Assessing the Effects of Land Use Practices on Land Cover in Bubare Sub-County Rubanda District.

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Date

2024

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Kabale University

Abstract

This study examined the impact of land use practices on land cover in Bubare sub-county, Rubanda district, addressing three main objectives: to identify and characterize land use practices in Bubare, to assess how farming systems influence forest cover, and to evaluate the effectiveness of land use policies in managing local land resources. Data were collected from 132 respondents, including Bubare sub-county staff, local leaders, and community members, using questionnaires and interview guides. Descriptive statistics were analyzed with Microsoft Excel, and the findings were presented in tables, charts, and graphs. The results revealed the presence of various policies and laws governing land use and land cover, including the National Land Use Policy (14%), the National Land Act (20%), the Land Act of 1998 (10%), the Uganda National Land Policy 2013 (16%), and local policies or regulations (40%). Most respondents (40%) indicated that local policies or rules governing land and soil conservation were the primary policies used in Bubare sub-county. The findings also indicated that land use practices impacted the environment, with outcomes such as improved crop quality (18%), increased yield per acre (20%), and enhanced food security (36%). The study recommends that farmers apply manure and fertilizers to enhance yield quality and quantity and promote food production. The use of farmyard manure should be encouraged to restore land cover, alongside sustainable farming practices like crop rotation and rotational grazing to prevent land degradation. Additionally, policies should be developed to promote afforestation, reduce deforestation, and educate the community on the responsible use of land to prevent environmental damage.

Description

Keywords

Assessing, Effects, Land Use Practices, Land Cover, Bubare Sub-County, Rubanda District

Citation

Kembabazi, Naome (2024). Assessing the Effects of Land Use Practices on Land Cover in Bubare Sub-County Rubanda District. Kabale: Kabale University.