Determinants of adoption of sustainable land management practices in relation to gender in Mayuge district, Uganda.

Abstract

The purpose of this. study was to establish the determinants of adoption of sustainable land management (SLMP) in relation to gender using Malongo Sub-County in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda as the case study. The Specific objectives were: to establish the different factors that contribute. to land degradation: to assess the effect of farmers’ gender on the adoption of' sustainable land management practices; and to establish the impact of sustainable land management practices on agriculture and food production. The researcher applied both quantitative and qualitative methods, of data collection using a sample of 106 respondents. The study findings are; land use practices carried out in the area include; crop growing (57.40%), cattle keeping. (24.26%) brick making (7.10%) charcoal burning (8.88%) and mining (2.37%). Households? gender significantly affects the adoption of sustainable land management practices like reforestation (P 4).018), manure use (0.030), and agro forestry (0.04). The study also found out that, households age does not significantly impact on the adoption of SLMP while households’ education level significantly influences SLMP like reforestation (0.029). manure use (0.002) and mulching (0.025) at 5% level of significance. On the other hand, household's farm size significantly influences the practice of agro forestry (()020). bush- fallowing (0.000) and reforestation (0,003) at 5% level of significance. Household's income size -influence the practice of manure use (0.004) and the practice of deep ploughing (0.001) at 5% level of significance. The study also found out that sustainable land management practices have significantly contributed to increased involvement in agriculture (P=0.013), controlled pests and diseases (P=0.001), reduced labor requirements for agriculture (P=0.000), pieces of' land have being cultivated (P=0.016) and to positive attitude towards agriculture (P=0.000) SLM has continued to. increase quantities of crop yields produced (P=0.000) production of quality yields (P=0.000) and increase in people's income as well as livelihoods (0.009). Gender does not influence the access to agricultural extension services however results indicated that gender influence land ownership and participation of women and men in agriculture. The study therefore recommended that there should be education and sensitization of the community about SLM and how it be done effectively. Equal distribution of gender roles and burdens, Government support through provision of loans to the local. people. Improving on transport systems and Adopting climate mitigation measures for example Tree planting, energy switching from non-renewable to renewable sources of energy among others to combat climate change can help to increase the adoption and use of SLMP which in turn boosts agriculture and food production in the area.