Socio-Economic Analysis of Land Management Practices in the Agricultural Highlands of Uganda

Abstract

This study looked at the socio-economic analysis of the land management practices used in the agricultural highlands of Uganda, specifically in Kabale. The study used survey data collected using structured questionnaires from a sample of 150 households in Kabale District in Southwestern Uganda. The sample was drawn using random sampling. The multivariate probit model was used to determine the factors that influence a fanner's choice of the land management practice(s) to use on their plot(s). The major factors that were found to influence the choice of the land management decisions were sex and education level of the household head, fertility of the soil, distance of the plot from the homestead, total land holdings and the household size. The study recommends that the link between extension and farmers be strengthened so that farmers become more aware of some land management practices which can reduce on land degradation. Additionally, the study recommends that further research be carried out to examine the costs of land degradation and the benefits and costs of Sustainable Land Management in Uganda.