Authors : M. Buyinza and M. Nabalegwa
Abstract: Despite agriculture being the major sources of highland people�s livelihood in Mbale region, little attention has been paid to their conservation and development. This study explores the socioeconomic impacts of land degradation in the mid-hills of Mt. Elgon catchment, eastern Uganda. The study results show that of about 59, 21, 11, 7, 3 and 2% of the average income contribution to the household economy come from off-farm, livestock, fruits, vegetables, cash and cereal crops respectively. Population densities are, in general, high in these areas and most land, including marginal lands, are under cultivation. Terracing farmland and planting fodder trees on terrace edge and on terrace risers are the traditional farming practices in order to minimize soil erosion and to maintain crop production. Slash and burn activities are continuously being practiced in the on-site for many years. Few farmers adopted soil conservation techniques such as use of mulching, hedgerows, mixed cropping of cereals with legumes and minimum tillage and establishing fruits orchards and vegetables farming. To improve the economic condition of people in the hilly area, there is a need to promote commercialization and diversification of agricultural practices with minimum degradation of natural resources.
M. Buyinza and M. Nabalegwa , 2008. Socioeconomic Impacts of Land Degradation in Mid-Hills of Uganda:A Case Study in Mt. Elgon Catchment, Eastern Uganda. Environmental Research Journal, 2: 226-231.