Lablab (Lablab purpureus) germplasm was evaluated to identify high grain yielding and palatable accessions that were suitable for human consumption in Uganda. A preference analysis was done to identify accessions that had a high probability of being accepted by farmers. Accessions

Tree species play a significant role in sustaining the productivity of grazing lands. However, information on appropriate species to use in restoring degraded grazing areas is limited. This study used 120 trees to assess the effect of 8 tree species on pasture diversity, abundance and biomass. This was done in a total of 960 quadrats of 1 m 2 established under tree canopies and 5 m away from the edge of tree canopies. In each quadrat, the different pasture species and their ground cover were recorded. The pastures were harvested, weighed and their biomass recorded. Results of analysis by Shannon-Wiener's index indicated that pasture diversity was almost the same under and outside tree canopies (H = 1.8 and H = 1.78 respectively), but pasture abundance was significantly higher under tree canopies (p < 0.05). Ficus natalensis and Albizia coriaria had the highest pasture abundance under their canopies. Pasture biomass never varied significantly under and outside tree canopies but between tree species, F. natalensis had a significantly higher positive influence on pasture biomass than other species. It was discovered that F. natalensis and A. coriaria have a higher potential for restoring degraded grazing areas in Southwestern Uganda.

Range pastures constitute the major source of livestock feeds throughout the year in the grazing areas of Uganda. However, pasture yields have been declining overtime, yet there is limited information on efforts of improving pasture productivity through soil moisture conservation and nutrient management. This study assessed soil moisture conservation and nutrient management practices used by livestock farmers, sources of information, and constraints hindering adoption of the potential practices in range pasture management. Through simple random sampling, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 250 livestock farmers in five districts in South-western Uganda. Agroforestry was the dominant soil moisture conservation and nutrient management practice used in the range pastures (87.6%). Farmers' own knowledge was the major source of information (49.1%) while lack of information (67.2%) and lack of funds (61.1%) were the major constraints for farmers' adoption of soil moisture conservation and nutrient management practices. Therefore, this study recommends farmer participatory testing and adaptation of alternative practices alongside agroforestry, inclusion of soil moisture conservation and nutrient management practices for range pastures in extension programs for livestock production and financial incentives to livestock farmers to boost their capacity to invest in soil management practices for sustainable production of range pastures.