Assessing the Impact of Soil Erosion Processes on the Community livelihoods in Bukinda sub county, Rukiga District, Western Uganda.

Abstract

Over the years, soil erosion processes have destabilized both bio-physical and human environments. The highlands of South Western Uganda are one of the major areas affected by soil erosion. This study aimed at contributing towards assessment of soil erosion processes and their implications on community livelihoods in the South Western highlands of Bukinda Sub County, Rukiga District. Specifically, the study identified the prevalent forms of soil erosion along slope segments, established the most affected livelihoods by soil erosion and established the impacts of soil erosion on the community livelihoods. A cross sectional research was undertaken using a mixed approach. The simple random sampling was employed in selection of the households and purposive sampling on key informants. Data was collected through field surveys, interviews and direct field observations; and then analyzed using the matic content analysis. Results revealed that the study area was dominated by soil erosion processes by water particularly sheet wash erosion and gully erosion represented by 50 % and 40 % respectively. The socio economic impacts of soil erosion on the community livelihoods include; poverty, Low crop yields, destruction of livestock and farmland. The biophysical impacts include; decline in soil quality represented, river sedimentation, triggers landslides, triggers flooding and water pollution. The most affected livelihoods by soil erosion is arable farming represented by 75%. The study therefore established that the whole area had experienced soil erosion processes which affect community livelihoods. There is a need for the local people to diversify their livelihoods as some of the recommendable interventions. Further research on t he effective strategies to control soil erosion occurrence as well as increasing the community capacity to cope wit h soil erosion impacts.