The study was done to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices towards edible insects, their consumption and practices of harvesting and processing in Lango sub-region, with the aim of increasing their consumption and improving nutrition of the people. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Common insect orders used as food in the area included: Isoptera (termites), Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets), and Hymenoptera (honey bee broods). Winged termites (Macrotermes spp.), locally known as Ngwen was consumed by more than 97% of the respondents. Soldier termites (Syntermes soldiers), locally called okok, were consumed by 73% of the respondents and crickets (Brachytrupes spp.), locally known as odir, was consumed by 69% of respondents. These insects were seasonally abundant and consumed in households in seasons of availability. Winged and soldier termites were harvested by attraction to light at the termite mound and by ‘termite fishing’ technique, respectively. Grasshoppers were harvested by hand picking from cropland bushes. Women and children were more actively involved in collection of insects than men. Pan frying, roasting, boiling followed by sun drying were the most common methods of processing insects. Dried insects were either served as snacks or a side dish. A main dish locally known as alakena is prepared from freshly ground termites. Dried winged termites were preserved for consumption at a later date. Women and children consumed more edible insects than men. The results show that insects are important as a food resource to the rural poor. However, majority of the respondents did not know that insects are nutritious. Therefore there is need to popularise consumption of edible insects in and outside the subregion through research on nutritional values of insects and documenting the information and processing insects using modern techniques in order to increase its commercial value and availability of insect products in all seasons.

Robust evidence underpinning the role of beekeeping in poverty alleviation is currently lacking. This study estimated the production potential for beekeepers in Northern Uganda by quantifying current production assets (equipment and knowledge) and impact on rural income streams range of proposed interventions. Intervention scenarios evaluated the economic benefits to be derived from different hive types combined with year-round provision of a nectar source ( Calliandra calothyrsus ) planted at varying density. Findings show that the type and number of beehive combinations used influenced the amount of revenue streams generated by the beekeepers. Addition of 20 log hives increased incomes 10 times, 20 KTBs increased revenues 16 times and Langstroth 18 times. Adding Calliandra trees as a forage source to the baseline scenario yielded revenues up to 17.6 times higher than the baseline. Implying that good management plus the introduction of a reliable nectar source, to off-set dry season challenges (absconding), could improve beekeeping productivity in Northern Uganda. Further research is required to validate in situ the impact of modelled scenarios on both honey yield and other ecosystem service benefits.

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Suboptimum reproductive performance affects the overall profitability of dairy herds. In order to manage this condition, there is need to clearly understand the different forms in which it presents, as well as its possible risk factors under the Ugandan context. This review study was conducted to highlight the different forms of suboptimum reproductive performances among Ugandan dairy herds through literatures from previous studies. At the same time, underscores the coexistence of risk factors of suboptimum reproductive performance among the same dairy herds in Uganda. In Uganda, dairy cattle experienced pathological postpartum cycling patterns, delayed calving to first service intervals, long calving intervals, low pregnancy rates and high abortion rates. Inadequate nutrition, management errors and infectious genital diseases such brucellosis and bovine viral diarrhea were common in these herds. There is need to undertake studies that link the different forms of suboptimum reproductive performance and their possible risk factors.