Impacts of charcoal production on the environment :

Abstract

This research project was conducted on the local communities in villages of Bususwa, Bugulu Bulumira in Bwiiza parish and Kabaganda, Kabanyoro and Mutukula in Namasagali parish of Namasagali Sub Country in Kamuli district. The research was carried out in the month of April 2017. The main objective of the study was to assess the impacts of charcoal production on the environment: A case study of Namasagali Sub-county, Kamuli District. The research project employed descriptive and explanatory research designs that were used to collect data on the quantity of charcoal produced, tree species used and their impacts on the environment. The data was collected using questionnaires, observations and review of existing literature for Kamuli District such as Kamuli District Environment Action Plan (2010/2015), Kamuli District Statistical Abstract, Land conflict mapping tool, journals, and websites. The collected data was edited, coded and entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientists) version 1.6 to give descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed that the area faced. impacts such as tittle rainfall, too much sun shine, poor food yields, loss of tree cover on a wide area and poor tree regeneration. The tree species most used for charcoal production were indigenous including Muyembe (Mangifera indica), Muvule (Milcia excelsa), Gasiya (Cassia spectabilis), Musita (Albizzia coriaria), Fene (Artoearpus heterophylla), Mugayile (Ficus NaÍalensis). The average number of charcoal bags produced monthly by each producer was 32. The charcoal producers who carried more production were youth aged 21-40 years to earn income. However; the traditional kiln used in charcoal production was wasteful. Also, the tools used were rudimentary and techniques used in felling trees for charcoal production were characterized by many accidents. It is recommended that the local people in the area be sensitized on the importance of sustainable charcoal production, importance of tree planting, need to observe laws and regulations concerning tree usage, and provided with other alternative sources of livelihood.