This study assessed the extent to which the results of the rural livelihood projects were sustain... more This study assessed the extent to which the results of the rural livelihood projects were sustainable in Nyimbwa sub county Luwero District, Uganda. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey from a sample of 110 respondents namely, heads of household and staff of the Tripartite Rural Livelihood program. The results revealed that rural livelihood projects were sustainable. The results also revealed that gender, age, education level, and occupation significantly affected uptake and sustenance of livelihood projects. It was thus recommended that in introducing sustainable livelihood projects, community development interventionist should have in mind the background characteristics of their rural beneficiaries that make sustainability of the projects achievable.
Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkml., the African cherry, is an evergreen climax vegetation tree spe... more Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkml., the African cherry, is an evergreen climax vegetation tree species typically reaching 25–30 m in height and occurs primarily in montane and submontane forests. In this study, the genetic structure of P. africana was analyzed using a coding chloroplast DNA region; Megakaryocyte-Associated Tyrosine Kinase Gene (MATK) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) with 63 individuals in East Africa. This study detected low levels of genetic diversity as revealed by nucleotide diversity in nrDNA ( = 0.00529) and cpDNA (0.00448). As revealed by the results of AMOVA analysis, genetic differentiation for cpDNA (FST = 0.0275) was obviously lower than for nrDNA data (FST = 0.237) in P. africana. Gene flow among populations based on nrDNA data (Nm = 2.641) was significantly higher than that based on cpDNA (Nm = 0.82). Mantel test revealed a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances for cpDNA (r2 = 3.0 × 10-5) and nrDNA (r2 ...
ABSTRACT Abstract The diversity and distribution of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (... more ABSTRACT Abstract The diversity and distribution of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (dry grassland, wet grassland, cultivated land and roadside) were studied from a region of high mean annual rainfall (Entebbe) to a region of lower annual rainfall (Kafu). Eighty-eight species belonging to 45 genera and nine tribes of the family Asteraceae were identified with Vernonieae 25% (five genera), Heliantheae 25% (seventeen genera) and Senecioniae 17.1% (six genera) strongly represented. The species diversity of the family Asteraceae was highest in the transition region (Luweero to Katuugo) and similar in the highest and lowest mean annual rainfall regions. Dry grassland habitats are more highly diverse than other habitat types, while roadside habitats are least diverse. Species common to high rainfall areas include Elephantopus scaber L. and Bothriocline longipes (Oliv. & Hiern) N. E. Br. Species more common in low rainfall areas include Aspilia kotschyi (Sch. Bip.) Oliv. and Berkheya spekeana Oliv.
ABSTRACT The phenology of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (dry grassland, wet grassla... more ABSTRACT The phenology of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (dry grassland, wet grassland, cultivated land and roadside) within three selected districts, that is, Kampala, Migyera and Nakasongola were studied for 1 year (2002). Flowering is partly dependent on mean annual rainfall. In all the habitats, flowering occurs throughout the year, but with a peak between August and November. Troughs in flowering occurred during the beginning of the wet season. The flowering season mainly starts between July and August and ends between January and February. Fruiting is independent of mean annual rainfall, but dependent on seasonal rainfall. Fruiting occurs throughout the year with a peak between August and October and low species fruiting between January and April.
International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2017
The management and sustainable use of Protected Areas Management Policy in Rwanda is of great int... more The management and sustainable use of Protected Areas Management Policy in Rwanda is of great interest to many stakeholders. This study was conducted from May to August, 2016 to find out local communities and other stakeholders perceptions towards co-management of Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda (VNP). The sample size of the study was 81 respondents including neighbouring rural community from two sectors that depend on using the VNP usually illegally and the key respondents from institutions and local leaders whose resources assist the VNP management. The findings indicated that stakeholders have different perspectives on co-management activities of VNP. Some of interviewed farmers especially those bordering VNP in Kinigi and Shingiro sectors of Musanze District showed negative attitude where they are not willing to perform agriculture on their lands because of crop destruction by wild animals from the park. Both the level of synergy and approaches used were moderate by scale used...
This study assessed the extent to which the results of the rural livelihood projects were sustain... more This study assessed the extent to which the results of the rural livelihood projects were sustainable in Nyimbwa sub county Luwero District, Uganda. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey from a sample of 110 respondents namely, heads of household and staff of the Tripartite Rural Livelihood program. The results revealed that rural livelihood projects were sustainable. The results also revealed that gender, age, education level, and occupation significantly affected uptake and sustenance of livelihood projects. It was thus recommended that in introducing sustainable livelihood projects, community development interventionist should have in mind the background characteristics of their rural beneficiaries that make sustainability of the projects achievable.
International journal of pure and applied mathematics, 2018
Business environments including agricultural business environments are known to have subgroups of... more Business environments including agricultural business environments are known to have subgroups of desks, counters, workers and customers of distinct stationary preferences, allocations and characteristics. Is it possible then to carry out analysis with these agents embedded in a system? That is, can one differentiate basic agents such as subgroup preferences in analysis? This paper shows that the answer is Yes. AMS Subject Classification: 60K25, 97M40, 35Q93
ABSTRACT Continued harvesting and climate change are affecting the distributions of many plant sp... more ABSTRACT Continued harvesting and climate change are affecting the distributions of many plant species and may lead to numerous extinctions over the next century. Endangered species are likely to be a special concern, but the extent to which they are sensitive to climate is currently unclear. Species distribution modelling, if carefully implemented, can be used to assess climate sensitivity and potential climate change impacts, of tree species. We used MaxEnt algorithm for species distribution modelling to assess the potential distribution and climate change risks for a threatened Prunus africana, in East Africa. Data from different herbaria on its distribution were linked to data on climate to test hypotheses on the factors determining its distribution. Predictive models were developed and projected onto a climate scenario for 2050 to assess climate change risks. Precipitation of driest quarter and annual precipitation appeared to be the main factors influencing its distribution. Climate change was predicted to result in reductions of the species' habitats (e.g. Erasmus et al., Glob. Change Biol. 2002; 8: 679). Prunus africana distribution is thus highly vulnerable to a warming climate and highlights the fact that both in-situ and ex-situ conservation will be a solution to global warming.
ABSTRACT The various human-induced threats imposed on nature have recently triggered the study of... more ABSTRACT The various human-induced threats imposed on nature have recently triggered the study of species' distributions. We developed potential suitability models using two algorithms for a threatened African mahogany, Entandrophragma angolense, in three East African countries; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The effect of features selection and modelling algorithm selection on potential suitability predictions was explored. Occurrence records and high-resolution environmental data were used. The two species distribution modelling techniques were genetic algorithm rule for prediction; and maximum entropy modelling. With Maxent, the area under the receiver characteristic operating curve (AUC) for potential distribution models tested on independent data ranged from 0.942 to 0.972 when using automatic features and from 0.974 to 0.666 with target or specific features. With GARP, AUC for potential distribution models ranged from 0.591 to 0.736 with all rule types and from 0.388 to 0.805 for specific rule types (Tables and ). The area under the E. angolense potential suitability was best predicted by soil, rainfall and aspect using GARP. Potential suitability increased with increasing aspect and decreased with increasing slope. Low rainfall and elevation increased potential suitability, while high levels of either variable decreased potential suitability. Potential suitability maps for vulnerable species require using a multi-algorithm, fine scale data approach and incorporation of environmental variables like soil, slope, land use and elevation. Species distribution models can offer insight on the distribution requirements of vulnerable species and help guide the development of management plans. Results of this study suggest that E. angolense management plans should promote the protection of terrestrial forests surrounding water bodies including Mabira forest in Uganda.
This study assessed the extent to which the results of the rural livelihood projects were sustain... more This study assessed the extent to which the results of the rural livelihood projects were sustainable in Nyimbwa sub county Luwero District, Uganda. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey from a sample of 110 respondents namely, heads of household and staff of the Tripartite Rural Livelihood program. The results revealed that rural livelihood projects were sustainable. The results also revealed that gender, age, education level, and occupation significantly affected uptake and sustenance of livelihood projects. It was thus recommended that in introducing sustainable livelihood projects, community development interventionist should have in mind the background characteristics of their rural beneficiaries that make sustainability of the projects achievable.
Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkml., the African cherry, is an evergreen climax vegetation tree spe... more Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkml., the African cherry, is an evergreen climax vegetation tree species typically reaching 25–30 m in height and occurs primarily in montane and submontane forests. In this study, the genetic structure of P. africana was analyzed using a coding chloroplast DNA region; Megakaryocyte-Associated Tyrosine Kinase Gene (MATK) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) with 63 individuals in East Africa. This study detected low levels of genetic diversity as revealed by nucleotide diversity in nrDNA ( = 0.00529) and cpDNA (0.00448). As revealed by the results of AMOVA analysis, genetic differentiation for cpDNA (FST = 0.0275) was obviously lower than for nrDNA data (FST = 0.237) in P. africana. Gene flow among populations based on nrDNA data (Nm = 2.641) was significantly higher than that based on cpDNA (Nm = 0.82). Mantel test revealed a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances for cpDNA (r2 = 3.0 × 10-5) and nrDNA (r2 ...
ABSTRACT Abstract The diversity and distribution of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (... more ABSTRACT Abstract The diversity and distribution of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (dry grassland, wet grassland, cultivated land and roadside) were studied from a region of high mean annual rainfall (Entebbe) to a region of lower annual rainfall (Kafu). Eighty-eight species belonging to 45 genera and nine tribes of the family Asteraceae were identified with Vernonieae 25% (five genera), Heliantheae 25% (seventeen genera) and Senecioniae 17.1% (six genera) strongly represented. The species diversity of the family Asteraceae was highest in the transition region (Luweero to Katuugo) and similar in the highest and lowest mean annual rainfall regions. Dry grassland habitats are more highly diverse than other habitat types, while roadside habitats are least diverse. Species common to high rainfall areas include Elephantopus scaber L. and Bothriocline longipes (Oliv. & Hiern) N. E. Br. Species more common in low rainfall areas include Aspilia kotschyi (Sch. Bip.) Oliv. and Berkheya spekeana Oliv.
ABSTRACT The phenology of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (dry grassland, wet grassla... more ABSTRACT The phenology of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (dry grassland, wet grassland, cultivated land and roadside) within three selected districts, that is, Kampala, Migyera and Nakasongola were studied for 1 year (2002). Flowering is partly dependent on mean annual rainfall. In all the habitats, flowering occurs throughout the year, but with a peak between August and November. Troughs in flowering occurred during the beginning of the wet season. The flowering season mainly starts between July and August and ends between January and February. Fruiting is independent of mean annual rainfall, but dependent on seasonal rainfall. Fruiting occurs throughout the year with a peak between August and October and low species fruiting between January and April.
International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2017
The management and sustainable use of Protected Areas Management Policy in Rwanda is of great int... more The management and sustainable use of Protected Areas Management Policy in Rwanda is of great interest to many stakeholders. This study was conducted from May to August, 2016 to find out local communities and other stakeholders perceptions towards co-management of Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda (VNP). The sample size of the study was 81 respondents including neighbouring rural community from two sectors that depend on using the VNP usually illegally and the key respondents from institutions and local leaders whose resources assist the VNP management. The findings indicated that stakeholders have different perspectives on co-management activities of VNP. Some of interviewed farmers especially those bordering VNP in Kinigi and Shingiro sectors of Musanze District showed negative attitude where they are not willing to perform agriculture on their lands because of crop destruction by wild animals from the park. Both the level of synergy and approaches used were moderate by scale used...
This study assessed the extent to which the results of the rural livelihood projects were sustain... more This study assessed the extent to which the results of the rural livelihood projects were sustainable in Nyimbwa sub county Luwero District, Uganda. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey from a sample of 110 respondents namely, heads of household and staff of the Tripartite Rural Livelihood program. The results revealed that rural livelihood projects were sustainable. The results also revealed that gender, age, education level, and occupation significantly affected uptake and sustenance of livelihood projects. It was thus recommended that in introducing sustainable livelihood projects, community development interventionist should have in mind the background characteristics of their rural beneficiaries that make sustainability of the projects achievable.
International journal of pure and applied mathematics, 2018
Business environments including agricultural business environments are known to have subgroups of... more Business environments including agricultural business environments are known to have subgroups of desks, counters, workers and customers of distinct stationary preferences, allocations and characteristics. Is it possible then to carry out analysis with these agents embedded in a system? That is, can one differentiate basic agents such as subgroup preferences in analysis? This paper shows that the answer is Yes. AMS Subject Classification: 60K25, 97M40, 35Q93
ABSTRACT Continued harvesting and climate change are affecting the distributions of many plant sp... more ABSTRACT Continued harvesting and climate change are affecting the distributions of many plant species and may lead to numerous extinctions over the next century. Endangered species are likely to be a special concern, but the extent to which they are sensitive to climate is currently unclear. Species distribution modelling, if carefully implemented, can be used to assess climate sensitivity and potential climate change impacts, of tree species. We used MaxEnt algorithm for species distribution modelling to assess the potential distribution and climate change risks for a threatened Prunus africana, in East Africa. Data from different herbaria on its distribution were linked to data on climate to test hypotheses on the factors determining its distribution. Predictive models were developed and projected onto a climate scenario for 2050 to assess climate change risks. Precipitation of driest quarter and annual precipitation appeared to be the main factors influencing its distribution. Climate change was predicted to result in reductions of the species' habitats (e.g. Erasmus et al., Glob. Change Biol. 2002; 8: 679). Prunus africana distribution is thus highly vulnerable to a warming climate and highlights the fact that both in-situ and ex-situ conservation will be a solution to global warming.
ABSTRACT The various human-induced threats imposed on nature have recently triggered the study of... more ABSTRACT The various human-induced threats imposed on nature have recently triggered the study of species' distributions. We developed potential suitability models using two algorithms for a threatened African mahogany, Entandrophragma angolense, in three East African countries; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The effect of features selection and modelling algorithm selection on potential suitability predictions was explored. Occurrence records and high-resolution environmental data were used. The two species distribution modelling techniques were genetic algorithm rule for prediction; and maximum entropy modelling. With Maxent, the area under the receiver characteristic operating curve (AUC) for potential distribution models tested on independent data ranged from 0.942 to 0.972 when using automatic features and from 0.974 to 0.666 with target or specific features. With GARP, AUC for potential distribution models ranged from 0.591 to 0.736 with all rule types and from 0.388 to 0.805 for specific rule types (Tables and ). The area under the E. angolense potential suitability was best predicted by soil, rainfall and aspect using GARP. Potential suitability increased with increasing aspect and decreased with increasing slope. Low rainfall and elevation increased potential suitability, while high levels of either variable decreased potential suitability. Potential suitability maps for vulnerable species require using a multi-algorithm, fine scale data approach and incorporation of environmental variables like soil, slope, land use and elevation. Species distribution models can offer insight on the distribution requirements of vulnerable species and help guide the development of management plans. Results of this study suggest that E. angolense management plans should promote the protection of terrestrial forests surrounding water bodies including Mabira forest in Uganda.
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Papers by Maria Mbatudde