Survey of the distribution and growth of muvule tree in Namasagali sub county in Kamuli district.

Abstract

The study was carried out in order to survey the distribution and growth of muvule tree in Namasagali sub county Kamuli district. The study objectively sought to find out the relationship between land ownership and tree planting together with the factors that encourage or discourage tree planting. The methodology used was basically use of the research design, study population. sample size, sampling procedure, data type, method of data collection, validity and reliability of data collection instrument and data analysis. Questionnaires were used whereby the responses of the participants were put on paper provided by the researcher and they were 77 in number to create an understanding of the questionnaire to those who had limited knowledge of English, an. interpreter was used, depending on the local language spoken, for this case it was Lusoga. Data was then analysed in spss software package which facilitated the formation of frequency tables, graphs, pie charts and cross tabulations to generate raw data. The findings revealed that most of The respondents did not plant muvule trees because they did not own land represented by 70% compared to 30% who planted because they owned land. The problems faced in tree planting included long gestation period, eaten by termites, drying to sunshine and harbour of snakes The findings also revealed that given a shorter period for other trees such as eucalyptus, pine, mango trees, jackfruit among others and other use values like provision of fruits were shown by compared to those that are not willing to grow other species with 9% because they do not own land. The findings also revealed that the social and cultural attributes of muvule such as major source of fuel wood, timber and symbol for location among other uses greatly encouraged locals to plant the tree in their region. It was concluded that the land ownership greatly affects tree planting in that those who do not own land are not likely to plant trees also the use and none use values provided by muvule such as shade, timber; firewood, recreation, existence value, symbol for location and souvenir greatly encouraged people to plant muvule in Namasagali Sub County Finally, a number of recommendations were made such as; long time period for muvule to grow, I recommended the Involvement of the private sector to take on tree planting projects in trees with short time periods, improved tree planting education, improved' mechanisms for the delivery of incentives such as fruit trees to encourage Local people plant muvule should be adopted and many others.