Local Uses and Conservation Status of On-Farm Tree Species in Budaka Sub-County Budaka District, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

This study focused on local uses and conservation of tree species in Budaka sub-county, Budaka district, Uganda, in light of the challenges for future management and conservation of trees. Tree species are sources of essential goods and services. They protect the soil from erosion, as well as maintain rates of evapo-transpiration and increase the soil’s infiltration capacity. However, a number of human activities have led to destruction and general decrease of existing flora. Data were collected by ethno botanical survey to gather detailed information from the respondents. A total of two hundred and ninety (290) respondents were selected as sample for the study with the use of systematic sampling techniques. The research instruments used for data collected for the study were questionnaire and interview. Frequencies and percentages (%) were used to summarised the data. The conclusions from this study are that there was adequate availability of Senna siamea, Mangifera indica Artocarpus heterophyllus Albizia coriara Ficus natalensis and Makharmia lutea belonging to family Fabacea, Anarcadiacea, Moracea, Mimosacea and Bignoniacea which occur most frequently in the area as being used for many purposes such as used for medicine, timber, firewood, charcoal, fodder, fruit and as source of income. However, the preponderance of the people in the sub county engage in conservation practices for future use. The study therefore recommends that the government should enact laws governing the use of tree species in various villages. Community should be sensitized and educated about the utilization and conservation of tree species.

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