Abstract

Use of botanical environmentally friendly and biodegradable insect repellents as opposed to chemical insecticides is increasingly becoming important as an alternative method of insect control. Housefly (Musca domestica L.) has potential of transmitting pathogen which causes diseases such as parasitic worms, anthrax, tuberculosis, bacillary dysentery, cholera and typhoid. Human diseases can be treated and prevented by essential oils with biological properties which have been derived from aromatic plants. In this study antimicrobial activities and housefly repellence of P. citrosum and R. officinalis was evaluated separately and in products formulated from the extracts. Extraction of essential oils was by hydro-distillation. Condensed oil extracts were collected in n-hexane and insect behavioural response tested using adult houseflies (Musca domestica L.). N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) acted as the positive control with acetone acting as the negative control. The bioactive oil was then analysed using GC-MS. The characteristic volatiles obtained from the two oils showed different compositions. P. citrosum oil comprised mainly of linalool, geraniol, m-camphorene, 2-naphthalenemethanol-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7-octahydroalpha, geranylangelate while R. officinalis comprised mainly of α-Pinene, Eucalyptol, α-Terpinenol. Dose-response evaluations of these oils showed that R. officinalis oil (LD50 = 0.299 mg) was more repellent than that of P. citrosum (LD50 = 0.445 mg). The Disk diffusion method was used to carry out the antimicrobial activities of the R. officinallis and P. citrosum. The outcomes showed that the P. citrosum essential oils had antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis at a low concentration of 0.5 % v/v and that the activity was concentration dependent. R. officinalis essential oils, on the other hand, exhibited active antimicrobial properties against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonus aeruginosa. The study showed that P. citrosum was more effective than gentamicin and nitrofuractoin drugs against Staphylococcus aureus at a higher concentration of 6 % v/v. Oil extracts from R. officinalis also illustrated similar trends and were similar to the positive controls against the tested microbes. These results provide scientific justification for traditional use of R. officinalis oil and Pelargonium citrosum essential oils for the control of housefly and other common insects in the household

Harmonic distortions for low voltage distribution network is a research area that has not been extensively explored due to the assumption that the harmonics do not adversely affect low voltage equipment. However, field data collected shows contrarily that current harmonic generated by nonlinear residential customer loads do immensely affect distribution transformers by causing speedy deterioration of the transformers insulation. In the past few decades, there have been considerable changes on residential single phase loads in terms of power demand magnitude and appliance electrical characteristics. The main difference between the current residential single phase loads and earlier versions of a few decades ago is widespread use of electronic appliances with Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS). These loads are rapidly increasing due to advancement of technology in semi-conductor devices and digital controllers. Such appliances generate current harmonic distortions, which stream back to the low voltage distribution network affecting installed low voltage network equipment. The adverse impact of the generated harmonic distortions are witnessed in premature failure of distribution transformers, erroneous recording of energy meters and over-loading of neutral conductors to mention just a few. This study focuses on analysis and mitigation of current harmonics distortions on distribution network. It involved measurement of current harmonics generated by domestic consumers individual appliance and combined appliances at Point of Common Coupling (PCC) and current harmonics streaming at the secondary side of distribution transformers. Transformers’ oil breakdown voltage was analyzed from sampled transformers to correlate between harmonics and degradation of the oil insulation level. The failed transformers for a period of one year in one of the region was obtained and analyzed. Based on the results of the analysis that show high harmonic pollution on low voltage distribution network, a mitigation measure was devised that involved design and simulation of a single phase active filter using MATLAB–Simulink software. From this work, it was found out that loads with similar electrical characteristics aggravate harmonics and loads with dissimilar electrical characteristics attenuate harmonics. Further, the high current harmonics cause speedy degradation of transformer liquid (oil) insulation and lastly the high current harmonics observed at domestic consumers PCC emanating from current domestic appliances can be mitigated by employing a single phase shunt active filter. The designed and simulated single phase active filter, in MATLAB/Simulink environment, the distorted current waveform was noted to be sinusoidal (undistorted) after introduction of single phase shunt AHF and the current harmonic distortion levels obtained were well within the admissible level recommended by IEEE 519-1992, a power quality standard

Rapid urbanization and global warming have led to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in Nairobi City. The UHI phenomenon is considered the most interpretive indication of an urban climate change in the current time of increasing urbanisation. Proper climate change adaptation planning actions in Nairobi city require recognizing the possible range of UHI intensity and spatial dispersion. However, climate research and its applications in urban planning and improvement in Nairobi city is constrained by inadequate evaluation and irregular descriptions of the local city's characteristics. Therefore, there is a need to study the correlation between urbanisation and UHI and quantify the benefits of plant species on microclimate and human thermal comfort within Nairobi city. The study models and simulates the UHI of Nairobi and further quantifies environmental amelioration effect of different tree species on microclimate and human thermal comfort in the city. The city was first classified into Local Climate Zones (LCZs), then estimated the land surface temperature (LSTs) distribution using a split-window algorithm, and simulated 2m air temperature by MUKLIMO_3 model to show UHI phenomenon for Nairobi city. After that, the attenuation effects of selected plant species on microclimate and human thermal comfort were quantified. The study generated the current LCZ classification for Nairobi city. Both built-up (LCZ 1-10) and natural (LCZ A-G) areas are present. The LCZ classification captured the forms and functions of each zone and indicated the potential UHI distribution pattern of Nairobi city. The study confirmed the presence of urban heat loads in built-up areas with a high percentage of water-resistant, non-reflective surfaces and low vegetation compared to the surrounding rural areas. Statistical analysis of LSTs showed significant differences among typical LCZs. Additionally, the amelioration effects of selected individual plant species demonstrated differences in performance. Focus benjamina (vast dense canopy) presented the highest ability to attenuate environmental parameters (surface temperature, ambient temperature globe temperature, and relative humidity) and reduce thermal discomfort index, followed by Cassia spectabilis, Warburgia ugandensis, Ficus religiosa, Callistemon citrinus followed by Dypsis decaryi, Bambusa vulgaris, Terminalia mantaly and Schinus molle (small open canopy). In conclusion, the study presented the LCZ Nairobi as a basic spatial unit for synoptic characterization and comprehensive climate-based classification of the city sites for urban planning and management. The spatial pattern of urban heat loads in Nairobi is influenced by local climate formation as differentiated by urban form (urban morphological parameters) and functions. In addition, the attenuation effects of plant species in urban spaces vary based on their allometric properties and planting designs. Therefore, proposals for urban planning and design strategies to manage urban heat in Nairobi City can optimize the form and layout of urban LCZs to enhance ventilation and promote appropriate building

The genus Brachiaria (syn. Urochroa) is ranked among the high-quality nutritious forages that originate from Africa. It remains a favourite forage for Sub-Saharan Africa due to different traits including high quantity and quality of its biomass. However, diseases were reported as one of the major constraints of Brachiaria production worldwide. The general objective of the study was to increase livestock productivity and improve income of farmers through sustainable management of diseases affecting Brachiaria grass in Rwanda. The study analysed the effect of growing seasons on distribution, disease incidence and severity of Brachiaria grass diseases in prevailing climatic conditions of Rwanda. Disease surveys were conducted in five districts during the dry season and the wet season in 2018 and 2019. Surveys showed that leaf spot, leaf rust and leaf blight diseases were largely distributed across the country. Incidence and severity of these diseases differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) by districts, seasons, and district × season interactions, however, exception was non-significant effect of season and district × season interactions on leaf rust incidence in 2018. Furthermore, isolation and confirmation of causative relationship between Bipolaris secalis/ Phakopsora apoda and leaf spot/leaf rust were evaluated. Brachiaria leaf samples with disease symptoms were taken from farmers’ fields during the wet season of the year 2018. Fungi associated with major diseases were isolated and identified based on morphological, molecular characteristics and pathogenicity tests. Molecular identification confirmed the results of morphological identification and revealed Phakopsora apoda as the only fungus associated with leaf rust, and predominant association of fungi Epicoccum spp. and Nigrospora spp. with leaf blight while Bipolaris secalis and Fusarium spp. were associated with leaf spot symptoms. Morphological, molecular identification and symptoms reproduced on inoculated Brachiaria seedlings confirmed Bipolaris secalis and Phakopsora apoda as causal agents of leaf spot and leaf rust, respectively. Moreover, whole genome sequencing and genomic characterisation of Bipolaris secalis isolates from Brachiaria grass (Humidicola and Basilisk.) grown in Bugesera, Nyagatare, Rwamagana and Huye districts were performed. Illumina platform to give 151 bp reads in paired – end sequencing was used. The phylogenomic relationships of 12 isolates was also constructed and de novo assembly of one isolate (BS7) was performed. Eleven isolates were re-sequenced based on BS7 and they were mapped to the reference (BS7). Illumina sequencing results of BS7 produced the estimated genome size of 34,813,291 bp with an average GC content of 50.01%, organised into 108 contigs with the longest contig of 2,265,317 bp, the N50 of 1,032,497 bp and the L50 of 12. The self-mapping of BS7 was 97.69%. The results obtained when mapping dataset of 11 isolates to BS7 indicated that the final mapping ratio was in the range of 80 – 95%, consisting of 28,950,637 – 15,611,348 total mapped reads. Finally, field experiments were established to evaluate management options against foliar diseases affecting Brachiaria grass in Rwanda. One study evaluated the reaction of nine improved Brachiaria cultivars (Marandu, MG 4, Piata, Xaraes, Basilisk, Humidicola, Cayman, Cobra and Mulato II) against leaf rust, leaf spot and leaf blight diseases and agronomic performances in two agro-ecological zones of Rwanda. Experiments were established under natural disease pressure for three distinct consecutive harvests in 2019 and 2020. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for data on disease and agronomic parameters of Brachiaria grass and Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between agronomic traits and the extent of the diseases expressed as Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). Basilisk, Marandu, MG4 and Xaraes exhibited moderately resistant to resistant response to all three diseases but Cayman and Cobra were the most susceptible to leaf rust. Cultivars differed for biomass production (p ≤ 0.05), as well as percentage of dry matter content. The highest biomass producers were Marandu, Mulato II and Xaraes but a high percentage of dry matter content was registered for Cayman and Cobra. The interaction of between site, cultivar and harvest was evident (p ≤ 0.05) for disease development and agronomic performances. Moreover, an experiment was established to evaluate different management options including mineral fertiliser application, fungicide application, manual weeding, no fungicide application, no weeding, and no fertiliser application for leaf rust using the susceptible cultivar (Brachiaria hybrid cv. Cayman) for four consecutive harvests. The results showed a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of leaf rust as a result of mancozeb and mineral fertiliser treatments, leading to simultaneous increases in plant growth, number of tillers and biomass production. The findings of the study provide baseline information on diseases affecting Brachiaria grass in Rwanda. Farmers can use resistant cultivars identified in this study and they can be explored for further use in breeding programmes. The information generated in the study is therefore, useful for sustainable management of diseases affecting Brachiaria grass and other crops in Rwanda and in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Likewise, this is the first study to provide a whole genome sequence of Bipolaris secalis hence, the generated genome data under this study will contribute to the database improvement of Bipolaris secalis for future investigation and it will contribute to identification of novel sources of genetic resistance for improving disease management in Brachiaria grass and other new strategies for the control of this pathogen.

Powdery mildew (Podosphaera pannosa) is a major disease of roses which reduces yield and quality through growth of mycelia on different parts of the rose plant which affects their salability. The disease is wide spread where roses are grown both in greenhouse and field. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Bacillus spp and sodium nitrophenolate on powdery mildew of roses in greenhouse conditions. The trial was done in an already established bush of roses in the greenhouses at Kikuyu in Kiambu County and at Naivasha in Nakuru County both are in Kenya. The experiment was conducted on a variety known as A one which is grown in different farms in Kenya. Weekly foliar application of Real subtilis® (Bacillus subtilis) at the rate of 2ml/L, Hatake (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) 3.0g/L, Atonik® (sodium nitrophenolate) 1ml/L and Meltatox® (Dodemorph acetate) 2.5ml/L. In the second experiment, foliar application of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was done at different concentrations and at various intervals of application as follows 1.5g/L, 4 days, 3.0g/L, 4 days, 4.5g/L 4 days, 1.5g/L, 7 days, 3.0g/L, 7 days, 4.5g/L, 7 days, 1.5g/L, 10 days, 3.0g/L, 10 days, 4.5g/L, 10 days and no treatment as control. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications for each treatment in plots with 44 plants. Data was collected on incidence and severity of powdery mildew on weekly basis while data on stem length, bud diameter, bud length and marketable grade were collected daily for twenty weeks and six weeks for the first and the second experiments respectively. In the first experiment, Bacillus subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, sodium nitrophenolate and dodemorph acetate significantly reduced incidence of powdery mildew from 83% to 55% with dodemorph acetate posting the best results followed by B. amyloliquefaciens, sodium nitrophenolate and Bacillus subtilis. In the second experiment, at different rates and at various intervals Bacillus amyloliquefaciens reduced incidence of powdery mildew with the rate of 1.5g/L at four and seven day intervals gave better results than ten days interval. Disease severity was reduced significantly from 15.8% to 2.1% by application of dodemorph acetate and B. amyloliquefaciens while application of B. subtilis and sodium nitrophenolate did not significantly at P ≤0.05 reduce severity of powdery mildew. Applications at the rate of 1.5g/L and 3.0g/L at four days and weekly applications had the highest reduction in severity in the second experiment. Dodemorph acetate had the highest area under disease progress curve (932) followed by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (988) in the first experiment while application of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens at the rate of 1.5g/L at the interval of seven days showed the highest AUDPC (799.8). Application of the test products did not significantly affect the yield and quality paramenters in the first experiment but in the second experiment, foliar application of Bacillus amyloloquefaciens at different rates and at various intervals improved the quality. Marketable stems significantly increased in the second experiment after the application of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens at different rates and at various intervals. Foliar application of Bacillus Spp and sodium nitrophenolate controlled powdery mildew of roses. Application of the same products did not have significant effects on quality and yield parameters of flowers such as flower bud length, stem length and bud diameter and number of stems produced in the first experiment, however, there was improvement in yield and quality in the second experiment. Growers of roses should be encouraged to apply Bacillus spp and sodium nitrophenolate in managing powdery mildew. The optimal concentration of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens should be established and how sodium nitrophenolate induce resistance to plants against phytopathogens should be investigated.

Diseases, pests, inappropriate agronomic practices and drought are the most important constraints to grain legumes production in Sub-Saharan Africa. Low green gram Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek yields in eastern Kenya is attributed to lack of adequate knowledge of agronomic practices like fertilization, appropriate spacing and use of available high yielding varieties. Therefore, the current study was established in Kiboko and Ithookwe to evaluate the influence of intra row spacing and microbial inoculation and varieties on growth and yield of selected green gram varieties. Five levels of plant spacing (5 cm x 45 cm, 10 cm x 45 cm, 15 cm x 45 cm, 20 cm x 45 cm, 25 cm x 45 cm), two inoculation treatments (inoculated with rhizobia and not inoculated with rhizobia) and three green gram varieties (KS20, KAT 00308 and KAT 00309) which were laid out in a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement and replicated three times. Data was collected on growth and yield parameters and analysed using GenStat Version 15.1 and means separated using Fischer’s Protected LSD test at p≤0.05. Plant height, shoot dry weight, number of effective nodules, weight of nodules and the ground cover were significantly influenced by the intra-row spacing in both sites but no significant differences observed on the parameters due to rhizobial inoculation. The days to maturation were significantly different between the intra-row spacing treatments in both sites where the narrowest spacing led to earlier maturation of green grams. The varieties differed significantly on plant height, shoot dry weight, number of effective nodules, dry weight of nodules and the ground cover in both sites. Variety KS20 matured the earliest in Kiboko while KAT00309 matured within the shortest period in Ithookwe where the two sites had a difference of >11 days. There were significant differences between the intra-row spacing treatments in growth parameters where the highest grain yield at Kiboko (3,114 kg ha-1 ) was observed in the 20 cm by 45 cm spacing while the same treatment had the highest grain yield at Ithookwe (1,583 kg ha-1 ). The lowest grain yield was exhibited in the narrowest spacing of 5 cm by 45 cm spacing in both sites. Inoculation significantly increased the number of effective nodules compared to those that were not inoculated in both sites at 3, 5 and 7 weeks after sowing (WAS) but it did not have a significant influence on the yield of green gram. The varieties differed significantly in the growth and yield parameters tested in both sites where variety KAT00309 had the highest grain yield with 2,898 kg ha-1 and 1,568 kg ha-1 in Kiboko and Ithookwe respectively. The local variety, KS20 had the lowest number of pods per plant in both sites with only 22 and 14 pods per plant for Kiboko and Ithookwe respectively compared to 33 and 20 pods per plant on the other varieties in Kiboko and Ithookwe respectively. Moreover, the local variety had the lowest 100-seed mass at the two study sites with more than 14% compared to KAT00308 and KAT00309. From these results, it is recommended that variety KAT00309 is the best variety in both sites planted at an intra-row spacing of 20 cm by 45 cm with or without inoculation.

Plant disease is a major constraint in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in Kenya. Angular bean leaf spot (als) (Pseudocercospora griseola) and anthracnose of bean (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) are foliar fungal diseases that affect common beans in Trans Nzoia County. Development of plant diseases are influenced by weather parameters including temperature, humidity, rainfall and farm cultural practices such seed selection, planting time, field sanitation practices and disease control methods. The overall objective of the study was to determine how crop management practices, rainfall and temperature affect the temporal development of angular leaf spot and anthracnose on common beans under diverse agro-climatic zones in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. Farmers’ perception on seed access approaches to disease management practice for angular bean leaf spot and anthracnose of bean was determined through a survey carried out on 100 randomly selected common bean farmers in Trans Nzoia County by administering a semi structured questionnaire. Data was collected on the sources of seeds, preferred bean varieties, disease knowledge and management methods used by the farmers. A survey was done on six major breeding institutions which were KEPHIS, KALRO, CIAT, Egerton University, Simlaw and Seedco Groups of companies to understand bean breeding and availability of certified seeds to farmers. Purposive sampling method was used to select the key breeders for survey using a semi structured questionnaire which was done virtually. Field experiments were conducted in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County over two cropping seasons that was during the short rains in 2020 and during the long rains in 2021. The experimental treatments were in three plots that was KALRO Research centre (UM 4), Kitale Airstrip (UM 3) and Kibomet (LH 1) with a size of 0.5 hectares each and bean variety Rosecoco GLP 2 was planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Temperature data was collected using a HoboMobile app while the rainfall measurements were recorded using a rain gauge installed 2m away from the plants within the field. Data on phenological stages of crop, plant height, disease incidence and severity collected two times a week during the cropping season. Samples of diseased plant materials were collected and the disease causing fungi isolated for identification. The survey showed that most farmers (82%) sourced their seeds from local markets and their own saved seeds from the previous harvest which they grow for household consumption. The most preferred bean variety was Rosecoco (GLP 2) because of its early maturity, high yielding and adaptability characteristics. Information on good agricultural practices was accessed through the extension officers by majority of the farmers (55%) on how to manage pests and diseases which was a major (51%) challenge on bean production. The major diseases observed on 78% of the farms were angular leaf spot and anthracnose of which most farmers used cultural methods to manage the diseases. Majority of breeders (33%) preferred to breed Rosecoco GLP2 since it had high intake in agroshops which they bred against disease tolerance and resistance. Majority (67%) had bred beans for disease resistance against angular leaf spot and anthracnose. The main challenge was pathogen variability among 50% of the breeders which occurred after the crops have been exposed to the environment. Majority of the breeders (60%) knew about common beans diseases in specific regions through the farm visit reports by extension officers. Results from the field experiments showed that increase in temperature and rainfall caused an increase in disease development. The disease severity was highly significantly (p<0.05) affected by increase in temperature. The development of the disease on the three AEZs was attributed to the varying environmental conditions. However, there was no significant difference in the temperature records on UM4, UM3 and LH1 during the long rains as the AEZs bordered each other hence the close climatic condition. During the short rains, there was a positive significant correlation of 0.031 between temperature and anthracnose severity. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in temperature means between UM4 and UM3 during the short rains however there was no significant difference (P<0.05) in the different AEZs during the long rains. The study showed that farmer’s cultural practices such as choice of bean varieties and weather elements including temperature and rainfall increase disease development in the cropping system which later affects the expected yields. Breeders concentrated more on early maturity characteristics so that their variety could be accepted by farmers. Alternating periods of high and low rainfall with long periods of high humidity caused increase in both diseases across the three AEZs.

For many years, pest management has been a big problem in Africa, especially in Uganda. Pest proliferation has been exacerbated by climate change. With temperature rise, change in rainfall patterns, and change in humidity and windspeed patterns, the pest's metabolism is modified, increasing their proliferation and resistance to pesticides. Farmers in Uganda for a long time have been using agrochemical products for pest management which are not environmentally friendly. The study was conducted in Mbale and Namutumba, among Uganda's tomato-growing districts. Some of the invasive insect pests recorded during the study were Tuta absoluta, spider mite, thrips, aphids, and American bollworms. This study's general objective was to assess tomato production's climate resilience using climate-smart pest management technologies. The three study's specific objectives were, respectively, to determine climate change trends and effects on tomato invasive insect pests; identify opportunities and challenges associated with Climate Smart Pest Management (CSPM) technologies, and assess the perception of smallholder farmers on the role of digital tools in the implementation of CSPM. The study used a mixed research design. The study utilized temperature, rainfall, humidity, windspeed data (1981-2020), and household surveys (N=410). Trend analysis, Mann-Kendall test, Pearson's correlation, and Generalized Linear Model (GLM-quasi-Poisson) were used for data analysis for the first objective while Factor Analysis, percentages, means, and frequencies were used for the second objectives data analysis. For the third objective, expect the percentages, regression analysis was used during data analysis. The data shows that the climate has changed in Mbale and Namutumba, and temperature, rainfall, humidity, and windspeed have contributed to the increase of invasive insect pest occurrence in the districts. The results showed an increasing annual temperature trend in Kampala and Namutumba and some abnormalities in Mbale over the last 40 years by 0.04oC. The rainfall increased significantly in Kampala (0.24 mm/year) and Mbale (0.0011mm/year), with a significant decrease in the humidity in Kampala and Namutumba with an increased rate of 0.05 m s−1 and 0.003 m s−1, in Kampala and Namutumba during the study period. Though there was a shifting in humidity pattern in the three districts, the study revealed in Mbale and Namutumba, humidity has decreased with an increase in pests. The concurrent variations in all the variables are likely to have a low effect on the pest occurrence (p= 0.054). This change has affected the tomato farmers in Mbale and Namutumba who turned to CSPM technologies. The study found that CSPM technologies have contributed to the adaptation of climate change effects on tomato production, such as reducing chemical use, decreasing pest density in their farms, and improving crop yield while lowering the environmental pollution. At the same time, our study noticed some key challenges/barriers to the upscaling of CSPM by farmers, such as cultural beliefs, lack of strong publicity from the national government, and lack of good infrastructure like roads and good markets. The results conclude there is a need for providing digital tools to farmers to help sensitise the importance of CSPM technologies and their dissemination and upscale. The study recommends that policies emphasise strengthening the agricultural extension services and supporting the dissemination of CSPM technologies. Capacity enhancement and availability of digital tools and access to agricultural information tailored to the needs of farmers are needed for upscaling CSPM technologies practices.

For many years, pest management has been a big problem in Africa, especially in Uganda. Pest proliferation has been exacerbated by climate change. With temperature rise, change in rainfall patterns, and change in humidity and windspeed patterns, the pest's metabolism is modified, increasing their proliferation and resistance to pesticides. Farmers in Uganda for a long time have been using agrochemical products for pest management which are not environmentally friendly. The study was conducted in Mbale and Namutumba, among Uganda's tomato-growing districts. Some of the invasive insect pests recorded during the study were Tuta absoluta, spider mite, thrips, aphids, and American bollworms. This study's general objective was to assess tomato production's climate resilience using climate-smart pest management technologies. The three study's specific objectives were, respectively, to determine climate change trends and effects on tomato invasive insect pests; identify opportunities and challenges associated with Climate Smart Pest Management (CSPM) technologies, and assess the perception of smallholder farmers on the role of digital tools in the implementation of CSPM. The study used a mixed research design. The study utilized temperature, rainfall, humidity, windspeed data (1981-2020), and household surveys (N=410). Trend analysis, Mann-Kendall test, Pearson's correlation, and Generalized Linear Model (GLM-quasi-Poisson) were used for data analysis for the first objective while Factor Analysis, percentages, means, and frequencies were used for the second objectives data analysis. For the third objective, expect the percentages, regression analysis was used during data analysis. The data shows that the climate has changed in Mbale and Namutumba, and temperature, rainfall, humidity, and windspeed have contributed to the increase of invasive insect pest occurrence in the districts. The results showed an increasing annual temperature trend in Kampala and Namutumba and some abnormalities in Mbale over the last 40 years by 0.04oC. The rainfall increased significantly in Kampala (0.24 mm/year) and Mbale (0.0011mm/year), with a significant decrease in the humidity in Kampala and Namutumba with an increased rate of 0.05 m s−1 and 0.003 m s−1, in Kampala and Namutumba during the study period. Though there was a shifting in humidity pattern in the three districts, the study revealed in Mbale and Namutumba, humidity has decreased with an increase in pests. The concurrent variations in all the variables are likely to have a low effect on the pest occurrence (p= 0.054). This change has affected the tomato farmers in Mbale and Namutumba who turned to CSPM technologies. The study found that CSPM technologies have contributed to the adaptation of climate change effects on tomato production, such as reducing chemical use, decreasing pest density in their farms, and improving crop yield while lowering the environmental pollution. At the same time, our study noticed some key challenges/barriers to the upscaling of CSPM by farmers, such as cultural beliefs, lack of strong publicity from the national government, and lack of good infrastructure like roads and good markets. The results conclude there is a need for providing digital tools to farmers to help sensitise the importance of CSPM technologies and their dissemination and upscale. The study recommends that policies emphasise strengthening the agricultural extension services and supporting the dissemination of CSPM technologies. Capacity enhancement and availability of digital tools and access to agricultural information tailored to the needs of farmers are needed for upscaling CSPM technologies practices.