGPS Global Positioning SystemHH HouseholdHFIAS Household Food Insecurity Access ScaleHQCF High Quality Cassava FlourHQCG High Quality Cassava GritsIDRC International Development Research CenterMAAIF Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and FisheriesMoU Memorandum of UnderstandingMT Metric TonnesNAADS National Agricultural Advisory ServicesNRI Natural Resources InstituteNARO National Agricultural Research OrganizationPATA Pallisa Agricultural Training AssociationP’KWI Popular Knowledge (Women InitiativeSME Small and Medium EnterpriseUSA United States of AmericaUNBS Uganda National Bureau of StandardsUK United Kingdom WHO World Health OrganizationWB World Bank

Acronyms

Africa Innovations Institute, Annual Report 2013iv

Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII) appreciates the individuals, organizations,

institutions, societies, donors and development partners that made our work possible in 2013. Particularly, we appreciate the following for the financial support to AfrII:• The Government of Uganda• The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,

USA• Department for International

Development (DFID), UK• The International Development Research

Centre (IDRC), Canada• Rockefeller Foundation, USA• European Union• Austrian Development Agency, Austria• The Food and Agricultural Organization of

the United Nations (FAO)• The Alan & Babette Sainsbury Charitable

Fund, UK• The JJ Charitable Trust, UK • Ashden Trust-UK• START Secretariat, The Global Change

Systems for Analysis, Research and Training, USA

Special thanks also go to our partners with whom we either jointly implemented or provided technical backstopping in implementation of these projects. They are: • the Natural Resources Institute• University of Greenwich, UK• Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria• Michigan State University, USA• International Crops Research Institute for

the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Nairobi, Kenya

• The Roots and Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivandrum, India

• Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Trinidad and Tobago (CARDI)

• The Caribbean; Department of Agriculture, UNITECH

• The University of South Pacific• International Society for Tropical Root

Crops• The Federal University of Agriculture,

Abeokuta, (FUNAAB), Nigeria• Tanzanian Food and Nutrition Research

Center (TFNC), Tanzania; and Naliendelle Agricultural Research Institute, Tanzania

• Chancellor College, University of Malawi• Uganda Ministry of Agriculture, Animal

Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)• Uganda Ministry of Finance, Planning and

Economic Development (MFPED)• National Agricultural Advisory Services• National Institute for Scientific and

Industrial Research, Zambia (NISIR) • National Agricultural Research

Organization (NARO)• National Semiarid Resources Research

Institute, Serere• Zonal Agricultural Research and

Development Institute, Ngetta• Makerere University, Kampala• Gulu University; among others.

Lastly, we would like to appreciate the tireless and unwavering efforts of the Board, management and entire staff of AfrII in unleashing their collective intellects, dedication and innovativeness in implementing the different activities of the programmes reported in this document. We believe that by doing this, God who created them for this purpose, will reward them abundantly for helping His people survive better in a world full of challenges and frustration.

Acknowledgments

Africa Innovations Institute, Annual Report 2013 v

It gives me pleasure to present the Annual Report of the Africa Innovations Institute

for the year 2013. The Annual Report gives a synopsis of the activities, achievements and challenges of the Institute for the year 2013. It is, in a way, an accountability to our investors and other stakeholders for the resources and support they provided to AfrII for implementing its activities. In implementing its activities, the Institute was guided in its operations by continental and national agricultural development policies. In Uganda, this has been the National Development Plan (NDP), and the Agriculture Sector Development Strategy and Investment Plan (DSIP), among others.

Food security. To address the challenges of poverty and inadequate food security, AfrII prioritized projects directed towards improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Uganda, particularly in Eastern, Northern, and Central regions. This initiative was in line with the Institute’s mission and

vision, and the need to exploit Uganda’s vast agricultural potential to feed its populace and contribute to economic development. Through these interventions, farmers were supported in various ways, to develop their agricultural potential and business acumen along the various value chains promoted by the Institute. This greatly contributed to increasing the farmers’ competitive edge towards becoming sustainable producers for existing and budding markets. One notable achievement is the focus of the institute on the private sector companies and SMEs and linking them to producers in inclusive business approaches. This has proven exciting to farmers as they are able to produce and sell with confidence.

Certification. One of the key drawbacks to successful business practice in Uganda is the lack of standards and certification by the national body, Uganda National Bureau of Standards. With imminent failure to meet appropriate standards for certification by

From the Chairman

Africa Innovations Institute, Annual Report 2013vi

the bodies, farmers and processors were continually lagging behind in the development of successful and sustainable branding of their products for markets. AfrII therefore addressed this challenge by developing standards and facilitating certification of farmers and processors products for crops such as cassava, with great success. Farmers and SMEs processing cassava in eastern and northern Uganda, where the Cassava Adding Value for Africa (CAVA) Project was focusing have greatly benefitted from this intervention.

Promoting agricultural trade. Markets for staple crop commodities have been a great challenge in Uganda. Through its different programmes, AfrII, working closely with the private sector end users companies, has developed sizeable markets for new products such as high quality cassava flour HQCF from cassava. From breweries, to biscuit and baking industries among others, the market for products from cassava was found to be rich and full of untapped potential, as will be outlined in the report.

Climate change. With the negative impacts of climate change affecting communities in the cattle corridor, AfrII focused most of its research in 2013 on identifying health and livelihood issues affecting both children and adults as a result of the climate change and variability. The research, which was mainly directed at Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts undertook climate change analysis and community adaptation capacities and

resilience. This has yielded immense insights on climate change and how communities adapt and build resilience to it for a secured livelihood.

Capacity development. Capacity, the ability to identify problems, set realistic objectives and execute programmes to the satisfaction of stakeholders, is a key challenge among early career scientists. To contribute to meeting this challenge, AfrII undertook innovative approaches to build capacity of this category of researchers. Remarkable achievements were made in this area.

In a nutshell, this 2013 report brings you a wealth of new knowledge and innovations critical for agricultural development and economic growth. I therefore commit to you this 2013 report and the subsequent ones to come. I urge you to read and make the best use of the knowledge and innovations described therein so that we can accelerate the pace of agricultural transformation in the continent.

We welcome your feedback on any aspects of our work and look forward to opportunities for mutually benefitial collabration.

Professor Otim-Nape, G.W.Chairman/CEOAfrica Innovations Institute

1Africa Innovations Institute, Annual Report 2013

1.1 Who We AreThe Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII) is an indigenous, not-for-profit, non-governmental center of excellence based in Kampala, Uganda. Established in 2005, AfrII undertakes research and innovations development on agriculture and food systems for sustainable income, and food and nutrition security of smallholder farmers in Eastern Africa. It brings together leading experts in agricultural and food systems innovations in Africa and mobilizes global science and best bet innovations for accelerated agricultural development in Eastern Africa. The Institute brings to the agricultural community the vast experience and expertise of its members in agricultural research for development;

technology innovations; natural resource management and agricultural sustainability; climate change analysis, mitigation and adaptation, agro processing and value addition; markets and enterprise development; and management of crops and animal value chains development. It also mobilizes global science and best bet innovations for accelerated agricultural development in Eastern Africa. It networks and is in partnership with many African, European and American institutions for implementation of research and development projects. It has vast experience and key strengths in agricultural development; agricultural research for development; participatory approaches, action research and experiential learning with communities.

Figure 1: AfrII management and staff at the AfrII Secretariat in Kampala

Africa InnovationsInstitute1

2 Africa Innovations Institute, Annual Report 2013

1.2. Where We Work The Africa Innovations Institute has a Secretariat located in Kampala, through which national and international level activities are conducted and field level operations are coordinated. Current operations cover Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya. In Uganda, the institute operates throughout the country and has field offices in Kumi town in Eastern Uganda, Luwero town in Central Uganda and Lira town in Northern Uganda. A field office is being opened in Arua in North Western Uganda and in Kabale in South Western Uganda.

1.3. Our Vision, Mission and ObjectivesVision: “Smallholder farmers enjoying increased incomes and are sure of food and nutrition security”

Mission: “Undertake innovative research that transforms the lives and income of smallholder farmers while ensuring food and nutrition security and environmental sustainability”

Objectives

1.3.1 To generate and accelerate utilization of knowledge and innovations for sustainable agricultural development and advancement of science and technology in Africa.1.3.2 To facilitate learning, and bridge information gaps through managing our knowledge base, publishing our research findings, sharing of lessons learnt and holding of conferences, seminars and camps.1.3.3 To promote entrepreneurship and accelerate transformation of knowledge and innovations into agri-business ventures through partnerships and linkages with the private sector players in agriculture and industry.

1.3.4 To promote and participate in capacity development in agriculture, research, science, and innovations for sustainability of the agricultural sector. 1.3.5 To undertake any other actions that will enhance the achievement of our objectives, mission and vision.

1.4. How We WorkThe Africa Innovations Institute realizes that for agriculture to contribute to the achievement of the MDG and CAADP goals of accelerated agricultural growth, poverty reduction and food security, innovative approaches are needed. Such approaches would call for transforming the research results or inventions into innovations which ensure that farmers and businessmen use and turn new knowledge and technologies into goods and services, which result into food on their plates or income into their pockets. This is the area AfrII aims to address and to bridge the gap.

To do this, AfrII undertakes innovative research and provides technical backstopping to farmers and other actors along the agricultural value chain. It also works with the end users to develop markets; connects producers/processors to markets and sources of funds/services; and forms institutional arrangements that unite groups of enterprising farmers, processors and other entrepreneurs and helps link them with potential partners and other services. It also undertakes applied and adaptive research on agricultural and environment sustainability, integrating nutrition into agricultural projects and build capacity of early career scientists through training, mentorship and student thesis supervision.

Figure 2: AfrII technicians analyzing samples from the field, on livestock parasites, Ngoma, Nakasekkedistrict, May 2013.

The Africa Innovations Institute brings together leading ex-perts in the areas of agricultural and food systems innovations in Africa and mobilizes global science and best bet innovations for accelerated agri-cultural development in Eastern Africa.


In doing this, AfrII forges SMART partnerships with a wider community of actors including public, private, civil society, philanthropic and funding organizations who can help in addressing the challenges of translating research results into goods and services.

1.5. Key areas of work 1.5.1 Applied research and innovation developmentThe institute focuses on generating and transforming knowledge, practices and approaches into innovations for sustainable income, food and nutrition security of farming communities.

1.5.2 Facilitating access to and utilization of knowledge and innovations This is an important strategic priority area for the institute. Our work in this area is geared towards enhancing stakeholder capacity to collectively innovate for increased efficiency and profitability of their commodities.

Innovation in this context entails putting information and knowledge into use, whether it is new, accumulated or simply used in creative ways. To this end, the Africa Innovations Institute works on two fronts by facilitating access to, as well as building capacity of

smallholder farmers to utilize knowledge and innovation to boost production capacity and unblock agricultural system challenges.

1.5.3 Capacity and Institutional Development The capacity building component of our work is conducted at individual, community and institution level. Our aim is to enhance the ability of national and regional stakeholders to effectively respond to their mandates; and perhaps more importantly, to enable local actors sustain the momentum of our efforts even outside the framework of our project interventions. AfrII’s role in building and strengthening capacity has included:

lDeveloping research capacity- AfrII engages in training and mentoring of BSC, MSc and Post- doctorate early career scientists in research approaches, and scientific communications, and research resource mobilization.

l Undertaking capacity development for organizations in the region.

l Providing technical assistance on strengthening institutional structures, systems and monitoring, evaluation and learning.

1.6. Our Programmes

1.6.1 Commodity Value Chains ProgrammeThrough this programme component, AfrII works with key actors across prioritized commodities to address key constraints at both the supply and demand side of the value chain; support value addition; and enhance participation by smallholder farmers and SMEs and commercial firms in the value chains; and in commercialization of commodities.

1.6.2 Climate Change ProgrammeThis programme seeks to develop and enhance community-based climate change adaptation initiatives and supportive policy measures that improve food security and health among rural communities in the arid and semi-arid regions of East Africa.

1.6.3 Infectious Diseases Management ProgrammeThis covers both crops and animal diseases surviallance and management. A serious aspect

Figure 3: Professor Keith Tomlins from NRI, University of Greenwithch Uk, awards a certificate to one of the participants at 2nd training course for early career scientist held at Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe as a part of the EU/ACP Root Crops Project


of animal diseases is their impact on food security, household income and human health. Zoonatic animal diseases can also cause illness and even death of humans. These burdens can produce a spiral of social, economic and environmental decline. Consequently, this programme centers on early detection, identification, monitoring and response, which are vital in developing cost-effective strategies to minimize their impacts. The programme uses a one health approach.1

1.6.4 Capacity and Institutional Development ProgrammeThis Programme supports national and regional organizations, programmes and institutions to develop their individual, organizational and societal capacities for implementation and sustainable management of selected development programmes, commodities, pests and disease situations

1.6.5 Agriculture, Environment and Human WelfareThe programme aims at using agriculture to achieve improved human welfare, particularly food and nutrition security, household well-being and sustainability of farming and the environment. It also addresses sustainability of the ecosystem and the natural resource-base.

1.7. Cross-cutting issues

1.7.1 Partnerships and Linkages:The concept of partnership is fundamental to what we do – the development of new institutional arrangements and improved partnerships among stakeholders and remains central to innovations in agricultural production systems and the development of the sector as a whole. To achieve this, AfrII forges SMART partnerships with public, private, civil society, philanthropic and funding organizations that can help in addressing the challenges of translating research results into goods and services.

Our development work is planned and implemented in close collaboration with numerous international and national partners, institutions and individuals; local community based structures, farmer organizations, the media and academia.

1.7.2 Gender Youth and EquityOur work is continually guided towards promoting gender equity and women’s empowerment. Within our framework we integrate specific key concerns of women in our sectoral response and mainstream gender as a cross-cutting issue in all our programmes. This component is manned by experienced and committed staff with an earnest passion for gender issues.

1.7.3 Natural Resources ManagementEnvironmental degradation is a serious threat to the developing world. The rural poor are especially dependent on natural resources for their livehoods, and poor people are also most vulnerable to the effects of environmental disasters and pollution. AfrII thus integrates natural resource management as a key element in the implementation of its projects in order to ensure the achievement of lasting poverty reduction and sustainable development.

1.7.4 HIV/AIDSAfrII recognizes that HIV/AIDS affects all people of all ages, race, religions and social status, causing far reaching consequences for the social, economic and political life. Due to the fact that the socio economic implications of HIV/AIDS are more greatly felt at family, household and community levels and the impact of the epidemic at the microlevel is eventually felt at the macrolevel, affecting key indicators of national development, AfrII’s programmes conduct activities directed towards reducing the population’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and mitigating its impact.

1.7.5 FundingAfrII’s work is financed through own funds; private donations; enterprises; foundations, and; through general fundraising efforts. Additionally, AfrII has benefitted from partnerships with sub-sector associations;

The concept of partnership is fundamental to what we do the development of new institutional arrangements and improved partnerships among stakeholders remains central to innovations in agricultural production systems and the development of the sector as a whole.

Working in partnership


saving and credit cooperatives; micro finance institutions, and; private sector actors in various industries.

• The Government of Uganda

• The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Natural Resources Institute, UK

• Department of International Development

(DFID-UK), through NRI, UK.

• The International Development Research Center (IDRC), Canada

• The Rockefeller Foundation

• The European Union through the EU/ACP Science and Technology Programme.

• Austrian Development Agency, through ICRISAT

• The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

• United Nations Development Programme

• The Asden Trust – UK

• The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts

• The Foresight Programme of the Department for Universities and Innovations-UK.

Institutions that have provided funds for the activities:

Partners and Collaborators:

• Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA)

• Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Trinidad and Tobago (CARDI), the Caribbean;

• Chancellor College, University of Malawi;

• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research CSIR), Ghana,

• Department of Agriculture, UNITECH, the University of South Pacific;

• Gulu University, Uganda;

• Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria;

• International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT);

• International Society for Tropical Root Crops

• Makerere University, Kampala;

• Michigan State University, USA;

• Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Uganda

• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives, Swaziland Agricultural Development Programme (SADP)

• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, the Government of South Sudan,

• Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic

Development (MFPED), Uganda

• Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda

• Naliendelle Agricultural Research Institute, Tanzania;

• National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda;

• National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Zambia (NISIR);

• National Semiarid Resources Research Institute, Serere, Uganda;

• Tanzanian Food and Nutrition Research Center (TFNC), Tanzania;

• The Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), AU/NPCA

• The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, (FUNAAB), Nigeria;

• The Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, UK;

• The Roots and Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivandrum, India;

• Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Uganda.

• Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Ngetta., Uganda.


2.1 IntroductionRecent studies have revealed that food staples command the largest market share in the region. Anecdotal evidence suggests that, following liberalization, this market potential is a growing and unfulfilled demand for most African food crops in local, regional and international markets. Despite this potential, commercialization of staple commodities and responding to market opportunities remains a key challenge to commercialization of agriculture in Africa. Yet smallholder farmers in Eastern Africa have not been able to respond effectively to market signals and exploit opportunities because of a number of structural and institutional constraints that limit market participation.

Table 1: Food Staples: Largest Market Potential (COMESA, 2009)

Market valueCOMESA Region US $ billions PercentTraditional exports 8.6 13Nontraditional exports 7.9 12Food staples 50 75Total 66.5 100

Through this programme, AfrII works with key actors along the value chains of prioritized commodities to address key constraints at both supply and demand side of the value chain. It supports value addition; enhances participation by smallholder farmers and SMEs and commercial firms in the value chains; and in commercialization of commodities. The projects under this programme are described.

2.2 Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (C: AVA) 2.2.1 Introduction

The Cassava: Adding Value for Africa (C: AVA) project supports adding value and commercialization of cassava in Africa. The crop is the most important staple and the back bone of food security in Uganda. It is important for its high yielding ability, drought resilience, high carbohydrate content and long storability of roots in the ground with minimum deterioration. In Uganda, it is seen as a pro-poor vehicle for economic development; has an industrial potential as a raw materials for bakery, biscuits, starch, beverages, livestock feed, packaging, breweries and pharmaceutical industries.

The C: AVA project aims at developing value chains for High Quality Cassava flour (HQCF) in Uganda so as to improve the livelihoods and incomes of at least 8,000 smallholder farmers as direct beneficiaries including women and disadvantaged groups.

The project is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) through the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of the University of Greenwich, UK.

Commodity Value Chains Programme2

Fig 4: some of the staff on CAVA project in group photo with DrQrin Hasson from the BMGF, at AFrII’s Kumi Office


The project is implemented in other African countries namely Nigeria; Ghana; Tanzania and Malawi. The C: AVA project successfully

piloted development of value chains for HQCF, by supporting farmer processors to establish HQCF processing sites and to process HQCF in Eastern, Northern and Central Uganda. Further, it facilitated processors to supply on contract arrangements HQCF to end-user industries such as rural bakeries, beer breweries and biscuit manufacturers who use it to make composite flour, beer and biscuits respectively. The smallholder farmers supply own cassava roots from their gardens and process them into HQCF. The project is being implemented in the districts of Kibuku, Pallisa, Budaka, Bukedea, Kumi, Soroti, Serere, Ngora, Oyam, Kole and Lira. The specific objectives are:

• To develop sun-drying processing capacity of Community Processing Groups (CPGs) and SMEs to meet the demand for HQCF for various baking and industrial uses

• To ensure that the HQCF produced by CPGs and SMEs are of high quality and meets end user demands

• To develop a sustainable HQCF value chains for the biscuit manufacturers, agri-foods industry, paperboard industry and small bakeries in urban centers, March 2014.

In implementing the above C: AVA has partnered with like-minded organizations promoting cassava commercialization through value addition and market linkages. Such

organizations include: Kilimo Trust, NARO, NAADS, Post Bank, PELUM, World Vision, VECO EA, and Uganda Investment Authority.

Table2 Project’s Targets for 2013/14• At least 4,016 farmers selling fresh cassava roots and

benefitting by an average of $102 per year by end of March 2014.

• At least 3,730 farmer processors benefitting by an average of $125 per year by end of March 2014.

• At least 2,016 tons of HQCG/HQCF produced with consistent quality by March 31st 2014.

• At least 2,016 tons of HQCG/HQCF purchased by end-user industries by March 31st 2014.

2.2.2 Key beneficiaries:The key beneficiaries are farmers, members of community processing groups (CPGs), SMEs, other traders, end-user industries and financial institutions. The project specifically targets smallholder farmers who grow cassava and sell cassava fresh roots to Community Processing Groups (CPGs) and process the balance traditionally for home consumption and sale in the traditional markets. Farmer processors are members of CPGs who process cassava fresh roots into HQCF and High Quality Cassava Chips (HQCC). The farmers and community processors belong to either farmer associations or co-operatives namely PATA, P’KWI, SOSPPA, EAPPA, AFAMCOS, OKODE, and Alito Farmers Group, among others. The main end-user industries include biscuit manufacturers,

Figure 5: Members of a CPG peeling cassava in readiness for processing at PIKWI CAVA Processing Centre, Bukedia district, Eastern Uganda April 2013


paperboard manufacturers, bakeries, composite flour millers, breweries and animal feed millers. A significant portion is used by the rural bakers based in rural growth centers who sell in markets, schools and shops.

2.2.3 Main activities carried out in 2013.The Main activities carried out during the period under review were:• Facilitating linkage between farmers and

CPGs to ensure optimal supplies of cassava fresh roots for processing

• Strengthening capacity of 11 community processing groups and ensuring consistent quantity and quality and sustainability of sun dried HQCF production for end user industries.

• Technically backstopping other agencies namely World Vision, Nakasongola District Local Government, Nakasongola District Farmers Association PELUM, AFAMCOS in processing HQCF.

• Developing business plans for potential private sector investors in artificial drying of HQCF using flash dryers

• Supporting the development of linkages between identified end-user markets (biscuit manufacturers, agri-foods industry, paperboard industry and urban and rural bakeries) and village processing groups

• Carried out cassava investment studies in Uganda

2.2.4 Key Outputs and Achievements

2.2.4.1 Capacity of Stakeholders Developed:

Capacity of AfrII staff developed: The Country Manager (CM) was sponsored by the project to attend the ISTRC-African Branch symposium in Accra, Ghana to participate in the seeds system session for cassava, sweet potato and yams. The BMGF also organized a Workshop on Sustainable Approaches to cassava and Sweet potato development in East Africa held at Entebbe, Uganda July 22-24, 2013. The purpose of the meeting was to increase shared understanding of needs and opportunities to address the threats farmers face from cassava and sweet potato viruses, identify what resources are already available, where there are gaps, and how to work together more effectively to support current and future efforts of delivering virus-free planting material to farmers. The group also provided feedback on standard protocols for

quality assurance of both cassava and sweet potato planting materials. Presentations were made on the following projects 5CP, CASSAVA DIAGNOSTICS, Commercially-Sustainable, Quality-Assured Cassava Seed Distribution System in Tanzania: Pilot Innovation Project (MEDA), Community Phytosanitation, Net Tunnel, commercial seed potato (NRI), SASHA, HarvestPlus, Cambridge/Rothamsted Epidemiological Modeling, Infectious Clones/Cassava Diagnostics connections (NRI), CBSD Biotechnology, VIRCA and Next Generation Cassava. The priority issues were provision of

the initial disease-free seed-stock, profitability of improved seed production and assurance of quality planting material as an incentive for paying for it.

Processors knowledge and skills developed: A planning workshop was organized in Kumi. It was attended by representatives of the farmer associations. Activities during the workshop included developing of work plans, budgets and strategies for increasing processing and marketing of HQCF.

Figure 6: Francis Alacho (CM) presenting at the ISTRC-AB symposium at FUNAAB, Nigeria

Figure 6: Michael Kirya (BDS) training farmers in Kumion HDCF Processing January, 2012


Capacity of processing equipment fabricators strengthened: C:VA, Uganda facilitated a training workshop of Ugandan fabricators

in malawi. Tonnet Engineering in Kampala, fabricated and supplied 26 cassava graters and 26 presses. While IRVIN Global Ltd in Soroti has fabricated 8 graters and 8 presses. There is now local capacity to fabricate and supply HQCF processing equipment as well as carry out after sales service, regular repairs and servicing.

Strengthening capacity of processors in meeting health, food industry and environmental standards: In partnership with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), the team implemented a project named “enhancing adoption of harmonized cassava and potato standards in eastern and Central Africa”. The project sites were the C: AVA processing areas of P’KWI, EAPPA, PATA SOSPPA and AFAMCOS. They trained processors and C:

AVA field staff 3 times on the cassava products specifications and standards. They also took

product samples for laboratory analysis. They did a Cassava Value Chain Analysis in Uganda related to standards, presented the EAC standards for cassava and their requirements and documented experiences, opportunities and challenges from cassava farmers, transporters, processors and millers.

Two C:AVA staff and 5 CPG members were trained as quality regulators and inspectors who received certificates on “Quality Assurance Techniques for Cassava Flour Production” from UNBS. Their recommendations are recognized by UNBS. The Food technologist was trained in USA for 2 months and got a certificate in Food Safety. She is now a recognized Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) trainer. So C:AVA is very well capacitated in terms of quality control and safety.

Figure 8: A cassava press fabricated by IRVIN Global Ltd

Figure 11: A cross section of farmer processors during the EAC standards workshop in Entebbe in November 2013.

Figure 9: Flash drier prototype fabricated by IRVIN Global International at Soroti.

Figure 10: A six cyclone flash dryer from Norbex Engineering Ltd in Nigeria West Africa identified to be promoted in Uganda CAVA sites.


2.2.4.2 Flash drying investments promoted

C: AVA made several presentations to private sector players such as TCIP U, Katon Manufacturers Ltd, Britannia Ltd, Riham Ltd and Balaji Group East Africa Ltd on the opportunities in investing in flash drying. One of the companies was able to sign an MoU with AfrII for the procurement and installation of a six cyclone flash driers from Nigeria.

2.2.4.3 Markets for HQCF identified

A study was carried out by a Team from NRI, AfrII and FarmGain in June 2013 to undertake a technical and financial pre-feasibility study for dried cassava products to be used in the following end-use industries: bakeries (including for biscuits, rural bakeries, and composite flour production), paperboard production, animal feed production, and beer production as shown in Table 3. The markets are summarized below.

Industry 1: Rural bakeries, composite flour, and biscuits. Uganda imports approximately 400,000 MT of wheat from countries such as the USA, Russia, France, and Australia. A mixture of HQCF and wheat flour is already used in rural bakeries, composite flours and biscuits. Substituting wheat with HQCF at the ratio of 1:10 has the potential to reduce cost of raw materials by 25%.

Industry 2: Paperboard industry. HQCF has already been successfully used in production of glue for paperboard in Uganda. A paperboard manufacturer conducted trials using HQCF which were positive.

Industry 3: Animal feed industry from

improved cassava chips. The potential for use of cassava in animal feeds has not yet been fully recognized in Uganda yet potential opportunity exists for the use of large-scale volumes of cassava in animal feed production. However significant challenges exist from both technical and economic standpoints.

Industry 4: Breweries. HQCF can be used for the manufacturing of beer. The beer market is growing rapidly and all the breweries are increasing the amount of local materials used in production. Beer lagers brewed from local materials like sorghum and maize have lower excise duties and are cheaper, more affordable and now account for most of the beer sold and consumed in rural areas.

Table 3: Potential markets for HQCF and improved cassava chips

Market opportunities (MT/Yr)

Cassava product End use sector Short time

(1 -2 years)

Medium-long term (3-5 years)

HQCF Composite flour 700 2,000HQCF Rural bakeries 1,000 14,000

HQCF Biscuit manufacturers 300 4,000

HQCF Paper board 500 1,400Improved

chips Animal feed 1,500 6,000

Chips/grits Breweries 2,000 3,750

Total 6,000 31,150

2.2.4.4 HQCF produced and sold

During the reporting period, 1,795 tons of HQCF were produced and sold. The main market outlets were composite flours, agri-food industries, local markets in rural growth centers, rural bakeries and paperboard industries. There were supplies to breweries and paperboard manufacturers for testing purposes. There were many small orders from Kampala, Mbale and Lira that went to individuals interested in using HQCF in baking. Due to the significant amount of HQCF used in baking in the rural growth centers, a deliberate strategy was developed to tap into this market. An inventory was carried out among 50 bakers in Kumi and Ngora towns, of whom 24% were women, to ascertain how to improve use of HQCF through training, providing recipes, business tips and food safety and hygiene. Figure 12: Farmer processors demonstrating

the operation of a chipper


2.2.4.5 Marketing strategy linking HQCF processors & end-users functional. A meeting between Family Diet Ltd, Kameke Area Co-operative Enterprise, EAPPA and Post Bank (U) Ltd was organized by AfrII. Post Bank (U) Ltd agreed to provide a loan to Family Diet Ltd to provide working capital to pay the farmer processors. This was on condition that there was a legally binding contract between family diet and EAPPA. It was perceived in the sense that Family Diet provides its 2 major products (super cassava and Super Kalo) to supermarkets who would pay after selling the product. Sometimes there were delays to pay

Family Diet resulting to subsequent delays in paying the processors.

2.2.4.6 Pricing of HQCF and fresh cassava rootsThe prices for HQCF offered remained at 1,500 to 1,700 Uganda shillings per kg. The un-milled HQCC was sold at 1,300 per kg. During the

period the price of the fresh cassava roots was relatively stable at Shs 100-120 per kg. This could be attributed to significant increase in cassava production spurred by the relative resistance of NASE 3 to CBSD and new release of popular high yeilding varieties like NASE 14 and availability of food in the country.

As table 4a shows, 3,100 farmers representing 119.6 % , 59.8 % female of the target benefitted through sale of fresh roots for processing. Another 2,650 farmer processors (representing an achievement of 110.5 % of the target) benefitted from directly processing their own fresh roots and those bought from other farmers. 53 % of these were female.

Table 4a: Targets achieved for farmers and CPGs processing cassava during 2012/2013Beneficiary category

Target Achievements Achievements by Gender

(Nos) Actual (Nos)

% Female (%)

Male (%)

Farmers selling roots

2,592 3,100 119.6 59.8 40.2

Farmer processors

2,398 2,650 110.5 53.0 47.0

2.2.4.7 Opportunities and benefits to small rural and urban bakers provided

C:AVA trained Children of Hope and Dignity (COHAD) bakery to develop cakes, mandazi, doughnuts and bread loaves using HQCF and wheat flour. The bakery is an income generating venture for an orphanage setup by an investor from Australia. The bakery serves Kumi and the surrounding local markets with plans to expand

Figure 13: Super Cassava Flour produced by Family Diet millers using HQCF supplied by CAVA CPGs

Source: CAVA, Annual Report 2012/13

Figure 14: Left, HQCF cakes and bread from COHAD bakery, Kumi district. Right, farmers learning how to bake using HQCF, June 2013


to Mbale and Soroti. Consumer sensory tests showed that cakes baked with 30 % HQCF were preferred by consumers. COHAD plans to set up a confectionery shop in Kumi town to promote these products.

2.2.4.8 MAAIF’s Framework Implementation Plan for cassava developed

AfrII successfully promoted a buy-in and mainstreaming of development of HQCF and other cassava products value chains in the strategy and investment plan of MAAIF as part of a wider commercialization strategy for cassava. Included in the strategy is development of a cassava seed system for production and distribution of high quality disease-free planting materials.

2.2.4.9 Backstopping development organizations and NGOs in HQCF processing

It is now widely recognized by key stakeholders in the cassava industry that AfrII through its C:AVA project is a champion in the HQCF value chain especially in the key areas of quality

control and market linkages. Leverage was realized with several public and non-public organizations executing projects with a strong leaning on cassava processing and market linkages.

2.2.4.10 Promoting Private Sector Investments in Flash Drying of HQCF

The BMGF Access and Markets Program Officer, Orin Hasson visited C: AVA Uganda activities in March 2013 and was able to witness the various activities supported by the Foundation. He met AfrII staff, the Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon Tress Bucyanayandi and received booklets of the strategic plans of the ministry showing cassava as one of the priority commodities in the country.

He also visited Family Diet Agri-foods Ltd, Katon paperboard manufacturer, Britannia biscuit manufacturer, 7 cluster processing sites directly supported by C:AVA; a processing site owned by Arapai Farmers’ Multipurpose Co-operative Society, COHAD bakery, the AfrII Regional Field Office, an amateur flash drier fabricator and a

Figure 15: The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and fisheries Hon Tress. Bucyanayandi hands Dr. Orin (BMGF) a copy of the Ministry’s DSIP Framework Implentation Plan.

Figure 16: Members of Staff and CPGs demostrates Cassava products at the Uganda Domestic Manufacturers EXPO 2013 at Hotel Africana

Constraints Opportunities Interventions1 Processing of

Cassava limited to traditional methods

Appropriate processing technologies are available

Introduce, promote and out-scale simple processing technologies i.e chippers and graters, de-watering and drying equipments to cassava famers.

Cassava processing can lead to high incomes for farmers

Develop and support PPP for value addition and transfer through technology business incubation.

2 Low levels of adherence to quality assurance when processing cassava

Good quality cassava products have a huge market demand; standards are available;

Enforce quality assurance systems for processors

3 Low levels of product development

Cassava is versatile in its range of processed products.

Develop and support PPP for value addition and technology transfer through technology business incubators.

Table 4b: Key Issues and Priority Interventions (FIP) Key Issues and Priority Interventions (FIP)PROCESSING – PRIORITY RANKING2 MARKETING – PRIORITY RANKING 3

Constraints Opportunities Interventions1 Lack of access

to marketsThere is huge market demand for cassavaMarkets are an incentive to increased production and productivity

Capacity building in bulking, collective marketing for enhancing access to markets

2 Poor market information system

Up to date information markets helps in identification of opportunities and good business decision making.

Development of market information systems and facilitate linkages of stakeholders to these systems

3 High transaction costs:

High productivity resulting in low production costs and good market prices will offset impact marketing and processing cost on margins

Remove bottlenecks in processing and market transactions and promote competition among actors

4 Poor quality products

Improvement in product quality will increase margins and demand for cassava products, standards are available

Sensitize actors on the benefits of trading in high quality products


workshop for fabricating graters and presses in Soroti. He also had one-on-one discussions with CM and BDA on costing and profit analysis of flash drying in Uganda which showed it was profitable. This was the basis for engaging possible private sector investors in flash drying.

2.2.4.11 Uganda Domestic Manufacturers Expo 2013

AfrII was one of the few Non-Governmental Research and Development Organizations that were invited to show-case what technologies and innovations they had for investment by the local industries in a one-day Uganda Domestic Manufacturers Expo 2013 Fig. 17. The case of cassava value addition gained popularity and led to links with Post Bank Uganda, NAADS and Uganda Investment Authority. C:AVA supported PATA, SOSPPA, COHAD and Family Diet to exhibit during the expo.

2.3 Cassava Growth Markets Project2.3.1 IntroductionThe project is looking at improving the livelihoods of smallholder cassava farmers through better access to growth markets via interventions structured along seven objectives.

Textbox 1: Objectives of the 2013 Cassava GMarkets Activities To assess the impact of climate change on cassava flour value chains To understand the impact of cassava brown streak disease in producing HQCF and related products

To develop specific technologies to improve the efficiency of individual, community and SME processors

To ensure the safety and quality of processed cassava products in market-oriented productionTo expand the range of uses of HQCF and related products to meet identified market demandsTo maximize the gender and livelihood impacts of cassava value chain developmentTo establish, document and disseminate best practices

The project is led and coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute of the University of Greenwich in UK and implemented by (AfrII) in Uganda, (FUNAAB) in Nigeria, CSIR in Ghana, TFNC and NARI in Tanzania, Chancellor College, University of Malawi and Roots and Tuber Crops research Institute Trivandrum, India.

The key beneficiaries and targets of the project are smallholder cassava farmers, processors, employees of SMEs in cassava processing,

scientists in beneficiary countries, users and consumers of cassava flour and related products. In 2013 the project made interventions and progress in seven intervention objectives summarized in Table 1.

2.3.2 Key Outputs and Achievements2.3.2.1 Climate variabilityThe climate parameters at the CAVA and Gmarkets project sites were documented. Results provided a good entry point for understanding and responding to the effects of climate change on cassava processing. The Mean annual temperature (1970-99), for Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi remained at around 22°C, about 4°C lower than for the West African countries. The mean annual temperature increased in all three countries between 1960 -2006, with the increase greatest in Uganda (1.3°C) and smallest in Malawi (0.9 °C). There was an increase in the number of hot days and hot nights in all three countries during the same period.

For all five countries Generalized Climate Models (GCM) projections agree on further future temperature increases. The extent of increase varies widely according to the models and the scenarios applied. Mean annual rainfall varies quite significantly between the project areas within and between countries from around 1,000 to 2,000 mm. For the CAVA sites (Jinja and Soroti) there was also significant variation between sites (Figure 16). Pronounced differences in seasonality with the Ghana and Uganda sites which have bi-modal

Fig 17 (Below): His Excellency the Vice President of Uganda, Hon Edward Sekandi, signing the AfrII visitors Book at the AfrII stall, flanked by the Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Hon Maria Kiwanuka, in green dress during the Expo. Looking on is AfrII’s Chairman, Professor G.W. Otim-Nape.


rainfall patterns, were also observed while southern Tanzania (particularly Mtwara) and Malawi which have more distinct unimodal rains had more prolonged dry season.

Overall precipitation declined in both Ghana and Nigeria between 1960 and 2006. Uganda and Tanzania too showed a statistically significant decrease in monthly rainfall between 1960 and 2006 at an average rate of 3.4mm per month, or 3.5% and 3.3% per decade in Uganda and Tanzania respectively. Year-to-year variability in rainfall was too high to predict long term trends in Malawi. There was no evidence of a trend in the proportion of rain falling in ‘heavy’ events since 1960 in any of the countries. For Uganda and Tanzania, projections of mean rainfall are broadly consistent in indicating increases in annual rainfall. Malawi projections of mean rainfall did not indicate substantial changes in annual rainfall. The range of projections from different models is large and straddles both negative and positive changes. In all five countries the proportion of total annual rainfall that falls in ‘heavy’ events tends towards increases.

2.3.2.2 Cassava and Climate ChangeCassava appeared more resilient to climate

change (in Africa) than other major staple crops due to ability to grow at high temperatures, drought tolerance, ability to tolerate erratic rains and positive yield response to increased CO2 in the atmosphere. Jarvis et al., (2012) concluded that by 2030 (1) major decreases in cassava climatic suitability are not expected for the majority of cassava production areas in Africa, and (2) increases in suitability could occur, although this depends on the GCM ensemble used. Their results generally agree with other published estimates of the response of cassava to changes in climates amongst the C:AVA countries. They (Jarvis et al., 2013) suggested that the ratio of the amount of positively impacted areas to negatively impacted areas is significantly greater than 1 for Tanzania 5.1 (±1), Uganda 4.6 (±0.9), slightly above one for Nigeria 1.2 (±0.6), and less than one for Ghana 0.1 (±0). Malawi was not examined. On balance, cassava appears set to become of increasing importance as a crop for climate adaptation option in Africa. This has implications in terms of the need to strengthen capacity in production and post-harvest systems for cassava.

The potential influence of general increase in temperature on cassava value chains was assessed with emphasis on post- harvest systems. Preliminary results showed points towards earlier maturity of the crop, in areas where temperatures become or remain within the optimum growth range of 25-29 C. Expansion of cassava crop to new areas which become climatically more suitable for cassava, or climatically less suitable for other crops are likely. There shall be increased fire risk of mature crop due to frequent drought and heat stress of humans, livestock & vehicles while harvesting and/or transporting crops, leading to higher transport costs. Further there shall be reduced

Figure 19: A healthy cassava plant. Cassava may benefit from increased CO2 in the atmosphere

Figure 18: Mean annual rainfall (mm) for Soroti and Jinja, Uganda (1960-2006)


shelf-life of fresh roots, slower peeling due to drier roots and insufficient water for washing may lead to less clean roots and products.

2.3.2.3 Climate Variability and Cassava Post Harvest Management In the traditional post-harvest segment, more rapid fermentation is expected leading to less time for fermentation which may lead to changes in metabolic activities of microorganisms. These changes may particularly be through changes in the activities of lactic acid bacteria and may lead to changes in flavor of the product or the end product itself. These changes may also cause a shift in the microbial ecology towards more thermos-tolerant species. As water becomes scarce or ponds may dry up due to frequent prolonged drought, there may be increased need for dry fermentation or soaking cassava roots in pots to ferment. Human heat stress during manual pressing, grating and sieving will increase.

Increased temperature and radiation shall lead to more rapid sun-drying and less need to cut root pieces so small in preparation for drying. Dried grass, leaves, debris and dust may increase level of contamination of drying product. There shall be higher insect pest incidence and carry-over between seasons; pest and disease territories shall expand (e.g. to higher altitude or previously cooler areas) and faster reproduction of insect pests and diseases (shorter life cycles due to higher temperatures) may lead to more rapid build-up of insects and fungi in stored products, until critical temperature thresholds are exceeded. Further, warmer temperature and drier environment may lead to changes in length of viable storage period –shorter or longer,

depending on balance between higher losses to insect pests due to increased microbial activity, rotting and mycotoxin contamination. However, reduced moisture content may limit microbial activity and insect pest attack, thus minimizing post-harvest losses.

A climate smart cassava systems to respond to climate change was designed. This looks at food security, development goals and strategies, low carbon development, climate resilient development, climate compatible development, mitigation strategies, co benefits and adaptation strategies as guiding principles. The climate smart cassava system aims to guide actors in the cassava subsector on how to design and manage cassava development interventions.Table 5: Incidence of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and brown streak (CBSD) on Cassava varieties in TanzaniaVariety CMD incidence CBSD incidenceKBH2002/066 0% 0%

Pwani 0% 100%Mkumba 0% 47%

Kizimbani 0% 23%KBH2002/26 4.7% 85%Mkombozi 0% 0%

2.3.2.4 Understanding the impact of cassava brown streak disease on HQCF producing

Six cassava varieties from Tanzania were scored for CMD and CBSD diseases (Figs 18 and 19 respectively) and tested for virus infection by visual inspection of symptoms as well as by polymerase chain reaction. Uganda would probably benefit from these findings to enhance

Figure 20: Symptoms of CBSD on cassava roots (Fig:21) cassava roots extremely affected by CBSD; (left) Symptoms of CMD on young cassava plants

Source: NARO, 2007


its technologies. All the varieties assessed (Table 3) had no or very low infection by cassava mosaic disease. However, only KBH2002/066 and Mkombozi showed no symptoms of CBSD while Mkumba and Kizimbani were moderately infected. Varieties Pwani and KBH2002/26 were highly susceptible and showed very high incidence of infection.

2.3.3.5 Technologies for Improving Efficiency of Cassava Processing

Review of drying technologies: A review of the drying technologies was carried out in Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria. In Uganda and Tanzania, the results showed that at the time of the study, HQCF was produced by small scale processing groups and entrepreneurs using sun drying operations only. However, the available solar dryers in the project locations were less functional and inefficient in drying with low drying capacity. It was still felt that solar dryers were appropriate for SMEs who had little capital to invest in sophisticated dryers. The Nigerian SMEs requested for improvement to their flash drying systems while the Ghana processors look forward to improved bin drying and introduction of solar dryers especially at the

rural level. In Malawi, the processors preferred solar dryers as compared to rotary or flash dryers to which they had never been exposed. The need for pilot testing mechanized drying system using flash dryer and solar dryers was agreed in Uganda and Tanzania. It was therefore recommended that the project should develop programs which are aimed at improving the efficiency of the available solar dryers, bin dryer, and flash dryers to different categories of small to medium cassava processors (SMES) in Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.

Design and Evaluation of a Solar Dryer: The project sourced information on existing solar drying systems in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, and Malawi. Findings from the survey assisted in the design and fabrication

of a hybrid solar drying system at FUNAAB. The dryer, made use of solar energy during the day while in the evening, heat was supplied from outside the chamber to continue drying. The project successfully recruited a PhD student on optimization study. Findings will assist in establishment of low cost dryers in Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi. Further work will be undertaken in year 2. The design, a combination of solar and indirect heating of the drying chamber, consists of a building roofed with white plastics while the inside contains drying trays on raised platforms. The dryer makes use of solar energy during the day while in the evening, heat was supplied from outside the chamber to continue drying. The heating chamber was made of hollow drum inserted from outside of the building.

Evaluating HQCF drying technologies in Uganda: In Uganda, three HQCF drying technology options have been identified for testing. These are: sun drying, solar drying and flash drying. Three sites will be upgraded each with a capacity to sundry one ton of HQCF on 400 square metres of sun drying racks. Prototype solar driers will be constructed to complement sun drying in the 3 sites. A pilot 6-cyclone flash drier with 3.3 t per 8 hours capacity will be procured from Nobex Ltd in Nigeria as part of the south to south technology transfer to be owned by the private sector under an agreed funding arrangement.

Figure 23: Drying racks at SOSSPA, a processing site in Abuket in Serere district in eastern Uganda

Figure 22: Solar dryer at Adyeka Mixed farm ltd, Apac district for HQCF.


The three technologies will be evaluated for efficiency, cost-benefit analysis, quality parameters as per East African Community specifications and standards and management requirements and appropriateness of the technology. Ease of replication and adoption will also be evaluated. This experiment will be undertaken when the flash drier has been set up. An added value will be the use of local fabricators in both Uganda and Tanzania as part of capacity building. These fabricators will work side by side with Engineers from Nobex and NRI-UoG in UK to learn the basic repair, maintenance and fabrication of simple spare parts for the flash drier.

2.3.3.6 Safety and quality of processed cassava products

Desktop review on cyanide in cassava and cassava products was completed and results

show that much research has been undertaken on cassava cyanogenesis but less on other quality and safety parameters such as particle size, color, odor and mycotoxins. The review highlighted that despite existing knowledge on HCN detoxification amongst researchers, there was knowledge gap between processors and industrial end users of cassava products which limited the usage of such products. Sometimes it lowered the price offered for cassava products. The review further highlighted that countries had insufficient capacity (equipment, personnel) to monitor quality and safety of cassava products. Technical support is required in order to establish sustainable linkages with end users. There was insufficient/inadequate knowledge on quality and safety of traditionally processed products made through sun-drying. This results into rejection of local products by industrial end users.

Table 6: Properties of HQCFmoisture content%

swelling power

swelling volume

water absorption capacity

bulk density

oil absorption capacity

foaming capacity

Mean 7.04 10.36 9.96 3.30 0.71 3.13 0.44Standard Error 0.10 0.15 0.12 0.078 0.003 0.063 0.06Median 7.13 10.24 10.00 3.5 0.71 3 0Mode 6.39 8.71 10.00 3.5 0.71 3 0Sd Deviation 0.86 1.31 1.04 0.66 0.03 0.54 0.52Sample Variance 0.74 1.72 1.08 0.44 0.0008 0.288 0.26Range 3.69 5.20 4.5 2.5 0.11 2.5 1.6Minimum 5 8.36 7.5 2 0.658 2 0Maximum 8.69 13.56 12 4.5 0.769 4.5 1.6

The report also established that Uganda and Tanzania have EAC standards for cassava products and there was need to promote their adoption. Other issues were on insufficient knowledge on:• The effect of processing technologies on

quality of cassava products• Use of graters versus chippers/slicers• Use of stainless steel equipment versus

mild steel• Use of small presses versus commercial

hydraulic presses• Use of small jacks for pressing versus 32-

50kg jacks• Small sieve sizes (250mm) versus large

sieve sizes.

For quality control samples of HQCF from different varieties and processing locations were collected for laboratory analysis at NRI. The results showed good quality samples from sun drying in Uganda. The project identified a field moisture meter that operates on batteries that can be used by farmers to measure the moisture of the HQCF. A quality inspection

guide/ questionnaire was designed that is used to assess practices and levels of current quality and safety of the processing plant, environment, personnel and procedures.

2.3.3.7 Product development from cassavaDesktop review was done on various products that have been developed previously across the globe with a view to adopting or adapting some of those technologies for use in Uganda and the other project countries. In Uganda the property requirements of different markets from HQCF and other cassava products were documented and are briefly enumerated below:

Based on demand, the project provided HQCF and HQCC from 2 varieties from Abuket and Arapai processing sites in Uganda for the gluing properties in paper board and its brewing ability in beer industry. A sensory evaluation experiment of blended cassava flour (75 %) and finger millet flour (25 %) for the preparation of atap was designed.


2.3.3.8 Maximizing the gender and livelihood impacts of cassava value chain development

A review of literature to contextualize cassava value chains was done in Nigeria, Malawi and Uganda. This activity will continue throughout the project in order to include the most up to date information and includes.• Review of literature on value chain

mapping, with a focus on mapping staple crop value chains.

• Review of C:AVA documents, such as the value chain, scoping, gender and diversity studies.

• Review of C:AVA country progress reports to identify the change in different links in the value chain.

2.3.3.9 Establish best practices for dissemination of project outcomes

The list of success factors for a crop based value chain were identified based on a review of experiences of previous attempts to link farmers to markets. However, linking farmers to markets cannot be done according to a formula; one has to work on the opportunities and constraints which are unique for each situation. Some of the factors identified include:

Figure 25: Female farmers sorting cassava rootsfor sale to HQCF processors, PATA, Palisa district.

• Paperboard: constant viscosity, no lumps, high starch binding properties, storage of mixed glue, up to four days required, small particle size, gel temperature 640C for starch (processing temperature).

• Biscuit manufacturers: Low acceptable cyanide levels, low fibre content, high starch content

• Composite flour: Low acceptable cyanide levels, high starch content, high dry-matter content but low fibre content.

• Bakeries: Not too much starch content, aroma, shelf-life of bread and other products should not be affected by HQCF, low acceptable cyanide levels, high dry-matter content but low fibre content.

• Animal feed industry: high in energy, low acceptable cyanide levels, good floating properties for fish feed, a higher protein content cassava is most desirable.

• Breweries: Low acceptable cyanide levels, high starch content.

• Starch for textiles: starch sticking and viscosity and ease of washing off.

• Paper industry: Bonding properties, amylopectin removed to achieve better bonding properties.

• Liquid glucose: Cassava based glucose should have same properties as maize based glucose.

Text box2: Physical and chemical characteristics of HQCF required by Industries

Figure 24: Mr. Alacho Francis (CM) and Mr. Michael Kirya (BDS) at NUVITA industry to discuss HQCF potential to make animal feed


2.4. Improving Sesame Productivity in Northern Uganda

2.4.1 Introduction Valued for its small nutritious seeds, sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), locally known as simsim, is an ancient and very important oil seed crop for poverty alleviation, food and nutrition security, and income generation. The crop is valued in the international market not only as an additive for bread and confectionary industry but, as a major source of valuable and high quality oil (44- 52%) which is rich in vitamin E and has significant amounts of linoleic acid that control blood cholesterol levels and antioxidants sesamin, sesamolin and sesamol, useful in detoxification during body metabolism. In addition, the protein content of the seed is about 26.25% and the sulphur containing amino acid methionine is present at a concentration of about 3.4%. Further, the oil has medicinal and pharmaceutical value and is being used as active ingredients in antiseptics,

Figure 26: Farmers attend a knowlegde sharing workshop in Kumi, May 2013 organized by CAVA.

• Upgrading of smallholder production, organization and marketing is essential to enable smallholders to meet demands (in terms of quality, quantity and consistency) of dynamic markets, which usually requires external support for prolonged periods of time

• Collective action amongst smallholders in the form of producer groups (formal or informal) is important to lower transaction costs, enable economies of scale, increase the effectiveness of capacity building activities and increase the bargaining power of smallholders

• Enhancing technological and marketing skills through capacity building, education and training

• Access to credit (financial services) for smallholders, processors, wholesalers and retailers

• Improvement of the market information flow leads to better spatial integration between markets and a reduction of transaction costs through the marketing chain, particularly to the benefit of farmers

• Involvement of the private sector (e.g. public-private partnerships) is important to draw upon their business management skills. The private sector can bring along economic benefits for smallholders plus technical capacity-building, although generally it does not result in a lasting empowerment of smallholders beyond the trade relationship.

• Protection of intellectual property rights is crucial to the private sector

• Trust between smallholders and buyers is essential, and can be promoted by exchanging information and involving smallholders in contract negotiations. A high level of trust allows the trade partners to communicate efficiently, and develop and implement a shared vision

• Government support is needed to ‘regovern’ agricultural markets with pro-poor and pro-market policies, correct market failures without protecting the chain itself and create an enabling environment. Local authorities can also assist in improving market facilities (e.g. sanitation, road infrastructure) to reduce marketing costs

• Partnership facilitation by a third party to enhance the participation and coordination of different agents in the market value chain, including collaborative arrangements between trained and organized farmers, information sharing, a receptive business sector, and conducive public policies and programs

Text box 3: Sucess factors for value chain development by smallholder farmers and SMEs

A good crop of Sesame: Sesame is regarded as a white gold in northen uganda


bactericides, viricides and disinfectants. These qualities make sesame a prime commodity for the global market (ICRISAT, 2008). It has a ready and unlimited demand both in the local and international markets, such as China, the Middle East, Turkey, Japan and the European Union.

Production statistics indicate that about 250,000 smallholder farmers are engaged in sesame production in Uganda, farming about 467,000 plots averaging 0.38 ha and most of it (68.1%) under pure stand compared to mixed stands (31.9%) (UBOS, 2010). National production of simsim during 2008/2009 season was 101,000 Mt from an area of 176,000 ha, with Northern region being the leading producer followed by Eastern region while Central Region had the least production (UBOS, 2010).

Despite its value, sesame has received less development attention in the country and yields of 300-500kg/ha compared to world average of over 1000kg/ha are among the lowest in the world and farmers earn very little income despite their huge efforts. Production constraints include low productivity, insect pests such as webworm and gall midge, weed infestation, poor post-harvest management, long and disorganized market chains, unstable prices and lack of enabling environment for efficient sesame production and trade.

Therefore, improving sesame productivity, development of sesame value chain, and linking

farmers to growth markets will contribute significantly to enhancing food and nutrition security and reduction of poverty, particularly among women who are the main producers of sesame. To pursue this goal, the Africa Innovations Institute and its partners embarked on a long term programme on improving productivity, developing efficient value chains and marketing systems for sesame.

Accordingly, a number of field trials on agronomic and pest management of sesame in order to improve yields and productivity in Uganda were conducted to (i) assess population dynamics of webworm (Antigastra catalaunalis) and gall midges (Asphondylia sesame) on difference sesame varieties in Northern and Eastern Uganda and their effects on sesame yield, (ii) assess the effect of polytrin (systemic insecticide) application on the incidence of web worm and gall midge pests, and (iii) assess weed control methods and planting techniques for sesame, in relation to their effects on the yield and cost effectiveness in sesame production.

Trials were conducted in Soroti and Lira districts at the National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) and Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NgaZARDI) respectively between 2009 and 2012. The sites were chosen mainly because they fall within the sesame growing

areas of Uganda where the majority of farmers in the area grow the crop for food and income

Figure 28: Mr. Ciprian Okello, AfrII technician collecting data from a Sesema seed rate and planting method experiment, Ngetta October 2013


generation. Sesame varieties used during the trials were Adong, Ajimo, Exotic-1, Extic-2, Local-158, Sesim-1 and Sesim-2.

2.4.2 Key Findings and Achievements

2.4.2.1 Population dynamics of webworm on sesame varieties

Trends in the average number of webworms on the different sesame varieties in both research locations were similar. With the exception of Exotic-1 and Exotic-2 sesame varieties, the average number of webworms on other varieties was low at one week after planting (WAP1) at all stations but peak at WAP5 for most sesame varieties (Figure 24). However peak webworm occurrence for Ajimo, Exotic-1 and Exotic-2 was the earliest, before WAP4. The average number of webworms for all sesame varieties declined towards WAP10.

Population

Seasonal dynamics of the gall midge on all the different sesame varieties in both Ngetta and

Serere are shown in the figure 31,32 below. In both Ngetta and Serere, average number of gall midge was low at WAP1 for all varieties with

the exception of Exotic-2. Average gall midge number however peak at around WAP5 and WAP6 for almost all the varieties. Towards WAP10, the average number of gall midge on the different sesame varieties declined. These findings seem to imply that the best time to effectively control webworm and gall midge on the different sesame varieties is before WAP 5 (peak pest infestation).

2.4.2.2 Effects of insecticide application on pests of sesame

Effects on pest population. No significant differences were observed in the number of webworms in both sprayed and unsprayed plots at Ngetta. In Serere however, the application of insecticide significantly reduced the number of webworms on most varieties particularly Exotic-2, Sesim-2, Sesim-1 and Local-158 (Table 7). Percentage increase in the number of webworms as a result of not spraying ranged from 38.2-80.4% (Table 7). As for gall midge, no significant differences were observed among sprayed and unsprayed plots at both locations.

Figure 31: Population dynamics of webworms in Ngetta, 2009/2011

Figure 32: Population dynamics of gall midge in Serere, 2009/2011

Figure 30: Population dynamics of gall midge in Ngetta, 2009/2011

Figure 29: Population dynamics of webworms in Serere, 2009/2011


Table7: Effect of Polytrin Insecticide Application on Webworms in Serere Research StationSites/Variety Webworms

when sprayedWebworms

when unsprayedPercentage increase in number of webworm in unsprayed plot

NgettaAdong 3.20 3.90 21.9Ajimo 2.20 2.10 -4.5Exotic-1 3.80 3.80 0.0Exotic-2 3.70 3.70 0.0Local-158 2.30 4.10 78.3Sesim-1 2.95 3.55 20.3Sesim-2 3.45 3.90 13.0Average 3.09(p=0.387) 3.58(p=0.396) 15.9SerereAdong 3.45 3.85 11.6Ajimo 2.40 2.50 4.2Exotic-1 4.65 4.85 4.3Exotic-2 4.45 6.15 38.2Local-158 2.80 5.05 80.4Sesim-1 2.95 4.40 49.2Sesim-2 3.50 5.45 55.7Average 3.46(p=0.058) 4.61(p=0.010) 33.2

Table 8: Yield of Different Sesame Varieties Under Pesticide Treatment, 2009/2011

Site Variety Average Yield when sprayed (Kg/ plot)

Average Yield when unsprayed (Kg/plot)

Percentage yield loss for not spraying

Ngetta Adong 26.85 25.05 6.70

Ajimo 27.35 26.10 4.57

Exotic-1 30.60 24.05 21.41

Exotic-2 28.15 24.40 13.32

Local-158 28.55 23.75 16.81

Sesim-1 28.50 25.95 7.49

Sesim-2 26.50 26.30 0.75

Average 28.01 (p=0.000) 25.09(p=0.000) 10.42

Serere Adong 131.12 59.45 54.66

Ajimo 84.51 39.97 52.70

Exotic-1 37.55 38.18 -1.68

Exotic-2 51.68 62.80 -21.52

Local-158 46.84 82.13 -75.34

Sesim-1 110.40 100.16 9.28

Sesim-2 132.45 57.18 56.83

Average 84.93 (p=0.000) 62.84(p=0.000) 26.01

Effects on yield. Generally in all experimental stations, the average yields of sesame varieties were found to be higher among those that were sprayed than when not sprayed (Table 8). At Ngetta, the average yield of the different sesame varieties when sprayed were over 10% higher

than unsprayed while at Serere the yields were about 26% higher when sprayed compared to the unsprayed plot. However, yields of sesame varieties; Local-158 and Exotic-2 in Serere were lower in the sprayed plots as compared to the unsprayed plots.


2.4.2.3 Effect of planting dates and insecticide application timingThe effect of planting dates and insecticide application timing on gall midge and webworm infestation on Sesim-1 and Local-158 is shown in Table9. At both Serere and Ngetta sites, significant differences between timing of insecticide application on the population of webworm and gall midge on both sesame

varieties were observed. No insecticide application and spraying once at flowering had the highest number of webworms on both varieties. Applying insecticide on sesame variety two weeks after planting reduced both webworms and gall midge infestations to the lowest numbers at both sites for both webworm and gall midge in all varieties.

Table 9: Effect of Planting Date and Insecticide Application Timing on Gall Midge and Webworm Infestation on Sesame Varieties, 2009/2011

Sesim-1 Local-158Site Planting Time Webworms Gall Midge Webworms Gall MidgeNgetta Onset of rains 3.89 4.77 2.66 4.66

Two weeks after rains 3.26 4.91 4.11 4.86Four weeks after rains 3.46 6.00 4.46 7.66Average 3.53 (p=0.652) 5.23 (p=0.392) 3.74 (p=0.18) 5.72 (p=0.003)

Serere Onset of rains 4.17 4.51 3.09 4.43Two weeks after rains 4.34 5.49 4.09 4.23Four weeks after rains 4.23 6.74 5.20 7.69Average 4.25 (p=0.973) 5.58 (p=0.146) 4.12 (p=0.012) 5.45 (p=0.000)

Application of the insecticide one week after planting also lowered the population of webworm on sesame but this was not so on gall midge. Differences in the infestation of sesame by the two pests in Serere and Ngetta were not significantly different (Table 10). The

implication of these findings could be that spraying sesame with insecticide two weeks after emergence is the most promising control for both webworm and gall midge but this needs further investigation to validate these findings.

Table 10: Average Number of Webworms and Gall Midge on Different Sesame Varieties as Influenced by Spraying Time, 2011Site Timing of Spraying Webworms Gall midge

Sesim-1 Local-158 Sesim-1 Local-158Ngetta No spray 4.43 5.33 4.33 4.33

Spayed on germination (0WAE) 3.86 2.86 6.76 7.811 WAE 2.86 2.90 6.24 7.242 WAE 1.96 3.29 3.67 3.38At Flowering 4.57 4.33 5.14 5.86

Average 3.53 (p=0.012) 3.74 (p=0.016) 5.23 (0.077) 5.72 (p=0.002)Serere No spray 4.24 5.33 3.86 4.29

Spayed on germination (0WAE) 4.14 4.10 8.48 8.571 WAE 4.14 3.29 8.05 6.482 WAE 3.48 2.95 2.62 3.05At Flowering 5.24 4.95 4.90 4.86

Average 4.25 (p=0.489)

4.12 (0.040)

5.58 (p=0.000) 5.45 (p=0.000)

The effect of planting time on the yield of sesame is shown in table 11. At both Serere and Ngetta, significant differences in yield due to differences in time of planting sesame were observed. Sesame planted at the onset of rains significantly out yielded those planted 2 or 4 weeks after onset of rains. Delaying planting

sesame by two weeks reduced yields by 30-40% at both Ngetta and Serere, whereas further delay by another two weeks (i.e. 4 weeks from onset of rains) reduced yields by 65-70% at Ngetta and 36-48% at Serere. These results emphasize the significance of planting sesame at the onset of rains in order to maximize yields.


2.4.2.5 Effect of webworm damage on yield of sesame

The results in figure 31 indicate significant reduction in sesame yields with the increase

Table 11: Effects of planting time on yield of sesame, 2011

Site Planting Time Average yield (kg/ha)Simsim-1 Local-158

Ngetta Onset of rains 847.60 783.14Two weeks after 494.40 515.40Four weeks after 238.80 274.89

Average 526.60 (p=0.000) 524.48 (p=0.000)Serere Onset of rains 139.09 157.66

Two weeks after 104.14 115.85Four weeks after 71.98 100.76

Average 105.07(p=0.000) 124.75(p=0.000)

2.4.2.4 Effect of insecticide application time on yield of sesameThe effect of timing of insecticide application on the yield of sesame is shown in Table 12. Highly significant differences between timing

of spray application on yield of sesame were observed at both sites. Sesame plots sprayed with insecticide two weeks after emergence yield 35% and 50% more than the control (unsprayed) at Serere and Ngetta respectively.

Figure 28: Relationship between webworm infestation and yield of sesame, Ngetta 2010

Table 12: Yield of different sesame varieties under different spraying time

Site Spraying Time Average Yield (Kg/ha)

Simsim-1 Local-158Ngetta None 369.33 410.33

Zero WAE 501.33 502.33One WAE 541.67 621.05Two WAE 774.67 642.67After Flowering 446.00 446.00

Average 526.60 (p=0.002) 524.48 (p=0.014)Serere None 115.81 113.05

Zero WAE 69.13 137.38One WAE 118.02 137.52Two WAE 148.78 156.26After Flowering 73.62 79.56

Average 105.07 (p=0.000) 124.75 (p=0.000)


in webworm infestations. Overall, these preliminary results show significant benefits in planting sesame at the onset of rains and applying insecticide two weeks after emergence for maximum yields. However these results are preliminary and require further verification in a number of field trials.

2.4.2.6 Effects of weed control and planting methods on growth of sesameResults of use of herbicides and hand hoeing as

weed control methods and, broadcasting and row planting methods indicated that the use of pre-emergence, post-emergence and pre-emergence + post-emergence herbicides and hand hoeing of sesame did not significantly affect plant growth and number of leaves per plant. However row planting and broadcasting significantly affected leaf size. Row planted plants tended to have larger leaves compared to those broadcasted. Similar trends were noticed in plant growth and number of leaves.

Table 13: Effects of weed control and planting methods on growth of sesame at Ngetta, 2011Leaf length (cm) Leaf width (cm) Plant height (cm) No of leaves (cm)

Methods of weed controlPre emergence herbicide 6.57 4.03 8.87 6.33Pre emergence herbicide 6.30 4.03 9.30 6.20Pre and post emergence 6.73 4.00 9.50 6.27Hand hoeing 6.53 3.80 8.80 6.07Mean 6.53ns 3.97ns 9.12ns 6.22nsMethods of PlantingRow Planting 7.07 4.30 9.80 6.40Broadcasting 6.00 3.63 8.43 6.03Mean 6.53* 3.97* 9.12 ns 6.22 ns

2.4.2.7 Effect of herbicides on germination, growth and yield of sesame

Application of neither pre, post or a mixture of pre and post emergence herbicide or hand hoe weeding did significantly affect germination and flowering of sesame. However all plots treated with the pre-emergence herbicide Atrazine germinated well but all plants withered and dried out within four weeks after emergence due to its phytotoxicity.

Significant differences were noticed in leaf size throughout the experiment. Leaves of plants in plots treated with post-emergence

herbicides tended to be smaller (shorter and narrower) than those in plots weeded by hand hoe or treated with post emergence, although plants in plots weeded by hand tended to have larger leaves. Similar results were observed in plant height and number of branches, number of capsules and yields (Table 14) implying that hand hoeing was still much better than herbicides in weed control of sesame as the herbicides used tended to have phyto-toxic effects on the plants. Although Atrazine kept the plots weed free, it killed all the plants. This phenomenon could be due to the dose of the chemical used and the limited time allowed for the chemical to degenerate.

Table 14: Effect of herbicides on germination, growth and yield of sesame at Ngetta, 2011

Pre-Emergence Post - Emergence Pre+ Post

EmergenceHand Hoe Weeding

Plant Height (Cm) 0.0 59.50 15.06 64.50

Leaf size-length (cm) 0.0 8.04 8.87 9.48

Leaf size-width (cm) 0.0 4.26 4.67 4.70

Yield per plant (g) 0.0 639.58 656.00 718.91

2.4.2.8 Effect of planting methods and supplemental weeding on growth and yield of sesame

Methods of planting sesame did not significantly affect plant height but it significantly influenced leaf size (length and width), number of branches and yield per plot

(Table 15). Leaves of plants in rows were larger (longer and wider) than those in broadcast plots. However higher yields were obtained from broadcast plots than from plots planted in row. Similarly supplemental weeding did not affect plant height and leaf size but it however significantly influenced number of branches and yield.


2.4.2.9 Effects of planting methods and seed rates on yields of Sesame

The results show that method of planting (broadcast vs row planting) and seed rate had significant influence on yields of sesame (Fig. 32). Plants shown in rows had a significantly higher yield compared to those broadcasted (Fig.33). Additionally, plots planted with recommended seed rates (2kg/ha) gave significantly higher yield compared with those planted with non-recommended seed rates (any amount to finish the plot). Interactions between planting methods and seed rates were also highly significant. Row planted plots

at high seed rates tended to give lower yields compared to broadcasts. Row planted crops at un-recommended seeds rates mixed with sand tended to give lower yields but the differences were not significant, suggesting that although there might be interactions between these three factors, the effects were minimal.

The impact of planting methods and seed rates were best described by the regression equation in Table 16 below. The results emphasize that planting method and the interaction between method of planting and seed rate are crucial determinants of yield of sesame.

Table 15: Effect of planting methods and supplemental weeding on growth and yield of sesame at Ngetta, 2011

Plant ParametersPlanting method Supplemental weeding

Broadcast Row planting Weeding No weeding 1. Plant Height (cm) 63.33 62.76ns 64.23 61.94ns

2. Leaf length (cm) 8.56 9.29*** 9.04 8.82ns

3. Leaf width (cm) 4.38 4.78*** 4.62 4.53ns

6. Yield per plot (g) 677.22 655.78* 797.21 531.00*

Figure 32: Effects of planting method and seed rate on yield at Ngetta, Uganda

Figure 33: Average yield of sesame per plot under different planting methods

Table 16: Predictive equation for yield, planting methods and seed rates interaction

Plot yield Coefficient Std. Error. z value P>|z| Confidence Interval (95%)

Constant 250.5 17.0 14.72 0.000 217.1-283.9

Planting method 35.4 14.8 2.39 0.017 6.3-64.5

Planting method, seed rate interaction

-14.2 6.8 -2.09 0.037 -27.6--0.9

2.4.3 Conclusions and RecommendationsResults of these studies indicate that web worms and gall midge occurrence varies with

the stage of growth of sesame with peak pest infestation at WAP 5. Planting sesame at the onset of rains has significant benefits


in reducing the population of gall midge hence yield benefits of sesame. Timing of insecticide application significantly reduces the population of webworm and gall midge on sesame. Additionally, applying insecticide on sesame two weeks after planting reduced both webworms and gall midge infestations to the lowest numbers. Furthermore, there are significant benefits in planting sesame at the onset of rains and applying insecticide two weeks after emergence for maximum yields. Planting sesame in rows significantly gives a higher yield compared to broadcasting. Planting sesame at recommended seed rates is significantly essential in obtaining higher yield compared to planting with un-recommended seed rates. Therefore, use of correct planting

method and seed rates are highly significant factors in obtaining high yields from sesame.

It can therefore be recommended that, the best time to effectively control webworms and gall midge on sesame is before WAP 5 (peak pest infestation), planting sesame should be done at the onset of rains to off-set web worm and gall midge infestation and spraying sesame with insecticide two weeks after emergence is the most promising control time for both webworm and gall midge however, this needs further investigation to validate these findings. Furthermore, it is recommended that sesame be planted in rows using the right seed rate if farmers are to reap high yields from the crop.


Climate Change Programme3

3.1 IntroductionClimate Change is a big challenge to Uganda’s agricultural development. The weather is variable, unpredictable with frequent episodes of unusual weather events such as floods, droughts and hailstones which have had negative socio-economic impacts on agricultural production and the well-being of the people. It is postulated that the country will experience a pronounced negative impact of global climate variability and Uganda will be among the countries hardest hit by the immediate impacts of climate variability, especially in fragile ecosystems such as the cattle corridor, a region currently experiencing unusually severe droughts, frequent dry spells resulting into reduced water and pasture availability.

The situation has been exacerbated by increasing population pressure and changes in land use patterns, which has resulted into food insecurity and heightened competition and conflicts over resources.

3.2 Adaptation to the Impact of Climate Variability in the Cattle Corridor of UgandaFunded by the, International Development Research Center (IDRC), Canada, the climate change adaptation project aims to develop and enhance community-based climate change adaptation initiatives and supportive policy measures that improve food security and health among rural communities in the cattle corridor of Uganda. The project aimed at achieving this through three objectives to: (1) characterize the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods, (2) determine the past and current trends of climate variability and their likely impacts on food and health security, and

(3) strengthen community-based livelihoods resilience and adaptation capacities and support institutionalized socio-economic and policy measures. In 2013, the main activities carried out are reported here.

3.2.1 Methodology used in the study. 3.2.1.1 Community perceptions of climate change and impacts on livelihoods

Socio-economic household survey were conducted to understand the communities’ perceptions of climate change/variability and how it affects their livelihoods. A structured questionnaire was administered to different socio-economic groups of the communities in order to understand their past and current livelihoods characteristics and how these have been affected by climate variability and other external systemic pressures. It also investigated their resilient livelihood strategies and adaptation capacities; the socio-economic, policy-related frameworks and other factors that influence these livelihoods resilience and adaptation capacities, and how they cope with these challenges.

The questionnaire was administered, by trained enumerators, to 3009 geo-referenced households from the pastoralist, agro-pastoralists and crop farming systems in the project area. Research assistants, MSc. and PhD students supported by senior researchers supervised the study; while the project steering committee provided overall stewardship of the survey. Additional information was derived from Focus Group Discussions and checklist questions in socio-economics and gender analysis. A total of 18 FGDs were conducted. Empirical data was collected to support the findings of the socio economic survey.

3.2.1.2 Livestock and crop production in the pastoral and agro-pastoral systems


The 3009 geo-referenced households (HH) involved in the preliminary survey were used as a sampling frame. A proportionate stratified, computerized random sampling was used to select the desired number of households in the pastoral and agro-pastoral areas per district. This number of households was based on the need to assess tick-borne diseases, in 4-12 months calve. Assuming a prevalence infection of 10%, and an absolute precision of 5% at the 95% confidence level, one hundred and fourty households were sampled (Thrusfield, 1997) in each of the two districts to give a total of 280 HH. The same HH were involved for sampling of ticks, mosquitos, collection of human blood samples and production of maize.

An open-ended questionnaire was administered to capture information about common cattle diseases, their signs and symptoms, seasonal occurrence and outbreaks (especially of ticks and tick-borne diseases), indigenous and modern management and control practices and their effectiveness among others.

The tick challenge and spectrum of species on cattle was assessed in situ on one side of animal body (Fig. 3). The prevalent tick species were collected, preserved in 70% alcohol and identified in the laboratory. Information was collected on treatment methods and their efficiency. The prevalence of tick-borne diseases in cattle was assessed by collecting whole blood in EDTA tubes following vein puncture. Thin and thick blood smears were made to assess the parasitaemia of haemoparasites e.g (Theileria, Anaplasma, Babasia etc).

3.2.1.3 Human diseases and their vectors

Malaria vectors. A mosquito survey was

conducted in 8 sub-counties and 19 parishes in 83 households in the three farming systems. At least 37%, 28% and 35% of the households were from pure cropping, agro-pastoral and pastoralist system systems respectively. A questionnaire was used to capture information on children less than five years, pregnant women, fever cases, use of mosquito nets and the animal species kept by households. The mosquitoes were collected by pyrethrum spray catches method (PSC). The primary objectives of this survey were to collect baseline information on malaria vectors; establish the commonest malaria vectors; determine their distribution; find the sibling species in the Anopheles gambie; determine the sporozoites rate; and find out the commonest source of blood for the malaria vectors.

Malaria. The prevalence of malaria in human was assessed in children under 5 years old, by collecting whole blood in EDTA tubes. Thin and thick blood smears were made and examined for malaria parasites.

3.2.1.4 The effects of climate variability on food and health security

The effects of past, current and predicted climate variability on food and health security were determined using different methodological approaches for each critical research agenda. These activities contributed to our deepening understanding of the impacts of various factors on livelihoods. The study was conducted over a period of two years (2011-2013), covering six (6) cycles of sample collection, at intervals of four months.

Food security. Questionnaires were used to document and get information on the various

Figure 33: Afrii technicians assessing tick challenge and body condition of a cow in Nakaseke Sub County- Nakaseke district.

Figure: 34: AfrII technicians sampling the water in the cattle corridor for mosquito larva in Nakasongola district


aspects of food security. This included i) Food intake and vulnerability e.g. the meals, types and sources of food consumed, including indigenous plant-based food species; ii) determination of intensity, causes, characteristics and distribution of vulnerability; iii) determination of Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), using standard measurement tool, and iv) status of child and adult nutrition.

Maize production. An open-ended questionnaire was developed to capture data (in the current and previous seasons) on the (i) occurrence of extreme weather events; (ii) maize crop acreage; (iii) crop variety grown; (iv) fertilizer application; (v) labor used; (vi) planting and harvesting months; (vii) total maize produced as well as crops inter-cropped with maize. The data was then coded and analyzed using SPSS 16.0 version.

Indigenous plant-based food species. The indigenous plant-based food species were collected, identified in the herbarium and dried at room temperatures. The choice of traditional plant parts collected depended on what people use as food in the cattle corridor. The dried plant parts were ground to powder using a pestle and mortar in preparation for nutritional analysis as described by AOAC (1990).

For the case of Tamarindus indica, the fruits were collected and washed in water and then dried at room temperature. The dried plants were chopped into small pieces dipped into 5 liter ethanol (EtOH) for three days. The ethanolic extract was filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure at below 40°C using rotary evaporator which yielded dark green thick residue. The extract was then partitioned with Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and water, and this procedure was repeated 3 times. The EtOAc extract was evaporated under pressure which yielded thick greenish residue. This residue was used for analysis of different nutrients as described by AOAC (1990).

Vulnerability of livelihoods. To establish the food security situation and how it is affected by climate variability, a longitudinal study to determine vulnerability of livelihoods including food security resulting from climate variability was looked at in three aspects:

• The exposure to climate variability: how much the climate is expected to vary and in what aspects. In this study this information was accessed as secondary data from a

parallel climate science study. Climate models, indicating the possible changes in temperature and rainfall amounts and distribution and the number of expected days with extreme events.

• The sensitivity to the effects of climate variability: the degree to which livelihoods or productive activities are likely to be affected. Kelly and Adger, (2000) described sensitivity as ‘the degree to which a system will respond to a change in climatic conditions”.

• The adaptive capacity of the communities: That is “the ability of the community to adjust to climate variability, to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences” (IPCC, 2001).

Nutritional status of children below 5 years. An assessment of under-5 nutritional status was done using anthropometry as described by Gibson (2005), which involved measurement of height, weight and Mid Upper Arm Circumference (Fig 3). Information on age, sex and height of child helped in the calculation of Height-for-age index (stunted growth). Children whose height-for-age Z-score was below minus two standard deviations (-2 SD) were considered short for their age (stunted) and are chronically malnourished. On the other hand, children who are below minus three standard deviations (-3 SD) are considered severely stunted.

Data entry was done in EpiData software and thereafter exported to SPSS. Three levels of

Figure 35: A Sub County medical assistant takes weight and Mid Upper Arm Circumference of a child in Semuto Sub County, Nakaseke district.


analysis were performed. Univariate analysis involved use of frequency distribution tables, graphs and pie-charts, histograms and various measures of central tendency like the mean and median for easy interpretation. Bivariate analysis was done by performing cross tabulations and Pearson chi square () test to establish the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Multivariate analysis involved fitting a logistic regression model on the factors that influence the nutritional status of under-5 children.

3.2.2 Results and discussions

3.2.2.1 Communities’ perception of climate change and its effects on livelihoods

3.2.2.1.1 Natural resources and land useNatural resources. The communities in the three categories could identify the natural resources they were endowed with. Forests, land, streams and rivers, ponds, wells and planted trees and stone quarries are very important for crop farmers and agro pastoralists while the pastoralists emphasized pastures as very important natural resources.

The crop agriculturists who also keep some livestock regretted that livestock production and food production was on the decrease in the last 5-10 years because of prolonged drought and a decrease in land size available for agriculture. They argued that most of the land is now private and not accessible since it is fenced off. The mixed farmers noted an improvement in their economic status as a result of diversification of economic activities due to sensitization by NGOs and Government. To supplement their income, they are involved in off farm trade. They are mostly engaged in cultivation of rice. This has also contributed to environmental degradation since they clear forests and swamps to grow rice. Over the last 5-10 years, the pastoral communities have changed; they are no longer nomadic, but sedentary and do engage in some kind of crop agriculture in addition to their traditional livestock rearing. The pastoralists also noted a reduction in livestock and crop production due to prolonged drought, crop and animal diseases and pests.

The farmers mentioned provisioning and regulation services as some of the benefits they got from natural resources. For provisioning, the farmers said they obtain products such

as water (for livestock and domestic use), papyrus, sand, pasture, bricks. Some of them grow fast growing crops or vegetables such as maize, yams, cabbages, tomatoes in wetlands during dry season. They also obtain firewood, timber, some wild foods, game meat, herbs, and pastures from forests, woodlands and grazing lands.

In terms of ecosystem regulatory services they benefitted from trees acting as wind brakes, especially against strong winds locally known as ‘ekikongoota’; trees also bring rain and control soil erosion. They admitted that wetlands have ‘cool winds’ wherever they exist; they store water whenever it rains and make it available when there is no rain; and that they filter water and make it cleaner for household consumption.

There were also cultural benefits that were reported in some of the FGDs. For example, the crop farmers from Luteete Parish in Nakaseke District talked about a venerated well called Namalimbe. They said:

‘Namalimbe well never dries up, even in the dry season. We used to have cultural taboos around this well although they are no longer respected… For example, you cannot fetch water from it before washing your feet after gardening; a woman in her periods cannot collect water from it; you scoop water from it using a traditional ladle or calabash; you do not say the water is dirty while on the well otherwise it becomes dirtier; people were not allowed to fish eels from it; someone cannot say he/she is lost while at the well or else they get lost completely…….’

All the farmers complained that the good

Figure 36: Mrs. Beatrice Mukasa, Gender Specialist engaging farmers in a discussion during an FGD in Nakasongola district


benefits they obtain from all their natural resources had reduced over the past 5-10 years. Mrs Mary Kabalika, a female participant in a crop farmers’ FGD in Kyabutaika Parish in Nakasongola District lamented:

‘Our Lugazi swamp used to flood about ten years ago and we could get water and papyrus from it at any time. These days it has become seasonal...It dries up during the dry season and we have to look for alternative sources of water...........’

Asked to explain why the benefits from their natural resources had dwindled, the farmers mostly cited the long dry seasons characterized by low or no rainfall and scarcity of water, over-population, increase in livestock numbers, soil exhaustion, crop pests and diseases, and poor land management practices such as deforestation or the rampant cutting of trees, bush burning and no application of organic manure such as green or farm yard manure in their crop farms.

When asked to explain how the environment they live in is sustained naturally, the farmers said that rainfall and sunshine were crucial in keeping the environment undisturbed and they also opined that a reduction in destructive land use practices such as bush burning and cutting of trees would help in conserving their environment.

Land use. Based on the land use and land cover map generated, Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts are dominated by woodland and bush land (Fig. 37 and Fig 38 respectively), which is a general characteristic of rangelands globally.

Subsistence farming is mainly practiced in southern parts of Nakaseke district and eastern parts of Nakasongola district which are mainly dominated by crop and mixed farmers. Swamps are dominant in northern parts of both districts, especially in areas dominated by pastoralists and also along the shores of Lake Kyoga.

Farming Systems. The different types of farming systems in the two districts are shown in Fig. 39. Three distinct types of farming system are apparent in the two districts. These are mixed crop and livestock farming systems, settled crop farming system and pastoralism. Among the three, mixed farming system is the most dominant in all the sub-counties

3.2.2.2 Perceived evidence of climate variability The preliminary findings show that about 97% of respondents in the two districts claimed to have noticed changes in weather patterns over the last 5 – 10 years, and 86% of them observed that the current weather is less predictable. The most notable changes in weather parameters, reported by various respondents are sunshine hours (74%), rainfall patterns (68%) and temperature (38%) (Fig. 40).

Changes in seasonal rainfall patterns. During FGDs, all the four categories of farmers noted that they now receive less rainfall that is not well distributed in the villages within their parishes and are extremely unpredictable, especially during the second rainy season. Most of them admitted that they now receive the first rains between Mid-March to May/early June and the second rains from August/mid-September to

Figure 37 and 38: Left, Dominant vegetation types in Nakaseke district. Right (Fig. 38), Dominant vegetation types in Nakasongola district


October/early November, yet in the past 5-10 years the rains would come as early as February and go up to early June and the second season from August till the end of November.

Frequency of extreme weather events. All the farmers said that they have noticed that the periods of no rain had become longer compared to what it was 5-10 years. The crop, mixed and pastoral farmers said that in the past, the first dry season would commence in mid-December to early March at most, while the second season would come around June-July. In recent years, the farmers have been experiencing longer dry months, with the first dry season rather unpredictable and stretching from mid-November to March and sometimes early April, and the second dry season beginning at the end of June to August. This means that the dry months have increased, and

that farmers have to contend with a number of predicaments such as long periods without adequate water and pasture, persistent crop failures, food shortages, reduced incomes and crop and animal diseases.

The farmers recall the years or periods when they were hit by severe droughts, floods, and even lightning (Table 17). They added that they have experienced more long droughts in the past two years (2011-2012) and that lightning is a recent phenomenon. Generally, the crop and mixed farmers reported more severe or long droughts (sometimes accompanied by famine as was the case in 1997) compared to the other farming systems since 1980.

Table 17. Occurrence of extreme weather events in Nakasongola and Nakasekke districts 1997-2011.Extreme Weather Events

Years of occurrences

2012 2011 2010 2009 2000 1997Lightening

Thun-derous & windy stormsHailstones

Drought

Severe drought – almost whole yearFigure 40: Community perception of climate

parameters that have changed in the last 5-10 years

Figure 39: Map showing the location of different farming systems in Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts


3.2.2.3 Empirical evidence on climate change and variability in the Cattle Corridor

Rainfall patterns. Like the rest of the country, there are two rainy seasons in the cattle corridor of Uganda (Fig 41). The first season begins from about March to mid-June, while the second rainy season begins from mid-July to

early November. These patterns determine the farming activities. The communities remember that ten years ago they used to receive rains in March-May and August-December but these days they receive insufficient, badly distributed and unpredictable rains in April-May and Aug-November as shown in (Fig 41). This pattern of rainfall has affected their planting pattern

and as a result they have tuned their farming activities to match the realities of weather.

Annual and seasonal rainfall variations. Annual rainfall over the project area showed a fairly decreasing trend since 1960s. Similar non- significant trends were observed for the March to May (MAM) rainfall season and

the September to December (SOND) season (Numisima et al, 2013). MAM seasonal rainfall has been variable and therefore less predictable compared to SOND seasonal rainfall as observed in the coefficient of variation values calculated per decade from 1961/1970 to 2001/2010 (Numisima et al, 2013).

Figure 41. Average monthly rainfall distribution in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda

Figure 42: Annual rainfall variation for the study area of Soroti


Monthly rainfall variations. Decadal monthly rainfall averages 1961/1970 to 2001/2010 show the emergence of the first and the second rainy seasons and the prolonged dry spell of December to February. The end of the first rainfall season and the start of the second rainy season is not clear and farmers would get confused as to when to plant second rain crops (Numisima et al, 2013).

Rainfall seasonal length and onset of rains. There is a negative relationship between length of the growing season and the start of the rains. The relationship is stronger in the second season than the first season(Figure 45, 46). This means early rainfall onset especially in the second season prolongs the length of the growing season and therefore farmers should take advantage of planting most crops when an

early onset is predicted for the second season.

Dry spells in a rainfall season. The number of dry spells within a season has been increasing for the period 1961-2010 (Figure 47, 48). The increase is more pronounced in the first season than the second season (Numisima et al, 2013). This means crop failures are on the rise and hence food insecurity as reported by the community in the household surveys and focus

group discussions (Numisima et al, 2013).

Dry season length. Observations show that the first dry season (June to Early August) is shortening while the second dry season (December to February) is intensifying. This also is in agreement with people’s perceptions who reported that the dry season has been changing most compared to the wet season.

Figure 43&44: Variation in March to May seasonal rainfallTable 18: Summary of seasonal rainfall per decade from 1961 to 2010

Mean Total MAM Seasonal Rainfall Mean Total SON Seasonal Rainfall

Period Rainfall (mm) Standard Deviation

Coefficient of Variation

Rainfall (mm)

Standard Deviation

Coefficient of Variation

1961-1970 483.2 137.3 28.4 389.8 94.4 24.2

1971-1980 449.8 172 38.2 339.7 72 21.2

1981-1990 474.8 100.7 21.2 335.4 87.5 26.1

1991-2000 448.9 151.1 33.7 398.7 45.1 11.3

2001-2010 420.6 107.2 25.5 397.6 88.8 22.3

Figure 45 Figure 46


Temperature trends. The available reliable temperature records from the Uganda Department of Meteorology were for a period of 1993 to 2010 (Fig. 50). This data was used for analyzing temperature trends in the study area. There is a significant temperature increase in the study area

especially in the minimum temperatures and the mean annual temperatures over a period of 17 years, from 1993 to 2010 (Figure 49, 50). The maximum temperatures show a non-significant decreasing trend. However, the minimum temperature and the mean temperature (Figure 49, 50) over the study region showed a significantly increasing trend (Numisima et al, 2013). This increase in minimum temperatures has many implications including outbreak of pests and diseases for human, animals and crops.

Conclusion. The community in general perceives climate to have changed in the last 5-10 years in the study area with sunshine and rainfall perceived to be the most changed climatic parameters in the area. Observations from secondary data show that on average annual rainfall has not changed significantly but there are variations in seasonal rainfall, rainfall distribution and increasing dry spells within a rainy season. Drought is the most significant impact of climate variability as reported by the community, and the most popular adaptation

measure used during this period was buying food. Analysis of secondary climate data reported variability in the length of the dry seasons especially the second dry season of December to February which is increasing in both length and intensity and therefore leading to increased frequency of drought events in the study area as reported by community residents.

3.2.2.4. Crops production and LivestockIn the two districts, Maize production constituted more than 50% of the total income of 52% and 41% of farmers in Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts, respectively. However, a majority of them (73% and 58% of farmers in Nakasongola and Nakaseke, respectively) grew local maize seeds, while only one third (28%) used improved seed varieties (Longe 5). The maize produced was significantly related to area planted. The total harvested maize was significantly related to crop variety,

fertilizer application, labour type used and inter-cropping. Most of the farmers (92%) kept their maize in sacks in the house, due to lack of storage facilities. Surprisingly, some farmers sprayed their maize with a “Herbicide” to induce drying during the heavy rainfalls. Most of this maize was marketed despite the health implications posed.

Up to 74.6% of farmers had maize gardens of less than one acre, and only 8.5% had gardens of more than 5 acres (Fig 51). This is because

Figure 47

Figure 49

Figure 48

Figure 59


the majority of farmers grow maize on a subsistence level with very few commercial maize farms. A majority of the farmers (81%) used family members and hired workers as their sources of labour. About 17% used both human and machines in their operations, and only 2% used machines and these were commercial farmers.

About 57% of farmers planted local maize varieties compared to 43% who used improved varieties. Longe 5 variety was the commonest

improved variety used by farmers because of its availability in local seed shops and its high yield potential. Those who used local seeds were willing to use improved seeds, but were constrained by financial resources, while others did not even know that some improved and high yielding maize seeds existed in the local shops. Only 4% of farmers used fertilizers in their maize gardens. The 96% who did not use fertilizers did not see its importance because their land was fairly fertile and others did not have the financial resources to buy such fertilizers. In addition, there are very few shops that sell fertilizers and most farmers do not know their availability. Maize is inter cropped with other crops. About 55% of the farmers inter-cropped maize with other crops; 24% inter-cropped maize with cassava and 16% inter-cropped it with beans (Fig. 17). The analysis of maize production is presented in Appendix C. The maize produced at the end of the last season was found to be significantly related to area planted, implying that those who planted more harvested more and the reverse was true. The total harvested maize was also significantly related to crop variety, fertilizer application, labour type used and inter-cropping. Surprisingly some farmers took courage to spray their maize with a “Herbicide”, so as to induce drying during the heavy rainfalls last year. Most of this maize was marketed despite the health implications posed.

The production of all crops was reduced by droughts to <50%. Crop farmers diversified their food security base by keeping a few livestock species e.g. chicken, goats, pigs and cattle. Crops provide over 60% of the monthly food intake and about 20% - 45% of income. In response to the impact of drought on crop production, the communities in general resorted to distress migration, charcoal burning and sale of labour to the rich.

Indigenous plant-based food species as a famine coping strategy

Table 19. Indigenous plant species used as food and their percentage frequencyScientific name Local name Frequency (%)Dioscorea bulbifera Kyetumula 402 21.2

Colocasia esculenta Bukopa 695 36.6

D. rotundata Nandigoya 189 9.9Tamarindus indica Enkoge 28 1.5

D. versicolor Namukulu 58 3.1

D. deltoidea Mukulu Juni 25 1.3

D.alata Kisebe 31 1.6D. esculanta Kaama 14 0.7T anguistifolium Matungulu 42 2.2D. triphylla koobe 47 2.5Punica granatum Nkenene 118 6.2

Psidium guajava Mapeera 26 1.4Others 225 11.8Total 1900 100

The indigenous food plant species used as food and their percentage frequencies are shown in Table 8. The results for analysis for nutritional and chemical composition are shown in Appendix E; Tables 9 - 11). The dry matter

Fig 51 Fig 52


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ranged from 33.52 - 81.9% on a fresh weight basis. The ranges of crude protein, ash, crude fat, crude fibre and nitrogen-free extract NFE contents were 5.16 - 31.08, 1.23 - 9.93, 2.51 - 25.8, 1.6 - 18.12, 30.47 - 81.57%, respectively.

The ranges of minerals in ppm fresh weight were K (7.16 - 39.14), Na (10.9 - 67.89), P (20.4 - 131.67), Ca (14.05 - 32.68), Mg (20.51 - 60.1), Cu (0.76 - 113.68), respectively. Phenols, tannins, ascorbic acid and terpenes are the most common chemical compounds in the plants analyzed. These plants could be introduced in the farming system as an adaptation strategy to the impact of climate variability on food security. The main reasons for resorting to the indigenous plants were their drought tolerance, resistance to pests and diseases, and easy availability.

This study highlights the potentials of indigenous plants as a source of nutrients that could be utilized to improve human nutrition in a predominantly low income population, faced with climate variability. The research findings should also stimulate further research into food safety aspects, as well as commercial viability of the species with promise as crops for enhanced cultivation. Based on the nutritive evaluation studies, indigenous plants were found to be good sources of protein, lipid, crude fibre, and minerals. The presence of anti-nutritional factors such as total free phenols, tannins and hydrogen cyanide in the tubers studied can be eliminated by adequate processing.

Livestock production Cattle and goats are the important livestock species in the cattle corridor. Some chicken and pigs are also kept but they are relatively less important. The main factors undermining livestock production in the area are diseases, lack of suitable pastures and seasonal changes in water availability. The diseases include: Ephemeral fever, East Coast Fever, Trypanosomiasis, Anaplasmosis, CBPP, Brucellosis, worms, mange, mastitis, lumpy skin disease, in cattle and swine fever in pigs. Many of the farmers were quite familiar with the symptoms of the diseases and some do attempt to treat the animal when affected.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases. The results showed that Rhipicephallus appendiculatus tick species was the most abundant, followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi, and Amblyomma

variegatum. Other tick species at the time of the study were not observed. Among the tick-borne diseases, East Coast Fever was the most prevalent disease among all the tick-borne diseases. Most of the farmers relied on acaricides for tick control and veterinary drugs for treatment of sick animals.

Prevalence of tick-borne diseases in Nakaseke districtIn pastoral farming system in Nakaseke district, the number of R.appendiculatus ticks per animal ranged between 0 and 15. No ticks were found on calves below 6 months. This could be due to the predominant calf management practices whereby young calves are kept in calf pens. The serological tests show that the prevalence of T. parva was below the cut-off point of 20 within the age groups of calves below 4 months only. However, after 5 months, the prevalence shot up to 65% and drastically dropped at the age of 6 months to below cut-off point of 20 and this was maintained up to the age of 9 months (Fig PPP)

In the mixed crop-livestock farming system, the mean number of ticks per animal varied greatly ranging from about 2 to 24. All the age groups of calves were exposed to tick challenge. The

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56:

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prevalence of T. parva is a mirror image of the tick population at different age groups. The prevalence increased from 1month old calf and reached a peak in calves of 2-3 months old, but drastically dropped in calves 4 months old. Thereafter, it gradually built up to the age of 7 months reaching a peak of 70%.

Prevalence of tick-borne diseases in Nakasongola district In Nakasongola district, in pastoral farming system, the mean tick number per animal also varied greatly at different calves age groups ranging from 0 to 15. Similarly the prevalence of T. parva is a mirror image of the tick challenge. The prevalence decreased steadily from newly born calves, up to three months old calves. Thereafter, the prevalence increased steadily reaching a peak in calves six months old. Subsequently, it fluctuated up to the age of nine months(Fig. 55).

In mixed crop-livestock farming system (Fig. 56), the mean number of ticks per animal ranged from 14 to 28 and no ticks were found on calves up to 1month old. The prevalence of T. parva sharply decreased from newly born calves to calves two months old, reaching a

level of 30%, thereafter it increased gradually for some months up to the age of 6 months, reaching a peak of 63%.

Results of the serological tests indicated a high prevalence of antibodies to Theileria parva which was expressed as percentage positivity, taking 20% value as a cut-off point. This was not surprising as the challenge of Rhipicephallus ticks was high in nearly both farming systems in the two districts.

In Nakaseke district, farmers practice regular tick control on their animals in both pastoral and mixed crop-livestock farming systems. This is evidenced by ticks not being found on calves up to the age of 6 months. In addition the low prevalence of T. parva below the cutting point up to the age of 4months old calves is an evidence that the calves have low maternal protective antibodies against T. parva.

In addition, ticks Amblyomma variegatum which transmit Cowdriosis were found on calves. Since Boophilus ticks which transmit the pathogen for Anaplasmosis were not found on calves, it could be that the farmers mistook Cowdriosis to be Anaplasmosis. This needs to be further investigated.

It was evident from discussions that although most of the farmers applied acaricides on livestock on a regular basis, the tick load on most of the animals in both farming systems were high. This was so even in instances where farmers had indicated that they applied acaricides on the animals a few days prior to the visit. It was clear that the farmers applied understrength concentration of acaricides either due to inability to follow instructions or due to financial difficulties. This improper application of acaricides, especially the use of understrength concentrations could have resulted into ticks developing widespread resistance to the acaricides in the districts. This again needs to be investigated as mentioned above. The high tick prevalence on calves even after repeated applications of the acaricides a few days before the visit, further confirms the possibility of ticks developing resistance to acaricides.

3.2.2.5. Human diseases and their vectors

Mosquitoes, the vector of malaria parasites.


Anopheles gambiae, was the most predominant (almost 100%) mosquito species in Nakaseke district, irrespective of the farming system (Fig. 57). Over 20% of those caught in the mosquito catch were fully gravid. However, in Nakasongola district, the predominant species (62.9%) was Anopheles funestus, followed by A. gambiae (29.8%) (Fig. 58). The other Anopheles spp. species occurred in either very low populations or were absent. Only about 50% of A. funestus caught were half gravid. On average, 21 and 10 mosquitoes were caught per house in Nakaseke and Nakasongola district respectively where the average persons per household for each district was 5 people. Suggesting that mosquitoes are more abundant in Nakasekke than in Nakasongola districts.

Mosquito larval habitats were also diverse, ranging from water tank, ponds, discarded containers, puddles, hoof print, polythene bags, vehicle parts etc. Housing structures had significant influences on the population density of mosquitoes; the grass-thatched structures had the highest mosquito catch when compared to the permanent structures (roofed with iron sheets or tiles).

MalariaAbout 83% of households had cases of fever a week prior to the day of visit and data collection and received treatment for malaria. However, the prevalence of malaria varied greatly in different farming systems. It ranged from 13% to 25%. The prevalence was lowest in mixed crop-livestock farming systems, and was highest in the pastoralist system. The low incidence of confirmed malaria cases compared to those reported with fever, suggests the difficulty in diagnosing the diseases in the rural areas. Consequently illnesses which are not due to malaria were being treated by antimalarial drugs, resulting into wastage of the drugs.

Water, Sanitation and HygieneAbout 43.87% of population in the two districts depended on un-protected springs, rivers, lakes, open pond among others, for their water supply (Fig. 59). These sources were prone to contamination from the surrounding environment. Access to water in the study area was limited. The main source of water dried up during dry seasons, which never occurred before in the past 5-10 years. Only a few households (0.66%) depended on rain water harvesting, mostly using small containers which were infested with mosquito larvae (Refer to Fig 34). In addition, 77% of households had traditional pit latrines, which were also prone to flooding and providing breeding ground for mosquitoes. A great proportion (45.02%) of the households disposed of their solid waste

indiscriminately. Over 12% of the population had no traditional pit latrines and practiced open defecation, which would increase the risk of contamination to water sources and thus put the entire community at risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, hepatitis E and other viral diseases. Those who had latrines, the structures were vulnerable to destruction by floods and the risk of contaminating ground water.

Fig.58

Fig.57

Fig. 59


3.2.2.6. The effects of climate variability and systemic pressures on food, nutrition security and health of communities

Threats to food security

Crop pests and diseases. As a result of climate change and climate variability, the communities identified crop pests and diseases of cassava, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, beans and millet as a major threat to food security in the area. The emergence of mosaic virus and brown streak virus in cassava has led to loss of local varieties that were more compatible with the farming system, particularly during unpredictable weather conditions. Most of the new crop varieties that were introduced are not well suited to the local conditions and easily succumbed to other pests and diseases. Some of them necessitated new management practices which were either not communicated, poorly understood, or were simply incompatible. If not managed properly, crop pests and diseases will result in total crop loss. Since crop sales are a main source of income for rural communities, crop losses caused by pests and diseases have severe consequences on the ability of the households to meet basic requirements exposing them to food insecurity and poverty.

Animal diseases. Animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease were reported by pastoral communities. They identified the source of the diseases as wild animals that shared the limited resources such as water and pastures. This is common during the dry season that is experienced between January-March of each year.

Land tenure systems. The communities, especially those in the mixed crop and pastoral farming system, identified the practice of fencing off land by new landlords as a threat to food security. The community previously had open access to these pieces of land; they relied on this land to gather fuel wood to prepare meals. This means that there is less energy to prepare adequate food for household members. They now rely on crop residue such as maize stalks and combs to prepare meals. In their opinion, this source of energy is not enough to prepare dry beans that require time and energy to prepare. In those homes that can afford fuel wood to prepare meals, the practice of fencing off land is fast contributing to food insecurity. The fenced off land has dense vegetation that is harboring wild animals

such as antelopes, wild pigs and baboons that destroy crops in the gardens. The residents’ attempt to control these wild animals is restricted to the perimeter of the fenced land.

Level of food insecurity

Asked to describe how food secure households looked like in their parishes, all the 4 categories of farmers referred to availability of food gardens and the ability to purchase or sell some food. For example, the crop farmers referred to a food secure household as one that has 2-3 meals a day, 1-2 acre gardens of food crops such as cassava, maize, sweet potatoes and matooke and that it can buy foodstuffs such as maize flour or ‘posho’. On the other hand, the mixed farmers mentioned 3 meals a day, gardens of cassava and other crops and the fact that a household does not buy food; while the pastoralists talked of ability to buy food and at least an acre of crops such as cassava and potatoes. The fishing communities’ ability to sell food and gardens of food crops is an indicator of food security.

Common to both the crop and mixed farmers were aspects such as children looking healthy or unsickly, happy household members, and ability to store some food in a granary; while both the mixed and pastoral farmers mentioned ownership of livestock as an indicator of food security. The crop farmers interestingly noted that a food secure household can have food left-overs that are given to domestic animals such as dogs and pigs.

It was noted that the perception of food security in relation to ability to buy food varied among the crop/pastoral and mixed farmers. Whereas the crop and pastoral farmers thought that

Fig. 60


buying food was an indicator of food security, the mixed farmers argued that it was a sign of food insecurity. Household surveys showed that from1980s -1990s, the communities were food secure. They started to experience food insecurity from mid 1090s, and this increased progressively up to date, with about 30% and 70% experiencing food security and insecurity respectively.

At the time of the study (just after harvest season), the perspective of the community was that there was no serious food insecurity. This view was largely supported by the results of both the Consumption Coping Strategy Index (CSI) score and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The households that can be described as food secure were 82.4%; with 14.7% having a CSI score of 0 and 67.7% having a very low CSI score of less than 50 (maximum being over 100). Further, based on assessment of financially-based food insecurity and hunger using the HFIAS, 88.2% of the households were food secure. Of the about 33% households that showed food insecurity, 42% of them were food insecure without hunger, whereas 58% were food insecure with hunger. Results from 279 households showed that 12.5% of them cut the size of meals or skipped meals because there wasn’t enough money for food during the previous 30 days, and of these 32% did so every week.

The perception of the communities on food insecurity varied greatly between agro-pastoral and pastoral communities. However, there was no significant relationship between farming system and level of food insecurity, but there was a significant, positive correlation between the household size and total expenditure on food in previous seven day period. There were variations in CSI score and adaptive capacity was different among households as shown by differences in land and other asset possession.

Intensity, causes, characteristics and distribution of vulnerabilityVulnerability was caused mainly by crop failure due to drought and unpredictable rains; weak or diseased livestock animals; human diseases and large family size. Crop failure due to drought and unpredictable rains ranked highest among the causes of vulnerability. This was followed by factors such as weak/diseased livestock/animals, large family and human diseases. Climate variability in the area was marred by floods, hailstones and drought.

This was registered to have resulted into crop destruction, increased crop pests and diseases as well as human diseases.

Meal taking and the types of meals taken

Of those who ate breakfast, lunch and supper a majority were adults within the family. Children and adult visitors constituted only about 2-3%. (Table 20). This results show family structure where majority members are adults, children make up a very small proportion and visitors are less common.

Table 20: Category of people (%) who ate meals during the day of the household survey

People who ate meals Breakfast Lunch Supper

n % n % n %

Adult members 99 97 101 96.2 100 6.2

Adult visitors 19 1.0 1 0.9 2 1.9Children 5-12 years 2 2.0 3 2.9 2 2.0

Sample 102 100 105 100 104 100

The food is predominantly carbohydrate in nature and mostly made of cassava and sweet potatoes supplemented occasionally with maize and bananas. Less than 20% of the respondents take milk in their diets, and these are mostly pastoralist families (Table 21 ). Most of the food is from own gardens or livestock. Very few (6%) respondents indicated that they received food from shops in vicinity, local markets as well as those who received food as gift. About 18% of people interviewed were worried that their household would not have enough food in the month, while 23% had to eat a limited number of variety of food due to lack of resources. On the other hand, 22% of people had to eat smaller meal quantity than they felt they needed because there was not enough food to eat.

Table 21: Types of best food items taken by communitiesBreakfast food items Frequency (%)Bananas 8 7.8Cassava 29 28.2Sweet potatoes 29 28.2Beans /Peas 1 1.0Maize -grains 8 7.8Irish Potatoes 2 1.9Maize -Posho 3 2.9Milk 18 17.5Pork 5 4.9Total 103 100


Indeed, over one third of the respondents were very worried that they would not be able to raise food for the family during that time. At least 35.7% of the respondents got worried about food three to ten times in the past three weeks while 33.9% respondents were also worried at least once or twice in the past four weeks. In the same vein, fifty percent of the respondents reported that at least one of their household members was not able to eat the kinds of foods that they preferred because of lack of resources. For the households who did not have enough food for consumption, majority of them walk or cycle bicycles over a distance of three kilometers or more to access food from the markets. This was quite common especially among sparsely populated the pastoral communities.

Nutritional status of adultsThe nutritional status of adults significantly differed in different farming or land tenure systems. The structure of the BMI for the sampled population is shown in Fig. 22. The largest population of the communities had very low BMI (15–17). This suggests undernourishment, as already reported. The undernourished population are from families who were food insecure. Less than 3% of the population had BMI exceeding 36, normally considered as overweight or obese. Malnourishment among the children

Assessment of child nutrition showed no significant difference between a child’s sex, age, birth order, maternal age, marital status and stunted growth (P>0.05). However, there was a significant effect of a women’s occupation on child stunted growth (P>0.05). About 48% of the population had very low BMI of 15–17, which reflected under-nourishment. Only less

than 3% of the population had BMI exceeding 36, normally considered as overweight or obese. About 97% of children had adequate nutritional status but about 3% were at a risk of malnutrition, while 0.59% had severe acute malnutrition.

Table 22. Level of malnourishment among the under five year old children in Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts, 2012

Age intervals in months

Percentage below -2SD

Mean Z-Score (SD)

2χp

<6 16.9 -0.5 1.9932 0.7376-8 13.0 -3.69-11 28.8 -2.212-17 37.0 -1.518-23 45.4 -1.724-35 47.6 -1.836-47 41.8 -2.848-59 40.5 -1.7

Stunting and therefore malnutrition (Table 4) was very severe among the children between six to twelve and thirty six and fourty seven months of age, but this affected about 10-30% of the children population except in over thirty six months old children where the incidence was high (47%). This reflects failure by the parents to provide adequate nutrition to the children over a long period of time and inabilities of the parents to address any recurrent and chronic illness. Hardly any evidence of malnutrition was observed among children under six months of age. This is expected as children of this age depend entirely on breast milk of their mothers. Stunting and therefore malnutrition among children of the age of 12-35 months olds were not as severe.

3.3 Securing Livelihoods in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda

3.3.1 IntroductionThe impacts of stress factors (including climate change) on food security and livelihoods are of increasing concern especially in regions like the Uganda cattle corridor, with pre-existing systemic risks such as arid climate, poverty and environmental degradation. The communities are vulnerable and are unable to cope effectively with the adverse effects of stress factors, including climate change. To enhance community resilience to these shocks and secure their livelihoods, AfrII received funding from the Rockefeller Foundation to


address these challenges, especially in the districts of Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts in the cattle corridor. The Securing Livelihoods in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda, is a three year project which sets out to contribute to enhancing local adaptive capacity (resilience) and secure the livelihoods of communities in the cattle corridor of Uganda. Specific objectives are: 1) improving ecosystem management; 2) improving and securing livelihoods of the communities in the project area and 3) supporting the establishment of innovation platforms for promotion of knowledge sharing to sustainably manage ecosystems and secure improved livelihoods in the communities.

This report which covers the period October 2012 – September 2013 has focused on key project technical deliverables for year one which are: (1) inception workshop launch the project (2) a comprehensive profiling of livelihoods of the communities; (3) determining livelihood–specific strategies and priorities of the communities against the risks of climate change and (4) identification of eighteen innovations platforms.

3.3.1 Inception Workshop

3.3.1.1 Purpose of the workshop

The inception phase of the “Securing Livelihoods in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda” involved a series of stakeholder’s workshops which was held from 29th April to 01st May 2013 in Kapeeka and Semuto Sub Counties of Nakaseke District; and in Lwampanga and Nabiswera Sub Counties of Nakasongola District. The workshops were intended to share with the stakeholders the key research findings from previous studies on climate change adaptation in the area and to introduce and launch the new project “Securing Livelihoods in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda”–funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. The securing livelihoods project is intended to align and to leverage and build on the climate change adaptation project which has been implemented in Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts since 2010 with considerable success and has generated a lot of new knowledge on the subject.

3.3.1.2 Workshop contentA summary of the research findings in years one and two of the climate adaptation project was shared with the stakeholders. These included a description and changes in the livelihoods,

farming systems of the area, health and food security strategies of the communities, past and current and future trends of climate change and variability, its impact on their livelihoods, food and health security and the mechanisms by which communities cope with the climate change risks.

They were also briefed on the societal, organizational and institutional capacity within the project area which could enable them understand and manage the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods. The social, economic and policy- context of climate change and impacts on communities’ livelihood resilience and adaptive capacities were also shared with them. The communities were also briefed on the pathways on how climate change impacts on health and food security, water and pasture availability and increased occurrence of plant and animal diseases.

3.3.1.3 Launching the project

The stakeholders attending the workshop were introduced to the new project, which was designed to enhance livelihoods of communities in the districts of Nakaseke and Nakasongola. The key features of the project were highlighted; and these include establishing 18 innovation platforms as avenues for information sharing on climate smart agriculture and implementing interventions that would enhance their resilience. For each district, the participants were informed that nine (9) platforms would be created; 3 platforms for each farming system.

The participants welcomed the project and the concept of innovation platforms. They understood why it was necessary to study the situation on the ground before introducing innovations. They pointed out that they already had progressive farmers in mind and these should be hosts to the platforms. The procedure for the selection of the platform locations was discussed and the participants requested to be given more time to consult amongst each other, and to extend the consultations to all the parishes in the districts, to ensure ownership and inclusive and participation.

3.3.1.4 Conclusion In conclusion, the inception workshops conducted at these lower levels brought more visibility and ownership of the climate change project. New community members got to know about the project and those who already knew became more confident, trusting and open


about the project. It also brought in greater appreciation of the research process and the innovation platforms.

In the course of the discussions in the workshop, the participants had identified that cultural and social values had tremendously changed and in most cases eroded with time. The establishment of the innovation platforms will therefore be another avenue to cultivate new social networks and to strengthen those that had been weakened or eroded over time in the farming communities. It was clear from the communities that persistent droughts were a great concern to them. The communities and other stakeholders welcomed the project and pledged all their support. The prayed that the coming in of the project will reverse their suffering. They offered to set up Village Platform Committees to be in charge of the platform activities, while the existing Parish Development Committees will monitor or supervise the activates and the Sub County Platform Committee to give technical supervision and overall direction.

3.3.1.5 Workshop Recommendations

The workshop recommended that Climate Smart Agricultural Practices; credit for accessing agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, postharvest handling practices including storage facilities (silos) should be explored and introduced in the area. Policies, laws and regulations governing the use of natural resources and on climate change be shared with the communities; effective mobilization and communication using existing structures at village level, popular local radio stations be utilized; markets for some agricultural produce and innovative technologies be found for the communities. They offered to set up Village Platform Committees to be in charge of the platform activities; the Parish Development Committees to supervises them and the Sub County Platform Committee to give technical support and overall direction.

3.3.2 Livelihood Profiling

3.3.2.1 Purpose and methodologyUnderstanding and profiling the livelihoods of the communities was seen as a key strategic step in delivering interventions that would secure the livelihoods of the communities form the impact of climate change. The livelihoods of communities in crops, mixed and pastoral farming system was profiled based

on wealth groups. This started with wealth breakdown of the communities and ended with outcome analysis. A wealth group was considered a group of households that share similar capacities to exploit the different food

and income options within a particular farming system. Both secondary and primary data was collected by trained research assistants under the supervision of senior researchers. Ten persons in a wealth group participated in the FGDs and provided data on wealth breakdown, livelihoods resources and assets. One adult from each of ten households randomly selected from each wealth group participated in the Household (HH) interviews. Four females in each wealth group were interviewed in the HH interviews to collect data relating to outcome analysis (livelihood strategies = sources of food, income and patterns of expenditure; seasonal calendar; problem specification and coping mechanisms).

A rapid version of the Household Economy Approach (HEA) by Regional Hunger and Vulnerability Programme (2000) was used to provide quantitative information on how much food or cash households gain from a particular source, and on how much they spend, in order to allow a new situation – say drought – to be judged in terms of its likely effect on livelihoods.

3.3.2.2 Livelihood Profiles of the Communities. Livelihood Assets. The poor constitute the majority (50-60%) in all the farming system in the two districts. Those considered rich, the middle class, constitute about 10-15%, and 30-40% respectively of the population. Those below the age of 40 make up about 80%. Natural capital, especially land, is the most important

Fig 63 An FGD interviews at Kapeeka sub county, Nakaseke district, 2012.


asset. The size of land owned varies with wealth groups. The poor and the middle class rely heavily on land. On average the poor, middle class and the rich own approximately 1-5, 3-10

and over 4-15 acres of land respectively. Most of the poor do not own land, they are either squatters (live on bibanja), or rent land and so have no power over the land they occupy. Of the human capital, skilled labour and pension are important for the middle class and former civil servants respectively. Trade in particular, shop keeping is very important among the middle class. In Nakasekke district, pastoralists from the rich, the middle class and the poor wealth groups own large chunks of land - varying from 1-2 square miles; 100-300 acres and 20-99 acres of land respectively. While in Nakasongola District, the pastoralists, particularly from the rich wealth group, own fish nets and boats.

Livelihood strategy. Most of the members of the community derive their livelihoods mainly from crop farming. These are supplemented by some livestock keeping. In Nakasongola and Nakasekke districts, bananas, sweet potatoes, coffee, cassava, maize and beans are most important food and cash crops. Rice is grown in some places in the crop and mixed farming systems, especially in lowlands.

They depend on these crops almost entirely for food which occasionally supplemented by livestock products. About 80%, 75% and 90% of the monthly food intake of the poor, the middle and rich respectively come from crop products (Figure 64). In addition, 48%, 70% and 45% respectively of the poor, middle class and wealthy farmers also get their food from livestock products, milk being the major items.

In the livestock sector, cattle, goats and local chicken are the most important species. Other species are pigs, and sheep. The poor and the middle class keep few goats, chicken, cattle and

pigs. A majority of the rich, especially in the pastoral communities, keep a lot of cattle and few of them keep goats, sheep and chicken. Milk, constitutes the biggest component among the livestock products consumed in all households.

Food purchases is minimum and done only by the middle and the rich. These results are interesting because it shows that the poor depends heavily for food on the crops and livestock they keep and rarely purchases any food.

Sources of income and expenditure. The poor, the middle class and the rich derive most of their income from crop and livestock sales (Figure 65). Maize, coffee, sweet potatoes, cassava; and cattle, chicken, pigs and goat are important for income. Pigs and goats are important to the poor, and so are cattle to the

Figure 64 Sources of food in households by wealth groups in the (top) crop and (bottom) pastoral farming systems, Nakaseke District.

Figure 65. Sources of income in households by wealth groups in the crop farming system, Nakaseke District.


rich. Other sources of income are provision of casual labour, formal employment, charcoal sales, and trade and asset sales. Fishing is most important source of income for the poor and the middle class in Nakasongola district. Most of the income earned is spent on payments of school fees for children, purchasing of food and clothing and medical services for the family.

Pastoral communities earn most of their income from livestock sales irrespective of wealth status. Livestock is the sole source of income for the rich and the most important source of income for the poor and the middle class to whom it contributes about 98% and 80% respectively (Figure 55). This is supplemented from other unspecified sources, such as petty trade etc.

Patterns of expenditure. Main sources of expenditure for the farming communities is shown in Fig 67 for mixed farmers in Nakaseke district. Payment of school fees for children is a major source of expenditure for all wealth groups and accounts for 30 – 40% of their total income. Other major sources of expenditures are purchasing of food (staple and non-staple) and clothing and paying for medical services for their family members and veterinary costs for livestock (Figure 56). The rich and the middle class also spend some money on hired labour.

Farming calendar. The calendar of farm activities is shown for farmers in Nakaseke district (Fig 68). All farmers, irrespective of wealth groups, carry out land preparation during the two dry spells of January-February and June - July. Planting and weeding is done during the two rainy periods of April - May and August – November, while harvesting crops happens towards the end of the rainy seasons

and continues into the dry seasons from end of May to beginning of July and from end of November to January. The rich however, begin planting some of their crops during the dry seasons of January - February and in July. These are dry season vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbages and others. The vegetables mature when there is scarcity of supply and fetch high prices. Similarly, the poor begin harvesting in January, some of the early season crops they planted in October the previous year. These harvests pushes them through the beginning of the rainy season when food scarcity is high as previous food reserves have been depleted by then.

Livestock sales by the poor takes place almost throughout the year except in May and September. They sell no milk at all throughout the year. The livestock sales are normally small animals like goats, pigs and chicken. The middle and the rich however sell some animals in April mostly to buy food for the food scarce period. Their main animal sales are from October – December. They however sell milk throughout

Figure 67. Relative expenditure by households by wealth groups in the mixed farming system in Nakaseke District.

Figure 66. Percentage contribution of livestock to household income among: (bottom) farmers in crop farming system in Nakasongola district; (up) pastoralists in pastoral farming system in Nakaseke District.


the year and this is one of their main sources of income. They are also engaged in vegetable, charcoal sales and providing labour during the dry seasons, and at the beginning of the rainy seasons. Others are engaged in formal employment throughout the year. The rich neither sells animals nor milk during the year. They have other sources of income, other than from farming.

Seasons also affect prices of the commodities. Crop prices rise during the dry seasons (January-February, and December –January) and fall during the wet season (March –August) when commodity supply is high. Peak labour demand is experienced staring February up to August

for land preparation, planting and weeding and harvesting of crops. Scarcity of food occurs during the dry spells (Dec. -Feb and June –July) when drought and pasture depletion are at their peaks.

3.3.2.3 Livelihoods outcome analysisProblem specification. The impact of drought on crop production is shown for pastoral farming system in Nakasongola district (Figure 69). Drought had a serious impact on yield and production of all crops (maize, coffee, sweet potatoes, beans, cassava, banana, groundnuts, millet, rice and tomatoes). Yields of maize, coffee, beans and millet were reduced to below 15% (Figure 69), and to 38% and 27%

Fig 68: Farm operations calendar for the farmers in Nakaseke districts, cattle corridor Uganda, 2013

Activities Wealth Group Months of the yearJan Feb Mar Apri May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Crop productionLand preparation Poor

MiddleRich

Planting PoorMiddleRich

Weeding PoorMiddleRich

Harvesting PoorMiddleRich

Livestock productionAnimals sales Poor

MiddleRich

Milk sales PoorMiddleRich

Figure 69.Impact of drought on crop production by wealth groups during drought in the pastoral farming system in Nakasongola district.

Figure 70. Impact of drought on livestock production by wealth groups during drought in the pastoral farming system in Nakasongola District.


for sweet potatoes for the poor and cassava for the rich respectively. Total loss in yields were recorded for groundnuts, bananas, tomatoes and rice. Similar losses were recorded for crops in both crops and mixed farming systems. The losses have serious impact on food security and household income of the communities. Further, great variation was noticed in response of these crops to drought. Crops especially sweet potatoes and cassava and to a lesser extent maize, beans and coffee produced some yields; the rest didn’t, suggesting the need for careful selection of crops to cultivate in the area. Variation in wealth status also seems to affect the response of crops to drought. Maize, coffee and sweet potatoes by the poor did much better that those for the rich and the reverse is true for beans, cassava and millet. This great variations is probably due to the risk averseness by the poor compared to their better counterparts.

Livestock production was also negatively affected. Cattle, milk and goat sales were

reduced to about 50%. No sales were recorded for pigs and sheep. The reduction in sales also varied with wealth status of farmers. Sale of live cattle and goats by the rich and middle class were much lower than those by the poor. Further, the poor did not sell any milk at all while his colleagues the rich and the middle class were. These results are interesting. They show that in times of drought, different wealth groups suffer differently from impacts of drought - the rich suffering most compared to the poor or the middle class. These findings call for different strategies for addressing the impacts of drought on different categories of farmers.

Communities’ response and coping mechanisms. The poor provide labour to the rich for charcoal burning, while the middle class takes part in brick making. Further both the poor and middle wealth groups respond by selling off livestock and agricultural tools while the rich get involved in charcoal trade to raise money to offset the shortfalls due to drought.

Table 23: Climate change common coping strategies by farmers in the Nakasongola and Nakasekke districts, 2013.

Type of response or coping mechanismLow cost Medium cost High costChange in cropping & planting practices Sale of large livestock Distress migrationSale of small stock Sale of agricultural tools ProstitutionReduction in food meals Sale/mortgaging land Stealing food

Reduction in number of food types Credit from money lenders Thieving in generalFocusing on poor quality food Further reduction in quantity of food consumed Scavenging for food

Collecting of wild foodsUse of inter house transfer of foodsMigration in search of employmentChildren feeding at neighboursFeeding wherever there are festivities

As the poor sells off their tools and animals, they lose their productive assets and are less equipped for the next season. Any subsequent hit by another episode of drought or flood will make them highly vulnerable and less able to cope. They therefore find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of food insecurity and poverty. Further, while the rich engages in charcoal burning, they destroy the trees and cause deforestation which results into greenhouse gases emission into the atmosphere and reduced carbon sequestration, thus contributing further to global warming and climate change with its associated impacts such as droughts, erratic seasons and unusual rainfall, etc.

3.3.3.4 Synthesis of Livelihood-Specific Strategies and interventions

3.3.3.4.1 Procedure for the synthesis.

Representatives of the three (3) wealth groups (the poor, middle and rich) were invited to a focus group discussions (FGD)/ feedback workshops (Fig. 71). The discussions entailed (i) assessing the veracity of the results of the profiling exercise; (ii) reviewing constraints faced in pursuing the livelihood strategies, (iii) selection of preferred enterprises by the wealth groups, and (iv) identifying roles to be played by the communities and AfrII researchers during the setting up and operationalizing of the innovation centers. The farmers in each wealth group were, therefore, requested to form a group of between 25 to 30 members and then choose among themselves the farmer to host the innovation center. The choice of the farmer had to be based on; (i) having the required land


size and willingness to offer the land to host the innovation center (ii) easy accessibility of the site to all the members of the group and (iii) a trustworthy and dependable individual. The respective roles of the community and AfrII were also identified. The centers were to

serve as a demonstration and training center for every wealth group in the farming system.

3.3.3.4.2 Priority enterprises for each farming systems and wealth groups.

Table 24 summarizes the commodities and their constraints. In the crop farming system, maize, vegetables and bananas (Matooke) were selected by the poor, middle class and the rich respectively. The constraints affecting these commodities are listed in the Table 24. Although drought was not singled out as a major challenge in the production of these commodities, it nevertheless kept emerging throughout the discussions, implying that any interventions at these commodities must address the challenge posed by drought in crop production. In the mixed cropping system, pigs and tomatoes were singled out as priority for interventions while cassava and cattle were for the pastoral system; and their constraints are shown in (Table 24).

Table 24: Constraints affecting commodities selected by wealth groups in the farming systems in Nakasekke district, September 2013.Farming system Wealth group

Poor Middle RichCrop farming system

Maize• Cob rot• Northern leaf blight• Stem borers• Poor postharvest

management

Vegetables • Unstable market• Limited capital

Cooking bananas (Matooke) • Wilt • Banana weevil• Soil exhaustion

Mixed crop and pastoral

Pigs • Swine fever• Poor housing and

feeding

Pigs • Swine fever • Poor housing and

feeding

Tomatoes• Wilt and blight• Unpredictable weather• Poor crop husbandry practice • Inadequate knowledge

Pastoral system Cassava • Diseases (brown streak)• Poor varieties• Animal damage

((livestock and vermin)

Cattle • Cattle theft• Tick borne diseases

Expensive labor• Water and pasture

scarcity (during drought)

• Milk and cattle markets are seasonal

• Bad feeder roads • Less land

Cattle • Cattle theft• Tick borne diseases and Makebe)• Expensive labor• Water and pasture scarcity (during

drought)• Milk and cattle markets are

seasonal• Bad feeder roads

In Nakasongola district (Table 25), priority enterprises are pigs and maize for the poor, middle and rich wealth groups in the crop farming system respectively; while for the mixed farming system, the priorities were pigs and cassava for the poor and middle class and the rich respectively. Chicken, pigs and cassava were respectively the high priorities for the poor, middle class and the rich in the

pastoral system. Constraints related to these commodities are summarized in Table 25. The above constraints imply that any interventions should address the constraints in a holistic and integrated manner and must be based on the principles of climate smart agricultural practices. The interventions to address these constraints and challenges are listed in Table 26 against each platforms.

Fig. 71: Feedback workshop for mixed farmers at Kisalizi, Nakasongola district, June 2013.


3.3.3.5 Establishment of 18 Innovation PlatformsSelection and establishment of Innovation Platforms. The innovation platforms were formed in one Sub county per farming system in each district. One platform was formed per wealth group per farming system in each selected Subcounty in each district making a total of 18 platforms. Each platform had a

constitution, an executive, and was registered at their respective Sub-counties. After the first meeting to select the host farmers, a second meeting was held between the farmer groups and the project staff at the host farmer’s home. The purpose of the meeting was to determine the suitability of the site and further explain the concept of platforms and how they would be used to secure their livelihoods.

Table 25: Constraints affecting commodities selected by wealth groups in the farming systems in Nakasongola district, September 2013.

Farming system Wealth group

Poor Middle Rich

Crop farming system

Pigs • Worm infestation• Poor housing• Swine fever

Pigs • Swine fever• Theft• Worm infestation

Maize • Stem borer• Stalk borer• Smut• Unreliable market• Postharvest handling• Animal damage (monkeys)

Mixed farming system

Pigs • Swine fever• Poor housing• Insufficient feeds• Theft

Cassava • Brown streak • Cassava mosaic• Lack of disease resistant varieties• Poor market

Cassava • Brown streak • Cassava mosaic• Lack of disease resistant varieties• Poor market

Pastoral system

Chicken • Diseases• Poor disease

management• Poor housing• Predation

Pigs • Swine fever• Insufficient food

Cassava• Cassava mosaic• Brown streak• Animal damage (wild and domestic)• Bitter varieties• Low prices

Functions of the Innovations Platforms. Details of the Innovations Platforms, their locations, hosts farmers, wealth groups they serve, priority enterprise to be addressed and the interventions are shown in Table 26. The Platforms shall serve as (1) demonstration sites for innovations, (2) knowledge center where exhibits and information materials on relevant technologies and practices shall be displayed for use by farmers, (3) Farmers Listening Club where prerecorded tapes and videos on improved practices shall be played regularly to members of farmers groups who will listen, discuss and internalize the messages. They will be expected to practice what they have learnt on return to their farms; (4) a training center where farmers gather and are trained on agriculture and CSA practices and commercial farming and; (5) as a platform where farmers and other stakeholders meet and interact on issues to do with farming and markets. Each Platform has a Management Committee (MC) elected by members drawn from Farmers Groups in the parish. The duties of the MCs are to successfully manage the affairs and programme of the Platform.

Management of Innovations platforms. The management of the platform was a joint responsibility between the community and the project. The daily operations pertinent to the survival of the demonstrations are going to be that of the executive while the project provides technical back stopping. The platform managers will regularly monitor activities at the platforms and report progress to Africa Innovations Institute. The safety of the technologies and any other items at the platform is the concern of the host farmer, the executive and community as a whole. Any other management issues arising will be handled as stipulated in the constitution governing respective farmer groups.

The roles of the Community, AfrII and Local Government in managing the platforms were discussed. The communities defined their roles on the project as summarized in Table 27. The Local Government roles are to mobilize and sensitize farmers and to provide enabling environment and source additional funding to outscale the innovations.


Table 26: Details of the 18 innovation platforms established at village level in Nakaseke and Nakasekke districts, 2013.Sub-county Parish Host of platform Wealth

GroupEnterprise Interventions at platform

Nakasekke District

Semuto Crop farming system

Kirema Muwanga C. Poor Maize 1. Maize value chain development

Kirema Lwanyaga C. Middle Vegetables 2. Vegetables value chain development

Kirema Kayongo A. Rich Banana(matooke)

3. Banana value chain development

Kapeeka Mixed farming system

Kapeeka Nalumansi H. Poor Pigs 4. Improved pig husbandry and marketing

Kapeeka Kayongo W. Middle Pigs 5. Improved pig husbandry and marketing

Kapeeka Nalukwago R. Rich Tomatoes 6. Tomato value chain development

Ngoma Pastoral farming system

Kyalushebeka Mugisha Y. Poor Cassava 7. Cassava value chain development

Kigweri Mwebaze R. Middle Cattle 8. Innovations in pastures and fodder bank management

Kyalushebeka Kalema F. Rich Cattle 9.Innovations in pastures and fodder bank management

2.Nakasongola District

Kakooge Crop farming system

Kyabutaika Ssembatya L. Poor Pigs 10. Innovations in pig husbandry and marketing

Kyabutaika Kimuli D. Middle Pigs 11. Innovations in pig husbandry and marketing

Kyabutaika Gawera G.W. Rich Maize 12. Maize value chains development

Lwampanga Mixed farming system

Lwampanga Mande R. Poor Pigs 13. Innovations in pig husbandry and marketing

Kiwembi Luyinda S. Middle Cassava 14. Cassava value chain development Kiwembi Bogere R. Rich Cassava 15. Cassava value chain development

Nabiswera Pastoral farming system

Kyangogolo Sserunjoji S. Poor Chicken 16 Poultry husbandryKyangogolo Mbazira S. Middle Pigs 17. Innovations in pig husbandry and

marketingKyangogolo Ntalo S. Rich Cassava 18. Cassava value chain development

Table 27: Roles of the Communities, AfrII and Local Government in managing the platforms

Communities and Local Leaders Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII)

1. Cost-sharing 50%of costs of interventions 1. Cost-sharing 50%of costs of interventions

2. Formation and registration of groups 2. Provision of technical backstopping and advice

3. Management of the center 3. Contribution to management

4. Provision of labor 4. Provision of knowledge and information

5. Provision of security 5. Introduction of appropriate innovations.

6. Mobilization of group members

7. Provision of land, hosting innovation center


3.4 Cassava and Sweet Potato in Enhancing Resilience to Climate Change.

3.4.1 Introduction Cassava and sweet potatoes are important staple crops in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda. They are drought and heat tolerant, rich in carbohydrate content and sustain communities throughout the year as the main source of calories. Despite their importance, little is understood about the roles of these crops in enhancing resilience of communities to the impacts of climate change and variability on food security. The project aimed at bridging these gaps. It helped the livestock and pastoral communities in the area to make the best use of the crops to enhance their resilience to the impacts of climate variability on their food security and livelihoods. The uniqueness and value addition to overall research of this project is that no similar studies combining cassava and sweet potatoes were conducted. Rural communities are vulnerable to the impact of global environmental change especially climate change since they solely depend on rain-fed agriculture as the main source of the food they consume. The level of vulnerability of these communities becomes even much more complex when considering the nature of livelihoods issues related to gender, level of wealth, the ecosystem characteristics e.g. presence of better resources, and the spatial and temporal variation of rainfall and temperature.

The overall objective of this study was therefore to examine the impacts of climate change and variability on cassava and sweet potato

production in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts of the Uganda cattle corridor.

The project assessed the importance and role of cassava and sweet potatoes in the farming communities of Nakaseke and Nakasongola district; it then sought to understand how the importance and role have changed over the last decade including the underlying factors responsible for the change; and finally, it determined the impact of climate variability and change on cassava and sweet potatoes production and recommend best strategies to enhance resilience and adaptation to the changes.

This was achieved through collecting and analyzing data using a variety of methods including stakeholder analysis, focus group discussions and interviewing key informants, household surveys, and crop-modeling.The implementing partners for the project were Africa Innovations Institute, Uganda (George William Otim-Nape as PI), Makerere University, Uganda (Sengendo May, Christine Ddumba, Saul, Daniel) and Michigan State University, USA (Olson Jennifer, Andresen, Jeffrey, Allan)

3.4.2 Targets and Achievements3.4.2.1 Participatory Planning workshopParticipatory planning workshop was held on February 21 and February 22, 2013 at Kabira Country Club in Kampala. The workshop was attended by the Principal Investigator, the four Co-investigators, and invited guests who included graduate students, district extension officers and community members from Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts and scientists from Makerere University and Africa Innovations Institute.

Fig.72:(a) (left)Fresh Cassava roots, (right) Fig.22 (b) Sweet potato, displayed from a market stall. Cassava and swwet potato are becoming important because of their abilities to tolerate drought and to climate change.


The first day of the workshop was used to brief the participants about the research project; review the research agenda and questions; review the study design; identify the sources of data to be used; identify priority constraints, needs of communities and risks in management of the project; and design a questionnaire and a

check list for the stakeholder analysis workshop which was to take p lace the following day on February 22, 2013. The second day of the workshop was a participatory planning workshop held to evaluate the stakeholder analysis workshops, to revise the project work plan, and to assign roles and responsibilities to the research team for subsequent project activities.

3.4.2.2 Stakeholder analysis workshopTwo stakeholders’ analysis workshops were conducted in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts at the district headquarters on February 23, 2013. The workshops were structured in a way that enabled the participants to contribute and respond to questions freely in order to get as much information as possible from participants. The purpose of the stakeholder analysis workshop s was to identify the most essential stakeholders, their interests and threats, way they are addressing the challenges they face, and identify opportunities where the research project could be useful to the communities. The workshops were attended by community members, district extension officers and political leaders from local governments.

3.4.2.3 Focus group discussions A checklist for focus group discussions (FGDs) was developed by the project research team,

tested, and used to guide the meetings. The research themes covered in the check list included; environmental and climate variability, the imp acts of climate change and variability on yields of cassava and sweet potatoes, mitigation measures undertaken, and recommendations for best strategies

to enhance resilience and adaptation to the changes. A total of 8 FGDS were conducted in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts in June, 2013.The FGDs were coordinated by a facilitator who was assisted by a note taker and a technician. The FGDs were composed of ten to twelve males and females selected based on whether they had similar interests in growing cassava and sweet potato. The respondents were farmers from three farming systems namely : farming systems predominantly growing sweet potatoes and cassava (Lwabiyata-Kiterede, Kapeeka); mixed farming communities rearing animals and growing cassava and sweet potatoes (Wakyato); and pastoral farming systems predominantly rearing cattle and growing crop s on a small basis (Ngo ma and Nabiswera)

3.4.2.4 Household surveys

A questionnaire was developed, tested and used to collect data during the household survey s. A total of 320 household surveys were conducted in the study area in July 2013. The questionnaire covered household characteristics, views on climate change, water availability, labor dynamics, activities and roles by season for cassava and sweet potato production and utilization, source of livelihood for households, importance and roles of cassava

Figure 73: Secretary of Production Nakaseke District addressing a stakeholder meeting on climate change. In attendance Dr. Sengendo May Makerere University, Dr. Olson Jennifer and Dr. Jeffrey Andresen Michigan State University, United States of America; May 2013.


and sweet potatoes in households, pre- and post-harvest problems, and crop productivity changes in cassava and sweet potatoes. The data collected from the survey s is undergoing data entry process and later will be ready for analysis.

3.4.3 Lessons learnt and the way forwardThere were some problems encountered during the focus group discussions (FGDs). There were disagreements on the difficulties that farmer’s face in cases where there were pastoralists who had shifted or added crop production (cassava and sweet potato) on their activities.

Pastoral farmers had conflicts with farmers who predominantly practice cassava and sweet potato farming, since they could not transfer to next plots as fast as the pastoral farmers.

Mobilising and getting participants ready was a challenge in some cases and therefore led to delay s in starting the meetings. This was due to long distances which participants had to walk.

More questions were asked by farmers about the scientific, pest and disease related aspects of cassava and sweet potato. The questions were sometimes beyond the scope of the climate variability r e l a t e d challenges to cassava and sweet potato. The Research team has p l a n n e d to compile a list of frequently asked questions on climate change variability, cassava and sweet potato pests and diseases and what can be done.

Finally, there was a challenge of poor to non-existent records of cassava and sweet potato data. We used field experiment reports from NaCRRI to address this problem.

3.5. School and Community WoodLot Programme, Northern Uganda

3.5.1. IntroductionNorthern Uganda has had over twenty years of war and insurgency due to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency. Most of the population were displaced into internally displaced people’s camps (IDPs) in order to guarantee their safety by the Government. Like in many areas in northern Uganda, the people in the IDP camps would move distances from their camps in search of firewood for cooking. This has had devastating effects on the tree population and vegetation in the region and the district in particular. Fuelwood and poles for building and local use are in great shortage, sometimes forcing households to use reeds and cassava or maize or sorghum stems for cooking.

With the advent of peace as a result of the defeat of the LRA, many people have returned to their homes. The challenge however has been the lack of fuelwood for cooking, poles for home construction, and trees for soil conservation since agricultural production is in earnest. The people also lack technical skills in raising tree seedlings, an essential tool for agroforestry. To address the above challenges, and increase the availability of fuel wood, poles and other agro forestry products, to AfrII received funding from Ashden Trust, UK train and primary school children, their teachers and parents in woodlot planting in Kole district, northern Uganda. The objectives of the project

Fig 74. Mr Simon Ogwal conducts an FGD in Lwampanga, Nakasongola district, 2013

Fig 75. Mr Vincent Lutwama an AfrII research assistant conducts household survey interview to Mrs Jane Namakula Nakasekke district


were to (1) train school teachers and pupils in selected primary schools in Kole district on agro forestry best practices, tree nursery and woodlot management; (2) establish and manage tree seedling nurseries and woodlots in a number of schools in Kole district; (3) train and support parents of beneficiary pupils to establish and manage woodlots, (4) establish school agro-forestry clubs and tree planting association to further the intentions of the project on a sustainable basis.

3.5.2. Project Goal and objectives.3.5.2.1 Goal: Increased availability of fuel wood, poles and other agro forestry products in schools and homesteads in five sub-counties in Kole district, northern Uganda.

3.5.2.2 Objectives The objectives of the project were to:

• Establish Eucalyptus hybrid woodlot and agroforestry plantation establishment in primary schools, churches and communities in the five sub-counties of Kole district.

• Establish and manage central nurseries for production of Candlenut trees (Aleurites moluccana) seedlings and Eucalyptus hybrid clones in Kole district.

• Train community in vegetative propagation of Eucalyptus hybrid clones using macro cuttings.

3.5.3. Progress and Achievement of Project Objective

3.5.3.1 Demonstrate and establish Eucalyptus

hybrid woodlot and Candlenut plantation in primary schools, churches and communities in the five sub-counties of Kole district.

3.5.3.1.1 Stakeholder workshops

As was done in year 1, stakeholders’ workshops were conducted this year (Table 28). One workshop was conducted in each school. The workshops were conducted between 4th and 22nd February 2013, at the beginning of term one of the school academic calendar. They were attended by student representatives, head teachers, patrons of school environment clubs, representatives of school management committees, Sub County project coordinators, Sub County leaders and officials from the District Education Office (DEO).

The objectives of these workshops were:• Communicate rationale and activities of

the project.• Communicate school selection criteria.• Introduce the strategy of school

agroforestry clubs.• Form a partnership with each school.• Assign roles and responsibilities of each

partner.• Draw a joint implementation work plan.• Identify farmer groups to receive Aleurites

moluccana seedlings.

During the workshops, stakeholder’s assigned roles and responsibilities as outlined in Table 29

Table 28: Roles and responsibilities assigned to stakeholder group for managing community woodlots

School management committees.

School administrations. District Education Office. Africa Innovations Institute.

• Identify school land to host the woodlots.

• Mobilize parents and community to provide labour whenever the need arose.

• Supervise the management of the woodlots.

• Supervise implementation of routine woodlot management procedures.

• Protect woodlots from stray animals and report any malicious damage.

• Supervise activities of school agroforestry clubs.

• Participate in joint monitoring and evaluation of the woodlots.

• Participate in joint Monitoring and Evaluation exercises.

• Play advocacy role with the district leadership.

• Provide overall supervision, monitoring and evaluation.

• Provide planting material and technical advice.

• Meet financial obligations of implementing project activities.


Three hundred and forty five (345), sixty (60) and thirty (30) pupils, teachers and school management committee members respectively attended the workshops. In addition 1,500 community members were trained during the workshop, making total participation of 2,280 (Table 29). For purposes of monitoring and evaluation, it was agreed that two joint visits per term would suffice. One at the beginning of the term and the other in the middle were

conducted. The project staff conducted the third one at the end of the term since the schools were engaged in preparation of end of term examinations. Thirty joint monitoring and evaluation exercises were conducted this year, while another separate fifteen M&E exercises were conducted by project staff. The schools have been instructed to prepare five acres each to receive Eucalyptus hybrid clones to establish woodlots in March 2014.

Table 29: Participating schools that attended stakeholders workshops

Sub County Name of schools Pupils Teachers Parents

(SMCs) Community members

Total

Boys Girls Total

AlitoAlin Leper P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Okwer-Odot P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Alik P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152

BalaDam-Atira P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Alem P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Angic P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152

AbokeAcul-Banya P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Wigua P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Alyat P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152

AkaloTik-Oling P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Bar-Dwo P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Akalo P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152

AyerAbur P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Abilo-Nino P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Tekidi P/S 11 12 23 4 2 100 152Total 165 180 345 60 30 1,500 2,280

3.5.3.2: Establish and manage central nurseries for production of Candlenuts (Aleurites moluccana) seedlings and Eucalyptus hybrid clones in Kole district.

3.5.3.2.1 Production and distribution of seedlings of Candlenuts trees, Aleurites moluccana

This year, the project purchased four hundred (400) kilograms of Aleurites moluccana seeds from different sources in Central Buganda. One hundred kilograms of seeds each were given to Bala and Aboke community nurseries. The balance 200kg was used at the nursery for germination. Seeds were sown in the first quarter (December 2012) of the year and distributed to farmer groups in the second quarter (March-April 2013). Out of an anticipated 45, 000 seedlings, only 20,000 seedlings were ready at the onset of rains in March. Planting did not occur because of the

sudden occurrence of drought that disrupted agricultural activities in the country. The ready seedlings and another 20,000 that germinated during this drought were instead distributed during the second rains of August-November 2013. The seedlings were distributed to eight farmer groups. Two groups from each of the following Sub Counties; Bala, Aboke, Alito and Akalo. Each farmer group comprised of fifty members. Each member received 100 seedlings to plant 2 acres. In total, 400 farmers received seedlings to plant eight hundred acres this year (Table 30). Meanwhile, Africa Innovations Institute is maintaining good relations between the farmers and Cenergy (U) Limited, a biodiesel processing company who will purchase seeds from the farmers once the trees reach maturity, four years later. An orientation exercise was conducted to remind members of the farmer groups about the proper planting procedures and how to care for the crop while in the garden.


Table 30: Farmer groups that received Aleurites moluccana seedlings.

Sub County Name of Farmer group Number of members Number of seedlingsAboke 1. Acan Kwo women’s group 50 5,000

2. Onote Ipit farmers group 50 5,000Akalo 1. Note Ber youth group 50 5,000

2. Ter mot savings group 50 5,000Alito 1. Kony Pacu farmers group 50 5,000

2. Can Okanyo youth group 50 5,000Bala 1. Wek Nen farmers group 50 5,000

2. Acan Pe Nino farmers group 50 5,000Total 40,000

N.B. Farmer groups from Ayer Sub County were not ready at the time of planting.

3.5.3.2.2 Inspection and evaluation of readiness of project beneficiaries to receive seedlings

Unlike the previous year, the site inspection exercise was conducted by a team comprised of the respective Sub County project coordinators, executive members of the farmer groups, Local council 1 chairpersons and farmers. There was a slight change in the approach because of the germination pattern exhibited by the seeds. A few seeds germinate at a time, usually twenty to fifty per week, so an inspection was always carried for those farmers that could receive seedlings that had germinated. It was difficult to synchronize the inspection exercise because of the cost implications. A follow up visit by the project manager confirmed that the farmers were conversant with the planting procedures and that there were no major conflicts among members of the households. On a happy note, farmers from Alito Sub County which was the epicenter of activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) managed to plant. They have expressed interest in receiving more tree species.

3.5.3.2.3 Establishment of school agroforestry clubs, nurseries and distribution of seedlings.

After demonstrating the ability to look after the initial Eucalyptus hybrid clone woodlots, the project management decided to establish a central school agroforestry nursery to raise Grevillea robusta and Maesopsis emnii seedlings. Twelve and twenty kilograms of Grevillea robusta and Maesopsis emnii were sown respectively. The nursery was established

Figure 78: Members of Te-Obia Primary School Agroforestry club using music and drama to inform Jo Temple about their club activities.

Figure 76: Members of Aberdyangoto Primary School Agroforestry Club show Ms Jo Temple an area where seeds of Maesopsis emnii were sown. Left in the back ground is the school nursery.

Figure 77: Jo Temple from Sainsbury Charitable Trust speaking to members of Aberdyangoto P/S agroforestry club in June 2013


at Aberdyangoto primary school, Bala Sub County. All standard nursery operations were implemented by the school agroforestry club with technical guidance of the project coordinator and club patron. Prior to locating the nursery, a two day teaching and practical exercise was conducted to inform members of the agroforestry club about the principles and practices of nursery establishment and management. This exercise was conducted in February 2013. The themes taught were: definition of a nursery; types of nurseries, factors to consider when citing a nursery; dimensions of nursery beds and impacts of aspect and alignment on seed germination once in the germination bed; soil mixture ratios; daily care and hardening of seedlings: water and nutrient regimes.

The project had hoped that seedlings would be distributed for planting during April-May rains. This did not happen as a result of a sudden occurrence of a drought. Seedlings were instead planted in August. It is this central nursery that Jo Temple visited when she came to Uganda. Each school received 1,312 and 910 seedlings of Grevillea robusta and Maesopsis emnii respectively. Agroforestry clubs were established in ten schools in two sub counties; Bala and Aboke. These schools are; Aweingwec, Imato, Omuge, Bala, Adyang, Te-Obia, Aberdyangoto, Igel, Okwor, and Okole primary.

These clubs have executives comprised of a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. The club membership is made up of a patron and students from primary five to seven classes. They manage the nurseries, practice

agroforestry using school gardens where they plant cover crops such as groundnuts and beans in the young woodlots. They also use music, dance and drama to convey messages on environment and environment protection.

The clubs also conduct literary sessions where students improve their reading by reading and spelling to one another. AfrII collected newspaper articles and contributed them to the clubs for use members of these clubs.

3.5.3.2.4 Demonstration of the superiority of clonal eucalyptus hybrids The one acre demonstration plot established in April 2011 is impressive. The trees have a uniform girth with excellent health. There are no visible signs of disease infestations and termite destruction. As was expected, GC 796/2 hybrid clone has out-performed

Figure 79: Impressive one year old woodlot at Te-Obia Primary School, Balla Sub-county, Kole district February 2013.

Figure 80: Prof. Otim-Nape inspects the borehole water pump as one of the community members demonstrates how it is working effectively. The borehole water pump was drilled by AfrII at its clonal Eucalyptus nursery at Amula Liira N. uganda


the other three clones; GC 578 and GC 796. The demo has begun to serve its usefulness of demonstrating the unique growth traits exhibited by clones compared to the current local eucalyptus trees. There is overwhelming demand from the District Education Office to bring secondary schools on board.

3.5.3.3 Production of Eucalyptus hybrid clones at central nursery.3.5.3.3.1. Drilling of a borehole water pump to provide water to the nursery

Water is the lifeline of a clonal nursery production facility. The water is needed right from the time of establishing clonal hedges in the mother garden, in the production process and hardening off of plantlets in the grow out. The nursery therefore must be located close to a reliable water source such as a stream.

In the absence of a stream, the project drilled a deep well borehole with a yield of 1.8m3 per hour to meet the daily needs of the nursery. As part of its strategy to ensure un-interrupted water supply, the project plans to acquire a 10m3 water tank to act as a reservoir to which water from the borehole will be pumped and stored for nursery use.

3.5.3.3.2 Establishment of clonal Eucalyptus mother garden to feed the clonal nursery

To realize the target of establishing at least one woodlot per primary school in Kole district, the project established a mother garden containing fifteen thousand (15,000) ramets of three hybrid Eucalyptus clone types, GC 578, GC 796 and GC 796/2 (Fig 81, Fig 82). Each clone was established in blocks of 25m X 25m. The project established six (6) blocks each having 2,500 plants. The clones were planted in double hedges, 0.5m between hedges and 0.75m

along hedges. The daily water requirements of the hedges will be met by delivering water using watering cans. There are plans to install drip irrigation using proceeds from sale of plantlets to the community. The mother garden was weeded regularly using hand hoes. Its nutrient and moisture status should be monitored frequently using leaf color and fingers respectively. Of particular interest are the NPK levels. All values will be kept above critical. Nitrogen based macro fertilizer especially Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) was applied at the time of cutting back to encourage the growth of coppices. A fertigation schedule that will involve quarterly application of UREA, DAP, and NPK is currently being developed. The fertilizer will be applied at a specific of 200kgs/ha.

3.5.3.4. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Nine joint monitoring exercises were conducted this year for woodlots established in the first year of the project. There were two visits per term. These exercises were mostly to check on how regularly the woodlots were being weeded and reminding them to do so whenever the need arose. It was noticed during these visits that termites were still a challenge. A few of the already established and impressive trees have been destroyed by termites especially during the dry season. Earlier attempts to use eco-friendly methods such as digging trenches to control termites has not been as effective as expected before. During subsequent funding, chemicals will be used to protect those schools that will establish new woodlots. Monitoring and evaluation exercises were also conducted by sub county project coordinators and respective head teachers and members of farmer groups.

Fig 82: Workers attend to ramets of clonal Eucalyptus at the mother garden in Amuca Central Nursery, October 2013

Fig 81: Clonal hedges of clonal Eucalyptus at the mother garden at Amuca Central Nursery, October 2013


Capacity Building Programme4

4.1 IntroductionCapacity, the ability of individuals, organizations and societies to perform functions, solve problems and set and achieve goals to the satisfaction of stakeholders is critical in national and regional developments. Several studies have identified this element as a critical limiting factor in African agricultural development. Consequently, sustainable creation, utilization and retention of national and regional capacity to effectively implement agricultural development programmes in order to improve people’s livelihoods become fundamentally important.

This programme supports national and regional organizations, programmes and institutions to develop their individual, organizational and societal capacities for implementation and sustainable management of selected development programmes, commodities, pests and disease situations. The specific projects in the programme included;

4.2. Science and technology in tropical roots for development in ACP countries

4.2.1 IntroductionDespite the importance of tropical root and tuber crops to development in many ACP countries, insufficient investments attention has been accorded to the development of the commodities compared to cereal commodities. Consequently scientists working on these crops are few and less represented among research grant applicants and funded proposals. The key objective of the project was to build capacity of early career root crops scientists in various aspects of root crops research and development. The specific aim was to impart ideas, provide support and feedback, and raise awareness of the importance of tropical root

crops for food security, nutrition, income and climate change resilience; and to alert them on the importance of intellectual property, and ensuring that policy makers were aware of the role they could play in supporting this sector. For many scientists, issues of policy and aspects of their work relating to intellectual property rights had not previously been considered.

The project was implemented in 7 countries in the ACP regions i.e. Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Fiji and Papua New Guinea; with the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich - (UoG-NRI), United Kingdom being the lead institution and key beneficiary of the grant contract. Other consortium institutions are Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII), Uganda; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria; Caribbean; Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Trinidad and Tobago (CARDI), Caribbean and National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Zambia (NISIR). The target groups in this project were scientists and technologists working on RTCs in the public and private sectors, specifically early career scientists and policy makers.

The key beneficiaries of the project are those who benefited from advances in pre- and post-harvest research activities including the root crop farmers, traders, processors, small and medium scale enterprises and consumers.

4.2.2. Outputs and Achievements

4.2.2.1 Project Management Committee (PMC) planned and manages project activities.

PMC members from AfrII Uganda, FUNAAB Nigeria, CARDI, Caribbean, NISIR, Zambia, UoG-NRI UK and the Councilor, South Pacific/ISTRC participated in the meetings organized in all the 7 countries. The PMC members met in each


case for two days and finalized the timetable, harmonized the modules to get country relevant examples, and agreed on field work sites and checklist. The manuals were modified to suit each country and region. Tasks were shared for each member of the PMC. Policy briefs were approved by PMC and updated on the websites of the ISTRC and EUACP-NRI.

4.2.2.2 Concept of an International Community of Practice (ICP) launched.

There was an increase in ISTRC membership from 300 in October 2011 to 518 from 45 countries by 2013 as a result of concerted efforts by the PMC using social networks (websites, Facebook, twitter, regional meetings & ISTRC symposia). The project website (http://www.nri.org/projects/tropicalroots/) which was developed to inform root and tuber scientists about the project enabled a large number of scientists to register their interest.

4.2.2.3 Satellite meetings to ISTRC symposia undertaken. Two special sessions on the EU-ACP project were organized by the PMC in Kinshasa, DR Congo and Abeokuta, Nigeria during ISTRC-African Branch symposium. AfrII PMC member Francis Alacho was part of the panel that made presentations. Others were Professor Keith Tomlins, Professor Satish Chandra, Claire Coote, Dr Gregory Robin, Chitaku Muchelen’anga, Professor Lateef Sanni, Associate Professor Umar from USP and Professor Halim from UNITECH. Participants included mentors and mentees from African countries, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and other symposium participants world-wide.

4.2.2.4 Possible research needs in ACP countries established.Distribution of respondent by age and qualifications. A study was conducted to assess the available capacities for root and tuber crops research in the ACP regions. The methodology involved online registration of different experts and scientists in all aspects of RTCs research for development. The majority of the registered experts were aged between 20 and 50 years with PhD, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in different aspects of root and tuber research (Fig.83 , 84). Research areas included plant breeding, general agriculture, biotechnology and tissue culture and less than 3% of the experts were postharvest or food scientists, which may necessitate the need to strengthen capacity in this aspect of root and tuber research (Fig. 83). Over 80% of the registered scientists were based in Africa, indicating the need for greater involvement of scientists from other ACP regions.

Research needs: With the overall goal of making root crops spur industrial development and raise incomes for farmers, processors, investors, marketers, and other end users in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, the following research needs in the production segment of the value chain (Table TT) are suggested based on various expert consultations within the last two years. Needs in the post-harvest and value addition segment of the value chain is outlined in Table 31

Figure 84: Educational qualifications of RTC scientists in ACP countries registered under the project

Figure 83: Percentage distribution of respondent by age under the EU-ACP project;


4.2.2.5 Training materials to support regional training programmes developed.

The training materials were centered on research proposal writing, research methods and IPR. These included a training manual,

which incorporated the PowerPoint material and additional material, such as sources of research grant funding. These were developed during the first Uganda training and was improved

Figure 85: Areas of expertise of RTC scientists registered under the project.

Fig 86. Reading materials in CD forms provided to each participant


Table 31. Research needs in the processing and value addition segment of the value chain

1. Research efforts focused on applications of modern/emerging food processing technologies that is capable of evolving more uses for RTC, and explore zero-waste post-harvest and processing system

2. Assess the impact of climate change on RTC products value chains specifically focusing on the impact on post-harvest issues including drying and storage.

3. Development of improved and novel products using integrated raw material utilization approach.

4. Development of high premium industrial products using waxy root crops

5. Development of nutritionally (high protein and micronutrient contents) balanced root crops and products.

6. Develop tools for product standardization, quality assurance and consistent consumer acceptability schemes for improved and novel products.

7. Understanding and improving the marketing and handling systems of tropical root crops.

8. Development of improved storage systems for RTC.

9. Developing feeds and feeding systems from root crops for different livestock.

Table 32. Research needs in the production segment of the value chain

1. Development of high and stable yielding RTC varieties with high industrial traits and resistance to major pests and diseases (e.g. CMD and CBSD resistance genes) and meting end user requirements.

2. Development of sustainable systems for clean planting material for farmers.

3. Development of rapid, easy and cheap privately owned tissue culture tools for root crops in the regions.

4. Develop production technologies that maintain or increase soil fertility levels in agricultural based farming systems in target zones.

5. Crop husbandry including organic production systems

6. Impact of increased incidence of extreme weather events (flooding and drought) due to climate change on diseases and pests of root crops and food production.

7. Managing priority pests and diseases and beneficial microbial communities.

8. Exploiting GMOs in bio-fortification, pest and disease resistance and other desirable traits.

9. Environmentally focused research to reduce soil erosion, production/processing pollution, and prevent ecosystem destruction from shifting cultivation or deforestation.

and upgraded at each subsequent training. All these materials were supplied to the participants in PDF format on a CD (Fig 87). Exercise handouts were provided to support individual or group assignments. The training programmes stressed an experiential, learning-by-doing approach with participants involved in multidisciplinary team work and peer learning. A fieldwork exercise was integral to the training course. These were done Kalerwe Market, Nakumatt supermarket, Uchumi supermarket, Kame market in Mukono Municipality.

4.2.2.6 Training of Early Career Scientists

A total of 493 early career scientists from the 7 countries were trained in writing

research proposals, research methodology and intellectual property rights. Of these 76 were Uganda trainees (Fig 87). Thirty (30) Master Classes were also conducted of which 6 were Ugandans. The Uganda trainees were from 3 Public Universities, 4 Private Universities; 2 National Research Institutes, 8 Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institutes, the private sector and African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS). Further, AfrII produced a two and half hour documentary on aspects of the EU-ACP training courses held in Uganda.

In Lot 1 training, NARO dominated the participants. Other trainees were from

87: 88:


Makerere, Busitema and Gulu Universities, the CGIAR Centers and AfrII (Fig 87). They are from diverse disciplinary mix (Fig 88) ranging from food technologists to agricultural engineers, suggesting the broad interests the courses had generated.

In Lot 2 training (Fig.91), the institutions were diverse but NARO still dominated the training followed by Makerere University. Other new comers were other universities and the private sector. Notable in the training were Busoga, Gulu and Mountain of the Moon Universities. The participants’ professional background were the most diverse (Fig.92). It included a mix of research, field or teaching assistants and technicians, students, scientists, directors and consultants.

The broad disciplinary mix is a reflection of the nature and interests the courses had generated among potential participants. Gender was a key considerations in the two trainings. Although male participants dominated both trainings, female participation was 36% - 44% of total participants, which is very good by national standards.

4.2.2.7 Post-course evaluation and feedback

Course participants provided feedback on the course content, delivery, logistics and their intentions regarding their own research activities (Fig 90). The figure presents the scoring of the content of the Lot 1 course in Uganda where a score of 1 indicated excellence

and a score of 5 indicated very poor. Based on the results, all the course contents were rated excellent to very good, implying the suitability of its content and excellence in delivery of all the modules.

Figure 90: Participants’ scoring of course content, Uganda (n=35). Score: 1- excellent, 5= very poor.

Fig. 89: Course participants and trainers, Makerere University campus in Kampala April (left) and Central Inn, Entebbe Uganda in June (right).

91: 92:


4.2.2.8 Accreditation of the courses to a postgraduate qualification Gulu University in Uganda, FUNAAB in Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology are examining the possibility of adopting the training modules as part of post graduate academic qualifications and certificate programmes as well for promotional avenues. At the Department of Agriculture, UNITECH, South Pacific, parts of all the 3 training modules are being incorporated into the academic courses for the postgraduate diploma, MPhil and MSc degrees.

4.2.2.9 Outcome on final beneficiaries and target groups. There is improved awareness, readiness and significant contributions to the development of acceptable concept notes and proposals on root and tuber crops. Several Universities sent their new graduates, early career staff and students undertaking Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy to participate in the course. This helped some prepare their thesis proposals. Several early career scientists from National and Zonal Research Institutes of NARO participated and improved their skills and attitude towards RTCs research. Some have benefitted greatly by using the knowledge and skills gained to access grants for projects and others have improved their status for admission to higher degrees as shown in the case highlighted in text box 1 below.

4.2.2.10 Publications produced during the project:

The project produced 3 training manuals on Research Proposal Writing, Research Methodology and Intellectual Property Rights. Four policy briefs were also produced on: [a] Food security and global food crises, [b] Impact of climate change and variability, [c] Opportunities provided by bio-fuels and exports, [d] Enterprise development and income generation.

4.3 Impact Evaluation of ASARECA Operational Plan

4.3.1 Introduction

The Africa Innovations Institute and the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, UK implemented an Impact Evaluation of the First Operational Plan (OP-1) 2008-2013 of ASARECA. The main objectives of the evaluation were to: (1) assess the quality of the OP-I design and implementation arrangements; (2) analyse effectiveness of OP-I in addressing the agricultural challenges of the sub-region and present lessons learned; (3) critically undertake economic analysis and assess achievements of the implemented projects; (4) critically assess the performance of ASARECA in meeting its Development Objective as stipulated in the OP-1 and Results Framework; (5) obtain an objective evaluation of how proponents of projects are complying with environmental and social safeguards (ESS) requirements and enforcing policy and or legislative requirements; (6) examine the strategic positioning of ASARECA as a knowledge hub in agricultural research and development in ECA; (7) generate key lessons learned that may be helpful in the implementation of the ASARECA OP-II.

To achieve the above objectives, the evaluation assessed the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, achievements and sustainability of selected projects and the extent of performance towards fulfilling the Development Objectives of ASARECA. The methodology included qualitative and quantitative methods: desk review; key informant interviews of around 50 project stakeholders (with visits to 7 countries); focus group discussions with beneficiaries and stakeholders; household survey of project beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, including 1,072 farmers in four representative countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda). Twenty five percent (25%) of the respondent were female-headed households).

4.3.2 Key Findings and RecommendationsIn brief the study found that the change in value of agricultural output for the ECA sub-region over the programme period has been positive, with four countries exceeding CAADP targets. Changes in national average yields (from FAO Figures) of key crops between 2008 and 2012 for ASARECA countries show more variability: some (maize, rice, sweet potatoes and beans)


were positive while others (cassava and green beans) had declined. However, increases in yields of key crops have been achieved by beneficiaries of most projects surveyed, and stakeholders who accessed new technologies, and management practices far exceeded the target, while cash incomes and food security of beneficiaries increased significantly for most of the projects surveyed.

In addition, total value of net agricultural output (crops and livestock) increased in real terms 2008-2012 for beneficiary households surveyed from $ 940 to $1047 far exceeding

those for non-beneficiaries. Spill over effects were highly positive for the projects surveyed, and the contribution of ASARECA to policy reform and capacity development of research processes in member countries at various levels were significant. Overall, economic returns to the $90 million investment in ASARECA OP-1 were calculated to break-even by mid-2013. Assuming 60 percent of projects in ASARECA’s portfolio achieved a similar performance to the projects surveyed, the investment as a whole is expected to be highly positive. More details and recommendations can be found in the report (Kate et al 2014) available with ASARECA.

Table 33: Project selection for Household Impact SurveyProgramme Countries ProjectsKMUS Uganda, Tanzania Dissemination and Transfer of new agricultural technologies in Quality Protein

Maize (DONATA QPM*)Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania

Dissemination and Transfer of new agricultural technologies in Orange Fleshed Sweet potato (DONATA OFSP*)

Kenya Scaling up Farmer Led Seed Enterprises for Sustained Productivity and Livelihoods in ECA (FSLE)

HVNSC Uganda, Rwanda Utilization of Bean Innovations for Food Security and Improved Livelihoods in ECA

Staples Uganda, Rwanda Up scaling innovations for quality seed potato production in ECATanzania Sustainable intensification of sorghum-legume system to improve livelihood and

adaptation to climate change in ECALFP Uganda, Tanzania Harnessing crop-livestock integration to enhance food security and livelihoods

resilience to effects of climate variability and changeNRM Kenya, Rwanda Integrated management of water for productivity and livelihood security under

variable and changing climatic conditions in ECA

4.3.3 South Sudan Agriculture Sector Situation Analysis (Stocktaking Report)

4.3.3.1 IntroductionIn response to the effort by the Government of South Sudan to align its agricultural development strategy and Investment plan to the CAADP Framework, Principles and Targets (CAADP 2003), the AU/ NPCA decided to fast track the CAADP process by supporting a team of consultants including staff members from AfrII to prepare the Agriculture Sector Stocktaking Report for the Government. The study involved in-depth review of agricultural sector literature, key informants interviews, field visits and stakeholders consultations on all aspects of the study. Validation workshops were held at the state and national levels and with development partners before finalization of the report.

4.3.3.2. Main findings and recommendations

The report provides a synthesis on the status of agriculture sector in the country, its progress over the last years and an assessment of the country’s agriculture potential, opportunities and constraints/challenges as well as possible investment areas for accelerated growth.


Further, it highlights baseline issues in key performance analysis areas such as ecosystem services and gender mainstreaming. The report also looks at the institutional and capacity development issues, investments levels and financing mechanisms, including a look at agricultural sector development programs, projects and other external assistance efforts. The current level of private sector participation in agricultural development and the government’s strategy to attract more private sector investments is also reviewed. The reports gives recommendations on priority investment

areas which should be considered in developing the agricultural sector investment plan. Details of the report (Otim-Nape et al 2013) are available with the AU/NPCA Secretariat and the Government of South Sudan.

4.3.4 Development of Agriculture Sector Investment Plan for the Government of South Sudan

4.3.4.1 Introduction

In response to the effort by the Government of South Sudan to align its agricultural development strategy and Investment plan to the CAADP Framework, Principles and Targets (CAADP 2003), the AU/ NPCA decided to fast track the CAADP process by supporting a team of consultants from AfrII to prepare the Agriculture Sector Investment Plan for the Government.

This process started with the situation analysis, normally referred to as stock taking study, and in depth analysis of challenges, constraints and opportunities in the agricultural sector. Wide stakeholders’ consultations at the agricultural sector level, national and states levels, were undertaken to build consensus on constraints and interventions and investment priorities and other issues. A draft investment plan (Otim-Nape et al, 2013) was prepared and shared with a wide stakeholder groups to build consensus before finalization.

4.3.4.2. Key Issues addressed by NAIP

The National Agricultural Sector Investment Plan (NAIP) is sector wide and covered issues in the crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, land and water. All the issues are addressed in five programmes: Enhancing community resettlement, rehabilitation and security; Enhancing intensification and sustainable agricultural production; strengthening institutional capacity for agricultural sector development; strategic investment in commodity value chains and agribusiness development; sustainable land, water and natural resources management. Each programme is structured into sub programmes and components as summarized in Table 34. More information on the NAIP is available with NEPAD Secretariat and the Government of South Sudan


Table 34: Vision, Mission, Sector Objectives, Programmes, Sub Programmes and Components of the South Sudan Agricultural Investment Plan 2013-18

Vision: Food security for all the people of the Republic of South Sudan, enjoying improved quality of life and environment

Mission: To create an enabling environment for the transformation of agriculture from a subsistence system into a modern, socially and economically sustainable system through science-based, market-oriented, competitive and profitable farming while maintaining the integrity of the natural resource base for the benefit of future generations of South Sudanese people.

Goal: Increased agricultural productivity to improve food security and contribute to economic growth.

Sector Objectives: To ensure food security, improved livelihoods and income of the people of South Sudan, through sustainable use of natural resources and land management.

I m m e d i ate Objectives

• Accelerate community resettlement, rehabilitation, peace and security as a post-war recovery process

• Enhance intensification and sustainable pro-poor growth in agricultural productivity and production

• Strengthen institutional capacity and enabling environment for sustainable agricultural development

• Accelerate development and commercialization of strategic commodity value chains • Ensure sustainable utilization and management of land, water and natural resources

Programmes Programme 1 Programme 2 Programme 3 Programme 4 Programme 5

Community resettlement and rehabilitation

Intensification and sustainable productivity and production

Institutional capacity and enabling environment

Development, commercialization of commodity value chains

Sustainable utilization and management of natural resources

Sub-Programmes

Post conflict resettlement and rehabilitation

Increasing production and productivity

Adequate provision of agricultural services

Development of strategic commodity value chains

Sustainable land and water management

Addressing cattle rustling and insecurity

Reducing post-harvest losses

Agricultural sector statistics and information

Agro processing, agribusiness development and market access

Forestry and biodiversity management

Adequate skilled human resources

• Review and assess the scope and appropriateness of the existing mandate of the Agricultural Research Department, MoA, in relation to regional mandates and focal areas, and development an outline for a research programme required taking national needs and farmer demands as well as regional programmes into consideration.

• Review and assess funding of the national research system over recent years, including related criteria, prioritization and resource allocation. Explore options for alternative funding and financing arrangements.

• Assess potentials/options for competitive and performance-based approaches to research grant funding within the national system and identify potential themes/programme areas for initial piloting.

• In the context of FARA/SADC regional priorities for agricultural research, review and assess the existing human resource capabilities and based on the future mandate, institutional set up, governance and research programmes define the human capacities needed for a renewed national research system with particular focus on the education, qualifications and competencies required by managers and staff in the “modern knowledge era”.

• Review the need for a national agricultural research policy, taking into account existing national and regional agricultural sector policies and the analysis, direction and proposals contained in the assessment of the national extension system.


4.3.5 Assessment of the National Agricultural Research System of Swaziland

4.3.5.1. IntroductionAgriculture is the mainstay of the Swazi economy. It directly contributes about 11% to the GDP, employs about 70% of the total population and accounts for 80% of total land use. The sector’s contribution to the economy during the recent decades has been steadily going down. Among the factors for this decline have been weak agricultural support institutions such as extension, research and credit services.

The major challenge facing the agricultural sector is how to increase its contribution to GDP, its annual growth rate, and reverse the net importation of basic foods such as maize, livestock products etc. The agricultural research system has been cited as one of the mechanism to address these challenges. In order to exploit the power and potential of agricultural research in addressing the sectors challenges, the Government and its development partners such as the European Union, FAO and others, decided on a review and assessment of the National Agricultural Research System with the view of reorganizing the system to improve its

performance and contribution to agricultural development of the country.

Accordingly a team of consultants including staff from AfrII was commissioned to assess the National Agricultural Research System of Swaziland and to recommend best ways to improve its relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and impact on national development.

The general objective is to assess the National Agricultural Research System of Swaziland and to recommend best ways to improve its performance.

The specific objectives are:

• Review the overall role and appropriateness of the national research system and its research programmes in terms of its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and impact (DAC criteria), as well as responsiveness to smallholder farmers.

• Undertake institutional and organizational assessment of the research system and its institutions as well as regarding the future structure and governance of the national research system.


4.3.5.3 Methodology of the AssessmentTo understand the role and appropriateness of the National Agricultural Research System, the team (a) reviewed relevant literature (b) identified the institutions making up the NARS (c) and conducted series of consultative meetings, focus group discussions and expert consultations with the management, key staff and stakeholders of the institutions. The review and consultative meetings and discussions focused on (a) institutions and organizations making up NARS; (b) organizational, governance and management arrangements of each; (c) mandate, programme of activities, outputs and impacts of each, (d) funding - source, amount, adequacy for each; (e) HR capacity - quality and quantity and motivation for each, (f) interactions, linkages and coordination among themselves; (g) appropriateness in contributing to national development objectives and priorities, (h) appropriateness in addressing farmers and other beneficiary needs. All these were done in terms of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact.

4.3.5.4. Main Findings and RecommendationsBased on the above, the team identified strengths, weakness and challenges that must be addressed or overcome in order to create an effective research system. Also identified were characteristics of sustainable organizations which included: (a) the ability to scan the environment, adapt to it, and seize opportunities it offers, (b) strong leadership and management, (c) the ability to attract and retain qualified staff, (d) the ability to provide relevant benefits and services for maximum impact in communities, (e) the skills to demonstrate and communicate this impact to leverage further resources, (f) community support and involvement, and (g) commitment to building sustainable (not dependent) communities.

Conclusions and recommendations for improving the system were drawn and proposal on appropriate institutional settings and governance systems, processes and structures for the Swaziland National Agricultural Research System were made. Finally options and alternative road maps were proposed for a renewed institutional set-up, governance and development of the national agricultural research system. Full details of the report are contained in Otim-Nape et al, 2011 available with FAO Mbabane or the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Swaziland.

4.3.6 Road Map and Strategy for a Renewed National Agricultural Research System, Swaziland

4.3.6.1 IntroductionThe major challenge facing the agricultural sector is how to increase its contribution to GDP, its annual growth rate, and reverse the net importation of basic foods such as maize, livestock products etc. The agricultural research system has been cited as one of the mechanism to address these challenges.

Encouraged by the report on the review and assessment of the National Agricultural Research System, the Government and its development partners especially the European Union, FAO and others, decided on a review and reform of the National Agricultural Research System with the view of improving its performance and contribution to agricultural development of the country. Accordingly a team of consultants led by Professor G.W. Otim-Nape of AfrII was commissioned to carry out a Phase two of the NARS Assessment and review and to propose a vision, strategy and roadmap for a renewed National Agricultural Research System of Swaziland that is relevant, efficient, and effective; and can impact on national development.

4.3.6.2 Focus and Objectives of the Review and ReformThe phase two focused on preparation of the - “Draft report on vision, strategy and roadmap” including developing: • A clear vision for a renewed institutional

set-up, governance and operations for a relevant, effective and efficient national research system, considering contributions


from the sub-regional and regional systems.• A sustainable financial mechanisms and

resource allocations (including competitive grants, financial support to the demand side of research), including three financial scenarios over the coming 5 years with indicative investment projections across the system.

• Specific guidelines for demand-led national agricultural research and innovation policy basing on the new vision and the renewed design of the research system,

• Based on the option agreed for a renewed system, delineate a framework for investment (strategic themes and priorities, output areas, institutional mandates/programmes, capital and recurrent budgets, evaluation criteria) in the national research and innovation system over the next five years.

• An implementation strategy and capacity development programme on how to introduce and enhance the renewed research system, including the roles and expected contributions of major public and private actors in the system.

• An outline of a road map for the implementing the renewed research system, its structures, operations, financial mechanisms and its linkages and networking within the innovation system, including

4.3.6.3. Methodology of the Assessment

The work was based on analysis of the report on assessment of the National Agricultural Research System of Swaziland (Otim-Nape et al, 2011) and builds on its findings, conclusions and recommendations focusing especially on the research strategy and investment framework for the national agricultural research system. Additional approaches were analysis and brainstorming on alternative options and

extensive stakeholders’ consultations and consensus building workshops throughout the country. A draft report was fully discussed with FAO, and their inputs were incorporated in the revised report. In depth discussions of the proposed reform were made with the Ministry of Agriculture’s top policy management and their views, concerns and issues were addressed before a final report was prepared.

4.3.6.4. Main Recommendations and Road MapThe challenge facing the Government is how to create an institutional mechanism that would link and coordinate all agricultural research institutions in the country; set national agricultural research policy and priorities; and ensure research quality and accountabilities to primary stakeholders. Other challenges are how to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and performance of DARSS, provide adequate and sustained funding and financing arrangements for the National Agricultural Research System; provide an adequate, highly skilled and motivated human resource capacity required for an effective agricultural research system that can generate and deliver knowledge and innovations for sustained development, and competitiveness of the agricultural sector. Accordingly the team made comprehensive proposals to reform the National Agricultural Research System that is effective, efficient, sustainable, demand- and market- driven and accountable to its stakeholders by creating the National Agricultural Research Institute of Swaziland (NARIS) (Fig UU). In setting this direction the agricultural research system is guided by the goal and objectives of Government’s comprehensive agricultural sector policy (CASP). The Vision, Mission, Super Goal, Goal, Purpose and strategic objectives and six key result areas were proposed.

Key strategies and thrusts are: generation and delivery of knowledge and innovations; effective and efficient governance and institutional arrangements; innovative approaches for implementing agricultural research programmes; Improved research facilities at the network of research and experiment stations; adequate, highly skilled and motivated human resource capacity; adequate and sustained funding to the National Agricultural Research System and effective knowledge management and sharing. Research is organized in to Crops Resources Research, Livestock Resources Research,


Forestry and Natural Resources Management, Socioeconomics, Markets and Policy and Food and Consumer Science Research themes. Each theme is divided into sub themes and key activities and the agricultural innovations

system and integrated agricultural research for development are recommended superior research approaches.

Table 35: Timeframe for implementing the NARS reform in Swaziland

Activity Time frame Who Responsible

Immediately put in place a Task Team and a champion Immediate MoA PS

Prepare and approve research policy Next 6 months MOA PS

Review existing laws and prepare draft legislation for NARS

Next 6 months MoA PS

Study tours for research leaders and managers, and re-searchers

Next 3- 6 months MoA/SADP

Competency development of existing staff Next 3-12 months MoA/SADP

Attorney general prepares and submits Bill to Parlia-ment for debate

6 – 18 months Ministry of Justice

Parliament enacts the National Agricultural Research Act

18- 24 Months Ministry of Justice

Undertake special studies necessary for NARS reform Next 18 months MoA/SADP

Pilot outreach and partnership initiative Next 24 months MoA/SADP

Higher degree training of existing staff Next 6-24 months MoA/SADP

Appoint the National Agricultural Research Board 24th month Minister MoA

Appoint ED and staff of NARIS 24th month Board

First National Agricultural Research Summit 24-26th month Board

On-farm Research, Outreach and Partnerships has been introduced; the main purpose of which is to deliver throughout the country relevant, effective and superior research services (technologies, knowledge, methods) that increase farm productivity, enhances value chain competitiveness and ensures diversification. The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARIS) of Swaziland has been proposed as an effective and efficient governance and institutional arrangements for NARS. NARIS will be the sole public entity and the national competent authority responsible for coordination (public, private, universities and civil society) and execution

of all agricultural research in the country. Increased budget allocation and flexibility by Government to Agricultural Research has been recommended. A tight and minimum budget is provided for NARIS. The proposed reform of the NARS in Swaziland is comprehensive which when implemented should produce substantial impact on agricultural development. A plan for the reform process and responsible persons and timeframe for implementing the research and other programmes was also proposed. Full details of the report are contained in Otim-Nape et al, 2012 available with FAO Mbabane or the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Swaziland.


Publications, 20135Publications in Journals

• Nimusiima Alex, Basalirwa C. P. K., Majaliwa J.G.M, Otim-Nape W. , Okello-Onen J., Rubaire-Akiiki C., Konde-Lule J. and Ogwal-Byenek S. (2013). Nature and dynamics of climate variability in the Uganda cattle corridor. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 7 (8), 770 – 782.

• Kwesiga, S., Okello-Onen, J., Otim-Nape, W.G., Rubaire-Akiiki, C., Konde-Lule, J., Basalirwa, P. and Ogwal Byenek, S. Situation analysis of ticks and tick- borne diseases in different farming systems of Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts. Special Issue of Ecohealth Journal.

• Mayanja, M., Rubaire-Akiiki, C., Morton, J. Diet diversity in pastoral and agro pastoral households in Ugandan rangeland ecosystems. Ecology of food and nutrition Journal.

• Mayanja, M., Rubaire-Akiiki, C., et al. Characterizing food security in pastoral and agro pastoral communities in the cattle corridor of Uganda. Journal of Pastoralism, policy and practices and Journal of food Security.

• Osinde, C., Okello-Onen., Oryema-Origa, H. and Otim-Nape, G.W. Nutritional and chemical composition of selected indigenous plant species used as food in the cattle corridor of Uganda, a case study of Nakasongola and Nakaseke district. Lambert academic publishers.

Presentations made at Conferences/Symposia

• Okello-Onen, J., Otim-Nape, W.G., Rubaire-Akiiki, C., Konde-Lule, J., Basalirwa, P., Ogwal Byenek, S. (2012). Epidemiology of important vectors and vector-borne diseases in the rangeland ecosystem of Uganda. Presentation made at the Ecohealth 2012 conference, Kunming, China, 15 – 18 October, 2012.

• Okello-Onen, J., Otim-Nape, W.G., Rubaire-Akiiki, C., Konde-Lule, J., Basalirwa, P. and

Ogwal Byenek, S. Impact of climate variability on natural resources, food and health security in the cattle corridor of Uganda. Presentation made at the ECOHESA 2014 Symposium, Johannesburg, South Africa, 10 – 12 March, 2014.

• Mukasa, B., Ssengendo, M., Otim-Nape, W.G., Okello-Onen, J., Rubaire-Akiiki, C., Konde-Lule, J., Basalirwa, P. and Ogwal Byenek, S. Gender and adaptation to the risks of climate variability for livelihood security in the cattle corridor communities of Uganda. Presentation made at the ECOHESA 2014 Symposium, Johannesburg, South Africa, 10 – 12 March, 2014.

• Wellard K., Sengendo M., Sseguya H., Ndagire S., Mugarura S. and Otim-Nape G.W. 2014. Impact Evaluation of ASARECA Operational Plan 1 and Development Objectives and Documentation of Lessons Learned: Final Report. ASARECA/NRI UoG and AfrII. ASARECA, Entebbe, 108pp. April 2014

Reports

• Otim-Nape G.W, Sabwa N., Phiri E. Sentongo P. and Omino J 2013. South Sudan Agriculture Stocktaking Report. A Report Submitted to the AU/NPCA, Africa Innovations Institute, Kampala, Uganda, 18 September 2012, 112pp

• Otim-Nape G.W, Pangech J., Kayanga L. and Omino J 2013. South Sudan Agriculture Sector Investment Plan: Crops Agriculture. A Report Submitted to the AU/NPCA, Africa Innovations Institute, Kampala, Uganda, 28 April 2013, 63pp

• Otim-Nape G.W., Dr J. Pali Shikhulu, Blackie M. 2011. Assessment of the National Agricultural Research System, Final Report. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations/Government of Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland. 11th July 201, 1112pp

• Otim-Nape G.W., J. Pali Shikhulu, and M. Blackie 2011. Road Map and Strategy for


a Renewed National Agricultural Research System, Swaziland. Final Report. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations/Government of Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland. 28th November 2011, 130pp

Theses

a) MSc Theses

• Kwesiga Stephen. Situation analysis of ticks and tick- borne diseases in different farming systems of Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts. MSc. Thesis Submitted to Gulu University.

• Habaasa Gilbert. Determinants of malnutrition among under-five children in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts, Uganda. MSc. Thesis Submitted to Makerere University.

b) PhD Theses

• Mayanja Maureen. Food security and Climate Variability in Nakasongola and Nakaseke districts in the cattle corridor of Uganda. PhD Thesis Submitted to Makerere University.

• Nimusiima Alex. The Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on maize production in Uganda cattle corridor. PhD Thesis Submitted to Makerere University.

Monographs

• Habaasa G., Otim-Nape G.W., J. Okello-Onen, and S. Ogwal Byenek. Determinants of nutrition and stunting among under five children in Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts.

• Kwesiga S., Okello-Onen, J., Otim-Nape, W.G., Rubaire-Akiiki, C. and Ogwal Byenek, S. Impacts of climate variability on livestock production in the cattle corridor of Uganda.

References

COMESA, 2009

Jarvis et al., 2013 (consult GMarkets people)


Financial Report 20136

6.1. Income and expenditureThe financial report for the year under review is summarized in annex 1. Total income for the institute during the year was US$ 770,000 compared to about USD 600,000 the previous year, 2012. The organizations who provided funds for the implementation of different project activities reported here are:

• The Government of Uganda• The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USA• Department for International Development

(DFID), UK• The International Development Research

Centre (IDRC), Canada• Rockefeller Foundation, USA• European Union• Austrian Development Agency, Austria• The Food and Agricultural Organization of

the United Nations (FAO)

• The Alan & Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund, UK

• The JJ Charitable Trust, UK • Ashden Trust-UK• START Secretariat, The Global Change

Systems for Analysis, Research and Training, USA

6.2. Growth in income and expenditure: 2008-2013

This is summarized in the Fig. 93 and Fig. 94 below. Since inception, AfrII has continued to see a rapid growth in funding by development partners. This is associated with the growth in expenditure and the volume of projects it

implements.

Fig. 93 Fig. 94


6.3. Audit Report and Financial Statements.


7.1 Organogram of the Africa Innovations Institute

Administration7

7.2. Current Members of AfrII Governing Council

1. Mr David O. Oleke Obong, President Permanent Secretary, Minister of Water and Environment, Kampala, Uganda

2. Mr Laurence Cockcroft, Member The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, London, UK.

3. Dr Roger Kirkby, Member, Former Director, Regional Office for Africa, CIAT Kampala, Uganda

4. Mr Geral Dominic Abila, Member Executive Director, BareFoot Law Inc. Kampala, Uganda

5. Dr Fina Opio, Member Executive Director, ASARECA, Entebbe, Uganda

6. Prof. G. William Otim-Nape, (Ex officio) Chairman Management Committee /

CEO, Africa Innovations Institute, P.O. Box 34981, Kampala, Uganda

7. Professor Joseph Okello-Onen, (Ex officio)

Africa Innovations Institute, Africa Innovations Institute, P.O. Box 34981, Kampala, Uganda

Science & InnovationCommitee

Commitee ofInternational Experts

Finance & Human Resource Commitee

ResourceMobilisation

Audit

Founder Members

Finance andAdministrationManagement

Advocacy andInformation

Management

Research and InnovationsManagement

Chairman / ChiefExecutive Officer

Board of Directors

Annual General meeting (AGM)

Organizational Chart for Africa Innovations Institute as at December 2009


7.3. Current Staff Name and Programme Title Location

ManagementProf. George W. Otim-Nape (BSc Agric., MSc Agric., PhD. FUNAS) Chairman/CEO Secretariat

Ms. Prosscovia Amuge (BBA, MBA, ACCA II) Head of Finance and Administration SecretariatMs. Acola Barbara (BBA, ACCA III) Senior Accountant SecretariatMs. Ngole Judith (BBA, DBA) Finance Officer SecretariatMs. Mugyenyi Barbara (BA - Dev. Studies) Executive Administrator SecretariatMs. Edela Miriam (Dip Secretarial Studies) Assistant Administrator Kumi Office

Ms. Nancy Nandudu (B. Mass Com.) Information and Public Relations Executive Secretariat

Ms. Lekuru Christine Office Attendant Secretariat

Mr. John Oloya Office attendant Luwero

Mr. Omoding Jimmy Driver SecretariatMr David Male Driver SecretariatMr. John Wanyama Driver SecretariatMr. Saatya Henry Driver Kumi OfficeMr. Ocheger John Michael Security guard Kumi OfficeValue Chains Development

Mr. Alacho Francis (BSc. Agric, MSc Agric.) Principal Agronomist/ Programme Manager, Secretariat

Mr Geresom Okecho (BA, MSc. Agric. Ec.), Economist/ME &L SpecialistMrs. Gloria Onika Okello (MSc. Agric. Dev.; BSc Agric, PGD (Cooperatives and Rural Dev); Business Development Specialist Secretariat

Mr Tony Ijala – (BSc. Agric., MSc Agric.) Zonal Manager, Eastern and Northern Uganda Kumi Office

Ms Audrey Akullu (LLB, MBA, PG. DIP- Forex Trade & Investments) Business Development Specialist Secretariat

Mr Awio Thomas (BSc Agric., MSc Agric.) AgronomistMr. Samuel Baker Ogwang (BSc Agric. Eng) Agricultural Engineer Kumi OfficeMs Grace Asere (BA, PgD Gender in Dev.) Gender Officer SecretariatJuliet Nanyonga (BSc Food Technology, PGD Food Sc.) Food Scientist Kumi OfficeClimate Change ProgrammeProf. Joseph Okello-Onen (BSc, MSc, PhD) Director, Programme Manager, Secretariat

Prof Chris Rubaire-Akiiki (BVM, MVM, PhD) Veterinary Parasitologist/ Livelihoods Specialist Secretariat

Ms Beatrice Mukasa (BA, MA - Gender studies) Gender Specialist SecretariatMr Alex Nimusiima (BA, MA) Climate Scientist (PhD Student) SecretariatMs Maurine Maynaja BVM, MVM) PhD Student Secretariat

Mr Gilbert Habasa (B.Sc, MStat) Climate Scientist Secretariat

Mr. Ogwal Simon Byenek (BSc. Forestry) Field Manager SecretariatAgricultural and Environmental SustainabilityDr Julius Okwadi (BSc Agric, MSc Ag. Ec., PhD) Social Economist/ Country Director SecretariatDr. Peter O. Alele (B.Sc. Forestry, M.Sc. Natural Resources, Ph.D., Ecology)

Senior Ecologist/Biophysical Technical Manager Secretariat

Tusiime Felly Mugizi (BSc. Hons., MSc. Botany) Senior Botanist SecretariatAtai Bennadette (BA Educ, MSc.Env&NRM, Cert Landscape Genomics) Biophysical Scientist Secretariat

Kwesiga Stephen (BSc., MSc, PGD (M&E) Biophysical Scientist SecretariatKizza Joel (B.DVS) Socioeconomic Technician SecretariatAkodoi Caroline (B.A Tourism), Certificate in GIS), Socio-economic Technician SecretariatMr Patrick Opio BBA Administrative Assistant SecretariatAgriculture for Improved Nutrition1 Dr Joweria Namboze (B Sc. Nutrition, MSc Agric, PhD - Nutrition Nutritionist Secretariat

Ms Catherine Ndagire (BSc. Food Science, MSc. Applied Nutrition) PhD Student (Human Nutrition) Secretariat

1 Other staff drawn from other agricultural programmes

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