A selection of new Basic Grants awarded in 2022

IFS supports original research proposals that are innovative and/or relevant to local or national development needs and problems, aiming to generate fundamental and/or applicable scientific knowledge. The three research clusters are:

Since many topics within the three areas overlap, research projects that integrate or cut across them are encouraged, as are projects that incorporate social aspects such as human interactions with the natural world. Although the research clusters are given certain boundaries, they are circumscribed by the overarching and broader context of climate change, which is of urgent and global concern. Thus, the funded research projects are intended to generate knowledge, outcomes and post-project impacts in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Biological Resources in Terrestrial Systems

Biological Resources in Terrestrial Systems includes animal production, biodiversity, climate change, crop science, forestry, natural products, renewable energy and underutilized species.

DR SHIFERAW ABEBE, ETHIOPIA

Allometric modelling, biomass accumulation and carbon stock in Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Lowland bamboo) forests of Northwestern Ethiopia

Growing on the vast north-western savannah lowlands, Oxytenanthera abyssinica forest is a dominant bamboo species, comprising 85% of the bamboo resources of Ethiopia. However, little is known about this bamboo species’ carbon stock and sequestration potential due to the lack of site- and speciesspecific models. This study intends to formulate species-specific allometric models and quantify the biomass and carbon storage of O. abyssinica forest. A destructive sampling method will be employed for harvesting sample culms. Data analysis will be conducted with R statistical software, and ANOVA will be employed to show variation in the bamboo components and age classes. The study will formulate aboveground and belowground biomass allometric models; the total biomass and carbon storage of O. abyssinica forests will be estimated. The role of O. abyssinica forests in sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere and mitigating climate change will be valued. Finally, strategies for enhancing the productivity and sustainable management of O. abyssinica forests will be forwarded.

MS JOANNE ADERO, UGANDA Identification and validation of genetic markers for host resistance against sweet potato viruses

Sweet potato is the world’s seventh most important food, income and nutritional security crop. However, its production worldwide is majorly constrained by viruses, mainly sweet potato virus disease (SPVD), a co-infection of sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) and sweet potato feathery mottle (SPFMV) that causes up to 98% of worldwide yield loss in sweet potatoes in cultivar degeneration and extinction. The genetic complexity of the crop has not only slowed the development of SPVDresistant cultivars, but also limited the generation of genetic information on host response and virus resistance mechanisms in sweet potato. This study will identify genetic markers for host resistance to SPVD. This will be achieved by conducting a transcriptome timeseries experiment where susceptible and resistant genotypes will be challenged with SPVD viruses and samples collected at different time points of disease development to assess the genetic differences in susceptible and resistant varieties during infection. The output of the study will be the identification of genomic markers that facilitate breeding for resistance to SPVD, through effective introgression of resistance genes into breeding pools, and farmer-preferred sweet potato varieties. This study will also contribute to further understanding of the complex sweet potato genome.

DR SOLONGO AMGALAN, MONGOLIA

Phytochemical constituents and biological activity of Mongolian medicinal plant Leptopyrum fumarioides (L.)

Reichenb

Traditional medicine plays an important role in the Mongolian health system. Methods of natural science are applied to investigate this ancient medical system and prove the efficacy of these therapeutic methods. Leptopyrum fumarioides has been used in Mongolian traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as fever, increased blood pressure, liver, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal disorders, and various intoxications and dropsy. The use of many medicinal plants lacks supporting scientific data and their use as drugs is based solely on traditions perpetuated for generations. Therefore, it is important to study traditional medicinal plants’ chemical composition and biological activities and provide scientific information and confirmation for their medicinal applications. L. fumarioides is one such example. We will study the low molecular weight secondary metabolites and some biological activity of L. fumarioides of Mongolian origin. We will also carry out element analysis of raw materials and develop quality and quantity standards. We hope the data obtained from this project will allow a sustainable approach to the scientific use of L. fumarioides.

MS NAKIGULI FATUMAH, UGANDA

Assessment of the post-release effects of the reintroduced Barbour’s Vlei rodent (Otomys barbouri) population in Mabira Forest, Central Uganda

Barbour’s Vlei (Otomys barbouri) is Uganda’s only endemic rodent species, restricted in the native ecosystem along the slopes of Mt Elgon. Over the last two decades, the rodent population has declined tremendously due to inbreeding depression, habitat fragmentation, and arable farming. Currently, Otomys barbouri is considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. To increase and conserve the Otomys barbouri population, a study on captive-breeding and the soft-release of Otomys barbouri into new suitable sites was conducted. However, due to the limited post-release monitoring period, the success of this re-introduction programme was not fully understood. Therefore, this study seeks to assess post-release effects of reintroduced Otomys barbouri in Mabira Forest. Specifically, the study will assess the presence and abundance of Otomys barbouri in release sites, determine the survival and seasonal reproduction of Otomys barbouri, implement an exsitu treatment programme for Otomys barbouri, and build the capacity of farmers in conservation and sustainable management of rodents.

MR CHEFOR FOTANG, CAMEROON Plant diversity, ant availability and conservation status of wild NigeriaCameroon chimpanzee in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve, North West Region, Cameroon

This project aims to determine plant diversity, investigate ant availability, and determine trends of illegal activities in relation to chimpanzee encounter rate in Kom-Wum Forest Reserve in Cameroon. Plant diversity will be determined in habitat plots placed along line transects established in the reserve and one terrestrial herbaceous vegetation plot sampled consistently in one corner within each habitat plot. Ant availability will be determined by counting ant foraging trails and active ant nests along transects. Human signs, direct observation and indirect signs of chimpanzee presence, will be counted along the line transect to determine trends in human activities. Trends of human and chimpanzee signs will be calculated as the number of human and chimpanzee signs per km transect for two seasons.

DR BERNARD KIVUMBI, UGANDA

Carbonized briquettes produced from blending potassium nitrate, charcoal fines, and African Elemi resin

Charcoal is the predominant fuel used in most developing countries. Transport and handling of charcoal produce fines which are dumped as waste. The charcoal fines can be converted from waste to energy through briquetting using suitable binders. The binders most commonly used include starch, molasses and clay. However, starch is used as food, and molasses may be in limited supply, while clay is non-combustible. The briquettes produced using African Elemi (Canarium Schweinfurthii) resin as binder were tested on a natural draught cookstove and found to produce a lot of smoke and soot. Primary and secondary pollutants affect the environment and human health. It is envisaged that blending the briquettes with potassium nitrate would mitigate the smoke and soot so that they burn cleaner. This research aims to investigate briquettes produced from blending charcoal fines, African Elemi resin, and potassium nitrate.

MS JUDITH KOBUSINGE, UGANDA

Determining the distribution of fine roots and water use in Robusta coffee growing under Albizia coriaria and Ficus natalensis agroforestry systems compared to open sun

Coffee is one of Uganda’s most important cash crops, grown by about 1.7 million households, usually under agroforestry systems that are popular because they provide shade, food and timber; conserve biodiversity; and modify microclimate, among other benefits. The National Coffee Research Institute of Uganda has developed and recommended agroforestry systems for diverse coffee growing agro-ecologies based on abundance, farmer preference, and not being an alternative host for the black coffee twig borer. However, the greatest challenge is identifying best-bet shade agroforestry systems that optimize the capture of scarcely available water supplies and minimize inevitable competition between trees and crops. Therefore, this study will characterize the distribution of the fine roots of Robusta coffee and shade trees and the water use of Robusta coffee growing under agroforestry systems compared to the open sun. The study will inform the best-bet shade systems for inter-planting in Robusta coffee agro-systems.

MS ESTHER MWANGI, KENYA

Assessing the genetic impact of interspecific hybridization between Agapornis fischeri (Fischer’s lovebird) and Agapornis personatus (Yellowcollared lovebird) in the wild in Kenya

The increase of genetic diversity through hybridization can drive the formation of new species or lead to the extinction of parental species when hybrids are favoured persistently. Congeners Fischer’s lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) and Yellow-collared lovebird (Agapornis personatus) are native to Tanzania but are now found in Kenya. These two species are known to hybridise and currently most of the individuals found in Kenya are hybrids placing the Fischer’s lovebird at a higher risk of genetic swamping by the Yellowcollared lovebird due to its decreasing population. This study will assess the effect of interspecific hybridisation on the genetic diversity of the threatened Fischer’s lovebird using morphological characteristics and molecular markers.

The study will be conducted mainly in two of Kenya’s counties (Nakuru and Nairobi), selected as urban areas where both species have been observed. The findings of this study will aid in the conservation management of these species, while providing insights on the effect of hybridisation on the less abundant Fischer’s lovebird.

MS ANEELA NAWAZ, PAKISTAN

Bacteriophages’ proteins: Alternative approach to antibiotics against Gramnegative bacteria in resistance era

The emergence of resistance in Gramnegative bacteria to antibiotics is becoming a grave threat to infection control, a health problem crossing international boundaries, and is considered a scourge of this era. If no appropriate action is taken, it has been estimated that this will lead to more than ten million deaths per annum by 2050. To combat this deadly problem, there is an urgent need to develop new antibiotics as well as new treatment strategies. In the past few years, increased attention has been paid to the possibility that novel therapies utilising bacteriophages could be deployed. However, there are many complications associated with phage therapy. One alternative to using phages for treatment is the utilization of purified lytic proteins of phage origin. We propose manipulating phage endolysin through genetic engineering and protein modelling to enhance its catalytic activity and spectrum.

MS AMNA RAFIQ, PAKISTAN

Development of instrument-free, inexpensive, paper-based devices for the detection of agricultural pathogens

Cotton has significance in the oil and seed industry and its importance as fibre. For decades, cotton yield has been drastically affected by a viral disease complex named cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), leading to drastic declines in cotton production and causing an estimated loss of USD 5 billion per annum toward Pakistan’s economy. In addition to cotton, disease with CLCuD symptoms was observed in various other hosts in India, China, Indonesia,

Philippines and many parts of Africa, thus considered a possible threat to cotton in these countries. Consequently, the dire solution for disease control is its in-time detection and taking measures to manage virus spread. Techniques currently used are arduous, time-consuming, and require expensive instrumentation and skilled expertise. This project aims to develop an inexpensive paper origami-based lateral flow microfluidic device consisting of three chambers, thus making a multiplex system to perform different functions on the site of infection. The output of this study is a detection device for on-site and in-time diagnosis.

DR AYODELE SOGE, NIGERIA

Detection of wood decay and hollows in living trees using electrical resistivity method

Wood decay and hollows in living tree stems are responsible for some tree failures that often lead to human tragedy and property destruction, especially during stormy weather. The ecological value of a tree in preserving the environment from the hazard of climate change is severely hampered by wood decay and tree hollows. Besides, wood decay decreases a living tree’s wood density, reducing its economic worth. The possible disaster and attendant economic loss caused by collapsed trees could be prevented if such defects are detected early for timely intervention in cutting down the affected trees. Therefore, this study will detect the location and extent of wood decay and hollows in living trees using an earth resistivity meter and a modified form of the Schlumberger electrode configuration. The outcome of this project will assist in the risk assessment and management of forest and urban trees.

DR MENGIE BELAYNEH TIRUNEH, ETHIOPIA

Evidence-based implementation of soil and water conservation for effective watershed management in Gumara watershed, Northwestern Ethiopia

Rainfall-led soil erosion has been the main challenge for agricultural production and productivity sustainability in the Ethiopian highlands. In particular, the Gumara watershed has been experiencing severe soil erosion in all its forms (i.e., sheet, rill and gully). Soil and water conservation (hereafter SWC) measures have been implemented in the watershed for the last two decades. Although these conservation practices showed essential implications in reducing soil erosion, the effects have not been as planned and the problem of soil erosion remains high. Therefore, comparing different types of SWC methods and their combinations may help to adapt, plan, implement and further reduce land degradation. It is expected that this research project will produce scientific output such as the selection of the most effective SWC methods, analysis of the actual effect of integrating vetivar grass strips on runoff and soil loss, and the relationship of rainfall characteristics with runoff and soil loss, and rehabilitation of the degraded gullies and control of the expansion of actively sliding gullies.

MR ISSAKA ZIDA, BURKINA FASO

Vegetable crop-infesting fruit flies in Burkina Faso: Extent of damage, main species responsible and control tests

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are recognized as one of the most economically important insects that seriously threaten fruit and vegetable production in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Burkina Faso, data are available on fruit flies associated with cultivated and native fruit species. However, little is known about those responsible for damage to vegetable crops. This study aims to establish fruit fly species diversity and monitor the fluctuations of their populations in market garden sites, assess the extent of damage caused by fruit flies on vegetable crops of economic importance, identify the main species responsible, identify parasitoid species associated with vegetable cropinfesting fruit flies, and manage infested fruits in market garden sites by using augmentoria. This study will provide data to develop integrated control strategies against fruit flies infesting vegetable crops in Burkina Faso.