Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Land degradation is a global issue and is causing enormous problems for humans and the environment as sediment from soil erosion is polluting the water; from ground water to river, lakes and oceans. In Uganda, this is a problem mainly caused by population pressure, deforestation, poor farming techniques and soil erosion. In the district of Kabarole and Bunyangabu 52 crater lakes are found. This study aimed to investigate local peoples´ experiences of living near crater lakes in Uganda, its benefits and challenges, understanding of current issues of land degradation and how it affects the lakes. Local people living near the lakes were selected trough purposive sampling for this study. The categories were lodge managers, fishermen, farmers, and village elders. In addition, agriculture students from the Mountains of the moon University and the District officer were interviewed as well. Two group discussions were held with participants residing close to two lakes; Nyabikere and Nyameteza. The results showed that the crater lakes are vital for local people since they provide fresh water and fish protein. The lakes also attract tourists to the area which can be beneficial for the local economy and development as well as for conservation activities. The important challenges for local people are problems with declining crop yields, soil erosion and changed weather conditions, especially rainfall in the “wrong” season and often with high intensity and amount. Local people relate the quality of the lake´s water to its suitability for domestic use purposes. There seems to be a weak understanding about eutrophication and their own contribution to it, even though the effects of eutrophication are known among the participants. Farmers had issues with soil erosion; crops and soil were washed away by runoff water. Erosion preventing techniques such as digging trenches was common practiced. Keeping the land fallow and planting trees were recommended by the participants to prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility, but the ability to practice these techniques varied among the local people, and small land holding was a limiting factor to adopt such practices. The extension and advisory services regarding soil conservation seems inadequate within the country, and efforts to attract people to participate in meetings are necessary. Effective Risk Communication could be a way to address the issues with eutrophication and soil erosion in the crater lakes region in Uganda, and this should include stakeholders such as farmers, extension and advisory services, NGOs and the government. More research about soil conservation techniques and the transformation process among small scale farmers and their individual prerequisites are necessary for prevention of eutrophication and improvements of small scale farmers´ livelihood.