Current & past research endeavors (selected)
Over a number of years, my research interests have centred on applied ethnobotany (with emphasis on medicinal & under-utilized wild/semi-wild food plants), ethnozoology (with emphasis on edible wild animals including insects), agroforestry/farm forestry development & policy changes & institutional reforms on livelihood outcomes of rural poor. But I have also carried out research work in other areas of forestry and allied resources. Described below are some of my current and past research endeavors:
1.Development of an improved protocol for processing and handling of honey in Uganda (funded by the School of Graduate Studies, Makerere University through Carnegie-Makerere Competitive Research Grant) (August 2009-August 2011).The research is on-going and it is aimed at: determining the current knowledge, attitudes and practices related to honey production and utilization; assessing the problems faced by bee farmers in trying to process and add value to honey and their approaches to addressing them; comparing the influence of traditional and modern methods of processing and handling honey on its quality characteristics; developing a recommended protocol suitable for processing, packaging, storage and distribution of honey under Ugandan agro-ecological conditions; conducting profitability/economics analysis of honey processing using traditional and improved (modern) processing methods in Uganda. Under this research project, one M.Sc. student (Mr. David Tushabe) is being trained. Other team members in this project are: Prof. Joseph Obua, Dr. Paul Mugabi, Dr. Robert Kajobe, Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe and Donald R Kugonza.
1.Development of an improved protocol for processing and handling of honey in Uganda (funded by the School of Graduate Studies, Makerere University through Carnegie-Makerere Competitive Research Grant) (August 2009-August 2011).The research is on-going and it is aimed at: determining the current knowledge, attitudes and practices related to honey production and utilization; assessing the problems faced by bee farmers in trying to process and add value to honey and their approaches to addressing them; comparing the influence of traditional and modern methods of processing and handling honey on its quality characteristics; developing a recommended protocol suitable for processing, packaging, storage and distribution of honey under Ugandan agro-ecological conditions; conducting profitability/economics analysis of honey processing using traditional and improved (modern) processing methods in Uganda. Under this research project, one M.Sc. student (Mr. David Tushabe) is being trained. Other team members in this project are: Prof. Joseph Obua, Dr. Paul Mugabi, Dr. Robert Kajobe, Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe and Donald R Kugonza.
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2. Nutritional values & innovative approaches in the value addition of Ruspolia nitidula (‘Nsenene’ grasshoppers) for income generation in Uganda (funded by Makerere University School of Graduate Studies through Norwegian Support to Makerere University grant) (August 2008-August 2010). The research is on-going and it is aimed at: establishing the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) related to preparation and consumption of R. nitidula in central Uganda; determining the nutritional contents of R. nitidula and the effect of common processing and storage methods on its nutritional values; exploring the innovative approaches to value addition, packaging R. nitidula and development of a protocol for a shelf-stable, value-added products suitable for up-take by private food processors. Two M.Sc. students (Mr. Dickson Brysomumaisho & Mr. Robert Nayebare) are being trained under this research project. Other team members in this project are: Assoc. Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe.
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3. Relationship between access to forest and tree resources and livelihoods: A case of Poor and Female-headed Households in Central Uganda (funded by Norwegian Support to Makerere University IDP- Phase II) (2007-2009). This research project documented the types of forest and tree resources collected and their importance in the daily needs of the poor and female-headed households; investigated women and poor men’s current rights of access to forest and tree resources in Central Uganda; determined poor and female-headed households’ livelihood dependencies on forest and tree resources and their dynamics; explored the linkages between access to forest and tree resources, gender and livelihoods among the poor and female-headed households; analyzed how access rights to forest and tree resources and institutional arrangements can be exploited to improve rural livelihood and food security. One of the key capacity building outputs of this research was the training of one M.Sc. student (Mr. Fred Yiiki). Other team members in this project were: Dr. Gorettie Nsubuga Nabanoga, Dr. Nelson Turyahabwe, Clement Akais Okia, Mrs. Lucy Mulugo Were & Assoc. Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.
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4. Development of a national beekeeping calendar and honeybee pest and disease control methods to promote planning of appropriate interventions to boost production of honey and other hive products (funded by Natural Agricultural Research Organization- NARO Uganda) (2006-2008). The project specifically determined the bee forage plants that give the best quality honey, established their flowering periods and related them to honey flow seasons; determined how environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature and humidity influences flowering of bee forage plants and nectar production; established the right months of the year when to harvest ripe honey in each agro-ecological zone; documented pests and diseases of honeybees existing in Uganda’s agro-ecological zones and developed diagnostic tools for their identification; assessed the prevalence of pests and diseases affecting honeybee colonies in the agro-ecological zones; examined and documented organic (bee safe) methods of insect pest control using local materials. Other team members in this project were: Dr. Robert Kajobe, Donald R Kugonza, & Victor Alioni.
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5. Can policies save our forests: A socio-economic analysis of Kenya and Uganda’s forest management and conservation policies (2005-2009) (funded by AFORNET). In this research project, we: assessed the efficacy of forestry policy in Kenya and Uganda on rural livelihoods; examined socioeconomic and policy factors triggering forestry depletion in both countries; assessed the impact of forest depletion on rural livelihoods and documented the livelihood responses to forestry depletion in both countries; reviewed and analyzed sectoral policies and legal frameworks relevant to forest management in both countries; engaged key stakeholders in forest policy dialogues. Reports were written and submitted to AFORNET. Outputs in terms of journal papers were also published. Other team members in this project were: Prof. Joseph Obua, Bernard Fungo, Collins Obonyo and Bernard Ngoda.
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6. Assessment of on-farm conservation strategies, post-harvest handling and nutritional value of the Shea butter (Vitellaria Paradoxa) tree & shea products in Uganda (funded by the School of Graduate Studies, Makerere University through Carnegie-Makerere Competitive Research Grant) (2007-2009). In this research project, we: established indigenous on-farm conservation strategies and local community attitudes towards on-farm conservation of Vitellaria paradoxa; determined variation in the chemical composition and nutritional values of local shea butter fruit, kernels, oil and fat in the range districts of Uganda; analyzed shea butter food quality in relation to processing methods and post harvesting practices among shea producing communities; assessed local uses and economic values of shea butter products among shea producing communities in Uganda. One M.Sc. student (Mr. Francis Omujal) was trained under this research project. Other team members in this project were: Dr. John Bosco Lamoris Okullo, Dr. John Bosco Acot Okello, Dr. Peter California Vuzi, Dr. Agnes Namutebi, Mrs. Lucy Mulugo Were & Dr. Steven Allan Nyanzi.
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7. Roles of women in on-farm tree planting activities: A Case Kumi District, Eastern Uganda (2005). This project assessed the roles of women in tree planting activities, examines the opportunities and constraints to tree planting by women in this part of the country. Experiences of women in relation to on-farm tree management have been markedly different from those of their male counterparts, making gender issues pertinent to on-farm tree management. Women face an uphill battle in on-farm tree planting activities because, as a general rule, “forestry is not (and has not been) particularly responsive to social equity issues, including those pertaining to gender”. Other team members in this project were: Okalang Emmanuel and Bernard Obaa, Dr. JBL Okullo, & Eric Tumwesigye.
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8. Pitsawn timber production in natural forests of Uganda, 2004-2005. This case study was financed by Forest Products Service Department of FAO. The case study was conducted to highlight the impacts of pitsawing in Uganda and the approach of policy-makers to this industry. It provides an assessment of current forest management practices, forest policies and laws with regard to pitsawing. It also analyses the prevailing policies that have indirectly encouraged the emergence of the industry. In addition, it provides an analysis of the local and export timber markets. The report also evaluates the effect of pitsawing operations on the community adjacent to the Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve in western Uganda. It examines the livelihood systems of the pitsawyers and the target community, and also analyses changes, opportunities and constraints to livelihood systems if pitsawing activities were to be stopped. Last, it provides recommendations for follow-up on pitsawing. This report has been been published by FAO as Forest harvesting case-study No. 22., and is freely available at the Reports page.
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9. Potential of domesticating indigenous fruit trees for income & household food security in Adwari, Lira Uganda (funded by NURRU) (2003-2004). Indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) have enormous potential in contributing to nutrition and cash economy of small-scale farmers. Many of them are available in the dry seasons when food supplies are low, thus contributing significantly to the nutrition of low-income rural households. This projected therefore, determined fruit tree species diversity in the traditional cotton-millet farming systems; generated a species priority list, characterized and documented the values of indigenous fruit trees as perceived by farmers; examined criteria for selecting IFTs for on-farm cultivation; assessed farmers attitudes towards IFTs on-farm cultivation; explored the opportunities and constraints to promotion of IFTs cultivation under the Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA) and National Forest Plan (NFP). Research outputs (reports and policy briefs) were written and submitted to NURRU and Local Governments (Lira district). Other team members were Prof. Joseph Obua, Daniel Waiswa and Assoc. Prof. John R.S. Kaboggoza.
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10. Farmer-Centred Rural Planning and Resource Management: A Case of Rakai District (November-December 2003). Team Leader. The objective was to explore planning methods that enhance the management of resources for long-term productivity while enhancing quality of life for farmers amidst the rapid and ever-changing character of rural economy as well as the rising demands placed upon rural places and resources by the evolving national economy. The work focused on the continuing need to better integrate disparate and often conflicting components of human activities in local farming systems. The work involved participatory Learning Action (PLA). Farmers’ perspectives of constraints and prospects to rural development & their sustainable livelihoods were identified. Institutional diagrams and village resource maps were constructed. Policy recommendations to village resource planning and management were suggested.
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11. Ecology, conservation & agroforestry potential of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd in the rangelands of Luwero & Nakasongola, Uganda (financed by NORAD) (2002-2003). Principle researcher. This project assessed the ecology, conservation & agroforestry potential of Acacia Senegal and resulted into dissemination output inform of two peer reviewed journal publications. Acacia senegal (L.) Willd (commonly called Gum Acacia, Gum Arabic Tree, or Gum Senegal Tree) is a valuable dryland agroforestry tree species. It produces gum arabic (used extensively in food processing and pharmaceutical preparations, inks, pottery pigments, water-colors, wax polishes, and liquid gum); stabilizes sand dunes, fixes atmospheric nitrogen and used as fence posts, firewood & fodder.
12. Impacts of rice production in North and Eastern Uganda, (funded by Department of Agricultural Economic, Makerere University and coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Theodore S. Hyuha) (August - December 2001). Research project evaluated the impact of rice production on household food security & income of the rural poor. It also assessed the constraints and opportunities to small and large-scale rice production in these regions. By-laws on issues pertaining land ownership were suggested.
13. Impacts of land use activities on tree species composition & structure on the edges of Budongo Forest Reserve (financed by Government of Uganda through FFNC, Mak) (September 1999-June 2000). In this project, four land use practices were identified and their impacts on tree species composition, abundance & structure were assessed. Policy recommendations geared towards sustainable management of biodiversity were proposed.
13. Impacts of land use activities on tree species composition & structure on the edges of Budongo Forest Reserve (financed by Government of Uganda through FFNC, Mak) (September 1999-June 2000). In this project, four land use practices were identified and their impacts on tree species composition, abundance & structure were assessed. Policy recommendations geared towards sustainable management of biodiversity were proposed.
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14. Management Case Study of Nyabyeya Forestry Plantation, Masindi, Western Uganda (July- October 2000). Rational forest management requires data and information about the resource that may be scarce, unreliable or nonexistent. This is often the case with forest plantations, which frequently are new developments.Assessments were therefore made on stand stocking both in the young and mature plantations. Financial analysis (cash flow) of different management options were also conducted. Taungya management system being the best option was recommended. Taungya is a system is a management option in which a piece of land is cleared and planted with tree seedlings. At the same time food crops are planted among the trees. These food crops can be farmed for duration of 2 to 3 years depending on how quickly the tree canopy develops. After 3 years, the trees remain on the land until they are harvested and then the system can be repeated.
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