The Implications of sugarcane Growing on the Ecosystem of Bugoma Forest and Household Food security in Kiziranfumbi subcounty in Kikube District.

Abstract

5 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.