Assessing the effect of integrated farm planning (PIP) approach on soil erosion control on the slopes of Mount Elgon, eastern Uganda

Abstract

Soil erosion is a major contributor to land degradation, attributed to inappropriate farming practices, rigid cultural beliefs, and the steep nature of the landscape. This has resulted in a reduction in soil productivity, leading to food insecurity. The government of Uganda has enacted natural resource management policies, such as the NUSAF (Northern Uganda Social Action Fund), Uganda's wildlife conservation policy, Environment Act, and afforestation in degraded land areas, however, these efforts have been largely ineffective due to their top-down nature. The PIP approach, which is a bottom-up strategy involving the lowest-level stakeholders, aims to address these issues. The study objective served to assess the effectiveness of the PIP approach (Integrated Farm Planning) on soil erosion control practices. A quasi-experimental design was used to draw a comparison between the selected sub-counties of Bumasheti (control) and Bushika (intervention) in Bududa District, Eastern Uganda. This was achieved by evaluating the impact of farming practices by smallholder farmers on soil erosion risk, identifying the constraints farmers face in using measures that control soil erosion and assessing various factors determining the adoption of the approach. The study used is based on primary data collected from 277 georeferenced respondents using the Global Positioning System (GPS). To map the extent of soil erosion risk, Remote Sensing and GIS, along with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), were employed in the study area between 2019 and 2023. The study used mixed methods, and household interviews, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to gather socio-economic data. A total of 277 records were analyzed; data cleaning was performed in Excel, and statistical analysis was carried out using STATA. 15. Descriptive tools such as frequencies, percentages, and means were used for univariate analysis, chi-squared tests for bivariate analysis, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. The study's findings revealed that fanning practices such as agroforestry (69%), trenching (86%). planting Napier grass (67%), and planting cover crops (49%) have contributed to a reduction in soil erosion risk in the study area. Further analysis indicated that marital status (Chi=32.7295. p=0.000), receiving training (Chi=.54.6766, p=0.000), extension services (Chi=16.5296, p=0.000), education level (Chi=9.8533, p=0.02), and age (Chi=8.38, p=0.0038) were significantly associated with the PIP approach adoption. The PIP approach has positive effects on soil erosion control, attributed to its principles of integration (90%). collaboration (86%) and empowerment (87%). the three pillars of PIP. The power of the Pl P plan empowers and motivates farmers to work together and take action to restore and conserve their environment independently. Major constraints faced by farmers in implementing soil erosion control measures include limited financial resources (23%), limited labor (2 l %), and inadequate tools for certain practices (l9%). However, with training from the PIP approach and its principles, many of these constraints can be addressed. In conclusion, the PIP approach plans to motivate families to work together through collective action to conserve the land. This suggests that, when adopted by farmers, the approach can significantly contribute to soil conservation and restoration. The study recommends increasing awareness-raising workshops and PIP training among community members.