Drivers of riverbank degradation :

Abstract

The research study on the drivers of riverbank degradation of Aturukuku River was conducted on an 8km stretch in Rubongi sub-county, in Tororo district. The aim of the study was to assess the drivers of riverbank degradation, assess the different activities carried out in the area and determine those that contribute to riverbank degradation, and finally assess the appropriate measures suitable for reversing riverbank degradation. A number of methodologies used included interviews; questionnaires, observation and secondary data to obtain information. The gathered information was coded and edited in Excel spreadsheet, SPSS, Minitab and analysed using bar charts and tables. Findings revealed that riverbank degradation is majorly caused by activities such as agriculture, sand excavation, and cattle grazing. In addition to that, it was also found out that the negative impacts of riverbank degradation outweighed the positive ones. The study further established that riverbank degradation is on the increase as a result of poverty, poor governance, increased population that increase pressure on land, and unsustainable land use in the water areas of the river. The study makes some recommendations that include; a forestation, buffer-zone demarcation, awareness campaigns, ridging, bridging, Regulations and dam construction to cover the consequences of riverbank degradation.