Eefke Mollee | Bangor University (original) (raw)

Papers by Eefke Mollee

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Adaptation for Small-Scale Land Users in Sub-Saharan Africa

Land

Land is both a source and a sink of carbon dioxide (CO2), the chief greenhouse gas. Through susta... more Land is both a source and a sink of carbon dioxide (CO2), the chief greenhouse gas. Through sustainable land management (SLM), it can capture extra CO2 and store it as carbon in vegetation and soil. SLM can also reduce CO2 emissions from the land. Thus, SLM is viewed as the key land-based solution for climate change mitigation. Yet, SLM also provides effective climate change (CC) adaptation practices—such as agroforestry, mulching and water harvesting—which confer resilience, and simultaneously help secure production. This is especially valuable for land users in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) who depend on rainfed agriculture. They are amongst the poorest on Earth and the most vulnerable to CC impacts, despite their minimal carbon footprint. The World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) manages the Global SLM Database: this holds a rich and ever-growing collection of SLM practices. Analysis of the database for rainfed SSA sheds light on which SLM technologies are...

Research paper thumbnail of Linking urban agroforestry and child nutrition: A case study from Kampala, Uganda.: Keynote

4th world congress on Agroforestry, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Any alternatives to rice? Ethnobotanical insights into the dietary use of edible plants by the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province, the Philippines

Research paper thumbnail of Global analysis of yield benefits and risks from integrating trees with rice and implications for agroforestry research in Africa

Field Crops Research, 2022

While agroforestry is a well-established approach for agroecological intensification, rice is les... more While agroforestry is a well-established approach for agroecological intensification, rice is less often integrated with trees than other annual staple crops. The benefits and risks from rice agroforestry practices have not been systematically explored. Considering the need for strategies that may address low fertility and high degradation of arable soils and contribute to smallholder farm productivity, livelihoods and climate resilience, such exploration would both be timely and relevant. This study, therefore, reviews the published literature on integrating trees in rice production worldwide and provides perspectives for future research, with special attention to Africa, where the potential for sustainable productivity enhancement is deemed highest. Worldwide, six improved rice agroforestry practices are distinguished: hedgerow alley-cropping, short-term (0.5-4 years) improved fallows, pre-rice green manuring, biomass transfer, systematically arranged ricetree intercropping and irregularly dispersed trees in fields. The rice agroforestry practices in the 87 publications reviewed were associated with 204 woody perennial species worldwide. Rice agroforestry practices provide a range of products and services to farmers but rice yield is the only quantitative performance indicator reported widely enough to enable metaanalysis. Frequently reported comparative or additional effects of fertilizer application, made it possible to include this aspect in the analyses. Across all types of agroforestry practices enumerated, the average effect of adding trees compared to a no-fertilizer and no-tree control is + 38%. The most beneficial practices in terms of enhancing rice yield were biomass transfer, pre-rice green manuring (100% of data points showing positive responses for both practices) and hedgerow alley-cropping (21% positive cases overall but 64% where fertilizer was not applied). Yield reductions occurred with fertilized intercropping compared to a fertilized mono-crop (in 95% of cases) and with the unfertilized short fallow practice (50% of data points showed yield reduction due to competition in the relay intercropping stage). Tree species that combined rice yield enhancements (alongside other products and services) with wide environmental adaptability across the African continent, include Sesbania rostrata, Aeschynomene afraspera, Acacia auriculiformis, Gliricidia sepium and Gmelia arborea. Yield benefits and risks from integrating trees with smallholder rice cropping depend on the type of agroforestry practice used and how each practice interacts with fertilizer application. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of different ways of integrating trees with rice cropping on wider environmental, social and economic sustainability aspects, that are driving increasing interest in rice agroforestry.

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 4 in Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

FIGURE 4. Map of type locality of B. bangsamoro (Star) vs B. quercifolia (Circle).

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 1 in Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

FIGURE 1. Map indicating the type locality of B. bangsamoro in the Municipality of Wao (C), provi... more FIGURE 1. Map indicating the type locality of B. bangsamoro in the Municipality of Wao (C), province of Lanao del Sur, Mindanao island (B), Philippines (A). Illustrated by D.S. Salas

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 2. B. bangsamoro. A in Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

FIGURE 2. B. bangsamoro. A. Habit; B. Stem; C. Stipule; D, D' Leaf adaxial and abaxial surfac... more FIGURE 2. B. bangsamoro. A. Habit; B. Stem; C. Stipule; D, D' Leaf adaxial and abaxial surfaces; E, E'. Staminate flower face and angled view; F. Stamen top and side view; G. Pistillate flower face view; H. Pistillate flower side view, showing ovary; I. style; J, J', J''. Bracts; K. Ovary cross-section. Line drawing by Y.P. Ang.

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 3. B. bangsamoro. A in Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

FIGURE 3. B. bangsamoro. A. Habitat and habit; B. Stem; C. Stipule; D. Bract; E, E'. Leaf ada... more FIGURE 3. B. bangsamoro. A. Habitat and habit; B. Stem; C. Stipule; D. Bract; E, E'. Leaf adaxial and abaxial surface respectively; F. Inflorescence; G. Staminate flower face view; H. Pistillate flower face view; I. Pistillate flower side view, showing ovary; J. Capsule; K. Ovary cross-section. Photos all by DP Buenavista.

Research paper thumbnail of Can urban homegardens enhance food security? A case study from Uganda's growing capital Kampala

Research paper thumbnail of How People Foraging in Urban Greenspace Can Mobilize Social–Ecological Resilience During Covid-19 and Beyond

Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 2021

Informal foraging for food and other natural materials in urban greenspaces is an activity undert... more Informal foraging for food and other natural materials in urban greenspaces is an activity undertaken by many across the world. For some, foraging is a necessary means of survival and livelihood, while for others, it provides cultural and recreational opportunities. In the socioeconomic crises induced by Covid-19, foraging can help communities, especially (but not exclusively) vulnerable people, cope with the impacts of lockdowns, and associated economic decline. In the long run, foraging can help improve social–ecological resilience in urban systems, particularly in response to climate, economic, and disease disruptions. First, we elaborate the ways in which urban foraging can provide immediate relief from the shocks to natural, human, social, physical, and financial capital. We then describe how over time, the livelihood, food, and income diversification brought about by foraging can contribute to preparedness for future uncertainties and gradual change. Cities are increasingly be...

Research paper thumbnail of From poison to food: On the molecular identity and indigenous peoples’ utilisation of poisonous “Lab-o” (Wild Yam, Dioscoreaceae) in Bukidnon, Philippines

Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2021

From poison to food: On the molecular identity and indigenous peoples' utilisation of poisonous "... more From poison to food: On the molecular identity and indigenous peoples' utilisation of poisonous "Lab-o" (Wild Yam, Dioscoreaceae) in Bukidnon, Philippines.

Research paper thumbnail of Greening the Green City: Selection of fruit tree species in Kampala in public and private space

Research paper thumbnail of Plant Species Richness and Diversity in Urban Uganda : An Inventory of Kampala ’ s Homegardens

Urban homegardens can be considered as multifunctional biodiversity hotspots in an urbanising wor... more Urban homegardens can be considered as multifunctional biodiversity hotspots in an urbanising world and provide urban populations, including those in Kampala, Uganda, with valuable produce for home consumption and sale. However, biodiversity of urban gardens is rarely documented and their true potential for livelihoods is still poorly understood, while the whole urban homegarden system might be under thread. The aim of this study was to determine plant species composition and diversity in inner-, outerand peri-urban gardens in Kampala, Uganda. We performed a full floristic inventory of 74 homegardens, which were visited between February and April 2015. For each plant species, apart from weeds, the scientific name, abundances and main uses were recorded. Diversity indices and summed dominance ratios (SDRs) were calculated and data analysed by applying ANOVAs, correlation and cluster analyses. The total number of plant species inventoried was 248, of which 70 plant species were food p...

Research paper thumbnail of Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

Phytotaxa, 2021

Begonia bangsamoro, a new Philippine Begonia species from the section Petermannia is described an... more Begonia bangsamoro, a new Philippine Begonia species from the section Petermannia is described and illustrated. The new species was discovered in the fragmented riparian forest of Lanao del Sur, along the Ginapukan river in Wao, Mindanao island, Philippines. The previous collections also revealed that it occurs in the nearby province of Bukidnon. Begonia bangsamoro is distinguished from other Philippine Begonia by its lacerate leaf margins, terminal inflorescences, 4-tepaled staminate flowers, and sparsely hirsute ovaries. The new species is compared with the phenetically similar B. quercifolia. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, B. bangsamoro is designated as Endangered (EN).

Research paper thumbnail of Cultivated Plants in the Diversified Homegardens of Local Communities in Ganges Valley, Bangladesh

Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing count... more Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing countries. These systems are an intimate mix of diversified agricultural crops and multipurpose trees planted, maintained by members of the household. This paper aims to explore the species composition commonly found in the homestead agroforestry systems in the Ganges valley of northern Bangladesh and their contribution to local livelihoods. Three villages i.e., 'Capasia', 'Chak Capasia' and 'Baduria' were selected as the primary study area. Data were collected by (1) rapid rural appraisal, (2) direct observation, (3) informal and structured interviews with a purposive sample of 90 households. A total of 53 plant species under 32 families were identified from the study area and it was found that the relative density were highest for Areca catechu (areca palm), Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) and Mangifera indica (mango). Financial analysis showed that homestead agroforestry net benefit increases with the increasing landholding classes. However, no significant difference was found between the number of species in different farm sizes, contrasting other studies that accused this relationship. The comparison of Shannon-Wiener index between agroforestry systems and natural forest showed no statistical difference, reinforcing the role of homegardens in biological conservation in Bangladesh. Therefore, increasing agroforestry practices in homesteads, should be the strategy for enhancing tree cover in order to meet basic needs of the local people and for environmental sustainability.

Research paper thumbnail of The use of urban plant resources for health and food security in Kampala, Uganda

With some of the highest urbanisation rates in the world, Sub-Saharan Africa faces serious challe... more With some of the highest urbanisation rates in the world, Sub-Saharan Africa faces serious challenges in providing sufficient, healthy and affordable foods for its growing urban populations. Urban biodiversity, such as homegardens can provide people with healthy food products in addition to other ecosystem services. However urban plant systems are under threat, and even though they provide multiple uses they are still poorly understood. In this dissertation, I explored two urban landscape options: homegardens and wild collection. The overall aim of this study was to provide an understanding of the current and potential contribution of urban plant resources to human wellbeing (with a focus on food security) in Kampala, Uganda. To fulfil this aim, I created 4 objectives: 1) to assess plant species composition and use in Kampala’s homegardens, 2) to explore associations between homegardens and socio-economic determinants of dietary diversity and fruit consumption of children aged 2-5 y...

Research paper thumbnail of Into the urban wild: Collection of wild urban plants for food and medicine in Kampala, Uganda

Research paper thumbnail of Global analysis of yield benefits and risks from integrating trees with rice and implications for agroforestry research in Africa

Field Crops Research, 2022

While agroforestry is a well-established approach for agroecological intensification, rice is les... more While agroforestry is a well-established approach for agroecological intensification, rice is less often integrated with trees than other annual staple crops. The benefits and risks from rice agroforestry practices have not been systematically explored. Considering the need for strategies that may address low fertility and high degradation of arable soils and contribute to smallholder farm productivity, livelihoods and climate resilience, such exploration would both be timely and relevant. This study, therefore, reviews the published literature on integrating trees in rice production worldwide and provides perspectives for future research, with special attention to Africa, where the potential for sustainable productivity enhancement is deemed highest. Worldwide, six improved rice agroforestry practices are distinguished: hedgerow alley-cropping, short-term (0.5-4 years) improved fallows, pre-rice green manuring, biomass transfer, systematically arranged ricetree intercropping and irregularly dispersed trees in fields. The rice agroforestry practices in the 87 publications reviewed were associated with 204 woody perennial species worldwide. Rice agroforestry practices provide a range of products and services to farmers but rice yield is the only quantitative performance indicator reported widely enough to enable metaanalysis. Frequently reported comparative or additional effects of fertilizer application, made it possible to include this aspect in the analyses. Across all types of agroforestry practices enumerated, the average effect of adding trees compared to a no-fertilizer and no-tree control is + 38%. The most beneficial practices in terms of enhancing rice yield were biomass transfer, pre-rice green manuring (100% of data points showing positive responses for both practices) and hedgerow alley-cropping (21% positive cases overall but 64% where fertilizer was not applied). Yield reductions occurred with fertilized intercropping compared to a fertilized mono-crop (in 95% of cases) and with the unfertilized short fallow practice (50% of data points showed yield reduction due to competition in the relay intercropping stage). Tree species that combined rice yield enhancements (alongside other products and services) with wide environmental adaptability across the African continent, include Sesbania rostrata, Aeschynomene afraspera, Acacia auriculiformis, Gliricidia sepium and Gmelia arborea. Yield benefits and risks from integrating trees with smallholder rice cropping depend on the type of agroforestry practice used and how each practice interacts with fertilizer application. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of different ways of integrating trees with rice cropping on wider environmental, social and economic sustainability aspects, that are driving increasing interest in rice agroforestry.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-larval French grunts (Haemulon flavolineatum) distinguish between seagrass, mangrove and coral reef water: Implications for recognition of potential nursery habitats

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2008

Environmental cues like sound, magnetic field, oceanic currents, water chemistry or habitat struc... more Environmental cues like sound, magnetic field, oceanic currents, water chemistry or habitat structure are believed to play an important role in the orientation of reef fish towards their settlement habitat. Some species of coral reef fish are known to use seagrass beds and mangroves as juvenile habitats. Once oceanic larvae of these fish have located a coral reef from the open ocean, they still have to find embayments or lagoons harbouring these juvenile habitats. The sensory mechanisms that are used for this are still unknown. In the present study, experiments were conducted to investigate if recruits of the French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) respond to habitat differences in water type, as mangrove/ seagrass water may differ in biotic and abiotic compounds from coral reef water. Our results show that post-larvae of a reef fish that is highly associated with mangroves and seagrass beds during its juvenile life stage, choose significantly more often for water from mangroves and seagrass beds than for water from the coral reef. These results provide a more detailed insight in the mechanisms that play a role in the detection of these juvenile habitats.

Research paper thumbnail of Cultivated plants in the diversified homegardens of local communities in Ganges Valley, Bangladesh

Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing count... more Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing countries. These systems are an intimate mix of diversified agricultural crops and multipurpose trees planted, maintained by members of the household. This paper aims to explore the species composition commonly found in the homestead agroforestry systems in the Ganges valley of northern Bangladesh and their contribution to local livelihoods. Three villages i.e., 'Capasia', 'Chak Capasia' and 'Baduria' were selected as the primary study area. Data were collected by (1) rapid rural appraisal, (2) direct observation, (3) informal and structured interviews with a purposive sample of 90 households. A total of 53 plant species under 32 families were identified from the study area and it was found that the relative density were highest for Areca catechu (areca palm), Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) and Mangifera indica (mango). Financial analysis showed that homestead agroforestry net benefit increases with the increasing landholding classes. However, no significant difference was found between the number of species in different farm sizes, contrasting other studies that accused this relationship. The comparison of Shannon-Wiener index between agroforestry systems and natural forest showed no statistical difference, reinforcing the role of homegardens in biological conservation in Bangladesh. Therefore, increasing agroforestry practices in homesteads, should be the strategy for enhancing tree cover in order to meet basic needs of the local people and for environmental sustainability.

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Adaptation for Small-Scale Land Users in Sub-Saharan Africa

Land

Land is both a source and a sink of carbon dioxide (CO2), the chief greenhouse gas. Through susta... more Land is both a source and a sink of carbon dioxide (CO2), the chief greenhouse gas. Through sustainable land management (SLM), it can capture extra CO2 and store it as carbon in vegetation and soil. SLM can also reduce CO2 emissions from the land. Thus, SLM is viewed as the key land-based solution for climate change mitigation. Yet, SLM also provides effective climate change (CC) adaptation practices—such as agroforestry, mulching and water harvesting—which confer resilience, and simultaneously help secure production. This is especially valuable for land users in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) who depend on rainfed agriculture. They are amongst the poorest on Earth and the most vulnerable to CC impacts, despite their minimal carbon footprint. The World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) manages the Global SLM Database: this holds a rich and ever-growing collection of SLM practices. Analysis of the database for rainfed SSA sheds light on which SLM technologies are...

Research paper thumbnail of Linking urban agroforestry and child nutrition: A case study from Kampala, Uganda.: Keynote

4th world congress on Agroforestry, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Any alternatives to rice? Ethnobotanical insights into the dietary use of edible plants by the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province, the Philippines

Research paper thumbnail of Global analysis of yield benefits and risks from integrating trees with rice and implications for agroforestry research in Africa

Field Crops Research, 2022

While agroforestry is a well-established approach for agroecological intensification, rice is les... more While agroforestry is a well-established approach for agroecological intensification, rice is less often integrated with trees than other annual staple crops. The benefits and risks from rice agroforestry practices have not been systematically explored. Considering the need for strategies that may address low fertility and high degradation of arable soils and contribute to smallholder farm productivity, livelihoods and climate resilience, such exploration would both be timely and relevant. This study, therefore, reviews the published literature on integrating trees in rice production worldwide and provides perspectives for future research, with special attention to Africa, where the potential for sustainable productivity enhancement is deemed highest. Worldwide, six improved rice agroforestry practices are distinguished: hedgerow alley-cropping, short-term (0.5-4 years) improved fallows, pre-rice green manuring, biomass transfer, systematically arranged ricetree intercropping and irregularly dispersed trees in fields. The rice agroforestry practices in the 87 publications reviewed were associated with 204 woody perennial species worldwide. Rice agroforestry practices provide a range of products and services to farmers but rice yield is the only quantitative performance indicator reported widely enough to enable metaanalysis. Frequently reported comparative or additional effects of fertilizer application, made it possible to include this aspect in the analyses. Across all types of agroforestry practices enumerated, the average effect of adding trees compared to a no-fertilizer and no-tree control is + 38%. The most beneficial practices in terms of enhancing rice yield were biomass transfer, pre-rice green manuring (100% of data points showing positive responses for both practices) and hedgerow alley-cropping (21% positive cases overall but 64% where fertilizer was not applied). Yield reductions occurred with fertilized intercropping compared to a fertilized mono-crop (in 95% of cases) and with the unfertilized short fallow practice (50% of data points showed yield reduction due to competition in the relay intercropping stage). Tree species that combined rice yield enhancements (alongside other products and services) with wide environmental adaptability across the African continent, include Sesbania rostrata, Aeschynomene afraspera, Acacia auriculiformis, Gliricidia sepium and Gmelia arborea. Yield benefits and risks from integrating trees with smallholder rice cropping depend on the type of agroforestry practice used and how each practice interacts with fertilizer application. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of different ways of integrating trees with rice cropping on wider environmental, social and economic sustainability aspects, that are driving increasing interest in rice agroforestry.

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 4 in Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

FIGURE 4. Map of type locality of B. bangsamoro (Star) vs B. quercifolia (Circle).

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 1 in Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

FIGURE 1. Map indicating the type locality of B. bangsamoro in the Municipality of Wao (C), provi... more FIGURE 1. Map indicating the type locality of B. bangsamoro in the Municipality of Wao (C), province of Lanao del Sur, Mindanao island (B), Philippines (A). Illustrated by D.S. Salas

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 2. B. bangsamoro. A in Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

FIGURE 2. B. bangsamoro. A. Habit; B. Stem; C. Stipule; D, D' Leaf adaxial and abaxial surfac... more FIGURE 2. B. bangsamoro. A. Habit; B. Stem; C. Stipule; D, D' Leaf adaxial and abaxial surfaces; E, E'. Staminate flower face and angled view; F. Stamen top and side view; G. Pistillate flower face view; H. Pistillate flower side view, showing ovary; I. style; J, J', J''. Bracts; K. Ovary cross-section. Line drawing by Y.P. Ang.

Research paper thumbnail of FIGURE 3. B. bangsamoro. A in Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

FIGURE 3. B. bangsamoro. A. Habitat and habit; B. Stem; C. Stipule; D. Bract; E, E'. Leaf ada... more FIGURE 3. B. bangsamoro. A. Habitat and habit; B. Stem; C. Stipule; D. Bract; E, E'. Leaf adaxial and abaxial surface respectively; F. Inflorescence; G. Staminate flower face view; H. Pistillate flower face view; I. Pistillate flower side view, showing ovary; J. Capsule; K. Ovary cross-section. Photos all by DP Buenavista.

Research paper thumbnail of Can urban homegardens enhance food security? A case study from Uganda's growing capital Kampala

Research paper thumbnail of How People Foraging in Urban Greenspace Can Mobilize Social–Ecological Resilience During Covid-19 and Beyond

Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 2021

Informal foraging for food and other natural materials in urban greenspaces is an activity undert... more Informal foraging for food and other natural materials in urban greenspaces is an activity undertaken by many across the world. For some, foraging is a necessary means of survival and livelihood, while for others, it provides cultural and recreational opportunities. In the socioeconomic crises induced by Covid-19, foraging can help communities, especially (but not exclusively) vulnerable people, cope with the impacts of lockdowns, and associated economic decline. In the long run, foraging can help improve social–ecological resilience in urban systems, particularly in response to climate, economic, and disease disruptions. First, we elaborate the ways in which urban foraging can provide immediate relief from the shocks to natural, human, social, physical, and financial capital. We then describe how over time, the livelihood, food, and income diversification brought about by foraging can contribute to preparedness for future uncertainties and gradual change. Cities are increasingly be...

Research paper thumbnail of From poison to food: On the molecular identity and indigenous peoples’ utilisation of poisonous “Lab-o” (Wild Yam, Dioscoreaceae) in Bukidnon, Philippines

Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2021

From poison to food: On the molecular identity and indigenous peoples' utilisation of poisonous "... more From poison to food: On the molecular identity and indigenous peoples' utilisation of poisonous "Lab-o" (Wild Yam, Dioscoreaceae) in Bukidnon, Philippines.

Research paper thumbnail of Greening the Green City: Selection of fruit tree species in Kampala in public and private space

Research paper thumbnail of Plant Species Richness and Diversity in Urban Uganda : An Inventory of Kampala ’ s Homegardens

Urban homegardens can be considered as multifunctional biodiversity hotspots in an urbanising wor... more Urban homegardens can be considered as multifunctional biodiversity hotspots in an urbanising world and provide urban populations, including those in Kampala, Uganda, with valuable produce for home consumption and sale. However, biodiversity of urban gardens is rarely documented and their true potential for livelihoods is still poorly understood, while the whole urban homegarden system might be under thread. The aim of this study was to determine plant species composition and diversity in inner-, outerand peri-urban gardens in Kampala, Uganda. We performed a full floristic inventory of 74 homegardens, which were visited between February and April 2015. For each plant species, apart from weeds, the scientific name, abundances and main uses were recorded. Diversity indices and summed dominance ratios (SDRs) were calculated and data analysed by applying ANOVAs, correlation and cluster analyses. The total number of plant species inventoried was 248, of which 70 plant species were food p...

Research paper thumbnail of Begonia bangsamoro (Begoniaceae, section Petermannia), a new species from Mindanao Island, the Philippines

Phytotaxa, 2021

Begonia bangsamoro, a new Philippine Begonia species from the section Petermannia is described an... more Begonia bangsamoro, a new Philippine Begonia species from the section Petermannia is described and illustrated. The new species was discovered in the fragmented riparian forest of Lanao del Sur, along the Ginapukan river in Wao, Mindanao island, Philippines. The previous collections also revealed that it occurs in the nearby province of Bukidnon. Begonia bangsamoro is distinguished from other Philippine Begonia by its lacerate leaf margins, terminal inflorescences, 4-tepaled staminate flowers, and sparsely hirsute ovaries. The new species is compared with the phenetically similar B. quercifolia. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, B. bangsamoro is designated as Endangered (EN).

Research paper thumbnail of Cultivated Plants in the Diversified Homegardens of Local Communities in Ganges Valley, Bangladesh

Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing count... more Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing countries. These systems are an intimate mix of diversified agricultural crops and multipurpose trees planted, maintained by members of the household. This paper aims to explore the species composition commonly found in the homestead agroforestry systems in the Ganges valley of northern Bangladesh and their contribution to local livelihoods. Three villages i.e., 'Capasia', 'Chak Capasia' and 'Baduria' were selected as the primary study area. Data were collected by (1) rapid rural appraisal, (2) direct observation, (3) informal and structured interviews with a purposive sample of 90 households. A total of 53 plant species under 32 families were identified from the study area and it was found that the relative density were highest for Areca catechu (areca palm), Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) and Mangifera indica (mango). Financial analysis showed that homestead agroforestry net benefit increases with the increasing landholding classes. However, no significant difference was found between the number of species in different farm sizes, contrasting other studies that accused this relationship. The comparison of Shannon-Wiener index between agroforestry systems and natural forest showed no statistical difference, reinforcing the role of homegardens in biological conservation in Bangladesh. Therefore, increasing agroforestry practices in homesteads, should be the strategy for enhancing tree cover in order to meet basic needs of the local people and for environmental sustainability.

Research paper thumbnail of The use of urban plant resources for health and food security in Kampala, Uganda

With some of the highest urbanisation rates in the world, Sub-Saharan Africa faces serious challe... more With some of the highest urbanisation rates in the world, Sub-Saharan Africa faces serious challenges in providing sufficient, healthy and affordable foods for its growing urban populations. Urban biodiversity, such as homegardens can provide people with healthy food products in addition to other ecosystem services. However urban plant systems are under threat, and even though they provide multiple uses they are still poorly understood. In this dissertation, I explored two urban landscape options: homegardens and wild collection. The overall aim of this study was to provide an understanding of the current and potential contribution of urban plant resources to human wellbeing (with a focus on food security) in Kampala, Uganda. To fulfil this aim, I created 4 objectives: 1) to assess plant species composition and use in Kampala’s homegardens, 2) to explore associations between homegardens and socio-economic determinants of dietary diversity and fruit consumption of children aged 2-5 y...

Research paper thumbnail of Into the urban wild: Collection of wild urban plants for food and medicine in Kampala, Uganda

Research paper thumbnail of Global analysis of yield benefits and risks from integrating trees with rice and implications for agroforestry research in Africa

Field Crops Research, 2022

While agroforestry is a well-established approach for agroecological intensification, rice is les... more While agroforestry is a well-established approach for agroecological intensification, rice is less often integrated with trees than other annual staple crops. The benefits and risks from rice agroforestry practices have not been systematically explored. Considering the need for strategies that may address low fertility and high degradation of arable soils and contribute to smallholder farm productivity, livelihoods and climate resilience, such exploration would both be timely and relevant. This study, therefore, reviews the published literature on integrating trees in rice production worldwide and provides perspectives for future research, with special attention to Africa, where the potential for sustainable productivity enhancement is deemed highest. Worldwide, six improved rice agroforestry practices are distinguished: hedgerow alley-cropping, short-term (0.5-4 years) improved fallows, pre-rice green manuring, biomass transfer, systematically arranged ricetree intercropping and irregularly dispersed trees in fields. The rice agroforestry practices in the 87 publications reviewed were associated with 204 woody perennial species worldwide. Rice agroforestry practices provide a range of products and services to farmers but rice yield is the only quantitative performance indicator reported widely enough to enable metaanalysis. Frequently reported comparative or additional effects of fertilizer application, made it possible to include this aspect in the analyses. Across all types of agroforestry practices enumerated, the average effect of adding trees compared to a no-fertilizer and no-tree control is + 38%. The most beneficial practices in terms of enhancing rice yield were biomass transfer, pre-rice green manuring (100% of data points showing positive responses for both practices) and hedgerow alley-cropping (21% positive cases overall but 64% where fertilizer was not applied). Yield reductions occurred with fertilized intercropping compared to a fertilized mono-crop (in 95% of cases) and with the unfertilized short fallow practice (50% of data points showed yield reduction due to competition in the relay intercropping stage). Tree species that combined rice yield enhancements (alongside other products and services) with wide environmental adaptability across the African continent, include Sesbania rostrata, Aeschynomene afraspera, Acacia auriculiformis, Gliricidia sepium and Gmelia arborea. Yield benefits and risks from integrating trees with smallholder rice cropping depend on the type of agroforestry practice used and how each practice interacts with fertilizer application. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of different ways of integrating trees with rice cropping on wider environmental, social and economic sustainability aspects, that are driving increasing interest in rice agroforestry.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-larval French grunts (Haemulon flavolineatum) distinguish between seagrass, mangrove and coral reef water: Implications for recognition of potential nursery habitats

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2008

Environmental cues like sound, magnetic field, oceanic currents, water chemistry or habitat struc... more Environmental cues like sound, magnetic field, oceanic currents, water chemistry or habitat structure are believed to play an important role in the orientation of reef fish towards their settlement habitat. Some species of coral reef fish are known to use seagrass beds and mangroves as juvenile habitats. Once oceanic larvae of these fish have located a coral reef from the open ocean, they still have to find embayments or lagoons harbouring these juvenile habitats. The sensory mechanisms that are used for this are still unknown. In the present study, experiments were conducted to investigate if recruits of the French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum) respond to habitat differences in water type, as mangrove/ seagrass water may differ in biotic and abiotic compounds from coral reef water. Our results show that post-larvae of a reef fish that is highly associated with mangroves and seagrass beds during its juvenile life stage, choose significantly more often for water from mangroves and seagrass beds than for water from the coral reef. These results provide a more detailed insight in the mechanisms that play a role in the detection of these juvenile habitats.

Research paper thumbnail of Cultivated plants in the diversified homegardens of local communities in Ganges Valley, Bangladesh

Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing count... more Homestead agroforestry, in the form of homegardens, has a long tradition in many developing countries. These systems are an intimate mix of diversified agricultural crops and multipurpose trees planted, maintained by members of the household. This paper aims to explore the species composition commonly found in the homestead agroforestry systems in the Ganges valley of northern Bangladesh and their contribution to local livelihoods. Three villages i.e., 'Capasia', 'Chak Capasia' and 'Baduria' were selected as the primary study area. Data were collected by (1) rapid rural appraisal, (2) direct observation, (3) informal and structured interviews with a purposive sample of 90 households. A total of 53 plant species under 32 families were identified from the study area and it was found that the relative density were highest for Areca catechu (areca palm), Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) and Mangifera indica (mango). Financial analysis showed that homestead agroforestry net benefit increases with the increasing landholding classes. However, no significant difference was found between the number of species in different farm sizes, contrasting other studies that accused this relationship. The comparison of Shannon-Wiener index between agroforestry systems and natural forest showed no statistical difference, reinforcing the role of homegardens in biological conservation in Bangladesh. Therefore, increasing agroforestry practices in homesteads, should be the strategy for enhancing tree cover in order to meet basic needs of the local people and for environmental sustainability.