Overgrazing and its consequences on soil quality in Nakasongola rangelands of central Uganda

Abstract

Livestock are important for meat, milk, skin and traditional purposes. Efforts to successfully reduce soil deterioration due to overgrazing in Uganda have not considered farmers’ perceptions. A survey was thus conducted in four parishes (Bujjabe, Kasozi, Kigwera and Njeru) of Nakitoma sub-county, Nakasongola district with known livestock grazing activities. The main objective of the study was to assess farmer perceptions of overgrazing on soil quality deterioration. A total of 50 respondents (45 males and 5 females) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire; respondents were selected using the snowballing sampling technique. Data analysis was done using SPSS; and included descriptive statistics. The results indicated that many respondents in Nakitoma sub-county reared cattle under extensive system. Cattle had much contribution to overgrazing, due to overstocking. The farmers encouraged others to engage in livestock farming, mainly due to its profitability. Diseases and theft were the major challenges. The soils were generally low in their soil physical and chemical properties. Farmers’ perceptions should never be ignored when developing any reduction plans in soil deterioration due to overgrazing. Livestock farmers in Nakitoma should be trained on other livestock rearing practices