Community interventions in landslide scar use in the upper Manafwa catchment, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

ABSTRACT The risk of landslides is increasing on the slopes of Mt Elgon in the upper Manafwa catchment in Eastern Uganda; landslides have affected the landscape and people’s livelihoods. Field investigations were conducted to characterise landslide scars and their distribution. Household and key informant interviews as well as focus group discussions were held to establish community interventions and their effectiveness in the rehabilitation and use of landslide scars which were rated on a five-point scale. Positive and negative linear relationships were determined between different adoption factors alongside the local interventions. Afforestation and mixed cropping were the most popular responses. Runoff channels and application of fertilisers were the least popular interventions. Grass strips, runoff channels and mixed cropping were perceived as the most effective community interventions. Afforestation and agroforestry should be encouraged especially for areas experiencing shallow landslides since they have been found to be effective against their effects.