NAKASONGOLA DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND - - PDF document
THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA NAKASONGOLA DISTRICT LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES STATE OF ENVIRONMENT IN NAKASONGOLA DISTRICT A PRESENTATION TO STAKEHOLDERS DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE PILOT PROJECT ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
STATE OF ENVIRONMENT IN NAKASONGOLA DISTRICT
A PRESENTATION TO STAKEHOLDERS DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE PILOT PROJECT ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE DISTRICT ON MONDAY, 3RD OCTOBER, 2011 BY KUNOBERE JIM JAMES BOND SENIOR ENVIRONMENT OFFICER
THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
Environmental Opportunities and Problems
Introduction Environmental opportunities in the district are those productive resources which when harnessed and used judiciously, could greatly contribute towards sustainable development and poverty alleviation. However, the existence of these opportunities alone is not enough for communities in Nakasongola district to make the stride in the absence of effective resource management strategies, institutional structures, enabling policies and legal framework.
The total land area in the district is about 3424 km sq. 913 km sq is arable land. However,
Soils are important natural resources for the district mainly because they support agriculture, which is the major economic activity, and from which over 85% of the total population derive their livelihood. In recent years the district agricultural output has gone down due to low rainfall and frequent drought. Soils also provide other essential products and services such as construction materials (sand, clay, stones) and they are invariably the ultimate disposal (sink) for a wide range of waste materials. Furthermore, soils are part of the media through which hydrological and geological cycles occur. They also host a diverse range of organisms. The soils of Nakasongola also support pastures that maintain a wide range of livestock, which include among others cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, pigs and rabbits. Small holders and pastoralists raise 20% and over 70% of the livestock in mixed farming and range systems respectively. The livestock sector is a key contributor in ensuring district food security and nutritional balance. In the sub-counties of Nakitoma, Nabiswera, Lwanpanga, Kakooge and Kalungi large livestock are reared. Livestock rearing is the second largest economic activity in the district after crop husbandry.
Nakasongola is well endowed with water resources in form of direct precipitation, ground and surface water. The district has a share of one of Uganda’s major lakes i.e. Kyoga, and also three rivers (Kafu, Victoria Nile and R. Sezibwa), which influence the drainage system of the lake. Other minor rivers are Rugogo. The water sources are unevenly distributed due to the area’s relief. Some parts of Wabinyonyi, Nabiswera and Nakitoma have very few natural sources of water. Most of the district’s water resources have rich biodiversity, ranging from fish to crocodile and hippopotamus, which are big income earners as food.
The wetlands drainage system is characterised by over eighty wetlands systems of which 14 are primary systems, 42 secondary systems and 24 tertiary systems. Wetlands in Nakasongola District fall under two categories i.e.:
They provide the communities with materials for making local crafts, medicinal plants, and water for both domestic and livestock use. In addition the communities utilize them as hunting grounds and fishing sites for mudfish. Wetlands improve the quality of water and in so doing reduce water-borne diseases. In addition they re-charge and discharge ground water and rivers respectively, consequently distributing water to wells and boreholes through the natural drainage system.
Fishing is one of the major economic activities in the district particularly along the L.Kyoga belt. The sector contributes to the nutritional welfare of the people, provides employment, and generates substantial incomes virtually all year round for those who engage in fish harvesting, processing, transportation and marketing. The sector also makes a significant contribution to local government revenue and household incomes. The main fishing activities are on Lake Kyoga to the northern and northeastern of the
The Fisheries Department estimates that catches can earn as much as Ug.Shs 348m in a month, with 1 kg (as of January 2002) costing Ug Shs 700. This is a valuable contribution to the local population and a good input towards poverty eradication among the people. A few farmers are practicing fish farming especially in Kakooge and Nakitoma sub-counties, but only limited success has been registered.
The forest/woodland community is one of the major types of vegetation cover in Nakasongola district. There are 4 central and 1local. There is also a number of woodland found on public land, which serve as important energy catchments areas for
Biomass Energy According to field visits in the sub-counties and villages, the people obtain 100% of their energy needs from trees in form of charcoal and firewood. Trees like Mukora (Combretum collinum), Mukananga (Stereospermum kunthianum), and Mukunyu (Ficus sycomorus), are known to be good for fuel wood.
Timber The forests are a very important source of timber, with Katuugo producing the best soft wood in Uganda. A sizeable part of the Katuugo community depends on timber for their income, and this is explained by the number of furniture shops operating in town, and the mushrooming buildings, which require timber. Bush Meat Local people recognize the importance of the woodlands as a source of wild meat. In Nabiswera and Nakitoma sub-counties, bushbucks, antelopes and wild pigs are commonly hunted for this purpose. Building Materials Many people have mud and wattle houses which are constructed with poles and thatching materials from the forests (Imperata cylindrica, Murantochloa leucantha and Pennisetum purpureum). Crafts and Household items The main household uses of woodland and forest products include cooking, hunting, agricultural tools, musical instruments, brooms, mats, baskets, furniture and pounding
The conditions of the environment bears directly and widely on human productivity, and the reverse is also true. In a bid to increase productivity, various socio-economic activities have greatly affected the state of natural resources and the environment as a
include: 1 Soil Exhaustion (land degradation) The rural communities directly depend on land for cultivation and grazing. However, the current pattern of land management and utilization, as well as the increasing demand for land present numerous environmental challenges. The main causes of land degradation in the district were continuously cited to be soil erosion and lack of soil conservation practices by smallholder farmers, who are the
in Nakasongola was estimated to be about 913 km2 but only 235km2 was under
district remain unutilised for various reasons (land tenure system, reserved areas) and not experiencing serious problems related to soil degradation, other parts are being subjected to extensive soil degradation processes leading to soil exhaustion. This has resulted in low agricultural yields with the district. However, local communities have identified the cause to be:
Lack of soil conservation practices There is general lack of awareness of the dangers of soil degradation. Coverage of field extension services from the agricultural sector and related sectors such as forestry are inadequate due to the limited number of extension workers and insufficient logistical
have often exhausted the soil. This is characterised by frequent tillage of soils and annual crops and has led to depletion of the soil of particular nutrients. The farmers also practice
cereal and legume, but they all exhaust soil nutrients from all depths of the soil profile. This has contributed to observed low yields per unit area and the declining total output particularly as legume component of the system is low. There is minimal agro forestry carried out, hence most soils are left bare when they are not under crop. In areas where extension services have taken root (Kalungi, Lwampanga, and Wabinyonyi) the response remains poor. Overgrazing This is as a result of over stocking. Over 60% of the population in Nakasongola rear livestock for their livelihood. Records from the District Veterinary Office indicate that by 1998 the population of cattle increased by 30%. This has been attributed to the high demand for livestock products. However, this has a serious impact on the environment in that the soils have become compacted and exposed to agents of soil erosion. Besides
human population, poverty, bush burning, insecurity in the neighbouring districts that has led other cattle keepers to shift to Nakasongola to graze animals, and inadequate extension services as a result of few extension workers and poor facilitation. In addition to soil depletion, overstocking has contributed to declining quantity and quality of pastures and stock (Nabiswera and Nakitoma Sub-counties). There are also increasing land conflicts and wrangles between pastoralists and crop farmers due to a high frequency of drought in the district. Examples are abundant in Kalungi, Kolongo, Lwabiyata and Lwampanga sub-counties. Finally, as is common in Nabiswera Sub- counties, overstocking has contributed to poor access to safe water and sanitation, as animals have to share the water sources with human beings. Bush fires The seasonal burning of grass and bushes occurs widely in Nakasongola district, but is more evident in the cattle grazing areas e.g. Nabiswera, Nakitoma, Kalungi and Lwampanga Sub-counties. It is carried out as part of land preparation for cultivation, or for rejuvenation of pastures, or to facilitate hunting of game. Traditionally the burning of bushes is believed to drive away evil spirits. After the fires, the exposed land is subjected to water erosion in the rainy seasons and to wind erosion during dry periods. Cumulatively smoke from Nakasongola bush fires and elsewhere globally contribute to the build up of atmospheric carbon dioxide and the corresponding global climate change. Deforestation The major underlying causes of deforestation in Nakasongola District include agricultural expansion and charcoal production. The problem is widely distributed in the district but
most serious in Lwampanga and Lwabiyata Sub-counties, where thousands of bags of charcoal are produced and exported to Kampala and other neighbouring towns every
Population increase is also putting pressure on the woodlands in the district as more people require land for settlement and grazing.
Poor sanitation has arisen because of low latrine coverage in the district (53%). The issue
individual’s concern, and hence never given priority. There is also lack of public support accompanied by lack of awareness of the likely dangers that would arise if sanitary conditions of the surroundings were bad, and existing guidelines do not seem to be clear. The attitudes of communities towards latrine usage are as diversified as the ethnic groups in the district. Cultural beliefs and taboos also complicate the sanitation and safe water situation further in the pastoral communities. In urban areas like Nakasongola Town, there is no sewerage system, no functional lagoon, or toilet facilities for public use. It is common to find sewage running in open drains or on the surface. In rural areas, although there is no proper data available yet, it was noted that the biggest Percentage of homesteads do not have bath shelters, animal houses, drying racks, refuse pits, drying lines, or water storage facilities. As a result of poor sanitation, diseases of near epidemic proportions have often broken out in district. For example, cases of cholera have occurred in Lwampanga (1999 and 2000). Other diseases that are common are dysentery, diarrhoea, typhoid, Malaria, intestinal worms, skin worms, skin infections (scabies), and eye infections (trachoma).
Safe water coverage is only 60% in the district and is provided through protected wells, boreholes, shallow wells and rainwater catchments tanks. Piped water is only available in the town of Nakasongola, and even then, this covers only 20% of the town’s
those surrounding urban areas, due to poor location of boreholes. There is also some contamination as a result of animal usage of the water sources, and siltation due to soil
which are noticeably on the increase in the district. Increasing latrine coverage through awareness raising, and prescribing and enforcing appropriate legislation at the district and local levels can reverse the situation. There is also need to increase safe water coverage.
4. Inadequate Environmental Awareness Lack of awareness has repeatedly been pointed out as the cause of most environmental problems in the district. The people are not aware of the likely impacts that would arise when the environment is depleted. For example, they seem not to see the importance of tree planting when they believe there is plenty of woodland around. In addition, contrary to expectation most people have not realized any commercial value from the nurseries developed and trees planted. The tree-seedling market is highly unreliable in the district. The local communities have not had adequate sensitisation seminars to address environment issues, except for the sub-county and parish local environment committees and a few individuals at various levels. There is need to raise environmental awareness addressing all issues in the day-to-day activities of the local communities. 5 Wetland Degradation Wetland degradation is mainly in form of overgrazing, overexploitation of the resources therein, burning and cultivation. 6 Lake Exhaustion (over fishing) The high demand for fish coupled with increased fishing effort on Lake Kyoga is leading to its exhaustion. In addition, the increased use of undersize nets (i.e. gill nets of less than 2 ½' / 6.4 cm mesh size), beach seines locally referred to as “Kokota”, and the use of traps and cast nets, are also contributing to this depletion. Other wrong fishing methods employed on Lake Kyoga include use of perforated basins to catch silver fish, use of monofilament nets and fishing in breeding grounds. New fishing villages are also
difficult. High competition has led to increased cases of net thefts, and conflicts within the fishing community are now more common. The number of unlicensed boats operating on Lake Kyoga is estimated at about 40% of the total. In response to the deteriorating situation, local communities have formed committees (Beach Management Units) to manage landing sites, and register all in-coming boats. In addition, they are advocating for awareness raising to encourage proper fishing methods, and other related issues such as streamlining fish marketing. However, these committees require further training, facilitation and regular supervision if they are to play their roles effectively. 8 Inadequate Capacity in Environmental Management In the district the Environment Office is mandated to handle all environmental matters. However the office is inadequately facilitated in terms of transport, budgetary allocation and staffing. The two-person manned office cannot adequately cover the entire district to enhance community participation in resource management as spelt out by the NES.
The strategies to address key environmental issues have been developed from the consultations held and consensus reached during the process of developing this NDFEM. They, therefore, reflect the priority environmental issues as identified at the district level. 1. Deforestation Problem definition Although the communities cannot adequately quantify the extent to which tree cover has been degraded, they are certain that it is well beyond accommodation. It is their submission that a proactive program for restoring tree should be advocated for and supported to start off. The environmental committees’ appreciation of the magnitude of the problem is expressed in the dismal consequences shown here under. Consequences Prolonged drought periods have caused endemic food shortages Inadequate access to water probably as a result of reduction in rain amounts Soil erosion causing extensive drop in soil productivity Most useful tree species disappearing without replacement Wild animals are getting extinct due to lack of sanctuary Framework for solutions a) This is a community wide problem, which affects both people of all manners, plants and the whole ecosystem. Community awareness and individual participation is simply unavoidable in the fight to reverse this adverse situation. b) The Local Government in the district shall put in place and implement measures seeking to sustainably utilise natural resources in the forested areas, to control such practices like forest encroachment, over-harvesting of forest products, random charcoal burning and other practices that are likely to be injurious to ecological and environmental sustainability. Public awareness rising on the need to maintain sufficient tree cover including afforestation should be continuous, and shall remain a consistent message for the district leadership at all levels. 2. Termites Problem definition Termites are cited as one of the militating factor against increase in agricultural output. They destroy food and pastures, leaving the grounds bare, which further encourages famine, deforestation (including grass), soil erosion and siltation of rivers, and advances the threat of desertification. Consequences Farmers experience up to 70% crop loss especially in Maize and Millet whereas cassava is highly vulnerable before germination up to 40%. This in turn lead to reduced household food security and incomes. Other consequences include vegetation cover
removal that results in soil erosion thus soil degradation, wood biomass loss, Houses being demolished, constant replacement of fencing poles thus increasing the constant demand for more poles. Termites have been a menace and a huddle towards tree planting in the district due to constant destruction. This has demoralized most people who had the will to plant trees in the district. Framework for solutions a) The District Entomology Department is mandated to design solutions for such a problem including occasional use of pesticides in reducing termites, as along as they are toxic enough not to harm soils. b) Organic ways of controlling termites should be sought and communities be encouraged to adopt and use them. c) Aggressive tree planting to replace the termite affected vegetation cover should be supported by the local initiatives, if need be, through local by-laws. Termite resistant species will be encouraged. 3. Inadequate Safe Water and Poor Environmental Sanitation Problem definition It is estimated that about 78% of the population do not have access to adequate safe water and the magnitude of the poor environmental health is much worse. Consequences High water borne disease incidences Productive time lost in moving long distances in search of any safe water High morbidity rates especially for women and children who bear the responsibility of the water fetching chores. Problem definition Limited coping initiatives for water sources conservation Inadequate finances to drill boreholes at district level Limited knowledge of environmental sanitation awareness Limited protectable water sources Framework for solutions a) The Local Government is empowered and encouraged to seek opportunities provided by the centre and ther partners in development in promoting access to safe water for the district population. A close partnership between the three levels should be enhanced in order to quickly improve the water access coverage; the district should invigorate public environmental sanitation education.
b) The -Local Government in the district has the prime responsibility for ensuring that its population has access to safe water and acceptable homestead environmental
be encouraged. c) The relevant district technical organs in conjunction with the relevant local are committees shall set sanitation standards and monitoring guidelines for the collaboration agencies in accordance with the provision of the National Environment Statute, 1995. d) The District Local Government through its lower level councils shall ensure that development of nucleated settlements, which may contravene sound environmental and health standards is controlled. 4. Bush Burning Problem definition The seasonal burning of grass and bushes occurs widely in Nakasongola district. It is carried out as part of land preparation, or for rejuvenation of pastures, or to facilitate hunting of game. Consequences Bush and grass fires expose the land to water and wind erosion and render it
threat to food security in the district. The fires destroy a lot of biodiversity. Bush fires greatly affect the process of Natural regeneration by destroying of the coppices. Framework for solutions a) The communities in Nakasongola district should be sensitised on the negative effects
at all levels b) The affected sub-counties and the district should enact and implement by-laws and
5. Lack of environmental awareness Problem definition It is observed that limited environmental awareness contributes a lot to the degradation of the environment.
Consequences Limited ability in prudent environment planning and management, and judicial use
Framework for solutions a) Access to public knowledge in a domain of the local governments and public leadership, through established communication frameworks, and especially that they enjoy the advantage of public audiences. b) The district shall ensure that the right environmental awareness and access to information seeking to promote this awareness is granted to all people in the district. c) The organs shall ensure that environmental education is integrated into the Primary and Post Primary School Curriculum and other public education fora like meetings, sensitisation workshops, seminars and rallies. Other current Environmental Programs and interventions