THE ROLE OF SUBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE ON WETLAND CONSERVATION: A CASE STUDY OF BUGOLOBI, NAKAWA DIVISION.

ABSTRACT

Subsistence agriculture involves the growing of crops and rearing of animals on a small scale for home consumption, use of simple tools and more labour whereas Wetland conservation is aimed at protecting and preserving areas where water exists at or near the Earth’s surface such as swamps, marshes and bog. This study was therefore carried out to assess the extent of Subsistence agriculture and its role on wetland conservation in Bugolobi, Nakawa division. The study was conducted among the small holder farmers around Bugolobi area. The general objective of the study was to determine the role of subsistence agriculture on wetland conservation, and the specific objectives were to, identify the types of subsistence agriculture practiced, determine the value of wetlands, and to establish the effects of subsistence agriculture on water quality, soil and biological diversity. A descriptive study design in which both qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted. A total of 40 farmers were interviewed using interview guides and informal discussions based on questionnaires. Observation method was also used to assess the effects of subsistence agriculture on wetlands. This was done by focussing on the effects of subsistence agriculture on water (H20) and biological diversity (BD) within the wetland. Experimental research was also carried out to determine the effects of subsistence agriculture on soil. This was done by testing the soil for nutrient deficiencies such as nitrogen and potassium (NPK) using a soil test kit. Data was analyzed, coded and presented using pie charts and bar graphs. The study established that subsistence agriculture had effects on Wetland conservation and contributed to the decline of biodiversity, soil and water quality through poor fanning

practices that affected the soil, and clearing of certain plant species like papyrus that affected the quality of drinlcing water. I concluded that it was critical to protect the Wetland from the destruction resulting from unsustainable agricultural practices. I recommended the development of wetland inventory/appraisal, monitoring and assessment, demonstration of

integrated approaches to wetland management, and sustainable agricultural practices such as

crop rotation, mixed farming and organic farming.