Impact of forest conversion on community livelihoods : A case study of Budongo sub-county Masindi district Uganda

Abstract

In spite of their immeasurable benefits to sustenance of community livelihoods, forests in Uganda face several challenges including conversion to other land uses. Forest conversion has positive and negative consequences on environmental and social-economic livelihood patterns of the people especially the poor who depend on them. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to assess the impacts of forest conversion on community livelihoods in Budongo sub-county, Masindi district in Uganda. The study adopted a descriptive research design in undertaking this systematic enquiry. Both primary and secondary data were collected and used for the study. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques and data was analyzed to determine the implications of forest conversion on community livelihoods in the study area. The respondents comprised selected households, Local Council leaders, forestry and environment staff; staff of education institutions in the study area and the Chairperson of Kinyara Sugarcane Out-Growers Association. The study showed that over 90% of the forests on private land have been converted to commercial sugarcane growing and subsistence agriculture. The conversion of forests resulted into scarcity of forest resources and increase in resource use conflicts; drying of water sources and reduction in water quantity and quality, food insecurity at household level; loss of cultural values associated with forests; exposure of women and girls to sexual gender based violence; rape, defilement and teenage practices, early marriages and increase in school absenteeism and drop outs related to scarcity of fuel wood; increase in incidences of fires and loss of property. Other impacts of forest conversion included change in feeding habits. The study showed that forest conversion contributed to a variety of benefits to local community livelihoods including reduction in vermin and crop raiding incidences; availability of land for agricultural investment and settlement; increase in household incomes; creation of employment opportunities and improvements in infrastructure. The study recommends development of land use plans at all levels; development and implementation of bye-law and ordinances; restoration of 50% of the converted forests and promotion of sustainable and clean energy technologies, a robust forest extension programme and creation of incentives for conservation of natural forests.