Problems Facing Uganda
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability
Problem:
With over 80 percent of the Ugandan workforce involved in agriculture, soil erosion and declining soil fertility are significantly impacting the ability of the poor to meet nutritional needs. Despite the fact that Uganda has a large percentage of arable land, soil degradation is a substantial problem in the country. Generally it is estimated that 4% - 12% of GNP is lost from environmental degradation 85% of this from soil erosion, nutrient loss and changes in crops. The worst affected areas include highland areas in the southwest and some dry land districts.
Causes:
The Highlands of Uganda, areas above 1500 m, have a tropical, humid climate and a fragile environment. Although the terrain is steep, historical factors and favorable climate and soils have led to high population densities in certain areas. Increased pressure of the land has caused vegetation risk and increased cultivation on steep slopes with no appropriate conservation strategies. The natural slope processes have been disrupted giving rise to increased soil erosion and mass wasting problems.
Solution:
Trees are a natural and very effective defense against erosion. Their canopies shade the soil from direct sun, and their roots help to stabilize the soil, particularly on inclines.
Trees reverse the impacts of land degradation and provide food, energy and income, helping communities to achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Trees also filter the air and help stave off the effects of climate change.
A solution to the soil erosion problem would be to organize volunteer groups to plant trees in Uganda. Planting trees will provide timber, prevent soil erosion, mitigate the effects of storms, provide fuel wood, animal fodder, construction materials and inter cropping.
Trees reverse the impacts of land degradation and provide food, energy and income, helping communities to achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Trees also filter the air and help stave off the effects of climate change.
A solution to the soil erosion problem would be to organize volunteer groups to plant trees in Uganda. Planting trees will provide timber, prevent soil erosion, mitigate the effects of storms, provide fuel wood, animal fodder, construction materials and inter cropping.