Community perception on the environmental impacts of oil palm growing on Bugala island Kalangala district.

Abstract

This study focused on the community perception on the environmental impacts of oil palm growing on Bugala Island, Kalangala district. Qualitative methods were used to collect data were used and this involved using questionnaires, interviews, observation and secondary data. The data was collected. from a sample of 71 respondents and analyzed using excel and SPSS statistical packages and results presented using by use of frequency tables, pie charts, doughnuts and graphs among others. In depth review of literature of various scholars, environmental agencies' reports and publication as well as browsing through internet was done with aim of achieving of the objectives of the study. The study focused on the most significant impacts of oil palm cultivation on soil vegetation, micro-climate and water. The study revealed that mote men were involved in the lucrative activity of oil palm growing and majority of them were youths. The study also revealed that most of the growers of oil palm where married and majority of the respondents had attained up to secondary level of education. The study found out that majority of the people on the Bugala Island had stayed for more than 21 years. The major economic activity on the island was fishing with 32% followed by farming and the major crops, grown were oil palm, cassava and matooke. The study revealed that the major problems faced by oil palm growers were pests and diseases, seasonal variations, delayed payments among others. The study also revealed that oil palm growing has adverse effects such as eutrophication, silting, destruction of breeding cycles among others on water resources, soil compaction. exhaustion and death of living organisms among others on soil. The study revealed changes in rainfall patterns and increase in temperatures among others as the major adverse effects of oil palm growing on micro climate, and deforestation on vegetation cover. The study also revealed that the respondents were aware of environmental laws and policies related to the activity of oil palm growing and these included observing the 200m buffer Zone, wetlands policy, bye laws among others. Then also respondents were aware of the different forms of government intervention for example giving out seedlings, protecting central forest reserves, employing environmental personnel among others. Finally, the study revealed that the people engaged in oil palm growing had received different forms of environmental guidance when growing the oil palm. Basing on the findings of this study it is recommended that the growers of oil palm should plant trees at the borders of their plantations to reduce soil erosion, should not apply chemicals on the palm trees that were planted within the buffer zone, then also should ensure that the buffer zones from water resources are observed ail these will enable them carry out the activity with less contamination of water resources. The growers of oil palm should separate these gardens from food crop gardens and also should plant crops with same root system as the palm trees especially when they are still young, this will enable them solve the challenges associated with food insecurity. The company should encourage reforestation, planting trees at the borders of plantations and then the government should enforce the protection of central forest reserves because these shall curb deforestation, biodiversity loss and changes in the micro climate.