The Implications of sugarcane Growing on the Ecosystem of Bugoma Forest and Household Food security in Kiziranfumbi subcounty in Kikube District.
Abstract
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ABSTRACT
The expansion of sugarcane plantations encroaching upon Bugoma Forest has resulted in significant
biodiversity loss. This phenomenon is particularly notable in the Albertine Rift, where the expansion
of sugarcane cultivation has not only strained existing natural forest reserves but has also increased
issues of food insecurity within the region. This led to a study into the relationship between food
security and biodiversity loss within the Bugoma Forest ecosystem due to sugarcane plantation. The
study aimed at providing insight into the commercialization of agriculture through sugarcane growing
and the implication in Bugoma forests ecosystem and household food security, a case study from
Kiziranfumbi sub county, Kikuube district to determine the effects of sugarcane growing on Bugoma
forest ecosystem, analyze the effects of sugarcane farming on household food security in Kiziranfumbi
Sub County and to establish the community’s perception on strategies for sustainable sugarcane
growing. The study found that a considerable proportion (81.0%) of respondents in Kiziranfumbi Sub
County experienced insufficient nutritious food in the past year. The main reasons for household food
insecurity included inadequate food availability (72.5%), lack of sufficient land for farming (60.9%),
the impact of sugarcane cultivation (42%), and other factors like poor harvests and limited financial
resources. In terms of sustainable sugarcane growing, a majority of respondents (84.6%) noted an
increase in sugarcane cultivation over the past three years, and a significant portion (62.3%) were
against introducing sustainable sugarcane growing practices. Interestingly, respondents with higher
education levels were more receptive to sustainable methods. Only a small percentage employed
methods to reduce pressure on Bugoma forest due to sugarcane cultivation. The study recommends
promoting diversified farming to address food scarcity, providing targeted support for small-scale
farmers impacted by sugarcane, strengthening biodiversity conservation measures against Bugoma
Forest encroachment, and conducting education-focused community programs for sustainable
sugarcane practices.