Evaluation of Various Soil and Water Conservation Practices Using Qualitative Criteria by Diverse Stakeholders in the River Katonga Micro-Catchment of South-Central Uganda

This study evaluated various SWC practices utilizing qualitative criteria by engaging farmers, environmental experts, and local leaders in Mityana, Butambala, and Lwengo. The Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) process was used and included determining objectives, identifying alternatives, establishing evaluation criteria, determining the effects of alternatives, and aggregating and ranking the alternatives. Data collection employed qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys (200 farmers), key informant interviews (20 local leaders and environmental experts), and 12 focus group discussions. The most commonly used SWC practices are trenches/ditches, mulches/cover crops, grass bunds/hedgerows, and agroforestry/tree planting (p < 0.01). Farmers utilize a range of criteria to evaluate the SWC practices’ performance. The evaluation criteria used by farmers for these SWC methods are classified into economic, ecological, social, and other criteria. The most important criteria included minimizing soil loss, maximizing water retention, enhancing soil fertility, and increasing crop yields (p < 0.01). The preferences, rankings, and uses of SWC practices are influenced by gender dynamics, age, land acreage, level of education, and household structures. The study provides insights into the preferences and effectiveness of SWC practices, highlighting the influence of various socio-economic factors on decision-making concerning soil and water conservation in the River Katonga micro-catchment. Policymakers and practitioners are urged to give attention to farmers’ preferences, experiences, and local conditions when developing SWC strategies and programmes. Further research is needed to determine soil, runoff, and nutrient losses from these SWC practices to enhance their effectiveness and inform sustainable land management strategies.