Contributions of tree planting towards people’s livelihood of Kaptanya sub-county, Kapchorwa district

Abstract

The study was conducted on the assessment of the contributions of tree planting towards people‟s livelihood of Kaptanya sub county, Kapchorwa district. The objectives of the study were; to identify the tree species grown by people/ farmers on their land, to assess the tree management practices carried out by the people in the study area, to determine the benefits of tree planting towards people‟s livelihood, and to find out the challenges faced by the tree planters in tree planting. Methods used in data collection included; questionnaires, direct observations, interviews and secondary data. The data was collected from twenty-eight (28) villages, four (4) parishes of the sub county. A random sampling was used and sixty (60) questionnaires were used to collect data. From the findings, tree species planted by the respondents in the study area include exotic tree species like Eucalyptus grandis, Grevillea robusta, pinus patula and fruit trees like Persea americana (Ovacado), Mangifera indica (Mangoes), Artocarpus heterophylus (Jack fruit), and also some agroforestry trees like Cordia africana, markhamia lutea and prunus africana. Results revealed that, the management practices practiced by tree farmers to manage and maintain their trees in the study area include weeding, pruning, thinning, and fire protection. However, weeding was the mostly practiced by the respondents.The results indicated that tree planting has improved people‟s likelihood through increased income from sale of timber, fruits, poles, fuelwood and medicine. The benefits derived from trees grown included food(fruits), fuelwood, timber, poles, income, medicine, shade, soil erosion control, climate modification and wind breaks. From the findings, the challenges faced by the respondents during tree planting in the study area include shortage of land, shortage of planting materials like tree seedlings, shortage of funds, pests and diseases of trees, poor extension services, wild fires and land conflicts. In conclusion, tree planting has contributed to the socio-economic status of the people though there is low awareness by the people about tree planting. It is therefore important to promote energy saving technologies, emphasize extension services, pest and disease management, encourage good public relations, and long term loans to tree planters by financial institutions