Isaac Scientific Publishing

Ecology and Sustainable Development

The Efficacy of the Soil Conservation Technologies Used on the Slopes of Mount Rwenzori in Western Uganda

Download PDF (1712.1 KB) PP. 41 - 56 Pub. Date: November 1, 2018

DOI: 10.22606/esd.2018.12001

Author(s)

  • Nabalegwa Muhamud Wambede*
    Department of Geography and Social Studies, Kyambogo University Uganda
  • Asaba Joyfred*
    Department of Geography and Social Studies, Kyambogo University Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the efficiency soil conservation technologies adopted under the current cropping systems on the slopes of Rwenzori Mountain. A cross sectional research design was used in this study. Transects of 100 meter wide, were drawn on six selected ridges within which 102 peasant farms with different conservation technologies were selected. The severity of erosion on the selected farms was assessed using the physical erosion indicators. The results indicated that terracing was the most dominant practice. This was followed by trash bunds, water diversion channels, water collection ditches and mulching. It was however evident that, despite the adoption of soil conservation by some highland farmers, soil erosion still remained high especially on farms where one conservation practice was used in isolation. It is therefore recommended that a more comprehensive soil conservation strategy involving the use of agronomic and mechanical methods of soil conservation be emphasized in the Rwenzori uplands.

Keywords

Erosion, Efficiency, cropping system and conservation technology

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