Community initiative in improving and maitaining the Urban enviroment: A case study of the Masese inforam settlements, Jinja Municipality, Eastern - Uganda

Abstract

Building strong partnerships with the community can enhance development and environmental conservation. The purpose of the study was to establish persistent environmental concerns in the study area and try to understand how the community is addressing them. A qualitative approach was use involving use of questionnaires, interviews, FGDs and PRA tools to gather primary data, while reference to relevant literature provided secondary data. Key informants for the study included; leaders of CBOs, CBGs, NGOs and local government department heads. The study revealed that solid wastes, low sanitation levels, improper housing, diseases and poverty were still persistent environmental issues in the community. These main concerns are linked in a way. The solid wastes, low sanitation levels and improper housing can enhance diseases, while poverty can deter community initiatives in managing environmental recovery. The study notes that poverty may not be the ultimate root cause of environmental degradation, and considers the strength of partnerships in the community. These partnerships are weak due to the nature of organizational structures of the groups, heterogeneity within the community, land tenureship type and the transient nature of these communities. The study makes a number of recommendations which are based on making stronger tie within the community to improve initiatives for sustainable environment management. It emphasizes addressing the community groups and organizations in Masese as a focal point in conservation. Sensitization, empowerment, planning, implementation and monitoring, should be left to these partners in development and conservation.