Land use and environmental degradation in fragile ecosystems: A case study of rangelands in Nakasongola District

Abstract

This study has examined the major land uses practices in Nakasongola district and documented key indicators of land degradation. The study focuses on a sample of 134 respondents drawn from two sub counties of Kakoge and Wabinyonyi. Using multi stage sampling design the two sub- counties were selected from a list of sub- counties of Nakasongola district. The second level of sampling was conducted at the village level using local council registers. Purposeful inclusion of respondents was made to cater for key informants. The findings of this study indicate that much as land use practices differ from one land use to the next there are some practices that cut across all land uses. These practices therefore collectively produce some of the indicators of land degradation. The study concludes that land use practices in the two sampled sub-counties are very elementary and combine to cause land degradation. The study further concludes that the different land uses produce indicators that reflect the intensity of the practice and time of operation. The study therefore recommends a set of measures that can reduce the level of degradation associated with the identified land use practices. Land use planning, enforcement of laws and regulations, awareness, the search for alternatives are among the main recommendations made by this study.