Browsing by Author "Ngowi, Edwin Estomii"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

Geospatial characterization of climate-smart agroforestry in two contrasting physiographic zones of Rwanda
(Research square, 2023-05-10) Ntawuruhunga, Donatien; Ngowi, Edwin Estomii; Mangi, Halima Omari; Salanga, Raymond John; Shikuku, Kelvin Mashisia
The unmatched world population growth with production has increased human demand causing starvation consequent to food shortage. Climate-smart agroforestry (CSAF) among other options can enhance productivity, improve income and food security, and stabilize the environment. This study investigates the land suitability for CSAF in the Bugesera and Rulindo regions of Rwanda. After searching the literature and the local expert knowledge and opinions, nine variables were considered for investigation in the study viz. elevation, slope, soil type, rainfall, temperature, LU/LC, distance from roads and trade centers, and landslide risks. The analysis used two commonly known techniques (AHP and GIS) integrated to classify and sort out the suitable land for CSAF practices and development. Results identified three CSAF suitability zones, ranging from 1,662.82ha (1.60%) as most suitable and 90,123.78ha (86.62%) suitable to 12,262.50ha (11.78%) unsuitable zones in Bugesera. In Rulindo, suitability zones range from 709.92ha (9.69%) as most suitable and 6,514.56ha (88.92%) suitable to 102.24ha (1.39%) unsuitable land for CSAF. Results further showed that the available means suitable land for CSAF are 34,683.03ha in Bugesera (34,683.03 ± 48,304.71) and 2,442.24ha in Rulindo (2,442.24 ± 3,539.79). Land suitability scores for CSAF largely varied across sites (F = 1.33, p = 0.31). Cross-validation using ground-truthing information (field visit and collection of GPS-based ground coordinates of random locations of actual CSAF) and evidence from literature about existing CSAF mostly supported the generated CSAF suitability maps (nearly 91% of ground-based locations supported the model output). These results reveal the extent of implementation of CSAF practices in the targeted areas. In areas such as Bugesera and Rulindo where investigations on CSAF are scanty, suitability maps in this study would allow identifying sites with high potential for CSAF. The cross-site suitability mapping and analysis for CSAF would provide an opportunity to policy-makers for location-specific land use planning for expanding and implementing CSAF-based models. Those would assist in addressing ecosystem restoration, optimum farm production, increased income, and enhanced food security. This study will pave the way for further studies on the potential CSAF and possibly required interventions for the assessed areas.
Socio-economic values and genetic diversity of indigenous cattle in Mara region, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2007) Ngowi, Edwin Estomii
A field survey was carried out on Tarime zebu cattle (TZC) in Tarime district (Mara region) in order to describe farmers’ traditional knowledge practices of cattle preferences, productive, reproductive, breed-specific management constraints, desired policy interventions and phenotypic characteristics of TZC. Information from structured questionnaire of 120 farmers, twenty key informants, field measurements such as heart girth, height at withers and body length of 17 males, 23 castrates and 53 females were utilised to carry out an on-farm phenotypic characterisation and description of the breed. The majority of the farmers (86%) still prefer to keep TZC. Average age at first calving was 4.2 years. Average calving interval was 17.5 months and lactation length was 8.2 months. Farmers ranked with highest score draught power, dowry and the role of cattle in home consumed milk as the most important preferences of keeping TZC. The TZC breed is recognized by farmers to have adaptive resistance to diseases and parasites and ability to cope with feed shortages during the long dry periods are favourably rated by the majority of farmers. Farmers desired to have regular extension services (48%), reliable market for livestock and milk (28%) and veterinary services (22%) as well as improving of water sources through construction of dams and cattle dips (18%) to reduce water shortage and tick-borne diseases, respectively. TZC have an average body weight of 292kg, 249kg and 319 ± 36kg and average height at withers of 111cm, 107cm and 116cm for males, females and castrates. The heart girth, height at wither, body length and rump width predicted body2 weight with the highest accuracy (R 2 = 0.98) of statistical significance (p<0.05).The study concluded that the farming communities in the study area prefer their local and highly adapted cattle breed for their survival; and the breed trends (TZC) are attributed mainly to the decrease in grazing land and the increase in human population.