Welcome to AfricArXiv
This initiative showcases UbuntuNet's commitment to fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and accessibility within the African research community. With AfricArxiv, researchers across the continent have a dedicated platform to disseminate their findings, making them accessible to a global audience. By facilitating open access to scholarly work, UbuntuNet Alliance plays a pivotal role in advancing the principles of open science, enhancing research visibility, and driving innovation across Africa.
Communities in AfricArxiv
Select a community to browse its collections.
- The general repository is open for individual submissions by researchers, librarians and research administrators.
- Showcase of project activities, presentations, and scholarly contributions curated by the AfricArXiv initiative.
- A Rapid Grant Fund to address research questions and implement science engagement activities associated with COVID-19
- An initiative to support the development of a harmonised quality assurance and accreditation system at institutional, national, regional and Pan-African continental level.
- Facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration among institutions, researchers, and educators within the Ubuntunet Alliance network.
Recent Submissions
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and Indigenous Solutions for Climate Change in Kenya and Africa
(2025-02-05) Dinah Awino; Nancy Nyambura
This blog series explores the critical role of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in addressing climate change across Kenya and Africa. Through four insightful blogs, we delve into EbA principles, highlight the deep-rooted wisdom of Indigenous communities in shaping sustainable adaptation strategies, and examine the synergy between EbA and biodiversity conservation. The series also showcases community-led initiatives, emphasizing the power of local engagement in fostering climate resilience. By weaving together scientific approaches and traditional ecological knowledge, this series aims to inform, inspire, and advocate for nature-based solutions tailored to Africa’s unique environmental and socio-cultural landscape.
The Role of COAR in Advancing Open Access in Africa
(2025-01-30) Shearer, Kathleen
The Role of COAR in Advancing Open Access in Africa - AfricArXiv Open Science Webinar Series 2025
Varietal Turnover and Diversity in Banana Production Systems in Uganda
(not published yet, 2024-12-19) Ajambo, Susan; Erima, Rockefeller; Hakizimana, Desire; Okurut Asher Wilson; Okot, Francis; Omondi, Bonaventure Aman Oduor
This study investigates varietal turnover dynamics in Ugandan banana farming systems by assessing diversity, examining the adoption and discontinuation rates of recently introduced varieties, and exploring the factors influencing turnover at the farm level. This addresses a critical knowledge gap in understanding the long-term retention and discontinuation factors of the improved varieties. Varietal diversity and turnover were analysed for 399 farmers using the Shannon Diversity Index (H') and the Four-Square Method, along with descriptive statistics to capture farm-level and regional variations. The results demonstrated variations in regional and farm-level banana diversity. Farmers cultivate an average of nine varieties in their fields, and farm-level diversity patterns do not mirror the regional patterns. The Shannon Diversity Index (H=2.006) and Equitability Index (EH=0.450) indicated a moderate variety range, but uneven distribution, with the Eastern and Northern regions exhibiting the highest varietal diversity and evenness. FHIA 17 was the most prevalent improved variety but experienced some decline. Regional variations in varietal turnover exist, with the eastern region leading to the introduction of improved varieties and the central region exhibiting the highest discontinuation rates. The study emphasises local contexts in banana variety management and improvement strategies, highlighting the need for breeding programs that balance agronomic performance with consumer preferences to ensure the sustainable uptake of improved varieties. We recommend implementing a varietal replacement strategy with clear targets and incentives to encourage farmers to adopt improved varieties, improve varietal tracking using digital platforms and surveys to monitor progress and inform decision-making, and strengthen the seed value chain to ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality planting materials.
Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Banana Seed Demand among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda: A Cluster Analysis
(not published yet, 2024-12-20) Ajambo, Susan
Seed systems facilitate farmers’ access to desirable crop cultivars; hence, a means of investment in improved and adaptable cultivars, and the delivery of genetic gains from breeding and selection of crops. They also support plant health security by using clean planting materials to minimise seed degeneration. Sustainable seed systems must align with the needs of farmers, while presenting opportunities for seed producers to sustain seed supply. Understanding the underlying factors influencing seed demand can enhance the efficiency of banana seed systems to meet the diverse context-specific needs of farmers. Therefore, this study investigates the sociodemographic factors affecting smallholder farmers' perceptions of banana seed demand and their seed acquisition behaviour in Uganda. Understanding the perceived seed demand and seed acquisition patterns could reveal the determinants of banana seed demand. A cluster-based approach was used to study these factors and provide insights into the determinants of off-farm seed sourcing. Multinomial and Tobit regression models were applied to data from 137 banana farmers in Central and Eastern Uganda. Banana seed demand is influenced by both the physical availability of seeds and farmers' sociodemographic characteristics. We identified three farmer clusters with varying perceived seed demands. Perceived seed demand influences farmers’ information-seeking behaviour and seed source diversification, shaping their acquisition strategies. Income, household size, and the sex of the household head were significant predictors of perceived seed demand. A unit increase in income led to a 21.26 unit increase in perceived seed demand (p < 0.001). With each additional household member, the perceived seed shortage reduced by 12.78 units (p = 0.041). Male-headed households experienced a 55.86 units greater perceived shortage than female-headed households did (p = 0.001). These results reveal the underlying heterogeneity in seed demand determinants, which could shape farmer-centric and gender-transformative interventions that address the heterogeneity of smallholder farmers and advocate for a comprehensive multidimensional approach to improve banana seed systems. Our cluster-based analysis introduces a novel approach to studying banana and VPC seed systems.
How inclusive are smallholder farmers’ access to Digital Agricultural Platforms? Lessons from the EzyAgric Digital Platform in Uganda
(not published yet, 2024) Ajambo, Susan
This study investigates the barriers to accessing digital agricultural platforms in Uganda, focusing on EzyAgric. Using a cross-sectional qualitative design, we analysed 29 scripts from focus groups, interviews, and key informants. The Rapid Inclusivity Assessment tool identified proto-personas at risk of digital exclusion, while the Digital Divide Framework provided a theoretical basis. Three main personas emerged: tech-savvy youth (low-risk), middle-income farmers (medium-risk), and older subsistence farmers (high-risk). Key barriers include financial constraints, limited digital literacy, a lack of trust, and cultural norms. Women face additional challenges, such as financial dependency and time constraints, while elderly farmers struggle with unfamiliarity with and preference for traditional methods. Recommendations include improving the infrastructure, providing targeted digital literacy training, designing user-friendly interfaces, building trust, and considering cultural norms. The study emphasises holistic, intersectional approaches and public-private partnerships to promote equitable access to digital agricultural platforms.