Agrarian evolution on wetlands in Kampala district 1900-2010

Abstract

The study discusses the Agrarian evolution on wetlands of in Kampala District from 1900 2010.This is done by looking forward to examining the genesis of agrarian evolution on wetlands of Kinawataka, Luzira and Lubigi in Kampala, discussing the reasons for rapid transition of wetlands into agrarian spaces in Kampala as well as analysing the impact of agrarian evolution on wetlands in Kampala. To achieve these objectives, the research deployed a qualitative approach of data collection and analysis where data was collected using oral interviews from residents of Kinawataka, Luzira and Lubigi as well as key informants. Documentary review and observation were also used. Findings reveal that before colonialism, there was less encroachment on wetlands but events went on evolving from 1900 onwards as the colonialists took over uplands for administration and urbanisation pushing nationals around Kampala to wetlands for cultivation. In the immediate post-colonial Kampala (1960s to 1990), wetlands were not threatened by agrarian practices as much as they became in the late 1980s, through the 1990s and the 21st century. Findings point to dynamics of urbanisation, political violence, increased population and reluctance of the legal regime have facilitated the escalation of agrarian practices in Kinawataka, Luzira and Lubigi wetlands. Findings further show that as population in Kampala City grows, there is a number of people who have turned wetlands into urban farms as an alternative source of food, income and general livelihood because they are incapacitated to buy food on daily basis. Therefore, as agrarian practices evolve in Kampala wetlands overtime not as root practices but as induced practices by a number of push and pull factors, there is need for comprehensive approach to promote a peaceful co-existence between human agrarian practices and the ecosystem of wetlands. Implications and policy recommendations are therein indicated by the study. However, although the current study has investigated the genesis of agrarian evolution on wetlands in Kampala District, the reasons for rapid transition of wetlands into agrarian centres as well as the effects of agrarian evolution, its time scope is limited to 2010. Thus, leaving a knowledge gap on events that have evolved in the last decade regarding agrarian evolution on wetlands in Kampala to-date. Additionally, there is need to do more research on the history of institutional framework for wetland conservation in Kampala, a study on historical accounts on the impact of traditional control systems for land use on the conservation of wetlands in Kampala, a study seeking an examination of the impact of colonial legacy on land use systems on wetlands of Kampala.