Abstract:

This paper explores the socioeconomic impacts of land degradation in the mid-hills of Mt. Elgon catchment, eastern
Uganda. The study results show that about 59, 21, 11, 7, 3 and 2% of the average income contribution to the household
economy come from off-farm, livestock, fruits, vegetables, cash and cereal crops respectively. Populations densities are, in
general, high in these areas and most land, including marginal lands, are under cultivation. Terracing farmland and planting
fodder trees on terrace edge and on terrace risers are the traditional farming practices in order to minimize soil erosion and
to maintain crop production. Slash and burn activities are continuously being practiced in the on-site for many years. Few
farmers adopted soil conservation techniques such as use of mulching, hedgerows, mixed cropping of cereals with legumes
and minimum tillage and establishing fruits orchards and vegetables farming. To improve the economic condition of
people in the hilly area, there is a need to promote commercialization and diversification of agricultural practices with
minimum degradation of natural resources