Assessing the social and economic significance of charcoal production to local farmers in Kabanyoro and Kabaganda villages in Namasagali sub county, Kamuli district.

Abstract

This research project was conducted on the local farmers in the areas of Kabanyoro and Kabaganda Namasagali Sub County, Kamuli district the data was collected during the month of March 2023. The main objective of the study was to assess the socio economic significance of charcoal production to the local farmers. The study was descriptive research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches, primary data was collected using structured questionnaires and personal observation and secondary data by review of existing literature from journals, district reports and books. purposive sampling was to select the key informants and the sample size was 40 local farmers located in the areas of Kabanyoro and Kabaganda Namasagali sub county interviewed in the study, the primary data was coded, cleaned and entered in Microsoft excel and the exported to statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) for descriptive statistical analysis Findings showed that the most tree species used in charcoal production are non-fruit tree species, laws, policy and bye laws that govern charcoal production were restriction on fruit tree species like mango tree, avocado tree and others including practicing afforestation and re-afforestation, it was found that charcoal prices vary at different sites for example production site, roadside and village areas. Most local farmers were using traditional method of charcoal production because it cheap and easy. It is concluded from the study that; Charcoal production is predominant economic activity for the majority of local farmers in Namasagali sub county Kamuli district due to high levels of poverty, a substantive number of local farmers sell charcoal to get income to afford basic necessities of life. The laws and policies that prohibit indiscriminate charcoal burning have been exploited over the years by local farmers that deal in charcoal production business. The study indicates that the local farmers in charcoal production use traditional methods of charcoal production facing related problems of hard surface area, harsh weather and climatic condition, increased damages and illness of local farmers as a result of snakes bites, a lot of heat from the production sites, cuts from sharp equipment’s used and others. Recommendation from the study include ; Relevant plans and programs should be developed that affect charcoal production , there should the need for sustainable development through preservation of natural resources such forests , strategies that are relevant to charcoal production inform of restoration of forest cover through re-afforestation and afforestation, encouraging commercial tree planting on private land all those measures can stimulate sustainable charcoal production hence contributing socially and economically to the local farmers. There should Compliance to existing laws and regulations, to reduce over harvesting by charcoal makers, harvesting plans should be revised in comply with available forest resources and existing to have sustainable harvesting of charcoal.