Thesis
Rhizobial inoculants for improving soil quality and rural livelihoods in Uganda
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2012
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101846
Abstract
The International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) Report cites soil depletion and land degradation as main barriers to agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Since agriculture is the largest sector of Uganda's economy, providing a livelihood for about 80% of the population, technologies that improve soil quality can contribute significantly to the economy of the country and the food security of its citizens. It has been suggested by many researchers that improved knowledge about, and investment in, soil management can lead to economic development; however, chemical fertilizers, a staple for crop production in the wealthy nations of the world, are not an economically feasible option for most of Uganda's smallholder farmers and their use has been implicated in global climate change. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), a natural process for returning nitrogen to depleted soils, offers one option for restoring nitrogen to Ugandan farms. Rhizobia, soil bacteria present in soils around the world, combined with legumes can fix atmospheric dinitrogen gas (N2) and convert it to ammonia (NH3) which can be used by plants. Legume-rhizobia pairings have been used to improve soil fertility through development programs in many parts of the world. The results of lab research examining the ability of 51 varieties of common bean to fix nitrogen presents possible parent varieties for studying the genetic triggers for high BNF. Interview data from farmers and NGO extension officers in Kamuli District, Uganda details the production concerns of farmers. In comparing the data with the goals of a development project, a discrepancy is shown between the priorities of farmers and project planners. This thesis combines these results and examines potential problems in implementing BNF projects in the study area.
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Details
- Title
- Rhizobial inoculants for improving soil quality and rural livelihoods in Uganda
- Creators
- Leland Michael Lege
- Contributors
- M. Jahi Chappell (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525385801842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis