Local Community Participation in Restoration of Watersheds in Uganda

S. Akello^1, , N. Turyahabwe¹, H. Sseguya², P. Okullo³ and J.G. Agea¹

¹Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere, University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala- Uganda

²International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Regional Hub for Eastern Africa, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

³Nabuin Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, P.O Box 132, Moroto, Uganda

Cite this paper:
S. Akello, N. Turyahabwe, H. Sseguya, P. Okullo and J.G. Agea. Local Community Participation in Restoration of Watersheds in Uganda. American Journal of Environmental Protection. 2017; 5(2):25-32. doi: 10.12691/env-5-2-1

Abstract

Despite the involvement of the local community in Awoja watershed activities, restoration was not fully achieved. Studies on community participation in Awoja watershed have focused on its importance with little known on the extent to which they participate, yet the level of community participation determines the success of restoration of watersheds. This study analysed the extent of local community participation in restoration of Awoja watershed of Eastern Uganda. It was conducted in Ngora district and respondents were asked about two restoration sites of FIEFOC and COBWEB. Data were collected from 237 respondents using a questionnaire from April to July 2015. Descriptive analysis and independent t-test were employed to analyze data. Results indicated that overall level of local community participation in Awoja was average with varied patterns in social, economic and environmental participation. Results showed significant differences between level of participation in overall (P=0.034) and environmental (P=0.044) in FIEFOC and COBWEB restoration sites. Community involvement at all project phases should be encouraged to create a sense of ownership and guidance in similar upcoming projects.

Keywords:
local community representation watershed restoration and Eastern Uganda

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