The influence of land use practices on soil erosion processes in Kigezi Highlands, South Western Uganda

Abstract

The highlands of south western Uganda are one of the major areas affected by soil erosion. This study aimed at analyzing the influence of land use practices on the occurrence of soil erosion in south western highlands of Bukinda sub country, Rukiga district. The study identified various forms of soil erosion, existing land use practices and their influence on erosion processes. A cross sectional study was conducted using a mixed approach. Households were selected using simple random sampling. Direct field observation and use of interviews were used to collect data and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences. The studies found out that gully and sheet erosion were the dominating forms of erosion with 28.3% and 23.1% respectively. The existing land use practices included animal rearing, agriculture and settlement. The impacts of land use practices on soil erosion include; Bush burning affects soil properties, over grazing leaves the land bare and affects infiltration rates, deforestation increases rill erosion. The measures used to control erosion include; afforestation and re-afforestation, mulching, agro forestry, use of cover crops with 15.9%, 15.1%, 13.3%,10.2% respectively. The study revealed that at least 80% of the households had experienced soil erosion processes. There is need for the local communities to adopt Modern methods of controlling soil erosion.