Impact of refugee settlements on land degradation in Uganda

Abstract

In an effort to examine various drivers of land degradation in refugee settlement in Uganda, the study titled 'Impact of Refugee Settlement on Land Degradation in Uganda' was conducted where Pressure-State-Response Framework was used to analyze the current state of land, the main drivers of land degradation, and responses to the identified drivers in Bidi Bidi refugee settlement in Uganda. Findings of the study revealed that the increase in the refugee population has led to a loss of grasslands, croplands and woodlands in the refugee settlement. The most degraded land types were grassland, woodland, and cropland. This was primarily attributed to unending human pressure of cutting trees for firewood or sales, bush-burning, mono cropping, over cultivation and building of infrastructure such as roads and urban centers which exerted pressure on the land leading to land degradation. Responses to these pressures have been implemented by different actors including the government of Uganda, community groups, humanitarian agencies and households. This study recommends implementation of sustainable land management practices, enforcement of government policies and increased awareness on the impacts of human activities on land.