Qualitative assessment of the impact of soil erosion on the water resources in Uganda

Abstract

The present water resources situation in Uganda with respect to sediment loads and siltation and in relation to land use practices, is virtually unknown due to lack of quantitative data. Information on the detrimental impact of soil erosion on water bodies is qualitative. Our experience during a study tour of a number of districts in the southern part of the country suggested that this information often was an overstatement of the extent of soil erosion as well as its impact, representing people’s perceptions of these problems. The study area was divided into regions of very high to low erosion potential based on the scoring of physical characteristics and land management practices. This can only serve as precursor to generating quantitative data through appropriate assessment methods in order to determine the extent and causes of soil erosion and its impact on the water resources.