Utilization and On-Farm Conservation Of Woody Tree Species In Mazimasa Sub-County, Butaleja District, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

The losses of woody species result from rapid human population growth rates and poverty. Losses of woody species do not only affect the rural community that depend on it, but also contribute to the current climate change. The study is to generate information that would contribute to the need for sustainable use of woody plant species in Ugandan`s rural landscape especially in Mazimasa sub-county, Butaleja District. Ethnobotanical survey employed semi-structured interview, guided open and closed questionnaire were used to collect data on trees grown on farm, their utilization and conservation strategies. A quadrat measuring 25m×25m was taken using tape measure for each village. The tree species encountered in each quadrat and households, was identified in-situ with the help of forest officer and research assistants from the study area. The species that could not be identified were collected, placed in plant press and taken to the herbarium at Makerere University for identification. The DBH (cm) was determined using the tape measure by using circumference of the tree at a breast height of 1.3m. Twenty nine different tree species belonging to 16 families were identified. Mangifera indica L., Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C.Berg., Persea americanaMill,Markhamia lutea (Benth).K.Schum, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., and Azadirachta indica A. Juss., were the most abundant and valued tree species in Mazimasa subcounty. Farmers in Mazimasa sub-county valued the identified tree species which play a major role in their livelihood improvement such as source of income, fruits, firewood, shade, timber, poles, medicine, charcoal, wind breakers, soil fertility, fodder as well as fence. The conservation strategies used by the farmers include constant planting of more trees, pruning (methods of harvesting trees) and regulating of its use. Most of the tree species identified is indigenous. Due to their broad leaves they decompose easily. There is need for orienting, training and community sensitization on better methods of tree planting and conservation.