Use of agroforestry practices in soil and water conservation: a case study of Kageyo Sector, Gicumbi District, Rwanda
Loading...
Date
2011-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Engineering and Applied Science
Abstract
A study on use of agroforestry practices in soil and water conservation was concentrated in Kageyo sector and the researcher visited all the 5 cells of; Gihembe, Horezo, Kabuga, Muhondo and Nyamiyaga. The objectives that guided the study included; to determine how farmers are using agro forestry practices; to identify the factors prohibiting agro forestry practices and to find out the suggestions and recommendations on how to promote agro forestry practices in soil and water conservation in the study area. The methods used for data collection were questionnaires, oral interviews, observation and photography. To analyze data, the researcher used tables, pie charts, figures, as well as computer applications for data input and analysis. The researcher used a simple random sampling technique, where she was very careful not to repeat or replace any representative sample or respondents and the total of about 40 respondents were interviewed. The study found out that the major benefits of agroforestry are; improving soil and water quality, restoring degraded forests, attenuate flooding effect, mitigation of climate change and reducing deforestation of natural forest among others. Small land sizes, lack of technical support and capital, lack of information by farmers on agroforesty strategies, lack of tree seed supply and market are the main constraints of practicing agroforestry .Rwandan environment has been impacted negatively by agricultural activities, but majority of the farmers in Kageyo Sector were young (below 50 years).This may have had a positive influence on adoption of agroforestry practices. And since recommendations have been put forward, the government, Non-Governmental Organizations and the local community are looked upon to come together and find out the best means to practice agroforestry
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the Award of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environment Management of Kampala International University
Keywords
Agroforestry Practices in Soil, Water Conservation, Kageyo Sector, Gicumbi District, Rwanda