Mixed Farming And Soil Degradation; A Case Study Of Nyarubuye Sub County Kisoro District South Western Uganda

ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken to analyze the relationship between mixed farming and soil

degradation in Nyarubuye Sub County. The study objectives included; finding out different

mixed farming practices in Nyarubuye Sub County, identify impacts of mixed farming on soil

degradation in Nyarubuye Sub County and to analyze the solutions of on how to over come soil

degradation. Data was collected basing on the above objectives and each objective was handled

after the other. Different mixed faming practices in Nyarubuye Sub County were identified and

these included mixed cropping, live stock farming agro forestry though most farmers practiced

more than one. On the other hand the impacts these farming practices on soil were identified and

were found to be serious. These included soil erosion as a result of over grazing and poor

farming methods, soil compaction and soil pollution among others. Different forms of soil

degradation in Nyarubuye Sub County due these farming practices were identified and these

included soil exhaustion, soil compaction among many. Research results from strategies

employed by farmers to overcome the problem of soil degradation were revealed and these

included, Afforestation, terracing, mulching. Sensitization was analyzed as an important strategy

that can avail farmers with knowledge on soil degradation as a problem and how it can be dealt

with. According to findings from the study, the researcher concludes that soil degradation is a

serious problem in Nyarubuye Sub County, Uganda, and world at large and from findings and

emphasizes use of various strategies effectively to overcome the problem. However the

researcher recommends further research on the problem.