Browsing by Author "Rubyogo, Jean"

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    Assessing climate events, farmer adaptation, and the role of social media in climate and varietal information delivery among Tanzanian farmers
    (Frontiers in Sustainable Food, 2025-12-01) Kalemera, Sylvia Monica; Venkataramana, Pavithravani; Mbega, Ernest; Assefa, Teshale; Ijumulana, Julian; Ochieng, Justus; Rubyogo, Jean
    Limited climate information on weather patterns and adaptable varieties hinders decision-making and lowers productivity under climate change. Social media is vital on facilitating fast information access and dialog. This comparative study identifies observed climate changes, utilized adaptation measures, and social media usage patterns and its potential to deliver climate information to farmers in Tanzania. Data from 315 households were collected through semi-structured interviews in four regions across Northern and Southern Tanzania. Secondary data included 2 years of WhatsApp records and 30 years of NASA Power climate data to validate survey responses. Survey and WhatsApp data were analyzed using R statistical packages, while climate data were processed in ESRI ArcGIS software. Increased rainfall (100%) was identified as the most significant climate challenge over the past decade, yet 57% of farmers had taken no adaptation measures due to lack of knowledge. Farmers (18.4%) are connected to social media, and 9.5% (16.7% women) access climate information through the platforms. Despite low use, particularly among women, its potential is growing, with 68% of farmers trusting and utilizing the information. WhatsApp (67%) is the most widely used channel, and seed-related topics dominate discussions, though only 10% access information on which variety to plant. Best engagement times are 19:00–20:00 and the off-season. Location and education significantly influence adoption of climate information and social media use. The study emphasizes enhancing education on social media use and leveraging multiple channels to reach farmers across diverse geographies and socio-economic groups.
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    Consumer traits of common beans: a global and regional perspective on seed coat darkening, cooking time, protein, and mineral content
    (Frontiers Media SA., 2025-09-26) Mbiu, Julius; Assefa, Teshale; Mukankusi, Clare; Rubyogo, Jean; Philipo, Mashamba
    Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a cornerstone of global nutrition, offering a sustainable source of protein, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds. This review synthesizes current research on critical consumer traits—seed coat darkening, cooking time, protein, and mineral content—highlighting their genetic, biochemical, and environmental determinants. Seed coat darkening, driven by proanthocyanidin oxidation and regulated by genes like J, sd, and Psd, significantly impacts marketability, while cooking time variations (19–271 min across genotypes) influence regional preferences and nutritional outcomes. Biofortification and low-phytic acid (lpa) breeding strategies enhance mineral bioavailability, addressing deficiencies in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Regional disparities in consumer preferences, such as the demand for fast-cooking yellow beans in East Africa, underscore the need for tailored breeding programs. Climate change poses challenges to yield and nutrient retention, necessitating climate-resilient varieties. This review proposes integrating genomics, marker-assisted selection, and postharvest innovations, for developing beans that align with consumer needs, cultural practices, and sustainability goals. This is the first synthesis linking seed coat biochemistry to regional preferences.
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    Pathogenicity and Approaches for Management of Anthracnose in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Africa
    (INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE & BIOLOGY, 2022-10-16) Kadege, Edith; Venkataramana, Pavithravani; Assefa, Teshale; Ndunguru, Joseph; Mukankusi, Clare; Rubyogo, Jean; Mbega, Ernest
    Common bean plays significant role for human health globally and consumption of common bean is high in Africa as compared to other regions of the world. Despite common bean’s potential in Africa, productivity remains low due to diseases, drought and poor crop management. Anthracnose disease plays major role in reducing common bean grain yield in Africa. It is caused by seed-borne fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum leading to 100% yield loss. Limited and fragmented information on fungal infection, pathogenicity and management of common bean anthracnose in Africa affects decisions regarding anthracnose management. This review has been produced to collect information regarding anthracnose disease and its management in beans in Africa, which will be of great value to bean stakeholders. C. lindemuthianum can survive up to five years in infected seeds. During this time, seed is the main source of inoculum, infection and transmission of pathogen to new locations. Other sources and mechanisms of transmission include infected residues, farm tools, water, wind, and disturbance of moist foliage by animals, insects and people. Anthracnose is a hemibiotrophic pathogen, first establishing biotrophic interactions with common bean plant before switching to necrotrophism, causing significant yield loss. Mechanical force, chemical weapons, toxins and growth regulators facilitate pathogenesis. Use of anthracnose-resistant varieties is recommended to control common bean anthracnose followed by integrated anthracnose management. Future research in Africa should focus on why farmers rely heavily on local bean cultivars as seed and should use tricot as tool to screen anthracnose-resistant varieties and evaluate anthracnose management options for increased productivity, nutrition and income.