Local Community Participation in Restoration of Watersheds in Uganda

Abstract

Despite the involvement of the local community in Awoja watershed activities, restoration was not fully achieved. Studies on community participation in Awoja watershed have focused on its importance with little known on the extent to which they participate, yet the level of community participation determines the success of restoration of watersheds. This study analysed the extent of local community participation in restoration of Awoja watershed of Eastern Uganda. It was conducted in Ngora district and respondents were asked about two restoration sites of FIEFOC and COBWEB. Data were collected from 237 respondents using a questionnaire from April to July 2015. Descriptive analysis and independent t-test were employed to analyze data. Results indicated that overall level of local community participation in Awoja was average with varied patterns in social, economic and environmental participation. Results showed significant differences between level of participation in overall (P=0.034) and environmental (P=0.044) in FIEFOC and COBWEB restoration sites. Community involvement at all project phases should be encouraged to create a sense of ownership and guidance in similar upcoming projects.

Influence of Political Interests on Management of Resource Access in Awoja Watershed

“…From the key informant interviews however it was revealed that resource user groups navigated through these power centers to circumvent the rules that they felt were not in their favor. While participation in watershed restoration is important [20], the findings from this study show that participation in watershed management can be used by community leaders to renegotiate the environmental rules. Therefore, whereas participation brought about involvement of communities in watershed management, the communities used this opportunity to navigate through the power centers and circumvent the environmental rules and regulations.…”