Proceedings/reports/papers from conferences, seminars and workshops https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2 2026-03-12T05:05:58Z 2026-03-12T05:05:58Z Ndabarasa, Jean Felix https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2843 2026-01-21T16:50:15Z 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z

Trend and variability of rainfall in the northern province in Rwanda and their impact on tea production: Case of Gicumbi District Ndabarasa, Jean Felix This study examines the trend and variability of rainfall in Gicumbi District, Northern Province, Rwanda, from 1983 to 2021 and assesses their impact on tea production using high-resolution gridded rainfall data from the Rwanda Meteorological Agency and tea production records from the Mulindi Tea Factory Company. Sen’s slope estimator and the Mann-Kendall test were used to calculate trends, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was used to determine variability. The relationship between rainfall and tea production was examined using correlation analysis. Two rainfall seasons March to May (MAM) and September to December (SOND) were identified using temporal rainfall analysis. April receives the highest rainfall during MAM season, while October is the wettest month in the SOND season. The results showed that more rainfall received during SOND compared to MAM. It was also observed that rainfall is concentrated over highlands hence the influence of orography is very strong over Gicumbi district. According to the monthly rainfall variability results, the dry months of June to August (65% to 310%) have a high coefficient of variability, however, the wet months of March to May (24% to 76%) and September to December (25% to 78%) showed a low coefficient of variability. Over most part, the MAM season has a higher coefficient of variability than the SOND season. Indicating that the SOND season is more reliable than the MAM season. No significant trends were indicated for Monthly, seasonal, and annual rainfall; however, few grids may show significant trends depending on season. Both green leaf and Black tea production show weakly negative correlation with rainfall (r = -0.28, r= -0.32 respectively). These findings demonstrate the importance of developing climate-smart strategies to sustain tea farming in the face of growing rainfall variability and changing climatic conditions Master's Dissertation

2025-10-01T00:00:00Z Bazondlile, Dube Marimbe Mangezi, Walter Kaul, Paritosh Kaseke, Farayi Madhombiro, Munyaradzi Mukona, Doreen https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2756 2025-12-10T12:49:28Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Needs assessment for development of a mental health curriculum for village/lay health workers to manage caregiver burden in Zimbabwe Bazondlile, Dube Marimbe; Mangezi, Walter; Kaul, Paritosh; Kaseke, Farayi; Madhombiro, Munyaradzi; Mukona, Doreen Introduction: Village health workers (VHW)/Lay workers have been used effectively in HIV programmes in Zimbabwe and may potentially be useful in supporting caregivers of people with mental illness, if they are adequately trained and supervised by health professionals. Objective: To explore the training needs of VHW in supporting caregivers of persons with mental illness. Methods: Fifty two VHWs were conveniently selected from 5 out of 9 provinces in Zimbabwe and participated in focus group discussions (FGD) using a standardized study guide. Forty six health professionals completed a self-administered open ended questionnaire. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim in Shona and translated into English. Data were analyzed thematically using Atlas Ti. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16 was used for sociodemographic data analysis. Results: The overall perceived training needs for VHW included training on counseling skills, psycho- education for caregivers, stress management, education on mental health conditions in order for them to effectively support caregivers of patients with mental illness in their communities in Zimbabwe. Conclusion: The needs analysis demonstrates perceived gaps in the knowledge of VHW in training caregivers of patients with mental illness. Designing a curriculum and assessing its impact on patient care and caregiver perceptions may go a long way in reducing caregiver burden in Zimbabwe. Research article

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z Mbaraka, Saidi Rumanzi Nkurunziza, Christian Habimana, Sylvestre Abayisenga, Jean Claude https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2037 2023-07-12T05:18:53Z 2023-01-21T00:00:00Z

Effect of Soil Application of Stabilized Ortho Silicic Acid Based Granules on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Mbaraka, Saidi Rumanzi; Nkurunziza, Christian; Habimana, Sylvestre; Abayisenga, Jean Claude Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in Rwanda. Present study was aimed assessed the effect of stabilized ortho silicic acid (OSA) based granules on growth and yield of rice. Field experiments were conducted at Rwagitima, Gatsibo district in the Eastern province of Rwanda during two wet seasons in 2019, the first season was between February and May and the second one was from September to December. Two levels of recommended fertilizer doses (RDF; i.e., 200 kg ha−1 NPK as a basal fertilizer and 100 kg ha−1 urea as a top dressing fertilizer) were applied solely and along with different doses (10, 15 and 20 kg ha−1) of OSA based granules. The treatments were: T1 (100% RDF), T2 (75% RDF), T3 (T1 +10 kgha−1 OSA), T4 (T1 +15 kgha−1 OSA), T5 (T1 +20 kgha−1 OSA), T6 (T2 +10 kgha−1OSA), T7 (T2 +15 kgha−1 OSA) and T8 (T2 +20 kgha−1 OSA). Experiments were laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that the application of 100% RDF +20 kg ha−1 of OSA granules increased plant height (99.80 cm), tiller number (361) and root length (15.7 cm). Furthermore, yield increments of 28.4% and 19.9% for the first and second seasons, respectively, were obtained in treatments where 100% RDF +20 kgha−1 of OSA granules were applied. The rice yield in the treatment 75% RDF +20 kg/ha Silixol OSA granules was higher than that recorded with 100% RDF only. This indicates that use of Silixol OSA granules can result in 25% saving of fertilizer (NPK and urea) without compromising the yield. Conclusively, Silixol OSA granules offers good potential for yield increment of rice in Rwanda and, can minimize fertilizer use by 25%. Research article

2023-01-21T00:00:00Z Dushimeyesu, Erastus Habimana, Sylvestre Musana Rwalinda, Fabrice https://dr.ur.ac.rw/handle/123456789/2036 2023-07-12T05:11:18Z 2021-12-23T00:00:00Z

Impact of Maize Storage Methods on Aflatoxin Contamination In Eight Districts of Southern Province of Rwanda Dushimeyesu, Erastus; Habimana, Sylvestre; Musana Rwalinda, Fabrice Aflatoxin levels were measured in 900 farmer’s stores grouped into 18 respective cooperatives throughout the whole parts of the southern region of Rwanda to assess the effects of different approaches of storage on aflatoxin attacks on maize. Questionnaires, maize sampling, and laboratory testing methods were used in this study to find out which storage techniques were linked to greater or lower aflatoxin levels in stored maize in the southern region of Rwanda so that extension services could be recommended on aflatoxin-reducing measures. Farmers were questioned on the structure of their storage, form, period, and pest problems in storage, as well as what they did to battle them and the sample was taken for aflatoxin testing, the presence of aflatoxin in stored corn was negatively associated to pesticide application. Aflatoxin contamination was found to be lower (2.8 parts per billion) when grain was stored in bags with pallets; aflatoxin levels were higher (88.5 parts per billions)in those who stored corn under their roofs. Henceforth, appropriate maize storage, sorting out of damaged cobs, the use of appropriate storage insecticides, storage in well-equipped, hygienic, and aerated stores with pallets, and farmers being aware of the risk that insects and aflatoxins pose to their stored maize, were found to minimize the level of aflatoxin in stored maize. Conference paper

2021-12-23T00:00:00Z