Abstract

M. G. Kitutu A. Muwanga J. Poesenand J. A. Deckers

This study assesses the farmer’s understanding and perception of the causes and impacts of landslides in Bududa district in Eastern Uganda. Open-ended questions were designed to guide farmers in providing their experiences, understanding and observations in relation to the scientific findings. Steep slopes, areas with concavities and those with flow of water from underground were identified as areas prone to landslides. The soil characteristics for areas prone to landslides are stoniness, sandy and high water infiltration. Low lands and areas with sticky and strong soils were identified as stable. Rainfall was listed as the main triggering factor and most landslide occurrences are in rainfall events of low intensity but prolonged for days. Terraces are not popular in some of the areas because they promote water infiltration and trigger landslides. Loss of income from farms was mentioned as the main impact from these landslides. However, the damage to infrastructure such as roads and bridges was not identified as a problem to the farmers. Farmers in areas without landslides are less knowledgeable about the cause-effect issues related to landslides.