The Assessment Of Agroforestry In The Conservation Of Forest Resource In Central Districts Of Uganda A Case Study Of Busujju County - Mityana District.

ABSTRACT

The study assessed the role of Agroforestry in the Conservation of Forest Resource in Central District of Uganda: A Case Study of Busujju County - Mityana District. The objectives of the study included; to analyze the different agro-forestry practices, to examine the causes and impact of forest degradation and to assess the effect of agro-forestry practices in the conservation of forest resource in central districts of Uganda: a case study of Busujju County — Mityana District among others. The research employed Descriptive research approach where simple random sampling technique was used to get the sample size which was used so that the problem at hand was described indepth

which required collecting information through questionnaire, interviews and a total sample

size of 60 informants was interviewed. This size was more preferable due to time limit, the

resources available to carry out the research and it was also used to ensure accuracy in data collection and data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively in form of~ graphs, tables, charts, depending on the convenience and requirements of the data collected, and conclusion were drawn. The major findings of the study was that approximately up to 78% of the natural resources continue to suffer from the effects of forest degradation and other Agroforestry activities such as encompass aif entire spectrum of land use systems in which woody perennials are deliberately combined with agriculture crops and/or animals in some spatial temporal arrangement among others. The findings also suggested that promoting diversified farms with agro-forestry in buffer zones can enhance forest integrity (conservation). Responsible stakeholders such as the Government have done completely little to restore hopes to these practices / activities. Governnent, Civil Society Organizations, Local Community and Internal Community should do a lot to improve on the conservation of natural resources. The Government should take the lead on mobilizing all stakeholders to perform their duties accordingly. In conclusion, therefore, there

is need for the international community to support the national and community efforts so as to prevent the negative contributions of Agroforestry practices on the conservation of natural

resources by both the local farmers and other concerned local community members but long term, policies should aim to improve economic opportunities in Central Uganda, Busujju County — Mityana District, to offer communities more constructive alternatives rather than destroying these resources.