Field Research & Nutritional Evidence

Empirical data on crude protein levels, feed conversion ratios, layer egg production, dairy milk output, and zero-grazing biosecurity across Uganda.

Feed EconomicsDemonstration Farms in Wakiso, Mukono & Kanungu Districts, Uganda • 2023 – 2024

Evaluation of Azolla (Azolla pinnata) as a Cost-Effective Protein Source for Smallholder Livestock in Uganda

Field trials conducted across rural smallholder farms in Central and Western Uganda assessing the replacement of commercial feed concentrates with fresh on-farm cultivated Azolla. Results demonstrated consistent reductions in cash feed outlays of 31.4% in poultry and 28.7% in pig production, without compromising average daily weight gain or egg laying persistency.

Published Field Data·Led by Dr. Steven Kizza
Conservation & Zero-GrazingPark-Adjacent Communities, Western Uganda • 2023 – Present

Zero-Grazing Livestock Systems and Mitigating Forest Encroachment around Protected Areas

Investigation into the drivers of livestock incursions into protected forests (Bwindi Impenetrable and Budongo Forest edges) during dry seasons. When forest-edge households established dedicated Azolla ponds for intensive zero-grazing fodder, illegal forest incursions for livestock pasture dropped by over 78% in targeted pilot communities.

Ongoing Demonstration Trials·Led by Dr. Steven Kizza
One Health & BiosecurityBwindi & Budongo Landscape Interfaces • 2022 – 2024

One Health Benefits: Reducing Pathogen Spillover through Managed Zero-Grazing and Stall Feeding

Epidemiological study evaluating cross-species disease transmission risks between domestic livestock (goats, cattle) and wild primates/herbivores. Free-grazing livestock at forest boundaries frequently share water holes and grazing corridors with wildlife, facilitating helminth, bacterial, and viral sharing. Transitioning herds to Azolla-supported zero-grazing created a critical biosecurity buffer.

Published Field Data·Led by Dr. Steven Kizza (Lead Vet)
Soil & Circular EconomyCentral & Western Uganda Field Sites • 2023 – Present

Circular Agriculture: Closed-Loop Azolla Cultivation, Animal Manure Slurries, and Crop Yields

Field evaluation of circular nutrient flows on integrated smallholder farms. Manure from Azolla-fed pigs and poultry was composted and used as pond fertilizer; the nitrogen-fixing Anabaena-Azolla biomass was fed back to animals; and pond sediment was applied to vegetable gardens, replacing synthetic chemical fertilizers.

Community Impact Case Study·Led by Dr. Steven Kizza

Collaborate on Agricultural Research

We welcome partnerships with universities, agricultural research institutes, and NGOs conducting livestock nutrition and circular agriculture trials.

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